Reviews

Brain on Fire

Eye-opening and brave, this read will keep you turning page after page.

I was captivated within seconds of  reading Brain on Fire written by Susannah Cahalan. This bestseller is a powerful memoir of Susannah’s medical mystery. Her narrative takes us through the story of how her 24 year old self went from vibrant living to a life of being violent, psychotic and bed bound. She is vulnerable in her writing and bravely honest with each stage of her nearly missed diagnosis and an unremembered month with moments she can only recollect through her parents journals, medical records, interviews and video footage. Keeping you engaged as each chapter passes, this story takes you on a journey of survival and perseverance; of love and of strength.

If you’re into autobiographic writing, I will say that Brain on Fire is unquestionably important for all humans to read. As Cahalan writes “It’s a reminder of  how fragile our hold on sanity and health is and how much we are at the utter whim of our Brutus bodies.”

Brain on Fire

 Keep calm & read on. xx

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

MonkWhoSoldHisFerrariThis inspiring and wonderfully crafted fable written by Robin Sharma, takes you through the essential steps to higher living. To living a life with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. It was my first read for 2016 and a good choice at that. Inspiring me to shine brighter this year and play into the poetic possibilities of life. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate read to kick-start the year!

This tale reveals the revelations of Julian Mantle, former superstar lawyer, as he embarked on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment after a near death experience. His findings outline steps to follow in life to ensure your desires come true. All of which, I am sure we know, but often forget to put into practice. Here they are as an important reminder for us all.

  1. Have a clear vision of your outcome
  2. Create positive pressure to keep you inspired
  3. Never set a goal without attaching a timeline to it
  4. Go out and buy a journal, your dreambook
  5. Magic Rule of 21- for new behavior to crystallize into a habit, one is said to perform the activity for 21 days in a row

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

These 5 treasures of wisdom, along with the 10 rituals for radiant living, (briefly touched on below) will enrich your everyday and bring great balance and control. Take a moment for yourself, curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and this read. I promise you it is sensational and a book you will not want to put down.

And for later reference and because I love these so much; I’ll share with you a snippet from the Rituals for Radiant Living.

Ritual of Solitude– ensuring that your daily schedule includes mandatory period of peace, for your soul to recharge and explore the healing power of silence. Understand who you are.
Ritual of Physicality– as you care for your body, you care for your mind. Get your blood circulating and your body moving for increased energy. At least, 5 hours per week should be invested in physical activity.
Ritual of Live Nourishment– as you nourish your body, you nourish your mind. Your diet affects your clarity and mood. Enjoy live foods that are created through the natural interaction of the sun, air, soil, and water.
Ritual of Abundant Knowledge– lifelong learning and expanding the knowledge base while taking daily, consistent action to apply the knowledge and realize your dreams.
Ritual of Personal Reflection– taking the time to get to know yourself.
Ritual of Early Awakening– rise with the sun and start the day off well.
Ritual of Music– never forget the power of music. Improves mood and motivates.
Ritual of the Spoken Word– recite a series of mantra every morning, noon, and night. See the effects, keeping focused, strong and happy.
Ritual of a Congruent Character– do the right things. Take daily, incremental action to build your character.
Ritual of Simplicity– live a simple life. Focus on your priorities, those that are meaningful and better for your well-being. Take pleasure in the simple things.

 

Happy Reading. xx

Understand Ayahuasca

What sparked my interest in Ayahuasca, a medicinal plant found in the Amazon was the experience of Michael Sanders, who ventured to Peru to experience the healing effects of this psychedelic plant. In light of the launch of the crowdfunding campaign for his book Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment, I thought I’d share some information on this medicinal plant + some insight of what you can expect from his upcoming book.

For centuries, South American shamans have been using Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine to heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Treating conditions ranging from depression to cancer, it is often referred to as “30 years of psychotherapy in a cup.”

Ayahuasca also known as “Vine of the Soul” has shown a powerful effect on one’s spiritual process and can enable, healing, awakening, and understanding. This medicinal brew triggers a release of negative energy and emotions that can lead to a spiritual awakening, relating to one’s purpose, the true nature of the universe, higher spiritual dimensions and how to better oneself as a person. Additionally, there are many ways Ayahuasca has helped individuals heal physically. It has been shown to aid in the cure of depression, addiction, chronic fatigue, anxiety, pain, trauma, and disease.

Now Ayahuasca is not suited for everyone, but it is an alternative form of healing that is gaining more attention in Western culture, opening eyes to the renewing properties of the unconscious mind. It is fascinating experiences like Michael’s that will transform your way of thinking.

I was fortunate enough to take pleasure in reading a sample chapter from Michael’s, Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment.  With a taste of 31 pages referencing his first of three shamanistic ceremonies, I was engaged with fascination and wonderment. His words are instantly entrancing, his details are poetic in nature; the pages combined offer a read that flows without effort, leaving the mind at ease to explore a world unknown. Knowing Michael personally I had high expectations of the eloquence to be displayed in his book, and in this short chapter I can surely say that he exceeded my expectation and his writing is in company with the likes of great literature.

Each word exudes pure brilliance as Michael dives into the details about his journey to Peru on the quest for clarity and enlightenment. Deep in the Amazon jungle, he partakes in three shamanistic ceremonies with the psychedelic plant medicine known as Ayahuasca. What Michael experiences shatters the paradigm of reality in which he formerly operated and opens his mind to new, wonderful ways of thinking about life and the universe.

I predict that this book will be nothing short of magical and inspiring to people around the world.

I highly recommend you jump on the support wagon and pre-order your copy of Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment, I guarantee you will not be disappointed as you get lost in his words and left awestruck. Plus, by backing the project, you will save up to $1,200 on an Ayahuasca retreat in the Amazon jungle. 🙂

Ayahuasca An Executive's EnlightenmentBe Enlightened. xx

The Prophet

The Prophet- Kahil Gibran

Published in 1923 and translated into more than twenty languages, this book is truly a timeless masterpiece and in my opinion should be the universal bible. A must read for all.

Each sentence is undoubtedly magical in its words and massages your soul with satisfaction and yearn for more. It’s one of those books that flows so beautifully that it is hard to put down, yet each verse explodes with profound insight that you need to break and absorb the brilliance.

Gibran’s philosophy on life is poetic, lucid, and a classic for all to live by for all time. He gracefully touches on 26 of the most important aspects of life and his words are powerfully intense. Touching on love, giving, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, pain, friendship, time, and more, there is no point that’s overlooked. These 96 pages are an all-consuming read, filled with enlightenment and wonder. You will not be disappointed.

The Prophet certainly tops my lists for a must read, must have, and a must live. Please treat yourself and get lost in the eloquent words of Mr. Kahil Gibran.

The Prophet

 Just Read. xx