Inspiration Books

This book is an excellent meditative companion for those who have read Gary Zukav's other books--"Seat of the Soul," "The Heart of the Soul," and "The Mind of the Soul" as well as "Soul Stories" and "The Dancing Wu Li Masters." I keep my copy of this book in my car where I can grab moments of mini-meditation when I am stuck in traffic or waiting for my daughter to get out of school.

I have only just started reading this book and I already find it all encompassing.The teaching so far is significant for me and enlightening for my life path.

Gary's openness allowed me to be at ease looking within myself. Page 99 of the book let me know that I will always have assistance. I now know I will never be alone again. Every Human should read this book it brings all you have learned about God and the Universe into a place where you understand ...what was missing ....I now know it's going to be ok..Thanks Gary for giving me this tool.

Gary Zukav has really put together a great compilation of "Seat of the Soul" into this book. It is inspiring, and helps bring me back to center. I recommend this to anyone that cold use some inspiration combined with wonderful concepts that will help you in your life.

Gary Zukav has taken his book, The Seat of the Soul, and pulled out the best parts, the parts you would have underlined or highlighted or marked with a star, and put them into a spiral bound, stank-alone book that I think is very useful to me. I flip open a page and let it sit on my desk here next to my computer and every now and then I glance over at it and think about it. It's well worth the price.

This book is practical, simple, fun and incredible. I really enjoyed it. For me it is a must read . . . and must do! What I mean by practical is the book is really a workbook filled with creative activities that draw you in to exploring your life. By simple, I mean it is easy to understand. It just makes sense. By fun I mean this book is more like play than reading. You'll pull in your friends, family, artistic talents, and even old recepies from your youth. Totally fun! Finally it is just incredible. I was a sceptic at first but to my surprise I came up with a Vision that really works. It is really pulling my life together with balance and purpose that I never saw before.

I suffer from ADD (diagnosed three years ago) at the age of 40. I have learned since, many solutions to ADD-related issues are intertwined with proper awareness and planning. I have done my best to educate myself but I have found this book to be more effective than most when I apply the activities to combat my ADD. The book is effective because the activities encourage implementation and continual measurements. It brings focus and simplicity to the areas I wish to work upon, allow me to create a successful vision, and the measurements to ensure my progress.

I would highly recommend this book to leaders; to create tools for themselves and for those under them.

A must for fellow Toltecs, not for others. For us, however, having Ken Eagle Feather's description of his own 'dreaming' experiences is helpful to the guiding of our own.

Ken Eagle Feather's TOLTEC DREAMING: DON JUAN'S TEACHINGS ON THE ENERGY BODY explores different levels of the dream state, contrasting ordinary dreaming with 'dreaming awake' in which an active dreamer ascends to the Dream of Transcendence. All this is placed in context of the Toltec tradition and provides a fine, purposeful blend of history and new age 'how to' insights.

An Excellent Book On Shamanism
By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
From the newsletter "Keeping In Touch ..."
Vol. 7, No. 13 August, 2007

I've been reading a wonderful book just out by Ken Eagle Feather titled "Toltec Dreaming: Don Juan's Teachings on the Energy Body" (Bear & Co., 272 pages, June 22, 2007; $16). He was kind enough to send me an advance copy, which I endorsed:

"In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Feather masterfully outlines the appearance of Power in our lives as a shamanic principle that he shows can be easily recognized, and explores the power of dreaming as an active force that can define our lives in profound ways. As with his other books, Eagle Feather explains complex shamanic principles of the Toltec tradition as taught to him personally by don Juan Matus, the shaman many have come to know through the books of Carlos Castaneda. For the discerning Castaneda student, Eagle Feather provides painstakingly researched references including page numbers for ideas covered in Castaneda's books for easy reference. But Eagle Feather demonstrates his proficiency of the subject matter by expanding on the ideas and principles with examples from his own life, as well as offering new avenues of thought -- and exercises -- for readers. For novices to shamanism to the well-read, Dreaming offers new insights into the nature of the energy body that complement Eastern concepts, while also refining that which is known of Toltec ideas. In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Father demonstrates he is a man of knowledge in his own right, sharing a rare gift of inestimable value."

But, I'd go a bit further to say that all of Ken's books are worth reading, especially if you are "into" shamanism. For those who follow Castaneda's work, he has references to his books with the concepts; but, more importantly, in my mind, Ken offers a way of seeing the world that takes don Juan's and applies it to the world.
I read all the Castaneda books when they came out nearly 40 years ago, and have practiced shamanism all my life. Some of the teachings of don Juan, I believe, were horribly distorted, and later books bear me out, especially regarding the use of psychotropic drugs. That's because, I believe, Castaneda was a literalist, or too left-brained, to understand the concepts and so don Juan and his fellow shamans dramatized and even traumatized Castaneda so that they could "get through" to him.
Anyone who actually practices shamanic journey (which my next book, "Healing Plants and Animals from a Distance: Curative Principles and Applications" will introduce to the trilogy) knows in Castaneda's books where don Juan was speaking, and were left-brained suppositions entered in.
What I like about Ken's books are that anyone, repeat anyone, can get a clear idea of the shaman's path from reading him - whether one practices or not - and be sure that they are getting "the straight skinny."
I don't agree with much of the Toltec way, as I believe it is too foreign for most average Americans to accept, that is, truly adopt; but the way of viewing the world in shamanic terms as outlined by Castaneda has become part of the cultural currency, so it's useful to employ. As a method, it's easy to point to the nagual and tonal and explain being and nonbeing in shamanic terms, for example. Whether we are all fodder for the Eagle, well, that's a philosophic point perhaps best left to left-brained individuals with lots of time on their hands. I believe, as Ken notes, that how we view our world is a product of "cuing," that is, connecting to select understandings that join to make a world view. Some of the concepts of the Toltec way, in my mind, are too harsh, they stem from a world in which "lack" is the order of the day, breeding a stoicism that teeters on nihilism. My world is a much more joyful world, filled with exciting possibilities. It's also a lot less lonely.
But much of what Ken writes about are actual practical applications that are useful and described in a way that can become powerful tools used as second nature. For example, stalking your weaknesses, or predilections, or being aware when your controlled folly comes forward. One tool I've been using a lot lately, reminded of it reading Ken's book, is recapitulation. Simply stated, and Ken does much better in the book, that's when you remember an event that is freighted with negative emotions and walk through it again, reexperiencing every emotion, every nuance of the event, and allowing it to be more fully imprinted from a larger point of view. This allows for tremendous inner growth and healing by taking the "charge" out of past negative events, and it frees energy for use now. I would recommend those who read my books, especially using inventory to allow themselves to become more present, aware and allowing who they really are to come forward (Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others, and Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands) to practice recapitulation, as well.
If you are looking for a good book on shamanism, Ken Eagle Feather's "Dreaming" is a good one; also get a copy of his On the Toltec Path: A Practical Guide to the Teachings of don Juan Matus, Carlos Castaneda, and Other Toltec Seers. Both are excellent.

Many Blessings!
Wisatologi Nihi!

Jim PathFinder Ewing
(Nvnehi Awatisgi)
Healing The Earth/Ourselves
(www.blueskywaters.com)
Lena, Miss.

I read the book - Inspiration - this booklet has a saying for everyday that keeps the thoughts on "Inspiration" in focus. I enjoy it very much.

I am enjoying reading all of wayne dyer's books. I find them quite
inspirational and full of wisdom. thanks, esther

Your Ultimate Calling: 365 Ways to Bring Inspiration into Your Life by Wayne W. Dyer could be a deck of cards or a one-day calendar as easily as a book. The book is in full color with photographs of nature and drawings of flowers and butterflies.

Dyer believes that inspiration can be cultivated and that it is an achievable state of being.

This book is essentially a distillation of Dyer's other works. He presents 365 basic spiritual principles in one or two sentences. This is not a book you sit down to read; rather it is a daily inspirational guide, best suited for meditative/contemplative purposes.

Here are three samples from the book:

"Thoughts themselves are an energy and it's vital to realize that you need to work on not holding on to the ones that will weaken you."

"When you're at peace with your life and in a state of tranquility, you actually send out a vibration of energy that impacts all living creatures, including plants, animals...and even babies!"

"The phrase I expect miracles is more than a New Age slogan, it's how you feel when you live each day in spirit. You leave the world of anxiety, fear, doubt, and impossibility and enter a new, wonderful world where all things are possible."

By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

This book is so beautiful. I received it as a gift and get inspiration everyday from it. Would highly recommed as a perfect gift when you dont know what to get a special person in your life.

This is Lesley's second book and well worth the purchase. So many ideas and information, very much like Quilted Memories, but oriented toward making books. It covers: tools needed, fabric usage, book binding methods, etc. There are so many wonderful examples of books made from many types of "fabric" like interfacing and other spun polyester materials, which is really inspirational. I took Lesley's class on making fabric books and this book is the perfect source for remembering and using what I learned. But, you don't need to take her class, all the information you need is right here. Many other artists also contributed work to the book and their efforts are really fun to see. Buy the book soon, you will go back to it often for inspiration and study.

This book really dind't offer anything new in the way of fabric books. I enjoyed the photos but it was not the caliber of work of her first bood.

I have a lot of books similar to this one, but was surprised to find some new and different ideas in it. I don't know how many times I've bought a book in this genre and wish I hadn't. Not so this time. I think it is well presented and written, good examples and some ideas I had not thought of and will probably actually use! So I would certainly recommend it if you've been thinking about playing around with fabric books and journals.

Leslie has beautifully demonstrated many fabric books which will give you ideas for making your own. A feast for the eyes! This book will get your creative juices flowing.

I'm French and had the chance to "speak" with the author through emails. It's a wonderful person and her book is also great. I just wanted to say I prefered her first book because there was more about Mix media, and I'm more "in the painting" than "in the Fabrics", but for people who love working with fabrics, it's a great source of inspiration. This books deserves to be read and kept in every home. I certainly don't regret to have bought it.
And I feel so lucky to be able to read English, I would have missed so much otherwise ! We are waiting for your next book, Lesley, I'm sure it will be great too. Yael from Paris

I enjoyed this book for an afternoon of nonsense fun!

While I think that most junkers wouldn't go to the extreme that these sisters do, they are a fun loving pair. I enjoyed their off beat ideas.

I have to admit there are a few nice ideas in this book but there isn't anything you couldn't have found on the internet. I was expecting some blow-by-blow instructions for "repurposing" rummage sale or curb shopping finds. Instead it was more a book on musings about being a trash to treasure kind of gal. I was disappointed and not just because I don't have a penchant for ball fringe either. I recommend that you check this out at your local library before committing to a purchase to see if it is the right T2T type of book for you.

Have you never passed a yard sale without stopping? Does your attic bulge with things you might find a use for someday? Are you always looking for new, innovative decorating ideas?

Answer "yes" to any of those questions and the "Salvage Sisters Guide" will kindle a kindred spark. Like a year's subscription to a decorating magazine for yard salers, their colorful, perky and practical book teems with ideas, good and bad.

Some of the good ideas are familiar. A patchwork quilt (or ottoman cover, tablecloth or lampshade-cum-chandelier cover), made out of your family's long-loved old clothes, for instance. Or the ball gown cut down for a table skirt. And I don't know that I've ever seen a cast-iron lobster-shaped cornbread mold used as a doorknocker, but it seems like I should have.

Then there's the bad ideas; who hasn't seen a nifty looking throw tucked neatly over an old chair's fraying upholstery? Looks great, as long as nobody sits on it. Making outfits for the whole family out of a couple of big, ugly curtains makes for a funny picture, but I wouldn't want to try it on my family. And I get the distinct feeling that most of the newsprint ideas - wreaths, mirror-frame covers, urns filled with crinkled balls - look a lot better in the pictures than in real life. As for shell art; it's downright dangerous.

But the twin-bed headboard set over the plain horizontal mirror (or door frame) really does smarten up the piece and the hundred and one uses for an old wine rack (from shoe rack to spa closet) are all inspirational. Plant stands make chair-side serving trays, umbrella stands, and even a whimsical toilet tissue stand.

The toilet tissue stand perfectly expresses the Salvage Sisters' philosophy: "Why tuck toilet tissue behind closed doors when you can make an amusing arrangement of it in plain sight on a plant stand? The best part: There's no risk of unknowingly running out."

A lot of their ideas require no work at all or just a simple lick of pain or spot of glue. But where more is required - such as hanging an old front-door pediment over a set of standard French doors, or making bookcases from discarded drawers or covering a straight-backed chair seat - detailed directions include all materials and tools needed as well as step-by-step instructions suitable for a person with no skills or experience.

Colorful pictures accompany everything and often feature family members, from kids on driftwood swings to husbands in homemade bow ties. Jackie the terrier is a frequent model in his sweater made from an old sleeve, his ball-fringe leash, and his charmingly decorated bedroom with the birdbath-stand night table (the bath basin is on the dining room table).

With words of wisdom like, "Rust is a variation of red; red is always an acceptable color" and "Never worry about how to get it home; just get it," the sisters have a make-do, can-do style that is as useful as it is humorous.

-- Portsmouth Herald

The cover photo shows classy "junk" on the top of the Salvage Sisters' car but when you get inside the book and see the hideous creations made of things like ball fringe.....well, I sent this one back.

This is almost a worthless book. Maybe I am just not getting it, but I am very disapointed, and I love revamping junk. Not a good buy.

An accompanying meditation cd reinforces the message in HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD, a guide to developing inner guidance and making wise decisions using devotion and guidance. From the basics of meditation and releasing blockages that prevent hearing the divine voice inside to learning to tell the difference between divine and other voices, this is a key acquisition for any spiritual library.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Most dog owners believe their best friend has innate heavenly qualities.
Their collaboration whether by fate or design only proves the beauty of that dependency."She Came From Heaven" will render that true story with the vivid colors of one person's life experience.

From page one, the story wraps around your heart and never lets go. Whimsey, the Black Lab who mysteriously arrived one night, carries the day
through the best and worst of times.

The laughter and tears keep the reader present, spellbound. But, as the story snakes around life's dangerous curves, the overriding spiritual message stays the course. Never give up! God is sovereign.

I have a black female lab and I have always felt she came from heaven.So when I read this book I cried. My story was simlar only my husband died suddenly, leaving me with my only with my (2) beautiful dogs, one a black lab and the other a mutt like Paisley.
The story moves a little slow, but in the end she brings you in and if you are a dog lover this is a must read book. Sometimes a dog will be give you hope and love in the darkest moments of your life and help you to face the future alone.

Living in what appears to be a normal marital relationship with its joys and tribulations, a precipitous and unexpected turn of events leaves a shocked spouse in great despair. It is through her earlier discovery and deep faith in God coupled with the sensitivity and loving attention of her female, canine companion (a gift from God) that she is able to put her life back together. The story is nicely sprinkled with well-timed, effective humor that adds an appropriate balance to the poignancy of the unfolding drama. Some colorful support characters richly inhabit this work, in particular, Mrs. Carrucci, a strong willed, opinionated, earthy neighbor with a giving heart for those she likes. We wish she were our neighbor!

This heartfelt piece is a great fast read and a veritable feast for the soul. We wholeheartedly recommend this book from first time author, Roseanne Pellicane and hope there will be many more.

Ken and Janice Winston

She Came From Heaven is a heartwarming and tender story of a young couple in their struggle for peace, love and happiness. Rosanne brings us along on her journey through a relationship with a complicated man who could not figure out how to deal with his problems, resulting in his untimely death. A little puppy, Whimsey, who adopted them, seemed to bring love and loyalty to this troubled man. Though Jim's dog, Whimsey soon develops a bond with Rosanne and becomes her support through some very difficult times. The message here, is that God is always there for us and He knows what is best for us if only we pay attention. Uplifting and inspiring, I recommend reading this tender story.

In this tender work we meet a couple and enter into the core of their lives. A couple just like so many others around the world, yet they were going to have an unexplained visitor who would touch both of their lives in a miraculous way. Both are animal lovers, so when a black Labrador appears at their home one night what could they do but take her in? Although Jim certainly felt a much more immediate attachment than our author did, the little puppy seemed to have been brought to them for a purpose. Whimsey, as she was named, seemed to have no past, and despite our authors desperate tries at finding her rightful owner that never happened, nor was she able to place the dog with anyone else. Whimsey soon became a part of the family and a sister and friend to Paisley, the couples other dog.
The story goes on and the couple lives life and all its struggles and challenges. Unfortunately, unbeknown to his wife, Jim could not handle what he was up against in life and killed himself. The trauma, heartbreak, questions, guilt and blame all began for Rosanne as she struggled to make sense of his death. Here is where she reaches out deeper to a God who loves her and finds solace in Him, and comfort in the companionship of Whimsey, who seemed to know her every thought and emotion.She becomes an anchor, a lighthouse through the storm, and a true friend and companion.
This story was one of life, pure and simple. Life is not often a Rose garden, but is more filled with challenges and sorrows as we walk the journey. In her walk, our author learned a simple yet complex fact. God is ever present, and often uses things, persons, and yes even animals to comfort us in our times of need. There is a lesson here that we need to be open to the knocking at our door with what maybe the very saving grace in the future. It is a story of heartbreak and sorrow, yet it is filled with courage and faith for a better tomorrow. A true heart to heart story.

This is NOT just a book. This is the LOVE of GOD. If you see just a book. LOOK AGAIN. Every word is imbued with truth and light. It won't matter even if you dont understand it with your intellect. Read it as a poem love song from our Father. Lisa, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. For allowing GOD to work through you ! I LOVE YOU !

Lisa's book is a must read for anyone trying to find the way back home. Her style is warm and loving and the only challenge is seeing the writing through the tears. Her honesty and generosity leap off the page to you. While many write of love, Lisa is love. She delivers the message from her heart to yours. You know that she's talking directly to you and that you need what she has to say. There's no doubt that the Holy Spirit wrote this book through Lisa.

It's easy to consider this kind of stuff as new age crap - as i used to be one of those bitchy & cynical people. But when I got to sick of my life being other than what I wanted I discovered such a thing as the law of attraction which obviously is working 24 hours a day whether you believe it or not. How did I know? Well because my life sucked.And what I was learning proved to me that I was doing it to myself because once I began to change my mind things did begin to change for me.

When I picked up a course of miracles I knew I needed a teacher. So I found Lisa. Lisa's book is such a help if you want to understand a Course in Miracles and want to understand yourself. It's a delightful read with plenty of new insights to awareness and perception.

With Lisa's guidance my thinking has become so much clearer to me. I am able to catch myself doing exactly that which will give me a negative result. Also I'm understanding so much more about the law of attraction.

In my opinion - my opinion is never humble ha ha I found Gorgeous for God to be refreshing, entertaining, thoughtful and mind expanding. I got more than my money's worth.

LISA NATOLI TAKES YOU BY THE HAND AND LEADS YOU DOWN THE ROAD OF 'A COURSE IN MIRACLES'.
THIS BOOK IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANYONE DOING THE 'COURSE'.IT SHOWS YOU JUST WHAT THE MIRACLES ARE AND HOW EASY IT IS TO START THE 'EXPERIENCE'OF PERSONAL JOY FROM DAY ONE......NOT AT THE END OF THE BOOK.IN FACT,THIS BOOK CAN STAND ON IT'S OWN FOR THE IMPATIENT ONES AMOUNG US!

Gushy new-age nonsense and feel good platitudes, coupled with blatantly pseudo-scientific nonsense expose this book for what it is: garbage.