Jerry Hicks & Gill Edwards – inspirational words on two sad losses

The personal development and spiritual community has felt the sadness of loss this week with the passing of Jerry Hicks and Gill Edwards on opposite sides of the pond within just a few hours of each other.

Esther Hicks has written touchingly about her husband Jerry ‘cutting out early’ on her. He will also be much missed by anyone who has loved Esther and Jerry’s Abraham books and workshops. Their teachings were the original source material for the Law of Attraction wave that swept the world and became inspiration for the thousands of books, films, essays and lectures supporting the current paradigm shift in consciousness.

Read Esther’s words on Jerry’s passing here

Those teachings of Abraham which Jerry co-authored were a huge influence on UK author Gill Edwards, best known for her work on ‘Living Magically’. Neale Donald Walsch, author of Conversations with God and a great friend of both Esther and Jerry and Gill, said of Gill’s work: “Gill Edwards has a special gift, a unique treasure, to offer humanity, and my soul sings its thanks to her every time I read a page of her writing.”

Gill used such moving words to console others facing bereavement that those closest to her have adapted them to her passing.

Read Gill’s thoughts on death here

And if you’re feeling sad, and want to focus on living magically, then check out

Gill’s Ten Invitations, taken from her book ‘Life is a Gift’

As we approach winter’s chill and Christmas, I hope all of the above brings you comfort and joy.

Love, God & The Art of French Cooking

Musician and author James Twyman and his co-author, French chef Roger Dufau are offering some rather interesting incentives for downloading the first three chapters of their new book ‘Love, God and The Art Of French Cooking’.

The book explores how the simple act of sharing a meal can change your life, since spiritual mastery is often achieved through our most ordinary experiences. It is based on James’ experience on meeting Roger, the owner of a small bed and breakfast outside Toronto, who dishes out lessons on love and God as easily as he does the most delicious cuisine.

Win a weekend for two

Download the first three chapters and you will have the opportunity to win a weekend for two at Roger’s‘Drew House’ in the village of Elora, where he also runs cookery classes. The area is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty as Elora lies along the Grand River, with its picturesque gorge and hiking trails,fly-fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

As well as being entered into the draw for the free weekend, download the first three chapters of Love and the Art of French Cooking and you will also receive three video lessons with Roger sharing some of his favorite recipes plus a live video chat with James and Roger.

Sharing & spiritual mastery

In the book you’ll discover Roger’s philosophy for increasing joy in your life and how love can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. You’ll find out why James and Roger believe our lives need to be crushed like garlic and why one of the most famous chefs in Paris would choose fried eggs as his last meal on earth.

Well worth a read I’d say. Head here to get to the sneak preview

Matt Furey – Master of his art

“Practice is just as important as competition. Losses are as crucial to our development as victories. Mistakes lead to success. And life can still be exhilarating after you’ve climbed the highest mountain in the world.” Matt Furey

It can take the internationally renowned artist David Hockney (one of the most influential British artists of the twentieth century) just two and a half hours to paint a canvas that later graces art galleries around the world and would fetch hundreds of thousands were it to be offered for sale.

It’s not just the urge to return into the warm from the freezing cold weather of a winter’s day in the Wolds of Yorkshire that means David can transform an oblong of white into an evocative pictorial representation of the scene in front of him in just those two and a half hours. Nor is it simply the desire to capture the scudding clouds, changing light and fleeting sun across a landscape before rain or sleet sets in.

His ‘eye’ for a subject has been honed through years of observation, so he identifies a location with ease. His brushwork is assured through thousands of hours of practice; likewise his ability to select and blend colour.

So the landscape unfurls and unfolds across the canvas as Hockney (in his element despite the cold) structures and shades trees and clouds and hedges, immersed in the creative process. Then it’s done and he can head back into the warmth. Another day, another painting.

Setting up an environment for success

Like anyone at the top of their game, Hockney makes it look easy in the aptly named documentary ‘A Bigger Picture’, which follows him as he works. It looks easy today because of all the painstaking practice which went before, coupled with passion, self-belief and training.

Why is this important to note? Because since the film ‘The Secret’ many people have been lulled into a belief that they merely have to intend an outcome and the Law of Attraction will swing into effect to bring their desired result.

Whilst intent – expectation – is of course extremely important, so too is disciplined practice – and that holds just as true for those seeking personal growth as it does for budding artists, musicians, business or sports people. Matt Furey in his latest book ‘Expect to Win, Hate to Lose‘, would say it’s about setting up an environment for success: “Regardless of a person’s environment or talent, if you set up a success environment in your own mind, you can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles”.

Champion

Furey should know. A former US national wrestling and world kung fu champion from Iowa , he achieved success at an early age, winning titles in his chosen sports of swimming and wrestling throughout his years at school and college. At the pinnacle of his prowess, he was a US national wrestling champion and became the first non-Chinese to take the world title in the ancient Chinese grappling art of Shuai-Chiao – the oldest style of kung fu.

Since then, he’s devoted his time to teaching people not just the physical disciplines which helped him achieve his titles, but the inner game of martial arts.

It’s those inner martial arts – mental skills – which he believes have been central to his success – both in sport and as an entrepreneur dedicated to helping other people get in shape, lose weight , improve their flexibility and create radiant health and abundance in all areas of their life.

Practice

Matt Furey looks like a wrestler – someone you certainly wouldn’t want to mess with. And yet his energy is gentle, his smile ready and his demeanour encouraging rather than threatening. But when it comes to helping you achieve success – and his book will give you “62 golden nuggets for under and over-achievers who want even more out of life”, he’s adamant that the buck stops with you:

“The bottom line is that you have no right to expect success if you do nothing to bring it about. You need to practice. A LOT. You imagine what you want, you see yourself excited about achieving what you want, then you make a vow to do WHATEVER it takes to make it happen. This is true in sports, in fitness, in business and in everything else….”

He’s not big on cry babies either!

“Fear, frustration and impatience are not part of the success process. Get over them. Challenge your mind to be free of the negative clutter that keeps your life in neutral. Do what champions do: when success eludes them, they focus more – not less. They recommit. They get tough.”

Irreverent

The blurb for Furey’s book ‘Expect to Win, Hate to Lose’, describes it, in a flurry of capital letters, as an: “Outlandish, Irreverent, Non-Sugar Coated Success Book Written by a World Champion Martial Artist and Entrepreneurial Genius Reveals Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Creating the Life of Your Dreams – But Never Learned Before Because You Were Surrounded By People Who Didn’t Know Either!”

And he has a point. Whether you are seeking to master art, business, a sport, help your kids, or pursue your own personal development, you only have to google your chosen subject and you will find a whole plethora of ‘experts’ willing to sell you their knowledge for a fee – sometimes small, sometimes eye wateringly huge.

That makes the cover price of $24.95 for Matt’s book an absolute bargain because here you truly are learning from a master of their art.

Advice & common sense

Matt’s book shares learnings from his Chinese mentors and the US coaches whose inner game helped shape his own success. From the Olympic gold medalist’s advice on mastering one move, to working through pain – physical or mental in your quest for success, effective visualization and the attitude of gratitude, there’s a whole range of techniques that everyone can use, whatever their goals in life.

You’ll learn the importance of centering and grounding in your body, to ensure mind and body work seamlessly together. And if you tend to give up on projects too soon or give in to self doubt, there are tips for perseverance and slaying your demons.

This is very much a book that men will enjoy – particularly dads as there’s some great advice to pass on to your kids – but I’m a woman and found it difficult to put down as it’s such a good and interesting read. It’s a page turner as they say, so don’t worry if wrestling and martial arts are really not your thing, this book is about self growth and it’s packed with simple tips, good advice and a lot of common sense.

I don’t know if the cover fee will go towards it, but check out the picture on page 117 – it’s a school Matt’s money has built in China. He’s given back to the country that taught him the inner game of mastery and 500 pupils now benefit from an education at his Hope School that they would not otherwise have received.

Matt is a true Master of his art and shares his secrets to success very generously. Highly recommended.

Get full details about ‘Expect to Win, Hate to Lose’ here

‘The Bond’ – new book from Lynne McTaggart

According to Lynne McTaggart’s new book The Bond, we humans succeed “only because we share, we care and we’re fair”, and yet, as a species we are in crisis because we believe we flourish through competition and fighting.

The Bond draws on scientific research to demonstrate that the idea of ‘us’ against ‘them’ is a fundamental misconception and one which has led to the crises we face today.

If we are to evolve as a species, argues Lynne, we must revert to our true nature as givers and sharers. Building relationships is key to turning our world around and even tiny acts of kindness can cause waves of generosity.

Lynne McTaggart is an internationally recognised spokesperson on the science of spirituality and the award-winning author of five books, including The Field, which has been published in 14 languages.

Find out more about The Bond at Hay House UK – plus there’s an opportunity to win tickets to Lynne’s talk at the Mind Body Spirit Winter Festival in London in November

Need a lightbulb moment?

If you need inspiration, you’ll be pleased to know that, according to the ‘Wizard of Light Bulb Moments’ Tom Evans, brilliant ideas can be had on demand.

Tom’s book ‘The Art and Science of Light Bulb Moments’ explains how the mind works (and doesn’t work) so that you can experience those light bulb moments about pretty much anything, any time you like.

Aimed at “anyone who wants to have a bright idea to change their world and indeed the world itself” the book teaches whole brain and whole mind thinking, where ideas come from – and why most thoughts are not necessarily your own!

If you are interested in the true nature of thought and consciousness, or would just like to tap into more of your own creativity, you can purchase Tom’s book on Amazon.

Or get yourself a free copy of the book as part of the package if you attend Tom’s full day ‘Art and Science of Light Bulb Moments’ workshop on 17 August  in Devon. The £55 ticket price includes a signed copy of the book, plus six MP3 visualisations and a set of Mind Map templates.

It promises to be a thoroughly experiential event, so if you’re in need of that Light Bulb Moment, head on over to get full details from Tom’s website.

What psychic children see

Leading psychic and Scottish Sun columnist Joan Charles has a new book all about psychic children. In ‘An Angel Walked Beside Me’ Joan shares conversations with the dead, extraordinary premonitions and how even toddlers seem to have a baffling sixth sense.

There are stories of love and loss, secrets and lies, in a detailed look at the amazing psychic abilities of children, both passed and on this plane.

Having had her first experience of the spiritual world at the age of four, Joan has had very personal experience of the extraordinary abilities a child can have. Her book also contains a collection of remarkable experiences from psychic children gleaned from 25 years of helping people with their spiritual and psychic questions.

Joan says: “I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has said to me that their children have spoken accurately of ancestors who died long before they were born. They can describe both their character and appearance. It doesn’t surprise me in the least but it can shock those left behind. Children, especially those who are spiritual and attuned to spirit, know so much.”

Joan’s book is available on Amazon for the reduced price of £4.19 (usually £6.99) and you can find out more about Joan at www.joancharles.co.uk

Excerpt from Neale Donald Walsch’s forthcoming book ‘The Storm Before The Calm’

Conversations with God author Neale Donald Walsch’s new book  The Storm Before The Calm will be published by Hay House later this year. In his book, Neale considers the role we can all play in the process that humanity is now undergoing, which he calls “the Overhaul of Humanity”.  It seems very topical, so I thank the CWG Foundation for sharing this excerpt.

“You have come here–to physical form, to this place called Earth, at this particular and critical time in history–to participate in the evolution of our species.

“I realize that this may sound grandiose, yet I believe deeply that it’s true. But a lot of people just don’t know what they can do, and so they assume there is nothing they can do. That’s just not true. There is a gentle assistance that Life invites you to provide right now. If you are willing to offer it, you could truly help to change the world.

“Please don’t allow yourself to be ‘scared off” by that big agenda. You won’t have to perform verbal somersaults or career back flips or relationship jumping jacks or financial miracles or whatever else you might think you’d have to do to get peoples’ attention or to make a difference on the planet. You don’t have to be a good speaker or a fabulous writer or a workshop presenter or any of that.

“Nothing that might involve you will be too much for you. And, as I have said now a couple of times, you will not be alone in this process. Thousands–many thousands–will be joining with you…and I shall be one of them. Yes? Okay? We’ll be doing this together!

“So here’s the scoop:  Your participation in the evolution of our species will be achieved through the work you do with your own Soul.

“Humanity could be just one conversation from paradise. That conversation begins with a talk that you have with yourself. It involves you questioning the prior assumption–about yourself, about who you are and why you are here.

“Now for some of you this idea of “working with your soul” may feel like a new concept. “How do you work with your soul?”, you may ask. It’s a fair question. No one teaches this stuff in high school. Very little is written about it. Churches don’t even get very deeply into it.

“As I have already done some of this work, I can tell you that it is the most exciting work you could ever imagine; the most fulfilling work in which you could ever engage; the most powerful work you could ever do. It is powerful enough to shift the reality of your person–and of a planet.

“In your conversation with your Soul you will ask the Four Fundamental Questions of Life: Who am I? Where am I? Why am I where I am? What do I intend to do about that? And when you finish asking yourself these questions (and answering them), I will invite you to ask them of others. Indeed, I am inviting all of humanity to ask these questions of all of humanity.

“I am inviting people everywhere to start a conversation with other people everywhere, asking the same questions they are asking themselves. I want to encourage people to engage other people at the same level at which they engage their own Soul. Because when they engage other people at this level, they will experience that they are engaging their own Soul. For this is the level at which we all experience that We are all One.

“When we speak to each other from that place of Oneness, we take a huge step in our evolution. So let us talk with one another. Let us have a conversation with humanity. Let us lead each other back home, by reminding each other of who we really are — in the aggregate, and in our individual expression.”

Hay House e-books offer

There are some great titles on a special e-book download offer until 7 June by Hay House authors including Wayne Dyer, Robert Holden, Louise Hay and Doreen Virtue.

With ten titles to choose from from $0.99 to $2.99 and free previews for Kindle, Nook and i-books, it’s worth a look at:

http://promos.hayhouse.com/ebooks/

The Contagious Power of Thinking

Can habits, attitudes, emotions and even kindness spread contagiously between people?  Author and scientist David Hamilton believes so and Life Change Secrets has obtained a special sneaky preview of his new book so you can find out how!

Influence

In The Contagious Power of Thinking, David explains how emotions really are contagious and brings us the science behind how we influence and are influenced by others, simply by the power of our thoughts.

For instance, do you know how infants feel their mother’s emotions, that your level of happiness is influenced by how happy your friends are, and that your brain reads and reproduces other people’s emotions? It’s fascinating stuff and David provides the scientific evidence to show how habits, attitudes, emotions and kindness spread rapidly outwards from person to person through personal contact.

Inspiration

David says: “I started writing this book because I wanted to show that kindness was contagious. One kind act, I had found when writing my last book, can inspire another person to perform a kind act, which in turn can inspire another, and so on. Even though it might sound idealistic, I honestly believe that kindness can make the world a better place.

“Just as a lily pad in a pond will rise and fall on the wave produced by a pebble dropped in that pond, so acts of kindness will raise the spirits of people we might never know. I soon realized that this effect isn’t limited to acts of kindness. When you’re happy, you make others happy. This isn’t just because of what you say or because you might be acting a little more exuberantly, it’s because they sense how you feel and it makes them feel the same way.”

Life & world changing

If what David says is true, this has important implications. It suggests that a small group of committed people really can change the world. “Everything you think, say and do can be felt by people on the other side of the world,” says David – find out how in The Contagious Power of Thinking.

You can get our special sneaky preview of the book here

And don’t forget, I’ll be interviewing David as part of the Healing Matrix FREE WEBINAR on Wednesday 18 May – register here

Save 40% – get the book for £5.99

There’s also a very special offer whilst David is Hay House’s Book of the Month in May 2011 – purchase The Contagious Power of Thinking from Hay House UK at a special discount price of 40% off – that’s £5.99 – or you can get the book from Amazon

 

Top 100 most spiritually influential people

Whether you agree or disagree with the trend for creating lists, Watkins’ recently published list of the ‘100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People’ highlights one important thing for me – our ability to learn from a vast array of people in the modern spiritual arena.

Global internet, radio, tv and telephone communications mean we are in the privileged position of being exposed to a whole plethora of information, views and debate which would have been unprecedented just 50 years ago.

Much outcry greeted the inclusion of US television talk show host Oprah Winfrey on the list at number eight – and yet, when one considers her ability to influence millions, she surely must be a part of that list. How else would Eckhart Tolle and the other teachers she has brought to the attention of the American people have gained such wide exposure?

The list is published in Watkins Review – compiled by the team at the much respected and loved purveyor of mind, body and spirit titles Watkins Books in London.  For me, it’s not about who’s in and who’s out, but who I’m aware of and who I’m not.

It must have been a hugely difficult task to hone the list down and the comments left on Watkins’ website show another 200 names have been put forward for inclusion in the next list.

For me the joy of this is not in our exposure to a burgeoning number of teachers, but the realisation of the huge and growing number of people who feel spiritually awake, aware and enjoying the process of personal enquiry and exploration. As one of those numbers I relish the opportunity of being exposed to new teachings and having the freedom to travel my own path.

For me, spirituality is very much a process of personal enquiry – the teachers who resonate with me and inspire me may be different to the teachers to resonate with you and inspire you, but the gift is that we have choice – freedom of thought and freedom of expression. And when one looks at the control exerted by fundamentalist religions and dictatorial regimes, one appreciates what a tremendous gift that is for those of us living in the ‘free’ world.

Visit Watkins website for the list of the 100 Most Spirituality Influential People where you will find links to purchase Watkins Review, with more in depth information about the people featured on the list.

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