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by John Calabrese, Huntington, NY
Rarely does a question mark say so much, but the one at the end of Snap Out of It? literally blares the truth: that we do not just “snap” out of anxiety and panic, but rather learn to diligently work our way out of it. Even though many people are predisposed to various gradients of anxiety, it is usually a symptom of something deeper: a void in our ability to see ourselves clearly, which then interferes with being able to respect and care for ourselves properly, especially when it comes to focusing on the right thoughts. Relaxation, proper breathing, sleep and counseling are part of a comprehensive approach that is tremendously remediating when utilized consistently, along with peripherals such as nutrition, medication, and yoga. Rothschild’s emphasis is on taking responsibility for your anxiety – how you may have contributed to its onset and/or continuance, and how unfair it is to burden others indefinitely because you’re not doing everything possible to successfully resolve or manage it. To this end, he strongly urges readers to become their own “researchers,” thereby learning as much as possible in order to become as empowered as possible.
CHOOSING TO BE Depression and Buddhism are words that rarely go together. But Tansey’s partautobiographical, semi-fictional work interweaves the two states of mind in a simple-yet-thorough explanation of how one can – over time – extinguish the other. For those of us who have suffered from depression, either mildly or to the extent that we considered taking our lives, the idea of getting back to where we “were” before all the sadness is tantalizing: Just give me a pill, make me better, I don’t have time for this. But it doesn’t work that way, because it appears as though the majority of depressive states are often due to long-standing issues with a poor quality of thinking, and how closely we wind up “identifying” ourselves with these negative cognitions. Essentially, we don’t realize what’s happening until it creeps up on us and turns our lives sideways or even upside down. Choosing to Be is the story of a woman dialoguing with her cat, Poohbear Degoonacoon, who serves as a wise monk on her journey out of selfimposed selfimposed darkness. It’s a short, original, comfortingly readable introduction to the Buddhist path, a way of living that places the primary responsibility for our happiness into our own paws, er…hands. NOTES FROM THE EDGE TIMES
Having difficulty getting a grip on our current national and world “condition”? Look no further: Notes from the Edge Times covers a tremendous range of topics relevant to the potentially massive coming changes in the next few decades. Pinchbeck, known for his insightful work around the 2012 phenomenon, is a perceptive and discerning social critic. Edge Times is an astonishing array of powerful commentaries on the values and perceptions we need to transition away from, as well as those we desperately need to embrace. Asking readers to examine their ideas about money, politics, ego, lifestyles, government, intention, spirituality and the future – to name just a few – the gradual, essential shifting of personal and collective paradigms begins. Our children and grandchildren will live in a downsized America, but hopefully a more sustainable, commonsense alternative to the one created by consumption and blind adherence to social conditioning. Since accurate information generally reduces worry and anxiety, introduce yourself to one of the best guides out there, so that your future arrives not by default, but rather with some level of meaningful preparation.
“Manifesting,” or co-creating, has become an almost nauseatingly familiar catch-word these days, while tossing around the phrase “quantum physics” is equally as commonplace in holistic circles. But how many people really understand the basics of the science – and how it actually applies to the concept of “co-creation”? Enter Kim Marcille Romaner, a business owner, corporate consultant, and longtime advocate of possibilities. To her credit, there is no flakiness in this book: all key ideas are backed up by references and/or real life examples. For instance, in the chapter “Decoherence: Living on the Edge between Possibility and Reality,” an impressive, easy-to-understand explanation of quantum physics is provided (not an easy thing to do in a few pages…), along with its relationship to the phenomenon of decoherence. Dovetailing studies are cited in the section on belief that are on the forefront of this emerging “science of possibilities.” Romaner clearly demonstrates how decoherence and belief work together to create a conscious quantum state of existence, where you have more (instead of less) control over your environment. “Your beliefs alone can sabotage the internal environment necessary to make your dreams come true,” she urges. And she’s right, more than we might realize.
John Calabrese is the Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine and has a private counseling practice in Huntington, NY. |
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SNAP OUT OF IT? A Quick Guide
THE SCIENCE OF MAKING THINGS
HAPPEN: Turn Any Possibility
Into Reality