Friday, December 26, 2014

Free Event: Z & Meli


A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event


Musical Metaphysical Mojo — and More!

a concert with Rev. Z Egloff and
Rev. Dr. Melissa Phillippe


Date:  Friday, January 30
Time:  7:00 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

What happens when a popular blogger and award-winning novelist marries a nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and transformational coach... and they both become ministers? An explosion of positivity and creative spirit that just might change the world!
Z and Meli's performances, workshops, and services are at times comical, at times profound, and at times downright funkadelic....

Friday, December 5, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Giving


by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon


I remember hearing a colleague saying a while back, ‘I just can’t listen to another suggestion that we should give more to our world.’  In their book, The Power of Giving, Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon take an in-depth look at the practice of giving, for those who consider themselves givers already and those who don’t. Their definition of giving is a broad based approach to life which involves engaging our whole selves in all that we do. This can be as simple as giving a smile, offering a listening ear or just respecting people in your world. They show us how becoming aware of the power of giving makes us more available to truly receive the good of life. They also go into strategies for people looking for ways to participate more, including organizations that need support, both money and time, how to pick our places of contributing and how to determine how much we can give and still have a balanced life. In a world that takes so much of our time and yet presents so much need, this book is a good resource for finding our perfect place and balance in the natural give and take of living.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

The Power of Giving by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Receiving

by Amanda Owen


In this world of busyness, constant distraction and demands for giving of our time and money, Amanda Owen turns us around to receive. In her book, The Power of Receiving, she emphasizes the importance of receiving as an important aspect in the circulation of life energy. Her easy to read book is filled with stories and simple exercises that  teach us how to be receivers of our good, how to take care of ourselves and let life and others give to us, whether it be a compliment or a lavish gift. Her whole book supports us into getting into right relationship with whatever goal we have in life, and taking the steps that allow us to actually attain that goal through our own receptivity. So, wherever you are in your ability to receive, to manifest your good, Amanda Owen shows us there is even greater opening, a greater good awaiting us.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

The Power of Receiving by Amanda Owen  is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Free Event: Food for the Spiritual Journey


A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event

with Dr. Michael Klaper, M.D.


Date:   Friday, November 14
Time:  7 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road


A healthier diet can reverse disease, heal the planet and holds the key  to a successful, fulfilling life. Join nutritionally-oriented physician, Michael Klaper, M.D. as he explores the realities of our current dietary patterns and how simple changes in our daily meals can benefit our physical and spiritual hearts – and reduce suffering in our lives and the lives of beings around the world. Dr. Klaper currently serves on the staff of the TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, a nutritionally-based medical clinic specializing in therapeutic fasting and health improvement through a whole-foods, plant-based diet.

Dr. Michael Klaper graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 1972. He served his medical internship at Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia, Canada and undertook additional training in surgery, anesthesiology, orthopedics and obstetrics at the University of California Hospitals in San Francisco.
As Dr. Klaper's medical career progressed, he began to realize that many of the diseases his patients brought to his office—clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, adult onset diabetes, and even some forms of arthritis, asthma, and other significant illnesses—were made worse, or actually caused, by the high-fat, overly processed Standard American Diet (SAD).
This prompted him to undertake a serious study of the link between diet and disease, eventually leading him to implement nutritionally based therapies in his practice. The results were dramatic. Nearly all of his patients who followed his dietary, exercise, and stress reduction programs soon became leaner and more energetic, while their elevated blood pressures and cholesterol levels returned to safer values. (In twelve weeks on this same program, Dr. Klaper's own cholesterol dropped from 242 mg/dl to 140mg/dl, while a 22-pound "spare tire" of abdominal fat melted away, all without dieting or calorie
He also observed that many of the chronic diseases mentioned above improved or resolved completely, often allowing his patients to reduce or discontinue their medication entirely.

Please join us for an evening of information on improving our lives by changing our diet.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Personal Storytelling


by Jack Maguire



Jack Maguire, in his book The Power of Personal Storytelling, tells us everything we need to know to become storytellers in our lives, to develop skills, set up strategies and expand our awareness of our lives and develop our innate creativity for generating stories. But this book is so much more. Maguire encourages us to see our lives from the larger perspective of story, both in hindsight and while they are happening. He shows how sharing our stories breaks down the walls that divide us, awakening us to our common ground as community and as humans. This book is a natural sequel to Campbell’s The Power of Myth, opening the doorway to living into our own mythology.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

The Power of Personal Storytelling by Jack Maguire  is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Review: The Power of NOW


by Eckhart Tolle

I enjoyed reading The Power of NOW by Eckhart Tolle even more the second time. It seems like the practice of coming home to the present moment keeps getting deeper and easier. But it’s more than just paying attention to what is around you that Tolle is referring to, he is talking about living so present that there is no past and no future. It becomes an experience of not just being in life, but being life, living with no resistance. When we come home to now, we are free; accepting what is but not being bound by it. Life becomes a perfect flow and we are open to the the guidance that Life is always providing. Reading the book then became the practice itself.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

The Power of NOW by Eckhart Tolle is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Free Event: BODHI — Peace Is Now

A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event

with Bodhi Setchko

Date:  Friday, October 24
Time:  7 pm to 8 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road


One CD, 35 Musicians, one message

  • A Choral Mantra with an All Star Band of musicians and singers.
  • Composed by Bodhi Setchko.
  • 12 Tracks, different styles with improvisations by guest artists.
We will listen to some of the tracks and Bodhi will share the story of the creation of the CD, which took 3 years to complete.

Bodhi K. Setchko is a multi-talented shamanic flute healer, songwriter, composer, recording artist, producer, teacher, and professional band leader. He has been performing and providing music for special events, weddings, workshops and church services for over 25 years, has produced 9 albums of original music and is the founder of 2 recording/touring bands, "CRYSTAL WIND" and "RHYTHM MATRIX".

The CD Album BODHI * Peace Is Now is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Please join us for a free evening of music and narrative.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Myth


by Joseph Campbell, with Bill Moyers


In The Power of Myth we experience the meeting of two great minds as Bill Moyers speaks with Joseph Campbell about the ancient stories and how they inform our world today. Listen in on this conversation as Campbell invites us to find our own mythology, the stories that speak to us, and helps us to discover the deeper meaning of our human journeys. Through this conversation, I came to a clearer understanding of Campbell's statement, ‘Follow your bliss.’  Spoken from a deeper perspective than just doing what we love, Joseph Campbell not only addresses our great desire to be, as he says, ‘more fully alive’, but he also  leads us into that experience.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

The Power of Myth is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.


Sunday, July 13, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Kindness

The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life

by Piero Ferrucci

This month’s book The Power Of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci has long been a part of my library. And as I read it again and again, it is just as fresh and useful as it was the first time around. In his book, Ferrucci explores a variety of qualities that make up and contribute to our experience and expression of kindness. He uses personal stories, as well as those from his psychotherapy practice, to demonstrate the power of each of these traits.

Ferrucci describes what he calls a ‘global cooling’, as life speeds up and becomes more and more impersonal. He talks about the importance of coming back to caring for one another. After finishing the book, I am left very inspired by how small acts of opening our hearts can change the world. In the introduction, he tells the story of Aldous Huxley, who spent a lifetime as a pioneer in developing human potential through diverse approaches. Toward the end of his life, he said, “People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that  after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is-just be a little kinder.” With a recommendation like that, may we all join with the Dalai Lama and declare, “My religion is kindness."

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa.

The Power of Kindness is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Free Event: Transform Your Life using Bach Flower Remedies

A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event

with Dr. Kac Young


Date:   Friday August 22
Time:  7 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

Dr. Kac Young will be talking about the work of Dr. Edward Bach.  Dr. Bach believed that both healing and illness — mental and physical — begin in the mind. He developed the 39 Bach Flower Remedies from his lifelong research and passion for the power of personal healing. This workshop teaches a quick and easy process by which you can find the vibrational remedy that will alleviate the condition and the state of mind that causes it.

Kac Young has earned three doctorates. One is a PhD in Natural health, and ND in Naturopathy and a DCH in Clinical Hypnotherapy. She is also a licensed Religious Science Minister. An active television professional for over 30 years, she has won awards for producing and directing. Besides being a producer and a director, she was studio executive for Universal and is a consultant and adviser to many Hollywood-industry companies, studios and stars. She founded The Feng Shui Specialists, Inc., a company specializing in bringing harmony and balance into the home or workplace through design, color and balance. She also is an advocate for heart health and teaches how you can eat healthy without losing the taste and texture of your favorite foods.

Dr. Young's book, The Quick Guide to Bach Flower Remedies, is available at Stepping Stones Books & Gifts.

Please join us for a fun and informative evening.  You can read more about this event here.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Colossal Community Flea Market

Stepping Stones Books and Gifts
is hosting our third Flea Market


Saturday, August 2nd
8 am to 2 pm

Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

Got stuff to sell?  Want to donate it to us to sell?
If you want to sell it yourself, we will rent you space and you keep 90% of the sales.  The Center gets 10% commission.  You rent space from us.  See the space prices below.  You will need to fill out the Colossal Flea Market Agreement at the Center and pay for space(s) by cash or check.  Reserve by Sunday, July 20, for best prices.

If you want to donate it, we will handle the sales.  Bring clothing, books, equipment, decorative items—anything that might be someone else's treasure.  All proceeds go to the Center.  Plan to drop donated goods off at the Center between 4 pm and 7 pm on Friday August 1.
There will be refreshments available for purchase and a booth for computer and electronic recycling.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

ANNUAL USED BOOK SIDEWALK SALE


Sunday, June 29
8:30 am to 1:00 pm

On the sidewalk at 
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

It's that time again for our Annual Used Book Sale at the Center. Hundreds of used books on all subjects at ridiculously low prices. Paperbacks, hardcover, big, little and everything in-between.

We have been collecting books for this sale all year and now it's time to give them new homes.  Come and browse the tables and find the ones you have been waiting for.




Sponsored by Stepping Stones Books and Gifts

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Book Review: Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable
Transforms the Way We Live,
Love, Parent and Lead

by Brene Brown, Ph.D., LMSW

In her book, Daring Greatly, Brene Brown takes us through the process of opening to our vulnerability. Brown, who has become known through her Ted talks, brings to light the importance of expressing authentically, by dropping our armoring and allowing ourselves to feel. She uses not only her extensive research, but also her own personal healing work to bring clarity, humor and inspiration to this journey so often avoided. She humanizes our shame and all that we do to cover it and then takes us through the steps to develop what she calls, shame resilience. Her book addresses the value of this work for our personal lives and as parents, teachers and leaders; supporting life altering healing for all of us and for our world.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa.

Daring Greatly is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Book Review: Forgiveness — The Greatest Healer of All


by Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

The practice of forgiveness is never-ending. Because of this, I find it very useful to be immersed within some writing concerning this subject. Therefore, I was very grateful to have Forgiveness — The Greatest Healer Of All, by Gerald Jampolsky, show up in my life. His words, as Rev. Edward said, are a healing balm. He takes us through the steps of forgiveness, interlaced with personal stories and testimonials. Then throughout the book, Jampolsky inserts words of wisdom from The Course in Miracles. This little book is a perfect addition to anyone’s library, available to read over and over again.

Review written by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

Forgiveness — The Greatest Healer of All is available at Stepping Stones Books and Gifts

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Free Event: The Spiritual & Shamanic Essence of Amazing Feng Shui

A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event

an evening with
Gayla Yates-Gordon and Barry Gordon

Date:   Friday, June 27
Time:  7 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

This event is a continuation of our theme of eliminating Clutter.  Gayla is talking on June 20 about an Intuitive Way to Eliminate Clutter and she is joined on June 27 by Barry to discuss the role Feng Shui can play in moving Qi and emotional blocks in your life and home.  Gayla and Barry have both been Feng Shui masters for over 20 years and are well equipped to demonstrate how Feng Shui can improve your well being.

Please join us for a fun and informative evening.  To learn more about this event, click here.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Clearing Clutter


I’m an organizing junkie, a neat freak. I thrive in neat and tidy environments. I get cranky, sluggish, and unproductive when things are messy and cluttered. I like being organized and it is easy for me. I have lots of friends who do not operate this way; it does not come easily to them and they are befuddled by the concept.

I will share some of my techniques with you in the hopes of inspiring you to clear the clutter and experience some of the fabulous benefits of being organized and clutter- free.

Paper seems to create the biggest problem. We are bombarded with bills, solicitations, receipts, coupons, newspaper, and magazines.  I do not believe in in-boxes. In boxes get full very fast, generally faster than they get emptied. The scary part is what is at the bottom of the in-box? Any type of container that holds a large quantity of papers is a potential risk for overwhelm. Touch each sheet of paper once. The rule of thumb is:  handle it and file it or toss it. Filing cabinets are essential. A common fear is throwing something away and then needing to refer to it later. Just file it. At the end of each year, thin out the files. Plastic bins work well for storing favorite photos, cards, and letters.

Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. I suggest starting small. Set aside 20 minutes each day. Focus on one area at a time. Set a timer and get to work.  When the timer goes off, stop. Then begin again the next day.

Clutter is just stuff that has accumulated over time creating a sense of chaos. It helps to have designated places for such things as incoming mail, car keys, wallet or purse, jackets, and lunch bags. As you walk in the door, everything goes in its designated spot. This helps keep counters, tables, and floors clear and minimizes time wasted searching for lost items.

Once a month, take a bag of clothes or unused items to Goodwill. This helps those in need and helps to create extra space in the home.

Spaciousness is one of the wonderful benefits of a clutter free environment. Clutter free spaces nourish the soul and free the mind.  Tidy spaces help create an atmosphere of peace and calm.

Martha Salazar

If you are interested in Clearing Clutter, Stepping Stones Books and Gifts has some additional resources available to help.


Sunday, May 25, 2014

Free Event: Discover the Intuitive Way to Easily Eliminate Clutter

A Stepping Stones Books and Gifts Free Event

an evening with
 Gayla Yates-Gordon

Date:   Friday, June 20
Time:  7 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

Would you like to do something about that clutter in your life?

Are you drowning in "stuff"?

Don't know where to start?

Come and hear Gayla's insight on how to get control over the stuff that isn't serving you.

For more information on Gayla and this event click here.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Book Review: Entering the Healing Ground

Entering the Healing Ground

Grief, Ritual and the Soul of the World

by Francis Weller

After years of hearing his name, I finally met Francis Weller. He did not disappoint. He refers to himself as a ‘soul activist’,  which is a perfect name for  his work of opening hearts and souls for deep healing. In his book Entering the Healing Ground: Grief, Ritual and the Soul of the World, he certainly opened up his soul.  As a psychotherapist for over 30 years, he has really honed his craft. His book inspires us to dip deep into our inner world and allow our feelings to be set free. His descriptions of what he calls the five gates of grief broadened my understanding of the areas of grief and release that life presents to all of us. I feel enriched having met Francis and even more so having read his book. This is an important piece of work for us all.

Review written by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

Please contact the Stepping Stones Books and Gifts at 707-527-8372 to order this book.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Book Review: The Power of Awareness


In his book, The Power of Awareness, Neville defines faith as ‘an unwavering adherence to principle’. This is an accurate description of Neville himself.  An early metaphysician, growing up at the turn of the 20th century, Neville drives home the importance of becoming inwardly, in thoughts, feelings and internal conversation,  that which we want to experience in our outer world.

“The whole of creation exists in you and it is your destiny to become increasingly aware of its infinite wonders and to experience ever greater and grander portions of it”, says Neville Goddard, known by his first name only. He encourages us to imagine what we want in our lives and then to examine our consciousness, to root out anything unlike this desire, and than to live from the feeling of that vision.

The Power of Awareness is very clear and easy to read, filled with lots of stories which demonstrate the power of this practice. What really surprised me was his claim that creation is complete and that we are simply walking into it, without the distortion of limited beliefs. I realized how this confirms what the quantum physicists, that the future is already here..

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa.

The Power of Awareness is available at Stepping Stones Books & Gifts.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Free Event: The Art of Empathy

A Stepping Stones Books & Gifts Free Event

An Evening with Karla McLaren

Date:   Friday, May 23rd
Time:  7 pm
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Road

Come and hear Karla McLaren talk about her new book The Art of Empathy:  A Complete Guide to Life's Most Essential Skills. Karla is an award-winning author, researcher, and pioneering educator whose empathic approach to emotions revalues even the most "negative" emotions, and opens startling new pathways into the depths of the soul.  She also created the online course Emotional Flow (2012) andThe Language of Emotions (2010).
What if there were a single skill that could directly and radically improve your relationships and your emotional life? Empathy, teaches Karla McLaren, is that skill. In The Art of Empathy, this acclaimed empathic pioneer teaches you how to perceive and feel the experiences of others with clarity and authenticity—to connect with them (and yourself) more deeply and effectively. 
Informed by McLaren’s four decades of extensive empathic experience, plus current insights from neuroscience, sociology, the arts, and healing traditions, this book (and audio learning program) helps you learn how to develop and work with your empathy, and how to become a healthy and happy empathic presence in a world that needs you.

More than ever, reflects McLaren, the time for healthy empathy has come. The Art of Empathy brings you welcome, practical guidance for mastering this essential life skill.

Read more about this event here.
Please join us as Karla shares how we can learn more about the skill of empathy.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

What are Mala Beads and How to Use them in Spiritual Practice


Most of us are aware that some form of prayer or mediation is important to lead a well-balanced spiritual life. When I was a young Catholic girl, prayers were woven in my memory as strongly as “please and thank you.” And rosary beads were synchronized with every repeated Hail Mary prayer.
Mala beads, like the rosary, are used in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions for repetitious chanting, prayer, and meditation. The mala (meaning garland) helps keep track of the repetitions so one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra itself.

Hopefully, we all take time out of our busy lives to find comfort in prayer and meditation. Using mala beads can be a simple, 1-2-3 method to support this spiritual practice. Here are two mantras I enjoy using:
  • There is one life, that life is God’s life, that life is perfect, that life is my life now.
  • I am filled with loving kindness, I am well, I am peaceful and at ease, I am happy
Typically, the mala has 108 beads. It is thought, that speaking the mantra or phrase in a repetitive manner brings peace and clarity to the meditation practice.

Written by Alicia Carroll.

Stepping Stones Books & Gifts carries a variety of Mala Beads in our store.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Book Review: Talking Back to Dr. Phil

Alternatives to Mainstream Psychology

by David Bedrick


After hearing author David Bedrick speak at the Stepping Stones' Friday night event, I had to read his book, Talking Back to Dr. Phil.  David works with love-based psychology, or process psychology. His approach assumes that all our habits/challenges are communicating important information about the needs of the person involved. As in our teaching, he assumes that intelligence is always at work. Through investigating instead of trying to fix conditions, he uncovers the deeper wisdom that sets his clients free. The book uses his personal clients, and cases that have appeared on the Dr. Phil show. Bedrick demonstrates how traditional psychology identifies people and their issues as problems and proceeds to change behaviors, frequently making people wrong/bad. He than explains and gives examples of his approach, which uncovers what is truly wanting to be healed. Talking Back to Dr. Phil not only is useful in working with clients, but I am applying it to my own personal work and gaining great insight. It is a real gift to our understanding of the perfection of people and life.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnharta staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa.

Talking Back to Dr. Phil is available at Stepping Stones Books & Gifts.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Stepping Stones Books & Gifts Safe from Heartbleed Security Flaw



Earlier this week, a security flaw known as Heartbleed was published that affects approximately two-thirds of all websites that use SSL encryption. This issue greatly impacts ecommerce websites because every online store that accepts credit cards must use SSL encryption.

Stepping Stones Books & Gifts uses Shopify as our ecommerce website.  Shopify has notified us that merchants and their customers using Shopify are safe from Heartbleed.  The following is an exerpt from the information published by Shopify on April 10:


"During the middle of day on April 7th, the Heartbleed issue became widely disclosed. The Shopify network security and operations team immediately set to work to protect our hosting infrastructure. By 7:00 p.m. they had rolled out a fix across core infrastructure, and by midnight all secondary systems had been secured. The operations team continued to work into the night, and by the following day, all keys and certificates had been re-issued.

"Because of the rapid response of our operations team (faster than Google and Yahoo, for example) we haven’t detected any sensitive data being compromised. As a general precaution, we advise that you regularly change passwords…   This would be a good time to update all such passwords."

"To re-iterate, all Shopify stores are safe from the Heartbleed vulnerability."


If you wish to read the entire text of the message from Shopify, click here.


Other websites you use may be affected by the Heartbleed security flaw.  The Heartbleed Test may be used to check if any other website you use is vulnerable to this security flaw.

Popular Posts