Several months back, I was given the book The Bridge: A Seven Stage Map to Redefine Your Life and Purpose.  I thumbed through it and thought, “Hmmm, very interesting, I’ll have to read this . . . someday.”  Well, while going through some personal challenges recently, I thought I should sit down with The Bridge.  I have to tell you, I could not put it down—I now know I will be referring back to it, time and time again.  I should have read this book long ago.
 
In The Bridge, Dr. Marilyn Powers and Steve Viglione clearly and “non-clinically” explain a path of self examination, decision making, emerging renewal, with eventual/ongoing personal radiance.  Not an instant cure-all for everything that ails your soul, the reader soon understands the work necessary to travel the road to a better life. The work may not always sit pleasantly on one’s mind or heart, but this book addresses the strategic issues and perceptions that must be dealt with and reconciled if you wish to develop a true and joyful life.

One quick example of how The Bridge has already impacted my life? Almost immediately after finishing reading it, I sat down and clearly wrote a “Vision” of how I see my life going forward.  I affirmed the environment in which I wanted to live my life, and under what terms and conditions.  Spelled out very vividly, I shared it with the world.  I am already seeing this purposeful initiative unfolding in my life.  Pretty cool, huh?

Learn more and purchase The Bridge at http://www.iamfoundation.org/marilyn-powers-books.html?bpid=382

On this Father's Day, I wanted to share a short passage from my forthcoming book; Drain You Brain, Find Your Mind....enjoy!

The Element of Compassion

The morning after the first surgery.  

    As I came to grips with my requirement for a readjustment of my self-image and the need to forgive myself, for some reason I began to ponder the necessity for compassion. I found this kind of peculiar. What does compassion have to do with a supreme understanding of what I was going through? I looked up the meaning of the word and it stated, “The sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others…” I was still a bit confused about what that had to do with me, so I sought some insight. 

    One of the things I did to try to lessen the self-imposed anguish I was going through was to say to myself, “Hey, there are certainly many who have gone through much worse than you are experiencing right now.” I tried to believe that, but somehow I found myself coming up short on imagining that anything could be worse than what was in my head right now. When you just can’t find it in you to look beyond your own suffering, it is very difficult to recognize and feel any compassion for anyone else’s suffering. So, I came to a point of resolution that I had to find a means to deal with my own fear, pain and self-doubt in order to be clear enough to show compassion for others. When I came to that level of revelation, it only lent further impetus to my pursuit of self-healing. 

   As I drew closer in my ability to deal with my problem through the inner Spiritual Tools that I was accumulating, it became more clear that my capacity to look beyond myself and forward to those who were in the same, if not worse condition, was indeed possible. As I pushed onward, this urge to show compassion was helping me by giving me a required sense of clarity. When I was finally able to abate my fear and self-loathing, I knew that the by-product of what I had accomplished would be the ability to assist others. That is the primary reason that I do what I am doing right now. That is writing down my story and explaining what I have gone through so that, if needed, you too will comprehend the truth that you can find a path by going within and seeking outer guidance and support to create your own tools of healing. I put this out as an expression of my Compassion for you and sincerely hope that you accept it and that it brings you awareness and divine solace.

Hello Friends...I wanted to share the first chapter of my upcoming book...I hope you enjoy!

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“As I Lay Dying…”

Here I am, once again, lying on a surgical table in Redwood City, California, preparing for yet another brain surgery.  At this point in my Incredible Journey, I have lost my ability to speak, the use of the right side of my body and I realize that if I don’t go through with this experience, I will most likely not survive.  You would think that after two brain surgeries a person would get use to it, but I am sure you never really do.  The fact that they just informed me that I would be awake for this one puts a whole new spin on the moment.  I had seen a television program about this type of procedure.  I am not sure whether it was on the Learning Channel or the Sci-Fi Channel, but it sure was interesting and, I must say, a little disconcerting.  Right now, I wish I had paid a little more attention to the show.  I am certain that if I do survive this ordeal at least it is going to make for some pretty interesting cocktail party chatter.  

I am thinking about trying to ask the surgeon if she could remove the memory of a few old girl friends while she’s in there.  I am sure that my health insurance doesn’t cover that; but, I guess, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

            They say that when you draw close to the end of your life, the moments that have composed that life pass before you.  With all of the incredible experiences I have had in my humble existence, I am sure I will not have nearly enough time to ponder on all that has made my wonderful life.  I have known and deeply embraced love, beauty, friendship, abundance, prosperity and, most important to me, the love of my beautiful child, Lucy.  I could not have asked for a better life and, if I do not survive this surgery, I can honestly say, I will be leaving this life in full gratitude and appreciation for what the Universe has bestowed upon me.

            The surgical team has entered the room and it appears that they are preparing for the “Grand Opening.”  Well, this should be interesting…

Below is a passage from my book that explains my revelations around "Silence" as I lost my ability to speak due to complications after the second of my four brain surgeries.

The Blessing of Solitude

Hello Friends!   The eBook version of Drain Your Brain, Find Your Mind - A Journal of Renewal has been placed for purchase right now via Smashwords.  It will soon be available through major online eBook retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Sony, Apple iPad iBookstore, Kobo (and Borders) and the Diesel eBook Store, and to all major smart phone platforms via app providers such as Stanza, Aldiko, Kobo and Word-Player.  If you would like to learn more about the book (and perhaps purchase an eBook version...) just go to the attached link below...

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/157639

Thanks to everyone who has supported the effort to push this project forward.  You are greatly appreciated!

Ahhh...on this wonderful Sunday morning I have finished doing a thorough edit of my work and will soon have it available to download through Smashword in most any eBook form you want it. I will keep you abreast of when it will be available. Yea!!!

Good Morning, Dear Followers!  I wanted to let you know that we will soon have Drain Your Brain, Find Your Mind available to you as an eBook (in most very eBook form) through a great site called SmashWords.  We will keep you posted on the progress and let you know as soon as the book is available.  I also wanted to thank the 458 (and growing...) people who are following our Book Gifting Program on Facebook.  If you would like to join the group ( and there is plenty of room!) you can go to www.facebook.com/GiftABook.  Thanks again for ALL of the early support we are receiving.  You are appreciated and we are extremely excited!