http://www.ncreview.com/ 2989-1278 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/jung-the-mystic-the-esoteric-dimensions-of-carl-jungs-life-and-teachings There’s nothing more enticing than “the story behind the story.” Gary Lachman has written a well-researched investigation into Jung’s life, from childhood on, that delves into the events, inclinations, and influences that shaped the more esoteric aspects of Jung’s life and work—many of which Jung was reluctant to admit to or share until years past their emergence. While I commend the effort, and there is much interesting reading here, I found that tracking the inner-outer butterfly effect of a man surely possessed by “creative illness” at times made my head spin. This is not a value judgement of Jung or his work, but if I’m going to wade through a book, I’d much rather wade through Jung’s writings themselves than through the filters of someone else’s interest in Jung. So, while I appreciated having a closer look at aspects of Jung’s life in Jung the Mystic, overall for this reviewer, it was just “too much information.” ]]> Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:41:22 -0700 1837-1261 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/dancing-with-duality-confessions-of-a-free-spirit Dancing With Duality is a book about finding true freedom, and its lesson is that freedom is not always what you might perceive it to be: “I’ve learned that true freedom is not the ability to indulge in pleasures or emotional highs. Real freedom comes from discipline and focus.” This is the remarkable story of author Stella Vance’s journey throughout the four corners world to find herself. In North and South America she explores her sensuality, in she Arabia she deepens her understanding of a culture where women’s freedom is limited, and in India she finds enlightenment. Vance’s in-depth reflections on the critical points in her life show how each gave her more freedom to love, live and express herself honestly. Her journey begins in the early 1970s when Stella moves from a small town to a larger city and begins to learn how choice and karma affect all our lives. Her exploration of Christianity boosts her self-esteem grows and her spiritual awareness releasing her from the shackles of spiritual dogma. Throughout her courageous journey, Stella survives heartbreak, an eating disorders, addiction, abortion and involvement with a cult. Her experiences awaken her to the illusion of duality. Now she is truly free, she realizes that death is merely a dimension of life and there is nothing in this world that can truly hurt her soul. Vance’s personal story is painted in rich colors and she describes her travels, her lovers and her growing spirituality with a rare honesty. Every page is full of vitality drawn from the vastly different cultures she has explored and her own increasing awareness of their beliefs and practices. By the end of the book you will feel as though you have taken the journey with her. ]]> Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:41:00 -0800 2901-1211 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/dummy-a-memoir When an autistic, dyslexic and functionally illiterate individual writes a book, it is surprising. When that book turns out to be the account of an odyssey from a troubled youth, including a suicide attempt and dealing drugs in the underbelly of Chicago, to a successful life as high tech entrepreneur with a warm and happy family, it is fascinating. When, however, the book reveals a spirit of such indomitable integrity that it will not be crushed, no matter how high the cards are stacked against him, it is truly awe-inspiring. "Dummy" is a beautifully written and riveting read on many levels. It provides an articulate insider’s understanding of the subjective experience of autism and how, by dint of incredible dedication on the part of his mother, he was able to penetrate the usual autistic shell of isolation and forge meaningful, and indeed insightful human relationships. It provides sobering testimony to the failure of the school system to understand and cater to his cognitive challenges, making drug dealing a default choice of livelihood. It is an interesting commentary on society that David couldn’t adjust to its social norms of bullying, lies and duplicity, whereas with thugs and criminals he was better able to cope, because at least they said what they meant and he knew where he stood. In the end, what gave David the biggest push toward changing his life was the power of love, but not in any clichéd sense of the word. In a dynamic reminiscent of the Prayer of St. Francis, at age 14 he found a young woman even more broken than he was. Throughout the book there an innocence and sweetness of character that keep shining through the dark events of his youth. After years of incredible trials and despair after his girlfriend’s near overdose, he had a spiritual epiphany that changed his life: “Now I realized that it wasn’t about becoming more than I was, but about accepting who I am. I wondered to what degree the life I was living and the world I was living in were of my own making. Were they the result of what I believed the world to be? … if the world was a place of meaning and my life had a greater purpose than mere survival, then my choices and actions had profound significance. They shaped and defined who I was.” David’s story and message are a gift to us all, and I would not be surprised if this book rises to the plane of spiritual classic. ]]> Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:29:34 -0800 2862-1199 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/the-voice-of-rolling-thunder-a-medicine-mans-wisdom-for-walking-the-red-road Rolling Thunder was a medicine man, visionary, activist and teacher who rose to fame in the 60’s and 70’s through his friendships with Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart. Devoted to preserving Native American traditions, Rolling Thunder drew on his knowledge of animal powers and nature to “doctor” others and the planet. He warned of global warming well before our current scientists got wind of it, and taught the necessity of restoring balance to ourselves first in order to save the earth. Now the wisdom of Rolling Thunder is available for all, gleaned from never-before-released talks in his own words, and stories from those who knew him well. Stanley Krippner, co-author of the book, will give a presentation at East West on November 27. ]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:47:56 -0800 2564-1192 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/the-storied-life-of-jean-houston If you aren’t familiar with Jean Houston, then your allow me to introduce you to one of the most preeminent figures in the human potential movement—in fact she and her husband (who passed in 2008) are considered to be the principal founders of the contemporary potential movement, and together they founded The Foundation for Mind Research. Jean’s life, and her life’s work, seems larger than life, which is perhaps why she is so well-suited for her profound teaching of cross-cultural, mythic and spiritual studies, “dedicated to teaching history, philosophy, the New Physics, psychology, anthropology, and the many dimensions of human potential.” She has worked closely with such visionaries as Aldous Huxley, Carl Jung, Edgar Mitchell, Buckminster Fuller, Joseph Campbell, Margaret Mead, the Dalai Lama, and has been an advisor to the United Nations, Hillary Clinton, John Lennon, and has brought her teaching to more than 40 different cultures, as well as social leaders, educational institutions and business organizations worldwide. …Did I mention she is an extraordinary storyteller—complete with flawless accents and impressions? Not surprising when she has such incredible stories to tell. This backstory (and there is so much more I could say) seems a necessary preamble to review this 2-CD set of inspiring stories by Jean and from her life, since her life cannot be separated from her work. Both the content and delivery is animated, will keep you fully engaged and entertained, and will inspire you to forge a deeper connection with your own inner states of consciousness where your highest creative activity resides. She evocatively weaves past with future, and imagination with truth, into the work of personal and global transformation: an aligning of the human spirit, potential, and action, with the the complexities of this time. My only critique is that it ended all too soon. ]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:18:17 -0800 2759-1170 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/knowing-who-i-am-love-yourself-and-make-a-difference An engaging memoir graced by the poetic and inspirational lyrics of the songs of an iconic South African recording artist. Nianell sings and writes straight from the heart. The book is a wonderful mix of personal memoir interleaved with poems, quotes, stories of other people from a rich mix of ages and backgrounds. It comes with a CD of her top inspirational hits. Success was not handed to her on a silver platter. She had to overcome the same self-doubt, challenges and personal suffering that all of us have experienced at some level or another. Nianell realized that the secret was having a strong and unquenchable vision of who we are. By applying the same focus and determination to her challenges as she does to her art, she developed success strategies on everything from exercise, nutrition and how she goes about juggling her responsibilities as the mother of triplets with the demands of super-stardom. It is full of moving inspirational stories that we can all relate to, and Nianell's music is a delightful bonus. ]]> Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:30:15 -0700 2272-1135 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/an-unquenchable-thirst-following-mother-teresa-in-search-of-love-service-and-an-authentic-life “All people hunger for love, whether they are Christian or Muslim, Hindu or atheist.” –Mother Theresa of Calcutta An Unquenchable Thirst is a heartfelt, courageous, and beautiful memoir that shares the life of Mary Johnson (previously Sister Donata) and her work as a Missionary of Charity under Mother Theresa. At age nineteen Mary found her calling to help the poor and began her twenty-year journey as a nun, not knowing her path would lead her to confusion, heartache, and leave her questioning her sacred vows of chastity, obedience, and service. With rules that prohibit any relationship other than a personal relationship with God, Sister Donata found herself grappling with loneliness, the need for love, and guilt, as she consistently fell short of becoming the Saint that Mother Theresa embodied and expected from the Sisters. Instead of experiencing inner peace and the joy of giving, Sister Donata felt disempowered, disheartened, and stripped of her authentic self in the traditional and often political community of the convent, feelings that ultimately led to her exit in 1997. Mary Johnson’s eloquent words coupled with her raw emotions create an exceptional autobiography that reads like fiction and offers readers a personal view of Mother Theresa. Through her stories, struggles, and triumphs Mary shares the search for her personal truth in one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read, and one I will never forget. An Unquenchable Thirst is a poignant reminder to listen to our hearts and embrace our personal truths, and as we give to others in service and love, to never forget the importance of connection and self-love. ]]> Sun, 02 Sep 2012 22:30:48 -0700 1934-1127 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/dying-to-be-me-my-journey-from-cancer-to-near-death-to-true-healing Anita Moorjani’s first book is the moving, almost unbelievable experience of Moorjani being in end-stage lymphoma, raced to the hospital in a coma as her organs shut down in the final hours before her death, and then returning from the coma and returning to good health in just a few weeks after a transformative experience on the other side of life. The insights and understandings she gained about what had caused her cancer, what her ongoing life’s purpose was meant to be, how to heal herself, and how to love life in a profound way is the topic of this first book. Moorjani’s story of her experience went ‘viral’ when she shared it on the “Near Death Experience Research Foundation” website. It was given the site’s highest rating due to the well-documented medical records, doctor’s reports, and medical tests that accompanied it. Soon, a U.S. doctor flew to Hong Kong who was researching “spontaneous remission” met with her in Hong Kong to hear more about her incredible journey, and, then, through a marvelous set of synchronicities and ‘divine’ accidents her story came to Wayne Dyer’s attention. He urged her to write a book and basically commanded Hay House to publish it. But, even more important, than the depth of information Moorjani shares with the reader about her early life, her experience with cancer, and her revelations on the other side is her thoughtful and gentle advice about how to live one’s life right now. She came back from the other side with the newfound understanding that self-hate and fear had driven her own creative forces to ‘create’ her cancer. She says, “When I relinquished my hold on physical life, I didn’t feel I needed to do anything in particular to enter the other realm such as pray, chant, use mantras, forgiveness, or any other technique….I instinctively understood that I was dying because of all my fears. I wasn’t expressing my true self because worries were preventing me from doing so….” Moorjani now “allows” life. Moorjani is very careful to avoid proselytizing or insisting that people act or believe any or all of what she writes about. She knows now, in the deepest way, that we are all on individual journeys of magnificence, self-discovery, and creativity. She does not seek to give anyone “a right path”—just reminds them that we are truly all One and that physical life is meant to be a place of joy! For anyone wrestling with a disease, driving oneself to be ‘perfect’, living in sadness or aloneness, this is perhaps the best book to read right now. The reader will come away knowing that he or she is perfect and magnificent--right here and right now!! ]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2012 04:36:03 -0700 2603-1123 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/dance-of-the-electric-hummingbird Patricia Walker is just an ordinary wife and mother when she reluctantly takes a trip to Cabo San Lucas with her husband Dee. Although she’s never heard the singer Sammy Hagar before, she agrees to accompany Dee to a bar to see Hagar’s show. In the middle of the concert amid the thrumming guitars and thumping drums, Pat is drawn upwards, out of her body in a bubble of light and is flooded with a feeling of ecstasy. This moment, understandably, changes her life forever. Although the experience was mind-blowing and shakes her to the core, Pat blames it on the tequila. But she can’t deny that something unexplainable is happening to her. She becomes more sensitive and more in tune with the world in a way she has never been before. Before long she is having numerous synchronous experiences and discovering a pathway to enlightenment through music. Now she realizes she is more fully awakened than before, and there’s no turning back to who she was. This insight brings her freedom and spiritual peace. Walker has written a refreshingly honest book, revealing her innermost thoughts and feeling with a courage that is rare. Readers will enjoy accompanying her on a transformational journey as she learns more about herself and her connections to the universe. This moving and inspirational story reminds us that through the tears and the laughter, life is a celebration. A thought-provoking and entertaining read. ]]> Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:37:00 -0700 2105-1088 http://www.ncreview.com/biography/return-of-love-to-planet-earth-memoir-of-a-reluctant-visionary-with-glossary It’s not easy to describe this book. If I were to make a perfunctory laundry list of the elements covered it would look like this: Cosmic Council of Beings, Golden Dolphins, archangels, Christ-consciousness codes, ascension, channeling, grid lines, automatic writing, Vogel crystal, stargates, stardreaming, earthkeepers, crystal skulls, creativity, and most of all, love. But this list doesn’t really convey the nature of the book, which is primarily a verbatim record of channeled messages the author received over a period of several years, and the details of ceremonial Christ-consciousness transmission events she either led or participated in around the world, as she traveled a personal path of realization into her highest, higher self—as an ascended master. With a team of non-physical guides to support and guide her, the author took many leaps of faith in her alchemical journey, acting only on her inner senses and their reassurances about realizing her true nature and purpose as a lightworker (my word, not hers). And while this may sound like someone who has false sense of grandiosity, there is little written to suggest that misguided ego is from where the author speaks. I certainly can entertain the possibility that there may be beings of higher consciousness who are watching over and even assisting in the orchestration of humanity’s evolution, but the writing itself didn’t transport me into this higher state of awareness, nor did it offer an intellectual discourse to wrap my mind around, or even a deeply-felt inspiration by vicariously living the author’s experience. I especially missed the human aspect of the author’s journey; she disclosed that she is reluctant to live through her feelings, and this shows up in the writing: this book, to me, reads more like a disembodied, fantastic, travelogue than a memoir. At one point in the book the author describes an event where she first met someone: “This was our first meeting, so I was overwhelmed when [she] greeted me with gushing words that ran around in my head trying to enter my ears in a coherent way. I recognized the words Sirian spaceship, ambassador, lake, you, but it was all too much and someone else’s truth.” And that nicely summarizes my experience of reading this book: all too much, and someone else’s truth. That being said, the crux of the message is truly universal: human beings are creator beings, and as such, it is critical that we raise our “frequency,” to bring in the structure and vibration of love to the earth. This message I understand, and even resonate with, for what could be more fulfilling or inviting than the evolution of human consciousness into a more humane and loving state? ]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:24:51 -0700