Media MixSpoken-audio CD and DVD reviews by Janine DePaulo
 The Living Matrix
$19.95, one DVD, 85 minutes, Emaginate/Beyond Words Distribution, www.thelivingmatrixmovie.com
Those in the body-mind-spirit industry are no strangers to the concept of self-healing, but for the average person who has relied on conventional Western medicine for most of his/her life, this may be a revolutionary idea. The Living Matrix, a feature-length documentary about the science behind energetically based healing, covers the topic in depth with interviews of experts such as cellular biologist Dr. Bruce Lipton, author Lynne McTaggart, and CEO of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Dr. Marilyn Schlitz. The film explores both the science (quantum physics, among other things) and the mystery behind so-called miraculous healing, pointing out that an estimated 30% of what we think of as conventional healing is, in fact, the placebo effect, which has never been fully explored, explained, or utilized by mainstream science. The scientists, healers, and practitioners who appear in the film describe the body as being tied to an energetic field of information and suggest that by simply adjusting the field, we can ease or even cure a wide variety of diseases. Well-produced, timely, and fascinating, The Living Matrix offers hope for those suffering illness and a strong alternative view of healing for those open to it.  Dahn Yoga Essentials
Dawn Quaresima
$19.95, one DVD, 80 minutes, Best Life Media, www.bestlifemedia.com
The first thing you notice is that this is not simply another iteration of classic yoga poses. Dahn (“primal life energy”) yoga was developed as part of the Brain Education System Training (BEST) program, which incorporates energetic principles from the Korean tradition. The exercises are clearly designed to stimulate energy as instructor Dawn Quaresima and two demonstrators gently pummel their own midsections with loose fists to activate the third chakra. Unusual? Perhaps, but the principles are well-explained and the series of exercises are accessible for almost any level of practitioner, including beginners. For those interested in exploring an alternative style of yoga, this DVD is a good recommendation.  The Little Soul and the Sun
Neale Donald Walsch
$20, one DVD, 59 minutes, Waking Up Media, www.littlesoulandthesun.com
Adapted from Neale Donald Walsch’s classic children’s tale The Little Soul and the Sun, this animated film tells the story of a little boy, Max, who is being bullied at school by his classmate, Karl. When he tells his mom about it, she comforts him with a fable about a little soul who asks God to let him experience what forgiveness is, and the soul’s friend in heaven agrees to help by giving the soul something to forgive during a lifetime on Earth. The message, of course, is that bad things that happen to good people are not really “bad” things at all, but opportunities to experience another aspect of life in the universe. Young Max, for instance, takes what he learns about forgiveness and applies it on a field trip the next day, ultimately befriending Karl. Intended for young children around ages 4 to 10, the story is simply and engagingly told, the computer animation sweet and whimsical. But Walsch—who appears in both a 3-minute introduction and a 26-minute “Insight” segment for adults—makes it clear that the story has spiritual depth he hopes parents will benefit from, as well. Indeed, this spiritual fable holds great impact for those open to its message of forgiveness and shining portrayal of a benevolent universe.
 Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers
Abby Wills
$16.95, one DVD, 90 minutes, Shanti Generation, www.shantigeneration.comNicely presented in eco-friendly packaging, this yoga DVD is designed to appeal to kids aged 7 and up. It features teens demonstrating a variety of yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices as instructor Abby Wills guides the viewer through the movements. Structured as a Library of Poses in three categories—Focus, Energy, and Calm—along with a Breathing Room and Self-Connection Room, it also features the individual segments arranged into five 30-minute sequences with titles such as Creating Happiness and Choosing Peace. While the instruction is clear and the poses and exercises are classic yoga, the pace is smooth and swift, so probably best suited for kids who have already had some basic instruction. A bonus feature includes interviews with the teens who talk about why they love doing yoga—an effective way for young viewers to connect to the DVD and to the yoga lifestyle. Spoken-audio CDs  Shamanic Meditations: Guided Journeys for Insight, Vision, and Healing
Sandra Ingerman
$19.95, two CDs, 120 minutes, Sounds True, www.soundstrue.com
Sandra Ingerman leads listeners through an essential introduction to shamanism and guides them on meditative journeys on this spoken-audio companion to the book she co-authored with Hank Wesselman, Ph.D., Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation. The two-CD set stands on its own as an excellent introduction to the principles of shamanism—reverence for nature, the oneness of all things—as well as its history. Ingerman’s 18-minute “Welcoming in the Spirits” ritual is a powerful and engrossing initiation punctuated by rattle, drum, and whistle. But perhaps the greatest value is in the guided journeys, which lead the listener into the lower world and upper world, for example, to meet a guardian spirit or animal guide and a “teacher in human form.” In each of these journeys, Ingerman allows moments to request healing from the spirits you meet and opportunities to ask questions and receive visions. For those unfamiliar with shamanism, these rituals and journeys may feel like foreign territory but Ingerman’s down-to-earth style makes them invaluable tools for learning about and, indeed, experiencing the benefits of those ancient beliefs and practices.  Sleep Deep (25 minutes)
 Healing the Heart (31 minutes)These three guided meditations (sold separately) feature Anando, a student of Osho for 30 years and now a meditation teacher in her own right. The first CD, Sleep Deep, is a classic, hypnotic meditation that lulls the listener into releasing his/her stresses, tensions, and worries to fall into a recuperative, natural sleep. Anando’s voice is gentle and perfectly modulated for allowing the mind to drift and the body to relax. On the second CD, Healing the Heart, she uses calm, easy instruction to help listeners release hurts from the past to free up space in their hearts for new experiences. The third CD, Healing the Inner Child, encourages the listener to envision a safe place inside the consciousness in which to meet one’s younger self. Anando suggests questions to ask and ways to help reconnect with that child so that he/she feels cared for and protected. On all three CDs, Anando’s voice is a soothing and effective guide that at no point feels strange or out of reach, even for those unaccustomed to guided meditations. For this reason, they are all strong recommendations to customers at any level of meditative practice.  Chakras for Beginners Audiobook: A Guide to Balancing Your Chakra Energies
David Pond
$26.95, four CDs, Llewellyn Worldwide, www.llewellyn.com
In the audio edition of his 1999 book, Chakras for Beginners, David Pond introduces the listener to the basic concept of the seven chakras. He describes each chakra in detail, explaining its function and purpose in our lives, along with symptoms we may experience if it is out of balance. In addition, he suggests ways we can regain balance of our chakras, including exercises and techniques that are easy for the beginner to practice. This focused yet thorough guide is a perfect recommendation for its target audience of beginners and anyone else interested in a smart, well-explained overview of the chakra system. Janine DePaulo is associate editor of New Age Retailer. |