Why Buffalo Dance By Susan Chernak McElroy

Published by New World Library

Have you ever felt somewhere deep inside of you that there are life lessons to be learned by watching animals, plants and the elements of nature? Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Why Buffalo Dance, feels that, “No other aspect of creation speaks to us as urgently or compassionately about the necessity to live life with fullness and integrity as the song...of [the seasons].”

Divided into four parts, each representing a season, this book is a compilation of stories that share McElroy's real-life experiences. She observes and learns from animals and nature and their interactions with each other. She then passes those lessons on to her readers.

In the winter section of her book, McElroy shares about the time she took her dog for a walk and he interacted with a deer. At first, the dog scared the deer, but through animal communication both soon relaxed. Then the deer turned and interacted with the dog, having realized the dog was not there to cause harm. Based on this experience, McElroy encourages readers who are facing a hardship to try to stop and face the fear. She reminds us that we may find out that the situation is not that bad after all. Included within the pages are many more anecdotes similar to this one. As a result, this book is perfect for providing daily contemplation, encouragement and perspective.

Reviewed by Benjamin Szweda. He can be reached at writerfeedback.bjs@mac.com.

It's Easy Being Green By Crissy Trask

Published by Gibbs Smith

It is in the news constantly: the Earth is getting warmer; farmland is disappearing; animal species are dying out; we are running out of oil; many of our lakes and streams are becoming toxic cesspools; and the latest news is that in 40 years, the oceans will be devoid of fish. Most people recognize that something needs to be done, but aside from recycling, what else can one do to help save our planet?

In answer to that, Crissy Trask has written this wonderful guide to living “green” called It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-friendly Living. She begins by dispelling myths that people associate with green living – that the products may be more expensive, harder to find, that we have to sacrifice things that we love, or that one needs to live like a hippy on a '70's commune to be successful at this. She points out that changing little habits, such as turning off the water when you brush your teeth or buying wrapping paper for the holidays made of recycled paper, can make a huge difference.

Most of the book is written as a check-list that can be used to check the items that you feel are easy to incorporate, and then there is a check box for you to grade yourself as to how successful you were in incorporating the new habit. There are also resources listed that you can use to get involved with a community and an on-line program that supports a healthier earth.

Living on this Earth in harmony with it is something that we all need to do. Of course, not everyone will. But it starts with individual effort, and in It's Easy Being Green, Trask guides us on a very easy journey into living-green consciousness. Plus, it should be noted that the book is printed on recycled paper.

Reviewed by Dennis Ehren, DC, director of Ehren Chiropractic & Wellness Center. He can be reached at (216) 221-9990.

The Secret (DVD) By Rhonda Byrne

Prime Time Productions

The Secret is a movie that is taking the world by storm. More and more people are seeing and learning about The Secret, and The Secret is changing lives! In 2004, Rhonda Byrne discovered a secret – the secret laws and principles of the universe. She discovered that there is a secret to everything – joy, money, relationships, love, happiness – everything anyone could want. Almost immediately, her life was transformed as she began to put into practice what she had learned. It seemed to Rhonda that almost no one knew the things she had discovered, yet the concepts could be found in almost every religion and field of human endeavor throughout history. It became Rhonda's mission to share this knowledge with the world. And the product of that mission is this movie.

In this astonishing film you will find a collection of leading scientists, theologians, authors and philosophers who reveal the Secret to you and tell you how to make it work in your life. The movie presents real-life stories and testimonials of people who have changed their lives in profound ways. By applying the principles of the Secret, these people have overcome serious illnesses, amassed great wealth, found loving and fulfilling relationships, and surpassed what seem to be insurmountable obstacles to live the lives they truly desire. And they show you how you can do it, too!

The Secret is one of the most profound movies you will ever see, and one that you will watch over and over. If you feel stuck, if you want to create more in your life, if you want to be more fulfilled, watch The Secret.

Reviewed by Dennis Ehren, DC, director of Ehren Chiropractic & Wellness Center. He can be reached at (216) 221-9990.

Findhorn Retreat By Eckhart Tolle

Published by New World Library

Eckhart Tolle is a religious teacher who accepts all faiths, uses humor and simple language when speaking, and does not muddle his teachings with tautologies. His goal is to spark a spiritual awakening in his listeners.

With a calm and soothing voice, Tolle has recorded a three-and-a-half-hour DVD, Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst the World. This DVD is accompanied by a small book that pulls important quotes from the DVD and pairs them with beautiful nature scenes from Scotland where the Findhorn Retreat Spiritual Community is located. Much knowledge is imparted on true stillness, the forces in the world that work to destroy stillness and some practical ways to slowly develop the inner ability we all have to be still.

One of these practical ways is tested at the end of the DVD when Tolle and his audience begin to sit in silence and listen to the fading sound of a bell. After all, “When you listen to a bird, there is a moment of pure listening before the mind says something about it. If you can catch yourself whenever something new enters your awareness, you can be conscious of that first moment.” With words like these, I believe Tolle has successfully left his audience with the tools needed to find tranquility during every day.

Reviewed by Benjamin Szweda. He can be reached at writerfeedback.bjs@mac.com.