Thursday, July 12, 2012

Book Review: Graceful Passages by Michael Stillwater and Gary Malkin


Graceful Passages

A Companion for Living and Dying

by Michael Stillwater and Gary Malkin


Graceful Passages is a 2 CD set and book assembled for people who are facing the prospect of dying — and isn't that all of us?  The first CD is recordings of twelve people, considered to be the foremost experts in the spiritual world, speaking with a background of music in their faith tradition.  The second CD is that same music without the spoken words.

The book contains all the prayers written out.  I, personally, use Graceful Passages as a companion for yoga practice and for comfort whenever I need it.  If my house ever caught fire and I had to run out grabbing only five things, this book would be one of the things I would grab — it is that inspirational!

Review written by Nora Lee Pearl

Graceful Passages is available at Stepping Stones Books and Gifts

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Book Review: Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jeffrey Brantley



Calming Your Anxious Mind

how mindfulness & compassion can free you
 from anxiety, fear & panic

by Jeffrey Brantley, MD


Stop!  Pay more attention to yourself and your life!

This is Brantley's second edition of this work, adding and expanding information and specific exercises in the activity of mindfulness and how it can influence one's experience with fear, anxiety, and panic.  Gently ... his book comes with a warning:  mindfulness is not always easy to achieve or sustain.  There will be times when you don't like it, when you are filled with doubt and don't want to do it.  You must be willing to do it anyway.  Want to take up this challenge?

In addition to specific information about the practice of mindfulness he also shares real life stories by those who have worked with mindfulness during a panic or anxiety attack, or when they find themselves in the grip of fear.  These stories bring the healing experience down to earth and offer demonstrations of the pace of healing and relief which seems to normalize this journey of paying attention in the pace of our modern world.

"Making room for things means being willing to name them and to let them be as they are.  Being mindful is about being here, now, and being clear and concrete about what is here with us."  This book will help you on this journey of being with your experience, thus healing it.  We all experience fear and anxiety to some degree and I recommend this work as an addition to your library and spiritual tool box.

Review written by Sanna Rose.

Calming Your Anxious Mind is available at Stepping Stones Books and Gifts

Thursday, July 5, 2012

A Thank You Note

Don't you really feel good when you receive a thank you note from someone who is really happy about something you've done?  Martha received the note below yesterday and obviously Lynn is more than satisfied with the CD Coupon Books available in our store.  Has someone done something recently for you that you appreciate, or that has improved your life?  Let them know!


Hi Martha,

Just wanted to write a little note about the new CD Coupon Book available in the Stepping Stones Bookstore. I just LOVE it! Since coming to the Center in April, I've been trying to learn as much as I can about the Science of Mind teachings and beliefs, and to simply "keep myself in the conversation". Playing the CD's from each Sunday's message, or others from workshops or presentations, while I'm driving to and from work really seems to help me get a little more clarity. I like putting them in my iTunes library, too. 

What I like best about the coupon book is how easy it is to purchase my CD's now. I don't have to worry about making sure I have money with me when I'm at the Center on Sunday, or for a class or seva or special event. I just keep my little coupon book with me in my purse and I'm set!

Plus, we get a FREE CD when we purchase the book! Can't get any better than that!

Thanks for offering this money-saving, efficient way to purchase our CD's! I REALLY appreciate it!

-- In Spirit -- Lynn Ruebush

Monday, July 2, 2012

Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jeffrey Brantley


Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jeffrey Brantley is a delight to read.  Click on the image to see the write up on our site.  I wanted to read the whole book in one sitting, which of course is quite contrary to mindfully taking in the information.  It's just that I was so excited about the style in which the author starts the reader off on a love affair with minfullness meditation studies.  And, he is an MD, and he makes it infiniately clear that mindfulness meditation is not a substitute for other kinds of professional help.  He does, at the same time, present a practical and easy to follow method for anyone who wants, needs and is interested in discovering that power of their quiet mind.

Edward Viljoen

ps.  This is July's recommended book of the month!

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