Mind Body Spirit Odyssey 2013 Holiday Gift Picks

The Holiday Season has arrived, and once again Diane Fergurson and Abby Horowitz have put together some of their favorite Mind Body Spirit related items that they have found online.  This is the 4th year that the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey has featured this list, and every year it's popularity continues to grow. Some of the products that are featured may be familiar to you because they were previously featured on the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook Page, which is updated with new items everyday.  Others are Diane and Abby's personal favorites.  Some of the products are handcrafted and available from independent shop owners, others are traditionally manufactured and sold through online retail sites.

For additional gift ideas, you might want to revisit the  2012 Gift Picks List, and even go back and look at the 2011 Holiday Gift Pick List, and 2010  selections.

There is lot to look at and enjoy!  You will definitely find something for everyone on your list - and even for yourself!

Hope your Holiday Season is a healthy and happy one.  Stay positive and thank you for following The Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook Page, Twitter, and Pinterest page.  Also for supporting and following this blog.  
(Oh, and don't forget to tell your friends about us -  spread the word!)

  
Gift ideas from Abby :

Connie, the creator of Eco Chic Soaps says that OH! Christmas Tree Handmade Soap smells just like the forest did when you were a kid chopping down that Christmas tree with your folks - piney, brisk and fresh. It's a fantastic "woodsy" scent; the pine notes really come out in the soap, making it a "must have" for the Holiday Season! Her shop is filled with wonderful gifts for the season! 

This handmade wire wrapped necklace features three rough-cut clear quartz crystals ranging in size from 1.12 to 1.25 inches, accompanied by silver moon and sun charms on hanging chains.  The perfect gift for your favorite Christmas Angel!  ArianaSierz creates a wonderful array of talismans, necklaces, and earrings featuring angels, fairies, deities, day of the dead, crystals and minerals. Seventeen year old Ariana has late stage Lyme Disease and the money she earns from her shop helps with the cost of her treatments.

 

HeidiLane created this lovely Gratitude Candle to create a sacred space to celebrate the holiday season, meditate, pray or simply sit in silence as you thank your creator for the gift of love and life. She hand rolls each candle upon ordering and lightly anoints each sheet of pure beeswax with her own anointing and blessing oil. Each candle has 1 mini clear quartz crystal tucked in the base that has been set with the intention of Gratitude and Giving Thanks to our Creator. Each beautiful crystal has been charged under the Full Moon and basked in the rays of the Summer Sun. Her shop is filled with wonderful gifts!

Julia Pasichnyck makes colorful environmentallyfriendly baby toys. This braided toy of wooden beech and juniper beads and organic cotton thread is the perfect gift for the special little one in your life!  She says that this interesting accessory helps your child to see and distinguish colors and develop fine motor skills. This toy is made entirely from natural materials in the Carpathian Mountains!

Lauren Gray’s shop was born of her love of woodworking, crystals, and minerals. She offers Crystal and Mineral Curio Sets as well as art prints, sage, and beautiful examples of her woodworking.

The smoke of white sage has been used for centuries as a natural incense and for smudging purposes. It is a great way to cleanse your home, your work space and of course your crystals and minerals of negative energy.

Robert from Belfast, Northern Ireland creates these lovely hand made Dreamcatchers.  You can choose one from his shop or have one created especially for you. Choose your favorite colors for web, trim, beads & feathers. A great gift to keep those bad dreams at bay!

 

When I found KV’s shop, I knew it was very special.  She tells us that it is her soul's purpose to bring us tools that help us to stay grounded during these shifting times as we move into a new epoch. She has created several items that help us to remember who we really are so that we can take charge of our life and truly BE the master co-creator we are so that we can set our dreams into motion. She offers custom Birth Chart Books up to 80 pages!  I know I’ll be ordering several of these.  Check out her wonderful shop!

Are you or someone you know struggling with expressing their creativity? This is an amazing gift for anyone who has wanted to draw, paint, write, or compose music. The Artist’s Way helps you to find the artist within through a 12-week program that takes you on a journey of discovery.  The seeker will learn how to unlock their hidden creativity, break through blocks, and how to connect with the energies of the universe. 

Kat O'Sullivan’s sells the most amazing Sweater Coats and lucky for us she also offers instructions on how to create your own!  What a perfect gift for someone who loves to sew and has lots of old well loved sweaters just waiting to be given a new life!  Check out her shop and see for yourself!  A wildly colorful Sweater Coat just may be in your future or someone you gift with her wonderful Guide to Sweater Coats!

Oriana Rodman’s SantaFeOrnaments Shop on Etsy is filled with enchanting examples of her colorful artwork that is inspired by the diverse cultures of her beloved SantaFe. The ornaments feature sacred hearts, retablos, owls & hawks, milagros, birds & hawks.  Stop by her shop and get lost in her imagination!

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Gift ideas from Diane








                                                                             

Silver and Earth creates a gorgeous line of earthy, organic jewelry which combines natural elements with natural gemstones, fossils, and exotic beads.  Featured is a stunning Red Jasper and Silver Pendant - one of may gorgeous pieces in their shop on Etsy.  #SilverandEarth is also one of the original sellers in the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace when it was located on 1000 Markets.  I love how their work has evolved over the last few years.  so lovely ~

When we spotlighted The Yoga Poster earlier this year in our Marketplace on FaceBook, it was easily one of our most popular features.  The poster is a visual guide to the practice of yoga...and I can't think of a nicer, affordable gift to give someone who is really into their practice.
#TheYogaPoster can be purchased on Etsy.

I originally purchased Stones of the New Consciousness by Robert Simmons at a gem and mineral show earlier this year, but was surprised when I found out the other day that my local New Age Shop also had numerous copies in stock.  This book is not a lightweight intro reading guide.  It is a thorough, in-depth guide to sixty-two of the most important stones for awakening and healing, while exploring the attunement relationship between man and mineral.  Definitely a good gift idea for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge base on gems, minerals, crystals and healing. 


Also - if you have not checked out our intro series, Gemstones of the Zodiac, here is a link that will get you there.

I know what you're thinking....
Really??
I had my doubts too, but honestly, this is probably one of the best cookbooks to be released recently containing recipes for healthy, natural, clean eating.  This book has become a go-to both in my household for sure, especially since it contains recipes that are both gluten-free and vegetarian (although there are plenty of meat and fish dishes too).  Everything our family has cooked from this book has been wonderful.  Doesn't get any better then that!
Good job Gweneth!
Available on Amazon.

This is one of cutest kids' toys I've seen in quite awhile.  My First Buddha is one of several great items in Dharma Crafts' Children's Collection which is available on their website.  A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of My First Buddha goes to Save the Children, the world's largest child protection organization.

Lavender Cottage on Etsy is another former 1000 Markets shop that we had the pleasure to re-connect with earlier this year.  Sterling sliver artisan jewelry that is made by hand - the pieces reflecting love of the natural world around us.  Featured is their gorgeous Bee Ring, one of many stunning choices in this beautiful shop.

Colorado photographer Julie Magers Soulen is known for her stunning shots of the natural world.  Putting these images on to cards however, has given them a whole different life.  This gorgeous butterfly card set astounds me every time I see it.  One of many beautiful card sets available through her shop on Etsy.  A lovely gift for someone special! 

Another of our features which gained quite a bit of attention earlier this year, was the stunning, hand painted scarfs from Australian artist  #Shovava on Etsy.  A wonderfully unique gift that is definitely reasonably priced.  Many different wing and bird styles are available. Just gorgeous ~ 

Continuing forward with the winged theme...
Kino Lorber is releasing the DVD version of the very interesting and informative documentary More Than Honey in a few weeks.
It's available for pre-order from Amazon, or you can purchase it as a download.  The film profiles the current decimation of bees and beehives that is spreading globally.  50% to 90% of all local beehives have disappeared.  A very education and timely film...  Narrated by John Hurt.

In addition, last year as one of our Gift Picks, you may remember we featured a beautiful screen printed Bee Mandala Shirt by astrolaboratory on Etsy.  Part of the proceeds from that shirt go to the North American Pollinator Project.  Definitely worth checking out again ~

The Hermetic Tarot was originally released by US Games in 1979, and was brought back by popular demand.  I ran across the deck during my travels this summer, and was absolutely knocked over by the amazing black and white illustrations (by Godfrey Dowson) and also the powerful symbolism depicted.  This deck is a great addition to anyone's tarot deck collection.  Some people collect decks to use to use for divination, other people collect for the artwork.  Whichever you are interested in, this one is a must.  Very powerful deck ~  Available on Amazon.

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Thank you to our blog contributors this year:

 

Galleira di Giani

Jude McConkey Photography

Karen Casey-Smith

Salt Springs Malas

Adam Fergurson

Darren Orr

Abby Horowitz Designs

Diane Fergurson

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Mind Body Spirit Book Review: The Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For A Fresh Start

Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For A Fresh Start
by Theresa Rogers and Tika Altemoller
Published by Kalindi Press 

Reviewed by Diane Fergurson


The Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For a Fresh Start, is definitely the kind of cookbook that you are going to want to own because chances are you are going to find yourself using it all the time.  In fact, after briefly looking over the PDF for the book that I was sent for review earlier this year, I promptly placed an ordered to Amazon for a physical copy to keep in my kitchen. Clean, was the word that kept coming into my head. Clean flavors, healthy and fresh food.  Something we can all benefit from.


As you look through the book you will notice that the premise for the book draws off the best of the nutritional ideas put forth through traditional diet, vegetarian cooking, macrobiotics, and raw food cooking and acid/alkaline ph considerations.  There is a section of the book which offers a step by step guideline to help eliminate unhealthy eating habits.

This book is the perfect addition to anyone's cookbook collection, and it is especially a nice, affordable addition or gift for anyone who is vegetarian.  I was going to add this book to our Holiday Gift Picks list, but I've honestly enjoyed it so much I decided to give it a separate review.

Below is one of my standing favorites from the book...a great Tabouleh recipe using quinoa.
This is also perfect for the person, like me, who loves Tabouleh but is also gluten free.

enjoy!

~ diane

Link to the book on Amazon.

Quinoa Tabouleh

5 cups quinoa

10 cups water

1 bunch parsley, chopped very fine

1 red onion, chopped very fine

3 red bell peppers, chopped very fine

1/2 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook quinoa.  Set aside.  It should be fluffy.  If it's mushy use less water next time.

Combine vegetables in bowl.  Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.  Pour over vegetable mixture and stir.  Let sit 1 hour.

Mix marinated vegetables with cooled quinoa.  Add more olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

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Book Review: Chaldean Numerology

Chaldean Numerology For Beginners
by Heather Alicia Lagan
Llewellyn Publications

I've studied numerology on and off for a number of years as a hobbyist, but it wasn't until I came across Heather Alicia Lagan's new book Chaldean Numerology For Beginners, that I was not only surprised to learn that there was another system of numerology, but that it is actually more accurate.

According to the author, the Chaldean system differs from Western Numerology (the Pythagorean system) in a number of ways.  For example, the Chaldeans were essentially the first to recognize the energetic qualities of numbers and letters.  They connect vibrations to sounds and numbers, and numbers to letters.  As Lagan's explains in her book, the Chaldeans looked beyond the name and birth date to the individual energies and specific vibrations that resonate within them.  The Pythagorean system, on the other hand, is based on sequential patterns rather then sound vibration.

The treatment of the number 9 is another major difference between the two schools.  The Chaldean system does not include 9 in their calculations because it was considered to be a scared/spiritual number.  However it can be found in the name total.  There is also a difference in the treatment given to the present name that a person is using,  calculations are not just figured from the birth name.
According to the book, birth date and month are calculated for your life path number in the Chaldean system - but I noticed, not the birth year.  That's something I would like a further explanation about, since no particular reason was given (that I was able to find).

Chaldean Chart

I could write on and on about all of the interesting things I found out in this book, but I will leave that for you to discover when you read it.  I will say that although my personal numbers were different within the two systems - the Chaldean being much more accurate and specific - I could still find the same core essence (of myself) present within my Pythagorean numbers.  That pretty much confirms the belief that who you really are will resonate and shine through within any type of analysis or divination method.

This is a wonderfully written book.  Very clear and well thought out.  It also gives the reader insights and information on basic spiritual principals and beliefs, which is very important in assisting with the overall understanding of our daily lives and life purpose.

If you study numerology definitely pick this book up and add it to your collection.

Pythagorean Chart

If you're new to numerology - start here.

Chaldean Numerology for Beginners is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also Llewellyn.


~ diane fergurson








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Mind Body Spirit Book Review: A Spiritual Evolution

A Spiritual Evolution
Nikki Pattillo
Ozark Mountain Publishing 2011

Author Nikki Pattillo is back.  You may remember this author from reading her previous book, Children of the Stars.  Well as they say good things come in small packages, and those were my exact thoughts when I finished reading her new book A Spiritual Evolution.

Written and presented in a very simple and concise way, Pattillo reminds us in her book that we are all on a spiritual journey. Actually a spiritual evolution that is currently taking place on Earth.  As a result of taking this journey, over time humanity's vibrational frequencies have become elevated and we have changed, as a whole, for the better.  This evolution/ascension and it's adjustments have not come without difficulty however.  Bringing together the higher and lower aspects of ourselves can be very difficult for people to do even under the best of circumstances.  How we choose to conduct ourselves and the life choices we make every day determine how difficult this alignment is for us individually.

A Spiritual Evolution provides an overview and explanation of the basic spiritual guidelines and principals that we should all know and follow.  It encourages us to make choices and live our lives with positive intent.  Although Pattillo maintains that she learned these spiritual principles through her Angels, they are also the same basic spiritual core content that you will find inherent in almost any religion or spiritual practice.  To me it really doesn't matter where these spiritual principals originated.  What's important is that we know that they exist.  That we remind ourselves of them daily and try to apply them to our lives.

There is an array of topics discussed in this book.  Pattillo's clear and concise explanation of Karma and Reincarnation is probably one of the best that I have ever read (and I have been reading spiritual topics since my childhood).  There are also sections on manifesting abundance into your life, meditation, and compassion.  How important it is to connect to humanity to help uplift the general consciousness and awareness.  As she quotes author/illustrator Joan Walsh Anglund: "One seed can start a garden; one drop can start a sea; one doubt can start a hating; one dream can set you free."

There are several sections in particular that I enjoyed in A Spiritual Evolution.  In the chapter, Spiritual Lessons in a Spiritual Evolution, Pattillo gives a list she refers to as "The Golden Compass of Spiritual Lessons".  It's basically a spiritual Golden Rule - 8 things we should all remember and try to incorporate into our lives on a daily basis.  Some examples include;  Live life in Forgiveness, Be grateful, and Don't judge others - we don't know what their life purpose is...which gave me pause for thought. Yes, we all know we should refrain from judging others.  But do we all remember that if someone is having a less then desirable life or has had something bad happen to them, then maybe they are actually working though a life lesson?  That one idea alone can completely alter our perception of others, making us more compassionate and loving as a result.

In the chapter Path of Awakening there is a list of 25 principals we should remember that, if applied, will help guide us more smoothly down our life path.  Examples include:  Everything in life is related, No one soul is superior to another, Belief creates, and There is a higher purpose. 

A Spiritual Evolution pulls from a variety of sources and that's one of the reasons why I think this book is so well rounded.  Quotes from Buddhist and Taoist text, Native American belief systems, Christianity and contemporary authors and life coaches.  At the conclusion of the books there is also a list and explanation of the seven archangels that are found in a number of religious traditions.

I would recommend this thoughtful, uplifting book to anyone.  Well done Nikki Pattillo!

A Spiritual Evolution is available on Amazon.


~ diane fergurson



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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Summer Reading Picks

If you enjoy reading, any time is a good time to pick up a book.  During the summer months however, our everyday schedule often changes... easing up a bit... allowing us some extra time to read and relax.  This summer whether you'll be reading using the traditional book format, or using your Kindle, iPad, or NOOK, here are some suggestions from our Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review Group for you to add to your list.  Covering a wide range of interests, I'm sure you'll find at least one selection to enjoy!  Be safe and have a good summer!
                                                                                                             ~ diane fergurson

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From Abby Horowitz:

Sastun
by Rosita Arvigo
HarperOne

For anyone interested in the healing powers of plants, Sastun tells the story of Rosita Arvigo and her apprenticeship with a renowned Mayan healer.  The narrative is compelling and full of wonderful information.  I love this book.

Rosita subsequently published 2 wonderful books on Rainforest Remedies.

The Maya Way To Heal Your Body and Replenish Your Soul
100 Healing Herbs of Belize

Healings Mantras
by Thomas Ashley-Farrand
Wellspring/Ballantine 

This amazing book was written by one of the few Western experts in Hindu and Buddhist mantras.  It offers an in depth collection of mantras, their uses, and instructions on how to use them. A treasure trove of powerful information!

Spiritwalker
by Hank Wesselman
Bantam

I read this book back in 1995 when it first came out.  It is the story of one man’s spiritual journey into the shamanic realms. Hank Wesselman is an Anthropologist whose autobiographical account of his experiences will keep you riveted. A great read! 







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From Christina Dudley:

The Zahir  

by Paul Coelho

HarperCollins

A story of obsession - wherein the narrator embarks upon a search for his missing wife and finds himself in the process. A meadering story about discovery, love, and enlightenment.

Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat      

by Ibn 'Arabi, with forward by Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi  

Inner Traditions

This text is an excellent resource for quiet, contemplative solitude.  If you're finding yourself alone on a summer day, pick up this book and indulge in the silent Being of Now.

Ishmael 

by Daniel Quinn

Bantam/Tuner

"Teacher Seeks Pupil.  Must have an earnest desire to save the world.  Apply in person."

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 From Nellie Levine:

Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide
by Pamela Miles
Tarcher

I'm on my way to completing second degree Reiki training this summer, and recently read this. It's a great, level-headed and straightforward book that explains what Reiki is and what it does, and offers sound advice on how to approach Reiki practice, for self and others. It is written for those who are already practitioners, as well as for those considering it. There is a big emphasis on how Reiki helps chronic conditions, and how those with such conditions benefit from learning Reiki for self-treatment. Miles also addresses the issue of research, and how as Reiki grows in use among many hospitals, it is gaining more and more respect in the medical community.

Turning Your Mind Into an Ally
by Sakyong Mipham
Riverhead Trade

If you've been putting off beginning a meditation practice, or if you simply want to strengthen your existing practice, this book will offer you helpful guidance, inspiration, and instruction. Written to a Western audience, Turning Your Mind Into an Ally has a very accessible voice - Sakyong Mipham gives us examples of stumbling blocks that we can all relate to, and his sense of humor helps us approach our practice with kindness for ourselves. Although it's very much a beginner's book, I am glad to know this book is on my shelf and I can open it up whenever my practice needs a little boost in discipline.

Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti
by Phillis Galembo
Ten Speed Press

 Haiti is still suffering from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Through the devastation the news showed us images of the hurt and newly homeless, the survivors, and the dead, of this poor country; yet the story has since faded into the background. Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti is a book of beautiful photography and insightful words that shows us an undeniably indomitable spirit. Published years before the earthquake, it depicts a rich, steadfast spiritual faith that underlies life in Haiti. Enjoy the beauty in these words and images, and remember Haiti! The people of this country still need our attention.

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From Diane Fergurson:

A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness
Viking

This book renewed my faith in fun and intelligently written fact based fiction.  The author, Deborah Harkness, is a professor of history with numerous awards and fellowships.  This is definitely reflected in the quality of her book. "A Discovery of Witches" literally has it all. You will not want to leave this story for even one minute once you begin!  Adventure, mystery, romance.  Interesting historical information on magic and alchemy.  A 1,500 year vampire.  Witches, daemons, Oxford University, the Knights Templar and the American Revolution...all rolled into one terrific story. A fabulous read that you can learn something from too.  Doesn't get any better then that!

The Celtic Way of Seeing
by Frank MacEowen
New World Library

"The Celtic Way of Seeing" takes you on a beautiful journey.  A journey through the mind, the eye, the soul and the heart of Irish spirituality.  Through the retelling of the traditional story "The Settling of the Manor of Tara" MacEowen explores man's connection to the Universal energies through the four basic spiritual directions (well, five if you count the center) - that are contained within the Irish Spirit Wheel or mandala.  What I enjoyed most in this book was the author's exploration of the similarities between the Celtic belief system and a variety of indigenous cultures and traditions.   "The Celtic Way of Seeing" is wonderfully written.  A true joy to read again and again because something new always seems to find you.  After I finished "The Celtic Way of Seeing" I immediately ordered and read some additional books by Frank MacEowen.  I love them too!

Parabola Magazine
Summer 2011 Issue: Giving and Receiving

For those folks who may not be able to find the time to read an entire book this summer, I recommend picking up or downloading the Summer Edition of Parabola Magazine.  Founded in 1976, Parabola explores the traditional myths, symbols, rituals, and art of the world's religious and cultural traditions. Every issue explores one of the facets of human existence from the point of view of many world religions and spiritual traditions with essays and images.  The Summer 2011 issue focuses it's articles on "Giving and Receiving"... something we can all benefit from.



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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever

"Live Long Enough to Live Forever."  That's a bold declaration - perhaps even the indictment - of the book by Dr. Terry Grossman and Ray Kurzweil.  Readers will no doubt recognize Kurzweil's name from his famous text, The age of Spiritual Machines, and Dr. Grossman is the founder and director of the Grossman Wellness Center (formally the Frontier Medical Institute) and is widely considered an expert on nutrition and anti-aging therapies.  The text was a joint effort between the two scholars, and addresses numerous concerns regarding both our spiritual and our physical aging process as human beings.

 The text gives an overview int the radical, life-changing modalities of modern science addressing anti-aging and life extension - an emerging field that some consider to be on the fringe of Western medicine.  The authors, however, intend to change all that.  In this compendium of health data, introductory scientific definitions,  and even preventive tips, Kurzweil and Grossman provide both layman and advanced students with a definitive guide on how to practically apply every day life extension techniques to enhance current daily living and achieve greater longevity.

The reader may be skeptical, perhaps even overly cautious with the text at first.  With only a glance, its pages can seem full of daunting details and definitions of such things as RNA and protein blockers, starch inhibitors and fibrinogen, just to name a few.  A closer evaluation, however, will reveal sections that provide tips on how to make smart, healthy eating choices in younger and middle years to prepare and perhaps even prevent the entropy associated with the cellular decay of old age.  Some parts of the text actually give lists of foods and/or supplements that might be beneficial for those looking to enhance their current health, as well as prepare for the future.

The book also gives an overview about the importance of spiritual health and its essential role in the preparation for longevity.  One section delineates an array of precise techniques for meditation, and describes the role that meditation can play in the alignment of the spiritual and the physical.  The authors maintain that spiritual health is every bit as essential for balanced living and longevity as is proper nutrition and exercise.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the study of anti-aging and life extension, but should not be undertaken lightly.  Its pages are chock full of important information, lists and techniques that - when applied with care - can no doubt render the desired benefits of longevity.  Furthermore, every reader concerned with health and wellness overall should undertake this read - it is indeed a fantastic voyage.
 
"Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever"
By Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, M.D. Publisher:
Plume (September 27, 2005)

Reviewed by:  Christina Dudley

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: The Zen of Financial Peril

 By Diane Fergurson


Sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they allow themselves to open up to a hard self examination of their behavior and beliefs.  That's what happened to Jay G.M. Taffet, and his journey inspired him to write about it in "The Zen of Financial Peril: The Art of Happiness in Crisis".

When this book first came across my desk, I really didn't know what to expect.  Was it about finance?  Zen?  Zen and Finance?  I had no idea.

According to Taffet, "The Zen of Financial Peril" is a motivational guide whose goal is to demystify spirituality and put it into a more practical context. This is done primarily by encouraging the reader to change the perspective they have on their life by learning how to distinguish between decisions made by the mind and by the soul.  For most people who read and write about spiritual issues, this theme may not seem to be a new one.  But for someone who is not familiar with this concept, when the discovery is made it can be quite overwhelming.

Taffet writes his book in bullet style.  Every phrase and thought he presents is a theme in and unto itself. There were times I wished he would have expanded his thoughts and explanations a bit.  Also, this is not really a book about Zen and business or finance.  The title stems from Taffet having made his discovery while he was at the brink of financial peril and his ability to achieve happiness by changing his outlook and choices. 

I have no doubt that many readers will find "The Zen of Financial Peril" a very helpful, motivational tool that they can use to improve their lives.  It is a very readable, pratical book and quite absorbing once you start it.  If you are stuck in the funk of winter and need to gain a new perspective about yourself or your business, this book will definitely activate your thinking and help you gain new insights about what you are doing and why you may be doing them.

You can find out more about Jay G.M. Taffet by visiting his website.

His book is also available through Amazon 

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