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I Ching or Book Of Changes – Wilhelm and Lao, translated by Baynes

2008-02-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

The I Ching or Book of Changes by Richard Wilhelm with Lao Nauxian, translated into English by Cary F Baynes, Bollingen Foundation Inc., NY, 1950. Third edition 1967.

If there is one published edition of the I Ching (or Yijing in pinyin) considered by academics and laypersons alike to be the foundation for Western understanding of Daoist philosophy and the I Ching in particular, Wilhelm's translation is it.

This translation, ten years in the making, was completed in 1923 in Wilhelm's native German language. Mr. Baynes translated it into English in 1949 and it was published in 1950 with a Forward written by the eminent psychologist Dr. Carl Jung.

I think Brian Walker, who has a fine translation of his own, sums this book up best in his introduction to his own translation: "This is just a book. This is more than a book." It is just a book if you look at it that way; it is a trusted advisor, a sage, a close friend, a spiritual counselor if you look at it that way.

This is one case in which the words "you get out of it what you put into it" are completely and fruitfully fulfilled.

Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching (Yijing) oracle is actually three books in one. Book One contains the translation of the Judgments, the Image, and the Lines of the I Ching. Tradition and legend agree that the Judgments and Images were written by a warrior named King Wen (c. 1150) as he suffered in his cell as a captive. His son, the Duke of Chou, is attributed with writing the texts that accompany the lines.

No matter what your opinion of divination is, the answers to the questions put to the I Ching have been reported over the centuries as uncannily accurate. Even today, millions of people rely on the I Ching for sound advice.

The middle section of the book is the Ta Chuan or Great Treatise. This is where the richness and the complexity and the diversity of the symbolism of the so-called trigrams of the I Ching comes to the light. The trigrams, aka Gua or Kua, of the I Ching are the three-line symbols of events in time, space, nature, and natural life. From most yang to most yin they are Qian (Sky) made up of three solid lines, Dui (Lake or Marsh), Kan (Water), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Li (Fire), Gen (Mountain) and finally Kun (Earth) made up of three broken lines. The interaction of the eight trigrams can show all the things manifest between Heaven and Earth. Two trigrams combine to create a hexagram, the six-line symbol generated by the tossing of coins or counting of stalks performed when consulting the I Ching.

The final section of the Wilhelm, Lao, and Baynes I Ching integrates the first two sections into a comprehensive whole. Out of necessity there is some repetition, but it is truly kept to a minimum while exploring the richness of the diversity in several philosophical schools of thought concerning the meanings and the messages indicated by the hexagrams and the lines of any given reading.

If you would like to "begin at the beginning" of Western thought and ponder the Daoist and Confucian philosophy embedded in the Book Of Changes, this is an excellent place to start.

Average Customer Review: (35 customer reviews)

#1 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > I Ching

Seeds of Deception

2008-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

This book certainly lives up to its title. I can hardly begin to explain how shocked I am at how studies have been skewed or buried, how scientists have lost their jobs or been under gag orders to keep the dangers away from the public. Interestingly, most people are intuitively aware that these products are harmful. Time and again the public has stated it does not want these products.

The corporate and government response has been to lie to you about their safety, and to allow the products to be sold without labeling, thereby denying you the opportunity to avoid them. Just who is taking care of whom in this dance? It sure isn't you and me.

Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating by Jeffrey M. Smith, Yes! Books, Fairfield IA, 2003.

Below are a few chapter summaries from the website seeds of deception.com as well as a few of my own comments enclosed in brackets [ ]. The words from the website have not been changed in any way, but several of the longer paragraphs have been broken into smaller ones for ease of reading on the blog format.

Chapter 1: A Lesson From Overseas

When eminent scientist Arpad Pusztai went public about his accidental discovery that genetically modified (GM) potatoes severely damage the immune system and organs of rats, he was suspended from the prestigious Scottish research institute where he had worked for thirty-five years.

He was silenced with threats of a lawsuit while the Institute denied or distorted his findings. In the ensuing war over public opinion, biotech advocates tried to spin the science in favor of GM foods, but were thwarted at each attempt by leaked documents and compelling evidence. Pusztai, who describes this chapter as "the most thorough and accurate report on the topic," was ultimately vindicated when his potato study was published in the Lancet.

His remains the only independent safety assessment in a peer-reviewed journal. It contrasts sharply with the handful of published industry studies, an analysis of which reveals how they were designed to avoid finding problems.

[Pusztai was not the only one issued a gag order and threatened with job loss, even to the extent of being blackballed by research institutes.]

Chapter 2: What Could Go Wrong-A Partial List

Genetic engineers continually encounter unintended side effects -- plants create toxins, react to weather differently, contain too much or too little nutrients, become diseased or malfunction and die. This chapter describes the process of genetic engineering and twenty-one ways in which it can create unexpected, potentially serious problems.

["…potentially serious" does not begin to describe the grim and menacing results from the use of some of these seeds and products. Though you have been told they are safe, it has been proven that ingesting genetically modified foods carries with it the potential to alter YOUR genetic structure due to interactions of the products with your cells. It makes me wonder just how many people who are told they have a "genetic predisposition to cancer" are predisposed because they were exposed to genetically engineered products.]

Chapter 3: Spilled Milk

"The scientists' testimony before a Senate committee was like a scene from the conspiratorial television show The X-Files." This was how Canada's leading paper described the story of six Canadian government scientists who tried to stand up to pressure to approve Monsanto's genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH) which they believed was unsafe.

The scientists were threatened by senior government officials, files were stolen from their locked file cabinets, Monsanto allegedly offered them a bribe of $1-2 million, and one senior official suddenly quit and disappeared, avoiding an appearance before a Parliamentary Committee.

What was happening to the Canadian scientists in 1998 amounted to "re-runs" of what U.S. government scientists faced in the 1980s. When FDA scientists tried to blow the whistle on what was happening, they were stripped of responsibilities or fired. The FDA eventually approved rbGH on the basis of a research summary submitted by Monsanto that had distorted and deleted data about serious health effects, including cancer.

Between the Chapters: The Wisdom of Animals

Mice avoid eating GM foods when they have the chance, as do rats, cows, pigs, geese, elk, squirrels, and others. What do these animals know that we don't? At the end of most chapters is a one-page story describing how farmers, students, and scientists discovered that animals refuse to eat the same GM foods that we consume everyday.

Excerpt

The Washington Post reported that laboratory mice, usually happy to munch on tomatoes, turned their noses up at the genetically modified FlavrSavr tomato. Scientist Roger Salquist said of his tomato, "I gotta tell you, you can be Chef Boyardee and mice are still not going to like them." The mice were eventually force fed the tomato through gastric tubes and stomach washes. Several developed stomach lesions; seven of forty died within two weeks. The tomato was approved without further tests.

You might also want to read my article in which I quote other sources who also question the safety of GM products: "Genetically modified or engineered food: is it safe?" on the sister-site Living Stress-Free ~ Naturally!

The Tao of Daily Life

2007-09-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

There are many books on the market today that tell you how to relieve stress, but there are very few that reveal how to truly achieve a joyful and stress-free lifestyle.

The Tao of Daily Life: The Mysteries of the Orient Revealed The Joys of Inner Harmony Found The Path to Enlightenment Illuminated by Derek Lin is one of those rare books.

The philosophy of Daoism is, in my opinion, the mindful complimentary practice to Chinese medicine for the body. Rather than treat physical symptoms of disease, if you stimulate the immune system so that the body naturally returns to health, the symptoms of disease will just as naturally disappear. If you are healthy, there is no disease, and if there is no disease, there are no symptoms!

The writings included in The Tao of Daily Life stimulate the mind to avoid conflict, the mental equivalent of illness, and nurture mental health and emotional balance through the retelling and discussion of metaphorical stories from China's ancient past.

The book is well organized for daily life and ease of study.

Appropriately enough, the first section is called "In The Morning." The six stories in this section introduce you to the simplicity of Daoism and the ways you can begin to bring balance and harmony into your daily life. Remember, the way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. It is important to start your day in balance and at peace.

"At Work" is the title of part two and consists of nine tales. Work – on the job – is the place where most people seem to run into the greatest conflict. Personally, I think it starts with the inner conflict of working at a job not because you love it, but to make money. If you work at a job you truly love, there is little conflict. If you are unable to work at a job you truly love, the stories in this section will show you how to appreciate and benefit from the challenges you encounter in your working world.

You are "With Friends" in the seven stories included in part three of The Tao of Daily Life. One of the reasons I believe we incarnate into physical beings is to learn the Art of Cooperation. The means getting beyond yourself and into your relationships with others by appreciating that your greatest importance is not your "I" but your "We," your place in the Whole of the universe. This is the lesson that comes through in these seven, often-amusing stories.

The five stories in part four are about being "With Family." The members of your family are the first actors on the stage in your interpersonal development. How you live and nurture the cooperation within and between your family members determines how you will interact with the rest of the world. The five tales in this section show you how to work around those familial challenges to create peace and harmony around your home. This is especially important because this is where you go to relax and rejuvenate every night (or at the end of your work day, whenever that occurs). If you don't have peace and harmony at home, you won't be the best You that you can be!

The final section is "At Night." Many of you – myself included – are so busy that you fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day and – if you look back at the day at all – you usually wonder what you did that day. The details are lost in a blur of commuting, meetings, phone calls, errands, and other daily tasks. This last section shows you the value of reflecting on the day just past. Your reflection should not only look back non-judgmentally upon what you did or what you might have done better, but on what you learned, and how you changed and grew as a compassionate, universally-connected person by mindfully experiencing the events of your day. The seven stories in this section help you walk your path within as well as the path you share with others.

If you are serious about living a life of peace and harmony, Derek Lin's book The Tao of Daily Life is an excellent place to start.

You may start here:

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

2007-06-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Almost 15 years before "The Secret" and the Law of Attraction, there was Deepak Chopra writing about acquiring the things we desire, not only cars and homes, but peace of mind and contentment in his book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams.

I know a lot of people say things like this, but it really is true when I tell you that this little book changed my life. It completely changed how I perceive the world and its workings. Not only do these seven laws teach about manifestation, but they teach how to work harmoniously with universal energies thereby eliminating a lot of stress and anxiety from daily life.

I bought it on a whim when Christmas shopping with my son. It was on a table of discounted books near the checkout counter of the store; placement for purely impulse purchases, and it got me that December evening in 1994. Even after all these years, I count it as one of the wisest impulse purchases I've ever made.

It's just 128 pages – easy to read; simple yet profound as many great teachings are.

The first sentence of the introduction states: "Although this book is titled The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, it could also be called the Seven Spiritual Laws of Life, because these are the same principles that nature uses to create everything in material existence – everything we can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch."

In this sense – and throughout this book – "spiritual" means "life force," not necessarily a religious "God-force." This book isn't about religion, it's about natural laws, life force and energy, and the physical manifestation of thought and desire.

Right off, the title intrigued me because the number seven certainly carries with it a variety of Mystical and Mysterious meanings in many cultures and traditions. (For more information on that, read the article "Spiritual Symbolism in the Number 7" on my "Spirits In Harmony" blog.)

The first law is the Law of Pure Potentiality which states that every thought is a potential manifestation, and that you can manifest anything that you can think of.

Second is the Law of Giving. Whatever you give is returned to you, so make sure you give that which you seek.

Third is the Law of "Karma" or Cause and Effect. Every action is not only the result of the application of energy, it generates an energetic force as well.

Fourth is one of my favorites and dovetails perfectly with Daoist philosophy – The Law of Least Effort. If you are in harmony with the universe, whatever you desire manifests easily and effortlessly.

Fifth is the Law of Intention and Desire. Clarity of intention and desire is crucial to the manifestation process.

Sixth is the Law of Detachment. This is a little bit like "let go and let God." Once you are clear on what you want to manifest, allow it to happen in its own way. Don't try to control the process, just envision the outcome.

Seventh is the Law of "Dharma" or Purpose in Life. The introduction to this chapter explains: "Everyone has a purpose in life…a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals."

Each chapter goes into detail on how the subject Law works in the universe, and the manifestation process. Each also ends with a section called "Applying the Law of ______" in which practical steps are enumerated showing you how to incorporate the teaching into your daily life.

I still keep this little book at my bedside to read at night and meditate on the principles within. Not only does it contain food for thought, but nourishment for the soul as well.

Average Customer Review: based on 171 reviews.

The Metabolic Typing Diet

2007-04-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

I admit that before I studied to become a stress management consultant, I underestimated the importance of nutrition in everyday life. Since then it is a topic I have come to understand and appreciate.

Many people don't realize that eating well is vital to your stress-relief efforts. A healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand…you really cannot have one without the other. An imbalance in one will cause an imbalance in the other, and from there it just ping-pongs back and forth until you have an overstressed mind and body!

I've long been an advocate of eating locally grown foods, believing they are of greater benefit to you than exotic imports to which your body is unfamiliar. Nutrients aren't "just nutrients" as it turns out, and an exotic food contains compounds that your body may not know what to do with as far as digestion and nutrient use.

Furthermore, it has become apparent that food digestion and nutrient use by the body is also rooted in your ancestry (which ties in to geography). In a previous post, "Season, geography, and diet" I wrote:

"We sometimes hear of people in other countries around the world who eat foods that we have been told are "bad," but the people who eat those foods are reasonably healthy so we speculate there is something special about the particular combinations of foods they consume. We name diets after their geographic locations, and try to emulate their health and vitality by following the "Mediterranean Diet" and the "Japanese Diet," etc.

"It occurs to me that those diets keep those people healthy not because the diet contains one food or another in any particular quantity or order, but because the basic diet is of foods local to the area, local to the people, local to their physiological growth and development. The foods and the people grow in the same area, and I honestly believe they may be connected in ways we haven't even begun to imagine, never mind understand. Maybe we should give some serious time and study not only to what we eat, but when we eat it, and how far the food had to travel before it arrived at our table. Do you suppose it is possible that foods not native to your specific area are somewhat unhealthy if included regularly, or in large quantities, in your diet? I wonder – I really do – if that could possibly be true. Unfortunately I have been unable to discover any studies on the topic."

Well, I still have not found any studies on the topic, but I did find a fabulous book: The Metabolic Typing Diet by William Wolcott and Trish Fahey, Broadway Books, NY 2002, pb, 428 p., ISBN 0767905644

I wish the title had a word other than "Diet," something like "Nutrition For The Way Your Body Uses Food" because this is not your traditional diet book. This book helps you to determine the optimal ratio of proteins/fats/carbohydrates you should include in your nutritional program to achieve health and wellbeing.

As we are reminded in the book, "One man's food is another man's poison." It turns out that this may be literally true. We are all familiar with the fact that this Named Diet or that Famous Diet helps one person lose weight and feel great, but does nothing for another's weight loss, and besides the second person feels terrible while following it; they experience low energy, they're always hungry, or they feel just "awful." That is because the genetic makeup of those two people cause them to digest foods and use nutrients in very different ways, and one person is receiving proper nutrition while the other may be literally starving on that particular diet.

If people were cars, it would be like filling up two automobiles' gas tanks with regular unleaded gasoline and expecting optimal performance from both vehicles, one a car with a regular engine and the other a truck with a diesel engine. Optimal performance from the truck just isn't going to happen, and you may even make the diesel engine sick by "feeding" it the wrong fuel.

People surely aren't cars, but you can get the wrong fuel which can make you feel anything from uncomfortable to downright ill. While it is generally true that certain foods are optimal for certain groups of people…in fact, Chapter One in the book bears the title "The Wisdom of Ancestral Diets"….most of us in America are of such mixed ancestry that trying to determine our proper foods through an examination of the diets of our ancestors would probably return some very conflicting results.

Of course, then the big question becomes: "How do I know what fuel is right for me?"

This can cause a lot of conflict, both inner and outer. You want to feel good about what you eat, and you don't want your family or friends pointing out how your current food choice goes against the current dietary fad. Many people are told that vegetarian is the way to go and base that on the dental and intestinal structure of human beings. Personally, I strongly believe geography and ancestry is the way to go. As the book says (p. 5): "…many people who currently inhabit tropical or equatorial regions have a strong hereditary need for diets high in carbohydrates such as vegetables and fruits and grains and legumes. These foods provide the kind of body fuel that is most compatible with the unique body chemistry of people who are genetically programmed to lead active lifestyles in warm and humid regions of the world. Their systems are simply not designed to process or utilize large quantities of animal protein and fat.

"Conversely, people from cold, harsh northern climates are not genetically equipped to survive on light vegetarian food. They tend to burn fuel quickly, so they need heavier foods to sustain themselves. Eskimos, for example, can easily digest and assimilate large quantities of heavy protein and fat – the very types of foods that would overwhelm the digestive tracts of people from, say, the Mediterranean basin."

You can clearly see that a "one-size-fits-all" diet can be disastrous! You can also see that geographic environment is an integral part of choosing a proper diet. (This is not to say there aren't exceptions. I know several people who live in very northern latitudes but are happily and healthily vegetarian. The most important thing to remember is this: every person is unique! Find what works best for YOU!)

This is where the book comes in. It helps you determine your metabolic type…how you metabolize foods….through a questionnaire included in the book. There are three metabolic types; those who turn food into energy fast, those who turn food into energy slowly, and a mix of the two.

If you are a person with a fast metabolism, you need foods that burn slowly, and your diet should include more fats and proteins. If you have a slower metabolism, you should tilt your diet more toward carbohydrates because they burn faster.

I have been following the recommendations of this diet for a couple of weeks now, and I have to say I'm feeling great. I decided to try it because I had noticed over the last few months that carbohydrates, which I have always loved and have never before had a problem with, were leaving me feeling lightheaded and spacey, like I was on a sugar high. I had difficulty concentrating, my memory was going downhill…it was terrible! Presently, I'm eating more proteins and fats, and I've already seen a big improvement.

(Please note: if you think your child (or yourself) is ADD or ADHD, drop a few carbs and increase your protein. It may make a world of difference. And, of course, cut the sugars!)

Your body does change, and it's not a surprise that your nutritional requirements will change as you do. That is partly why I decided to try this new Metabolic Typing Diet, I had obviously changes in how my body utilized foods and nutrients. Of course the main reason that I like this book is that I do believe that when making your food choices, you should avoid fads (and fast food), and your choices should be based on the things your ancestors ate because that is how your body as evolved to utilize the nutrients. This is where the metabolic typing comes in.

The type of metabolism you end up with is determined by your DNA, and your DNA comes from your ancestors. I think I stumbled into just what I was looking for…a way to determine the right foods based on ancestry, but also taking into consideration your current lifestyle and environment. What could be more perfect?!

Another thing the book brings to light is that if you suffer from a chronic condition or disease, following the diet that is optimal for you can provide you with the right nutrients in the right quantities to help and maybe even heal your condition. The authors of the book have effected healings on a wide range of chronic complaints not by treating the disease, but by providing optimum nutrition so the body could heal itself….and everyone knows the only true healing is self-healing.

The bottom line here is that if you are stressed out, feeling lousy even though you try to eat right and follow the Food Pyramid guidelines or the latest miracle diet, STOP! Figure out your metabolic type and start eating right for YOU!

Average Customer Review: based on 74 reviews.

The Invisible Garment: 30 Spiritual Principles That Weave the Fabric of Human Life

2007-03-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

I've had the pleasure over the last couple of weeks to work with the audio-book version of The Invisible Garment by Connie Kaplan, a lovely tapestry woven of words and brief musical interludes to distinguish the source of various quotes throughout the book.

Connie teaches that your Invisible Garment is a metaphor for the twelve interwoven principles that you are born to embody in this lifetime. For me, it was refreshing to find another person who believes we are here not to learn a lesson or make up for past-life mistakes, but to BE who we were born to be. As we share our special talents, we affirm our membership in and contribute to the wholeness of the universal energetic consciousness and, as Connie says, the "tapestry of society." By talents I don't mean learned skills but rather spiritual traits like Generosity, Unity, and Harmony (three of the principles Connie teaches).

Connie was gifted with this information following the death of her father. She was visited by two light and spiritual beings who could only have been angels. She was asked by them to bring the Invisible Garment information into the physical world and to share it with anyone who asked. Over a period of months, the information was gifted to her through her dreams and meditations. Following that, she shared the information by doing Invisible Garment (or Soul Contract) readings with an ever-widening circle of family, friends, and others. For almost a decade, she compiled readings and tested the data before confidently sharing these deep and meaningful truths with an even wider audience through books and CDs.

There are thirty principles in all. All of them play a part in life, but based on the placement of the planets in your astrological chart, up to twelve principles have special meaning for you and play a prominent role throughout your lifetime. You determine your most active principles by examining your astrological chart, but your Invisible Garment is Not - repeat Not – an astrology reading. The astrological chart is used only for the numerical value of the placement of the planets, for example, Sun 14 degrees, Moon 09 degrees, and so on.

The best way for me to explain your Invisible Garment is to show you mine, so I will briefly take you through my own reading. Please understand this will be only a hint of the wonderful things you can learn through your own reading. To include all the information about each of the principles in my personal Invisible Garment would take many, many pages! (And, frankly, my transcription skills would not do it justice!)

You will need an accurate astrology chart. Mine comes from the ASTROLABE Free Astrology Chart page, an instant, online service.

Here are my principles. You may notice that I have only eleven in my list since the two planets Jupiter and Saturn, even though they are in different astrological signs, both have the degree number of 24 so they also share principle number twenty-four. Please note, we must let go of worldly meaning of these words; the spiritual meanings are quite different. Connie tells us, these "words don't define you, they point you toward your inner self." Your principles describe not what you are here to do, but what you are here to BE and to share.

Sun 14 - Ecstasy
Moon 09 - Awareness
Ascendant 02 - Purity
Mercury 15 - Resistance
Venus 10 - Reciprocity
Mars 25 - Desire
Jupiter 24 - Humility
Saturn 24 - Humility
Uranus 21 - Harmony
Neptune 22 - Dreaming
Pluto 23 - Randomness
Mid-Heaven 29 - Movement

Sun (The primary reason you came to live a human life)
14 Ecstasy "Ecstasy is simply the divine flow of energy. It is energy or light flowing with absolute freedom to express itself and experience itself. The Principle of Ecstasy has the potential to be always new, awake, and creating the present. (It is "living in the present moment.") Ecstasy occurs when all the bodies - the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic - are perfectly aligned so energy can express itself truthfully. The whole being is alive, alert, and awake to its reality. People whose charts include Ecstasy often find that slow, intentional physical movement gives them a strong sense of being present to the divine. Body prayer and other types of moving meditation are sources of ecstasy for these people."

[Michelle says: That certainly describes me! I love the gentle, flowing movement of qigong. Practicing qigong is when I feel most whole and at peace; it is definitely my portal into the presence of divine inspiration, as is labyrinth walking.]

Moon (Your mastery – your most reliable staff or plumb line; the gift you bring to the world)
09 Awareness "Awakens life to a self-conscious perspective. …awakening is more than just an awakening of conscious attention, it is indeed a spiritual awakening to the vast possibility of oneness between the self and the divine. …because awareness does require one to experience both ends of a pole or both sides of a question, it's not always a comfortable principle. We do not generally like the idea that spiritual maturity may bring emotional or physical pain. Yet it is true that when we expand enough to encompass all of humanity, we encounter the suffering of humanity."

[Michelle says: Compassion is also mentioned within the principle of Awareness, and I strongly relate to that. I seek troubled people to help them overcome stress-related illness. I also practice Tonglen which is best described as a prayerful, energetic healing technique in which one concentrates on those in need of healing while inhaling their pain and illness, and sending out healing and compassion with the exhale breath. I digress, but if you would like to know more about Tonglen, please read Tonglen Healing]

[From this point on, I will give you just a pertinent sentence or two from each of the principles that are in the chart so that you can get an idea of the information that is in store for you when you do your own chart using the book. Please keep in mind, these are very brief; just a couple of drops from the proverbial ocean. You will receive much, much more valuable information from the book or CD!]

Personal Pillars – Your unique interface with the world.

Ascendant (Behavioral body – your personal ethic)
02 Purity "Purity is the ability to recognize the essential nature of any form. It is the ability to distill any error that has been attached to a form whether the error is ideological, psychological, or physiological. Purity is the ability to liberate oneself from patterns of error that are present in perceptual reality and instead to experience the intent of cosmic order."

Mercury (Mental Body – how you process spiritual information)
15 Resistance "Resistance is a friction that causes energy to experience itself, transform itself, and realign itself with greater purpose. You are inserting something that interrupts the flow of energy and allows a creative interfacing with form. You receive energy from the cosmos and transform it into appropriate messages and/or information for humanity."

Venus (Emotional Body – how you give dimension and meaning to life's experiences)
10 Reciprocity "Reciprocity guarantees that what goes around, comes around. For example, let's say that you touch a tree, does that tree touch you as well? Yes, in a way, it does. There is a reciprocal relationship between you and that tree. Through reciprocity, humans consciously enter Oneness."

Mars (Physical Body – your relationship to your body)
25 Desire "Spiritually defined, desire provides a never-ending call toward Home. Desire drives one…to be reunited with Creator. Desire as a spiritual principle is based on the integration of the interchange of Light. [One student said:] 'Desire changed me from longing to be loved, to longing to be Love.'"

Universal Pillars – Cosmic forces that give larger and less personal support to your life.

Jupiter (Universal Support – your personal safety net)
Saturn (Limitation Support – determines the way you perceive the realm of form)
24 Humility "To be humble is to be authentically aware of the true nucleus of the essential self. It is arrogant to think yourself grander than you are. It is equally arrogant to think yourself less than you are. Humility has to do with lifting your own veils [that hide your Light] and telling the truth to yourself about yourself. Humility is letting go of our compulsion to prove we know more than we do."

Uranus (Support of authentic self – jolt-like reminders to be your real self)
21 Harmony "People who are contracted with Harmony are the people who integrate the 'is not.' They work in the negative space of the piece of art that is life. They find worship in the sacred darkness because they know the power of the unseen work. This is not the dark of the psyche, but instead of the unseen realms, the Mystery, the black sun behind the sun, the spiritual foundation of all that is."

Neptune (Birth group support – connection to collective consciousness of all the people born during the months Neptune spends in one degree of the zodiac)
22 Dreaming "Spiritually defined, dreaming is the ability to shift into non-ordinary states of consciousness. Dreaming is a direct encounter with energy in the dimension of Truth. It does not necessarily require being asleep to experience dreaming, it does however require a relationship with the Void, the sacred whirlpool of primordial energy."

Pluto (Ultimate victory over life – the way you go through darkness and return to the light; also, your archetypal energy)
23 Randomness "Spiritually speaking, randomness occurs in that moment when all potential is present, and nothing is certain. I like to use the kaleidoscope as the metaphor for randomness. When you look through a kaleidoscope, you see a pattern. When you turn it slightly, everything is totally chaotic momentarily, and then another pattern crystallizes. That next pattern is something you can hardly believe was potential in the pattern before. The new pattern can have completely different colors, and completely different structuring."

Mid-Heaven (Your unique soul energy - how you are as an individual and how you have pledged to live your essence in this lifetime)
29 Movement "Movement is actually the other end of Placement [the first principle]. When the zero principle [Placement] and the twenty-ninth principle [Movement] come together, the circle becomes whole. Movement is the force that keeps one going, that keeps one evolving. It constantly pulls one into potential and possibility. Movement is the aspect of form that magnetizes one toward the realization of highest potential. It is the force that animates the cosmos, and it drives every form toward its destiny."

It's me again – Michelle. Unfortunately I have to wrap this up – I wish I could continue…there is so much more I would like to share with you! – but before I close, I want to assure you that if you want or feel in need of guidance or affirmation of your spiritual path, I do believe that working with the principles in The Invisible Garment: 30 Spiritual Principles That Weave the Fabric of Human Life can help you to identify and fulfill your personal, spiritual purpose of BE-ing and (as goes hand-in-hand) of fulfilling your place in the universal Oneness.

The audio book, from which I wrote this review, is only available from: the e-shop at Generosity Incorporated.

Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health

2007-02-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

Dr. Michael Breus, Ph.D., author of

Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health by Michael Breus, Ph.D., DUTTON an imprint of Penguin Group Inc., New York, 2006, ISBN 0525949798, HC, 326 p.

Surely all of us, at one time or another, have gone a few rounds with insomnia. When you've had trouble sleeping, you drag yourself out of bed in the morning feeling all achy and exhausted, just as if you had been in the ring battling an opponent all night. In his book Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health, Dr. Breus coaches you on all the effective ways to overcome insomnia – ways that many of us would never even think of! – and put it down for the count. I found his book expertly written in a conversational and friendly style with suggestions and instructions that are easy to understand and follow.

Part I of the book is called "Quick-Fix Sleep Solutions" and includes the first four chapters. You know what a bad night's sleep is, but what exactly is a good night's sleep? In chapter one, Dr. Breus explains enough about the science of sleep to give you a good foundation for understanding how and why a good night's sleep is necessary to feeling good and looking younger. Chapter two introduces you to the "Three Most Troublesome Culprits in Disordered Sleep…and How to Conquer Them." (If you guessed that caffeine is one of the three, you're right; however, the third culprit might surprise you!) The discussion in chapter three is about the people in your life – your partner, children, and business associates – and how you can manage the disruptions in sleep they may cause. Chapter four is "The Extreme (but Easy!) Bedroom Makeover" and is one of my favorite chapters. In it you learn how to make small changes in the bedroom that add up to a big difference, enabling you to improve your quality of sleep!

"Part II: From Waistlines to Face Lines: You Are What You Sleep" includes chapters five, six, and seven. Did you know that a poor night's sleep can undermine your diet, exercise, or combination weight-loss program? The first chapter in part two discusses how the body chemistry behind a good night's sleep can not only enhance your weight-loss, but acts as a "cosmetic medicine" that empowers your cells to rejuvenate and reverse the damage caused by age, stress, environment, and other factors. Chapter six talks about the important role played by quality sleep in the areas of exercise and sex, and how the right kind of sleep can not only perk up your love life, it can enhance those intimate moments with your partner. If you have ever thought that a nap in the afternoon was a good idea, chapter seven will show you how right you are, and Dr Breus explores different types of naps to help you choose the one that will deliver just the right amount of rest and energy without adversely impacting your sleep that night.

Part III launches the remarkable four-week program, "28 Nights to Sound Sleep Forever" developed by Dr. Breus. Chapter eight takes you step-by-step through the first week of his comprehensive and detailed program to improve your rejuvenating, regenerating sleep. He leads you through a series of small changes from scheduling sleep time to relaxation techniques while you keep a Sleep Diary to record your reactions. Evaluation is the keyword for chapter nine; here you will take the second week to review your Sleep Diary entries from the previous chapter so that you may evaluate the effectiveness of each change, and try some new techniques if you need to. You also receive friendly reminders that help you to stay on track. Weeks three and four of the program comprise chapter ten; here you finalize and follow your personalized sleep program by combining and practicing all the bedtime routine, relaxation, and other techniques that worked well for you.

"The Sleep Aid Industry" is the topic of Part IV of the book. Dr Breus answers a few common questions concerning sleep-aid supplements and pharmaceuticals. As a holistic practitioner myself, I especially value this information about the hazards of using medications or other "quick fix" techniques in attempting to attain quality, restful sleep. To close, The Sleep Doctor offers some excellent guidelines to follow in order to reap the benefits of a completely natural night's sleep for business and vacation travelers, and people who work evening or night shifts.

The two appendices at the end of the book include a reminder list in outline format along with Sleep Diary charts, and a list of additional resources.

I am delighted to have this book in my toolkit to recommend to stress-management clients as well as to other holistic practitioners. You can learn more about Dr. Breus and his book Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health, by visiting his website www.soundsleepsolutions.com . You will find many articles about a variety of sleep problems, and you may also subscribe to his free "Sleep eNewzzzletter!" You should also visit "The Insomnia Blog" http://www.theinsomniablog.com/ where you may find not only great posts to read, but you can listen to several podcasts of Dr. Breus sharing his expertise in order to help you to overcome your sleep problems!

365 Tao: Daily Meditations

2007-01-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

365 Tao was Deng Ming-Dao's first book of Daoist wisdom; the second book is the companion volume Everyday Tao, previously reviewed by Michelle.

As you have probably surmised, 365 Tao has an entry for each day of the year from the first entry "Beginning" dated January 1^st to "Continuation" on December 31^st, indicative of the ever-flowing cycles of life.

"Continuation:

Upon completion comes fulfillment.
With fulfillment comes liberation.
Liberation allows you to go on.
Even death is not a true ending.
Life is infinite continuation.

Always finish what you start. That alone is discipline and wisdom enough. If you can follow that rule, then you will be superior to most people.

When you come to the end of a cycle, a new one will begin. You might say that completion actually begins somewhere in the middle of a cycle and that new beginnings are engendered out of previous actions.

Completing a cycle means fulfillment. It means that you have achieved self-knowledge, discipline, and a new way of understanding yourself and the world around you. You cannot stop there, of course. New horizons are always there. But you can reach out for those new vistas with fresh assurance and wisdom.

With each turn of the wheel you go further. With each turn of the wheel you free yourself from the mire of ignorance. With each turn of the wheel comes continuation.

Turn the wheel of your life. Make complete revolutions. Celebrate every turning. And persevere with joy."

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review: based on 46 reviews.

Bodhisattva of Compassion

2007-01-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

There are so few excellent books about Guan Shi Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion that finding this one was pure joy. John Blofeld is quite adamant although somewhat humorous when he tells us that calling Guan Yin a goddess is a demotion; a bodhisattva is one who has attained Enlightenment but chooses to remain on Earth to help others. His easy style and anecdotal experiences bring the story of this Bodhisattva from the ancient past to the present moment, from Tibet to China….to us!

At the time of this post:
Average Customer Review: based on 7 reviews.

The Da Vinci Code - Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition

2006-11-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

I saw this movie with a friend the first weekend it was out. All I can say is .... WOW! I loved the book, and the movie is great, too!

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review: based on 293 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2 in DVD

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest Collectors Ed.

2006-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is the two-disc collectors edition of this wonderful and popular movie. Give it as a gift - to yourself or a loved one or both!!!

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review: based on 275 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3 in DVD

The Secret - Book that accompanies "The Secret" movie

2006-11-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

This is the book behind (or perhaps following!) the movie, edited by Rhonda Byrne, the Executive Producer of the movie about the Law of Attraction, "The Secret."

Here is the Behind The Secret Production Company bio: http://thesecret.tv/behind-the-secret-company.html

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review:
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #89 in Books

The Attractor Factor

2006-11-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Law of Attraction in five easy steps you can use to attract anything you want! Author Joe Vitale recently spoke on the Larry King show and told how the Law of Attraction took him from homelessness to wealth!

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review: based on 123 reviews.

What the Bleep Do We Know - Down the Rabbit Hole

2006-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is the movie that shows you how your thoughts create your reality. Creat a great day!!
This updated 2006 version includes:

DVD Features:
- Available Subtitles: English, Spanish
- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
- Optional "Quantum Viewing Mode" with additional random clips added for every viewing
- Almost 6 hours of additional interviews
- Filmmaker Q&A

At the time of this writing:
Average Customer Review: based on 897 reviews.

Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About

2006-11-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

This book seems to be rather controversial, but then what great book isn't! If even half the information between these covers is correct, it's worth twice the price.

At the time of this posting:
Average Customer Review: based on 2273 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #155 in Books

Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade

2006-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Chapter one of the book includes a short discussion on what qi and qigong are, followed by a few pages on the history of qigong and its development through several of the dynastic periods right up to the present. This is followed by a history of the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a discussion of qigong theory, and an explanation of the health and curative benefits of practicing qigong.

Chapter two goes into further detail on energy, explaining the Three Treasures of Life, jing, qi, and shen which are three types of (for lack of a better term) life force energies. This section also discusses the need to regulate the breath and keep the mind calm and centered.

Chapter three explains the performance of the seated version of Eight Pieces of Brocade which is an excellent practice for people who are unable to stand for a period of time. The positions in this set are slightly different than the standing practice since they are designed to help a person regain health.

The standing form, designed to build or enhance internal energy, is detailed in chapter four. Both chapters three and four describe in detail how to perform each exercise, and include valuable information on the organs of the body that benefit from each.

Always a challenge for a book, it does a fairly good job of describing the movements required for each of the eight postures in both the seated and standing forms. It ends with an extensive glossary and translation of Chinese terms useful in understanding the practice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade.

The book is an excellent adjunct to attendance in a class where you will be able to directly observe and follow the movement of a teacher.

The DVD version of The Eight Pieces of Brocade includes most of the historical and theoretical material from the book told to you by Dr. Yang either in the introduction, or as he instructs you in the forms. It also includes the pages of the glossary of Chinese terms in a display format that you may view.

Of course, the great advantage of having the DVD is that you can see and follow the exact movement required so that you can reap the greatest benefit of the exercises to your health and wellness. If you cannot attend a class with a live instructor, the DVD is a fair alternative.

The practices of the seated and standing forms are divided into two sections each. One section analyzes the movement and, through demonstration and explanation, you are instructed in great detail how to properly perform each posture. The second section is a practice segment where you follow Dr. Yang as he guides you through the prescribed number of repetitions for each posture.

With relaxing music as the background, this section is the ongoing practice that will bring you the complete health and wellness benefits from the practice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade.

The Eight Pieces of Brocade is one of the most effective health and well-being practices I have ever known. I have been doing this since 1997, and I know you too will find it easy and extremely effective.

This is the DVD
Run Time: 195 minutes
Average Customer Review: based on 16 reviews.

Here is the book.
Average Customer Review: based on 9 reviews.

At the time of this writing, if you wish to purchase the book and video together, click on the link to the book, and you will see the "Better Together" special offer to purchase both with one click.

If you would like to learn more about qigong and baduanjin in particular, read my article "Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong for relaxation, health, and longevity."

The Way of Energy - Qigong

2006-11-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

This is the book from which I learned baduanjin (eight pieces brocade) qigong (energy practice). The baduanjin section of this book is fine, but its focus is mainly on a different practice, zhan zhuang (standing like a tree). I have practiced both the styles of qigong in this book since 1997, and I don't know of anything that is better for your health and wellbeing than the practice of qigong!

If you would like to learn more about qigong and baduanjin in particular, please read my article "Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong for relaxation, health, and longevity."

At the time of this writing: Average Customer Review: based on 33 reviews.

Tealight Pillar Water Fountain

2006-10-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

I just wrote a review of this fountain on Amazon. Click on the product to visit Amazon.com and check it out! :-)
It really is a nice little fountain!
Average Customer Review: based on 3 reviews.

Some Like It Hot

2006-10-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here is another selection from the Very Funny Movie list. With Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, how could it be other than Great?! At the time of this writing, "Some Like It Hot" is rated the 11th most popular comedy at IMDb, and it rates even higher at my house!

Amazon: Average Customer Review: based on 208 reviews.

You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!

2006-10-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

While researching an article on the link between depression and dehydration, I discovered this book which has a great deal of worthy information. Some of the ideas may appear to be a little “over the top” at first, but on the whole, this author’s research seems to be sound and his conclusions valid. Overall, I have found this to be a good book about the curative effects of water not only on depression, but on many diseases. Not every cure works for every person, but every person certainly needs water. If paying attention to the amount of water you drink can effect a cure, I say “Go for it!”

At the time of this posting:
average customer review: based on 28 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,090 in Books

Omron Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor

2006-09-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

A truly easy-to-use at-home blood pressure monitor. You don't have to try to remember to check your blood pressure on the machine at the pharmacy like I used to, you can do it easily and accurately at home.

At the time of this post:
average customer review: based on 84 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11 in Health & Personal Care

Tao Te Ching: 25th Anniversary Edition

2006-09-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Another excellent rendition of the Tao Te Ching, this one by Gia-Fu Feng and translated by Jane English.

At the time of this posting: average customer review: based on 56 reviews.

Tao Te Ching: A New English Version

2006-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is a very fine translation by noted scholar Stephen Mitchell.

At the time of this post: average customer review: based on 151 reviews.

Everyday Tao: Living With Balance and Harmony

2006-09-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite books. There are over two hundred topics, and advice on how to live in "Balance and Harmony."

At the time of this post: average customer review: based on 16 reviews.

Doctor's Book of Food Remedies

2006-09-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

This book contains great information that has been thoroughly researched.

In fact, scientists have discovered that our bodies metabolize and utilize nutrients from foods much more thoroughly and efficiently and naturally than we do from pharmaceutically-created vitamin and mineral supplements.

Go Natural!

At the time of this writing: average customer review: based on 9 reviews.

The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!

2006-09-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

This is a 2 CD set with music that is truly relaxing but not so much that it will put you to sleep!

At the time of this posting September 15, 2006, 7:55 PM PDT:
average customer review: based on 77 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #455 in Music

Lost In Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1

2006-09-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

These are very beautifully done....guaranteed to relax you, or aid in attaining a meditative state. There are a few samples you may listen to as well when you click through to Amazon.com. As with any audio meditation product, listen only while at rest or relaxation, never while driving.

At the time of this posting, September 15, 2006, 7:37 PM PDT:
average customer review: based on 14 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,405 in Music
(Which is a pretty excellent rank for a meditation product! ~M)

Marpac White Noise Machine

2006-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

These machines are great for dorm rooms, hotel rooms, anywhere you need to muffle noise that keeps you awake!

As of September 15, 2006, 6:30 PM PDT
average customer review: based on 29 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28 in Health & Personal Care

Don't look at the man behind the curtain!

2006-09-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Remember that line from "The Wizard of Oz" when Toto reveals that the "Wizard" is just a very human fellow behind the curtain manipulating the machinery?

Well, the posts immediately below are of that sort...they were made to set up the link-list pages for the product headings. They're clickable to be sure, but are meant to be the "behind the curtain" sort of thing.

The fun is in the products, and I hope you enjoy your shopping experience here at "manuscripts, movies, & music...and much more!"

manuscripts

2006-09-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Attractor Factor, The
Anxiety & Phobia Workbook
Bodhisattva of Compassion
Doctor's Book of Food Remedies
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health-8 Pieces of Brocade
Everyday Tao
Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health

I Ching or Book of Changes by Wilhelm, Nauxian & Baynes
Invisible Garment, The: 30 Spiritual Principles That Weave the Fabric of Human Life
Metabolic Typing Diet, The
Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About
Not Just For Vegetarians
Relaxation & Stress Reduction workbook
Secret, The

Seeds of Deception
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, The
Tao of Daily Life, The

Tao Te Ching: New English Version by Mitchell
Tao Te Ching: 25th Anniversary by Feng & English
The Way of Energy (Qigong)
365 Tao
You're Not Sick You're Thirsty!

movies

2006-09-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Arsenic and Old Lace
Bringing Up Baby
Da Vinci Code, The - Special Ed.
Eight Simple Qigong Exercises For Health - 8 Pieces of Brocade
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest Collectors Ed.
Some Like It Hot
Whose Line Is It Anyway- Season 1

music

2006-09-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Gregorian Chants
Guided Meditations: For Calmness, Awareness, and Love
Meditation For Beginners
Most Relaxing Classical Album In The World…Ever!

2006-09-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Blood Pressure Monitor
Chinese Exercise Balls
Digital Pedometer
Echinacea Immune Support Yogi Tea
Tealight Pillar Water Fountain
White Noise Machine

Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

2006-09-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Stress can cause anxiety or panic attacks. If you can't eliminate the stress from your life (and which of us can?!), you can at least learn how to effectively deal with this particular stress symptom and find relief through the activities in this workbook.

At the time of this post:
average customer review: based on 63 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #591 in Books

Whose Line Is It Anyway? Season 1

2006-09-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

I love this show! One of the cable channels broadcasts two half-hour shows every evening, and it's an hour of laughs....a great way to reduce stress.

At the time of this posting:
"Availability: This title will be released on September 26, 2006. Pre-order now. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com."
average customer review: based on 6 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #505 in DVD

Chinese Exercise Balls

2006-09-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Rolling these little balls around in your palms not only promotes relaxation, they can help to relieve the pain and stiffness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by stretching the fingers and wrist as you manipulate the balls. I use them for this condition, though you should check this use with your health-care professional.

The balls are available in several styles: Sun/Moon, Yin/Yang, Basketball, and chrome-colored.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Spec Ed)

2006-09-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Another of my picks from the Very Funny Movie List.

At the time of this posting:
Amazon's average customer review: based on 733 reviews.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164 in DVD

Arsenic and Old Lace

2006-09-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

My second-favorite funny movie!

At the time of this posting: Amazon's average customer review: based on 136 reviews.

Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer

2006-09-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is great! You no longer need to guess how far you've walked, now you know!

As of September 8, 2006, 1:00 PM:
# 4 on the Health & Personal Care Most Popular List
average customer review: based on 297 reviews.

Echinacea Immune Support Yogi Tea

2006-09-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

I love this tea, and drink a couple of cups a day.

Stress impairs immune system function, and often causes digestive problems as well. Not only is the echinacea in Yogi Tea good for your immune system, it contains mint that will aid digestion. Drink a cup after lunch, and another after dinner.

Guided Meditations: For Calmness, Awareness, and Love

2006-09-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

As of September 7, 2006: average customer review: based on 53 reviews.

Not Just For Vegetarians

2006-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

This book is by Geraldine over at Veggies, Crafts and Tails. I've tried a few of her recipes....Yummy!

As of September 7, 2006 average customer review: based on 8 reviews.

Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook

2006-09-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

As of September 7, 2006 average customer review: based on 25 reviews.

Meditation For Beginners

2006-09-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

As of September 7, 2006: average customer review: based on 11 reviews.

Bringing Up Baby

2006-09-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

This is my all-time favorite movie.

See the Very Funny Movie list post on Be Well With Michelle~Naturally!

As of September 7, 2006 average customer review: based on 122 reviews.

manuscripts, movies, & music… and maybe more!

2006-09-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

As of today, January 21, 2007, manuscripts, movies, & music... and maybe more! is a place where books, DVDs, CDs, and other products will be reviewed by Michelle of Living Stress-Free ~ Naturally! and Phoenix of Phoenix Qi.

Here, you will find great resources for stress management, relaxation, and related products as well as information and product reviews for your energetic and spiritual self.