Book Review - Be Love Now by Ram Dass

Again I have been asked by TLC  to do another book review.  The book in review is "Be Love Now" by Ram Dass .  I will be honest and say that it took me a bit to get into this book.  I enjoyed the content yet still it was just not an easy read for me. 

"Be Love Now" is a distant follow up to his Ram Dass previous books "Be Here Now" and "Still Here"   Not having read the two previous books this allowed me to have a fresh view of the book in review.  I enjoyed the reflectiveness on life in the sixties although I was just a young young at that time.  I still have always been quite interested in the make up of those who were partakers in this experimental time of life.

I admired also his recollections of his struggles through life and his determination to stay on track with what it was he believed and felt important.  I have always been an admirer of those who stick to their guns regardless and keep truckin forward towards what they see ahead. 

Despite the fact that this book was a bit of a hard read for me, I would recomend it to anyone who holds an open mind to their spiritual walk in life understanding that we all have our own journeys to take and that each one has its different aspects.  For other reviews on this book and others visit TLC .  Also if you would like more information on Ram Dass himself visit Ram Dass Now. 

Muhammad - The Story of the Last Prophet : A Book Review

Some time back I was given another wonderful opportunity to be involved with TLC and another book review. The book I was asked to review intrigued me for many reasons. First I am a huge fan of Deepak Chopra and his teachings so I knew the chance of me enjoying the book in question was highly probable. Next the subject manner of his new novel interested me tremendously. Needless to say, Muhammad – A Story of the Last Prophet by Deepak Chopra met all my expectations and then some.

The depiction of a religion has always been a bit of a sensitive subject yet to attempt to depict the religion of Islam and the prophet Muhammad could prove to be even more of a challenge. In today’s climate this topic itself could cause some stir and controversy. It has saddened me in recent days as well as long before,  the conflict that has occurred due to the fact that many do not have a clear understanding of Islam and what their faith represents.  Chopra does not bore us with a book that is filled with a list of facts that are above our heads and out of reach of many of our understandings.  Instead he takes the story of the man Muhammad and relates his life to us in a method that helps us to better understand who and what he represents.  This story is told from many peoples perspectives thus giving a well rounded feel of the full presence he held. 

It is the lack of knowledge that makes so many of us as ignorant as we are at times.  It is through understanding that we eventually have the ability to see from a perspective that may not necessarily be our own.  The reading of this novel has only deepened that thought in me. Although I know that this is a novel and thus written as if to tell the story of Muhammad. It is not to be considered an exact rendering. Although I will state that via the references that Chopra makes it appears that he has tried desperately to stay as true as he possibly can out of respect for the Islam faith.

I myself have always been a person who thinks that the knowledge of other faiths only makes one stronger. It helps to avoid some of the ignorance that is often seen when some speak of faiths that they know little if nothing about. Deepak Chopra gives an easy understanding, or lets say a simple start for the beginner to learn a little about a faith that in many cases they may know nothing about expect for the negative reputation it is sometimes given. I think that those who chose to read this novel will be surprised at the similarities it holds to the Christian faith as well as any other beliefs that others hold. It tells of the same trials that we have all endured in our struggle to stand up for what we believe to be true. An open mind and willing heart is also helpful as we face the fact that we all have our own way of interpreting God.

 

For more information on Muhammad – A Story of the Last Prophet go to TLC as well as Deepak Chopra’s website.

Spiritual Partnership - The Journey to Authentic Power

I have always been a person who believes that opportunities come to us every day. Each one of these opportunities is a possibility; A possibility to experience and grow. Often such chances just flow past unnoticed or ignored. There are too many other things that seem to be competing for the importance of our valuable time. Yet when we do stop and notice and act upon such possibilities most usually we are glad we did.

Earlier in March of this year I was asked by TLC Book Tours if I would be interested in reviewing a new book that was to be released later in April. Something about the title struck me and caught my attention. “Spiritual Partnership – The Journey to Authentic Power".  How could such a title not spark some curiosity. The phrase authentic power alone had me wondering. I agreed and soon I received a copy of the book. At that moment I had no idea of the opportunity I had just walked into or of the possibilities I would have because of it.

The author Gary Zukav is well known already with four consecutive bestsellers. With such previous titles as “Seat of The Soul” and “Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics” he has already made his mark in the literary world as well as too many who follow his writings. I would have to be honest and say that I had not heard of him or any of his previous works. I would have to go further and say that I will be looking into his previous works as this addition has definitely created a hunger to learn more.

In a world where we are taught to deal with incident between ourselves and others based on our feelings, situations can occur that may not necessarily be the best for amicable relationships. We tend to let our emotions react instead of responding in the manner best suited. It is human nature. This book gives the blueprint to developing within ourselves the tools to be able to change by looking at ourselves and what makes us tick. What memories do we have which motivate us to react as we may - good or bad? Slowly realizing our triggers and how to deal with them in a productive manner.

As this world continues to evolve at a rate that is increasing daily, we find ourselves dizzy not only with the attempt to keep up yet also with the questions as to what will become of it all. We tend to worry too much about what everyone else “needs to do” rather than looking within ourselves and asking the same question. This book seems to help one down this path. A path of self evaluation that is more than many have even considered; yet one that is there for any and all to take.

A passage from the beginning of the prologue seems to sum it up best. “This is a book about change, the biggest change possible or imaginable… This is a book about possibilities. Experiences, insights, motivations and creations beyond our ability to imagine only a few years ago now call to us, beckoning us to new destinations and yet more new possibilities… This is a book about power.” For more information in regards to “Spiritual Partnership – The Journey of Authentic Power” see below:

 

Monday Mumblings - Warmer Weather, Babies, and Politics

Another Monday is upon us… another week to start. With being gone last week it seems that I have plenty to keep me busy this week. The wonderful warmer weather also is calling me to come outside and play. I have full intentions of taking advantage of this as much as I possibly can. I have flower beds that need to be tended. They need to be cleaned out of the left over debris from winter as well as new flowers planted. I am hoping that if I do plant that Mother Nature will be kind and not let the cold to come back and bite any delicates I may put out.

Also over the weekend Vincent and I got a new addition to our family. It is funny how the absence of the grandchildren has made us desire something to keep us company. I think he has been as lonely as me at times. We talk seriously about considering adoption. Yesterday we finally took the plunge and brought our little bundle home. His name is Winston…a seven and a half week old white lab. He is a lover to say the least and his first night home was a treat to say the least. I have raised labs in the past and think they are one of the smartest animals there are. Of course our new little addition is no exception. He slept through the night in a large crate next to our bed. And thus far has made no messes in the house. It is good to have something around to cuddle and take care of.

While I was away, I was far too busy playing with grandkids to really pay too much attention to the news or what was happening. It is a bit of a treat at times to do this. Not to worry about all the things that may be mucking up the nightly news. There seems to have been plenty while I was away. I see that Obama’s health care passed. And of course there was many who did not agree with it. I was amazed to see such childish actions from people based on the fact that they did not get their way. I thought that congress worked for the people and not themselves. Yet politics is something I have tried to stay away from here on my blog. Believe me I have an extremely strong opinion on many of the things that occur in our country. I have just not been sure if this is the right venue to voice them at or not. Also living in the area that I do, sometimes my views are not the most popular. With that being said I will go no further. Maybe in a future post, if I am feeling a bit daring I will venture into this area of my life.

This is the week before Easter. I am debating whether or not to dye some eggs of my own. It has always been a favorite thing for me yet with the grandkids gone, it seems a bit silly. Although I will more than likely at least dye a dozen just for the fun of it. I love to look out my kitchen window and see the brightly colored eggs dotting my yard. The neighbor dogs make quick work of them as well as the other creatures that frequent our place, so it is not as if they will be in the yard for long periods of time only to be overturned and mulched by the lawnmower later in the season. This always seems to leave a lovely aroma in the air.

While I was away, the book I am too review (Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav) arrived in the mail. I am eager to start reading it. I have to say that it has me quite excited. It looks to be quite interesting and something that I will enjoy. So as this week starts off, it looks as if I have plenty to keep my busy in the days to come. I apologize for not being more active in the reading and commenting while I was away. I did read many posts yet when I attempted to comment it would pull up several duplicates. It was taking me forever to comment on just one post. So I just didn’t do it. I have tried to catch up since I have arrived home yet there are still several that I have not gotten too. Life always seems to go on despite the absence of us doesn’t it? I guess we are all replaceable. Can’t help but smile when I say that… I guess that is a good thing. Enjoy your Monday. I hope the coming week brings many adventures your way and that you are able to enjoy them all. Blessings.

Book Review

The other day I received an email that had me quite excited. It was from TLC Book Tours asking if I would be interested in doing a book review on one of the books that they will have featured during the end of April and through the first of May on their virtual book tour. I have to admit that the request caught me a bit by surprised yet also made me smile.


The book is entitled Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav.   Filled with poignant examples and practical guidance, including specific guidelines, Spiritual Partnership empowers and enables us to explore our emotions, our intentions, our choices, and our intuition and to use them to create profound spiritual growth. The world is changing around us and within us, and Spiritual Partnership is the roadmap to that change.  The book should be arriving soon . I am looking forward to reading it and also in giving my review. I know it is a bit in the future yet May 11th is the scheduled date when my review will be posted. I just had to share my good news with my friends…