January 2008 Books
Blessing of the Animals; Divine Duality; Beyond the Secret
Blessing of the Animals
A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating
Pets & Other Creatures
When Diana told me her latest book was a collection of anecdotes, prayers and ceremonies celebrating pets and animal blessing traditions, I was a little confused. A serious animal professional associated for many years with a variety of top-name zoos, animal shelters, pet rescue groups, and other animal industry facilities and businesses, Diana writes for zoological journals, pet and veterinary industry publications, and magazines throughout the world. Had she gone off the deep end into schtick ?
I'm a sucker for animals, but my taste tends more toward appreciating their basic natures than toward dressing them up and gushing over them, So it was with some trepidation that I opened Blessing of the Animals… and embarked upon what turned out to be a most fascinating adventure. It didn't take long for my heart to open… and only a little longer for my mind to let go of judgment.
The book opens with a brief historical perspective on the involvement of animals in religious and spiritual ceremonies, followed by a visit to ecumenical centers around the world that have integrated animals into their activities. For example: ‘Hymns and Hounds' in Orlando offers a'‘yappy hour' following the Sunday sermon. What a howl! as the dogs bring the people together.
And it's the pets that deepen the bonds between families… via pet parties and contests, and even gatherings as controversial as ‘muttrimony' and'‘meow mitzvah' ceremonies. Don't roll your eyes! Yes, some of it is pretty silly—and sure to hit a pet lover's ‘furry bone'. But there's a wealth of serious healing going on.
This unique collection of anecdotes, prayers and ceremonies celebrating pets and animal blessing traditions makes for an engaging read. Every page brings a new surprise. Sweet and funny and touching, it is a perfect reflection of Diana's vast understanding of the gifts our animal friends have to offer us. Written with compassion and appreciation for a wide range of sensibilities, it is the perfect gift for that friend or relative on your holiday list with a soft spot in their heart for animals. But don't be surprised if they try to get you to read it, too! Because they love you.
—Chiwah
Divine Duality
The Power of Reconciliation Between Men and Women
Divine Duality is the culmination (so far) of one man's commitment, in concert with other men and women all over the world, to taking a hard look at the shocking reality of gender inequality worldwide, at the pain it creates for both men and women, and at models that have shown promise for bridging the gap.
The title of the first chapter, “Oasis of Truth,” reveals much about the challenge of healing the age-old rift between men and women. The crux of the problem is that the rift is so ancient, so deeply grounded in social and religious mores, that it is almost never afforded recognition or honest, unbiased appraisal.
The book opens with the story of a Tibetan nun who has spent her life challenging the accepted dogma that said she would have to be reborn as a man if she wanted enlightenment. The turning point came when she challenged three monks to go into meditation and ask for an explanation. When none came, the truth became evident: the dictum was false. Her courage and determination eventually led to the Dalai Lama's declaration that women, indeed, can become enlightened.
In context after context, the author shows how “The essence of the [gender healing] process at its best is basically the same: women and men join together as equals, they get deeply honest with each other about their experiences, and through this process they heal past wounds, awake to new realizations together, teach a place of reconciliation and forgiveness, and are thereby mutually transformed.”
Divine Equality is a serious attempt to provide a much needed discussion of the topic, as well as applications to contemporary contexts of models that have produced successful results. The rift between men and women is something that touches all of our lives every day. I heartily recommend a thoughtful reading of this book, in the hope that we may be inspired to make real change where it counts. Right here.
—Chiwah
Beyond the Secret
Spiritual Power and the Law of Attraction
Using the Law of Attraction may allow you to draw anything you want into your life—but will it be good for you?
In— Beyond the Secret , Dr. Lisa Love provides a thoughtful framework in which to operate to assure that it's your spirit, not your ego, that you rely on to decide what to ask for. She leads us through orienting toward spirit and soul, noticing sensations, thoughts and feelings, and dealing with the shadow in ourselves and others to the final step of delivering on our dreams.
Whereas it's common to feel overwhelmed by what we call negative emotions, she points out that “there are no good or bad feelings.” From sorrow and anger to happiness and joy, she says, “there are only needs trying to get fulfilled” based on the way we interpret events in the world around us.
I found her treatment of emotions—our own and others'—compelling and constructive. When it comes to our own feelings, she offers insights that make it easier to get a handle on our emotions, along with psychological and spiritual techniques for mastering the ego. For those times when we find others interfering with our progress, she offers tools for diffusing negativity and minimizing sabotage.
You know that old saying, “Be careful what you ask for, as you just might get it—especially if you're deliberately calling on the Law of Attraction. The thrust of this book is to reveal “a ‘secret' much more profound and meaningful to your life than the one illustrated in The Secret ,” one that will allow you to use the Law of Attraction safely and well.
—Chiwah
