Heart of Courage—Healing Words For Every Woman was written by Karen Wilson "as a gift of honesty and beauty for myself and also for other women and the men who love us."

Karen's sensitive, compassionate perspective and understanding resonates powerfully in this soul-baring, soul-sharing collection from her works.

For yourself, for a friend, or for that extra special woman in your life, Heart of Courage conveys deep feelings that are often carried quietly and instills a sense of comforting courage to continue.

Recently, a friend enthusiastically suggested a DVD called The Secret. Briefly summarized, this intelligent, inspiring, and empowering information is an amalgam consistent with some of the most powerful theories of The Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale), Silva Mind Development (Jose Silva), The Power of Intention (Wayne Dwyer), and others.

Too often, we get inexorably caught up or bogged down by negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. We begin to define ourselves by our perceived limitations. We can't imagine how things will ever change...and paradoxically, therein lies the solution! We must be able to imagine, formulate, visualize, and believe in these "wants".

This pictorial metaphysical encyclopedia is what crystal lovers all over the world have been waiting for!

The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian is the most in-depth, definitive guide to the world of crystals, minerals, gemstones and their metaphysical energies that has yet been written.

The Book of Stones can give you clear, easy-to-understand information that will help you enjoy the beauty and benefits of the mineral realm.

For more information 
or to order click here

(DVD)

This is the first DVD ever recommended on this site, and is clearly not your typical movie.  Part documentary, part fiction, and totally engrossing, this movie stimulates deep thought as it entertains.  Click on the movie title above for more information.

Transformational Bereavement by Susanne  Ritchie addresses the particularly challenging issues revolving around the loss of a beloved partner.  The necessary process of grief, confusion, and depression should not continue indefinitely, however.  This complicated issue is discussed in a caring and thorough manner, offering comfort and direction in these very vulnerable times.

The Survivor Personality: Why Some People Are Stronger, Smarter, and More Skillful at Handling Life's Difficulties...and How You Can Be, Too  by Al Siebert, Ph.D.

Guiding us through the challenges to survival, the author identifies and demonstrates behavior and attitudes that allow us to be survivors -- not victims.

Rather than beating us down, often these adverse situations serve to bring out the best in us.  Being able to get something positive from the difficult or even traumatic situations in our lives presents a distinct advantage available to each of us -- if we know how to do it.  This practical guide teaches us how to do just that.

Breathing Space: Living and Working at a Comfortable Pace in a Sped-up Society by Jeff Davidson

This book would  have made my book list long ago, but it was out of print for a time.  Fortunately, it is now again widely available.

The title sums up what many of us long for -- a chance to catch our breath by eliminating things, situations, and behaviors that are no longer of any use to us and have in fact become seriously oppressive burdens.  

But this book is more than about teaching us how to organize our lives better.  The imminently attainable goal is having greater control of our lives, how to handle the deluge of information, and how to feel better about each day.

This sequel to one of my favorite books, "The Lies We Believe", continues the enlightening journey of self-understanding and self-acceptance.  

Dr. Thurman's rational, no-nonsense approach and explanation of commonly held feelings forces us to reevaluate many of our beliefs and attitudes.  

Some examples are:

"I must be perfect"

"My unhappiness is somebody else's fault"

"My worth is determined by my performance"

Methodically analyzing and debunking these personal myths, the author shows us how to overcome these unrealistic and counterproductive attitudes.

Tremendously helpful on a personal level, but particularly relevant for those of us who regularly consult with clients.

On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the door to healing for survivors of sexual abuse
by Diane Mandt Langberg, Ph.D.

This is not an easy book to read.  But if you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse you need to read it.  Or if your practice in a counseling role brings you into contact with sexual abuse survivors you must read this book.

Dealing with this once taboo subject with compassion, hope, and spirituality, the author skillfully helps the healing process begin.  She addresses guilt, shame, anger, and the whole confusing spectrum of feelings associated with sexual abuse survivors.

Still Single: Are You Making Yourself Unavailable When You Don't Want to Be? by Casey Maxwell Clair

Finally, an author has addressed this issue.  So many people genuinely want to be involved in a meaningful relationship, yet often do the wrong things -- unconsciously sending the wrong signals and perpetuating behaviors that actually work against forming relationships.

Using real-life examples, the author skillfully guides us toward understanding what we really want in a relationship.   By making us aware of the ways that we sabotage the formation and nurturing of our relationships, we're better able to identify the obstacles that we create, that result in preventing the relationship that we want.

Never Be Lied to Again: How to Get the Truth in 5 Minutes or Less in Any Conversation or Situation
by David J. Lieberman

Including, but going far beyond observing body language, this book relates easily-used techniques to tell if someone is being untruthful.  Learn how people's choice of words and inflection can be a tip-off to underlying deception.  

Emotional Resilience: Simple Truths for Dealing with the Unfinished Business of Your Past by David Viscott, M.D.

Guiding us through life without being burdened by unrealistic fears and by improving our communications with those closest to us is the purpose of this month's recommended book.

God's Debris: A Thought Experiment by Scott Adams

This month's recommended book is not an astrology book -- in fact I'm not sure that a category exists that would adequately describe it.  Though it's written by the author of the Dilbert cartoons it certainly isn't humor. 

It's relatively short and is definitely a quick read... but it's sure to leave you looking at everything around you differently.  It was recommended to me by one of my best friends who loaned it to me saying, "See what you think..."  Although I'm still not sure what I think, I'm sure thinking about things differently than I ever would have imagined prior to reading it.  

Listening : The Forgotten Skill  by Madelyn Burley-Allen explains how to acquire and develop active, productive listening skills.  Identified as much more than hearing, true listening is not a passive process.  Requiring substantial effort on the part of the listener, true listening gives the talker a feeling of importance which, in turn, enhances cooperative, mutually rewarding communication.  Being highly selective and subjective, each listening situation involves perception, reception, and attention. 

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements as presented by the author reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.

Life 101 - Everything We Wish We Had Learned About Life In School - But Didn't by John-Roger & Peter McWilliams.  I often recommended this book to clients and friends.  Even though it's rather "light" reading, the principles and concepts often reflect something we already intuitively knew (or should have known) at some deep level of our brains.  It all is so simple -- yet so profound.