Has it really been eight years since the birth of New Spirit Journal? Yes! And in that period of time we have gone from zero readers to 55,000, from zero distribution locations to 650, from not knowing how to build websites to having a thriving web design business, and from one book published to four (two in Spanish) and several CDs and MP3 programs, retreats, classes, and a mentoring business.

Mega Change: Navigating Predictable Unpredictability by Patricia Kelley

One of the most important things you can do is to adapt an attitude that change is good, even when it looks bad from your view. Change is good. It is a building block of expanding life. In fact, we exist because of evolutionary growth and the change it drives.

Our Animal Friends: Do’s and Don’ts with Dogs and Kids by Martha Norwalk

After visiting a new friend recently, I realized that I could not conclude this series about children and our animal friends without covering a few more bases. What I watched going on in this household between and a young boy and the mom’s new chihuahua is a perfect place to begin.

Your Livelihood: “What You Have, We Want” by Rebecca B. Cooper

This is your livelihood calling. I know many job seekers, displaced or disillusioned people who have found that their livelihoods were crumbling down around them as the world endures a sea change and industries break apart to create new and sometimes unfamiliar solutions.

It’s Not Easy Being Divine and Human! by Ragini Elizabeth Michaels

Kermit the Frog thinks being green is challenging. He'd be stupefied if he had to meet the challenge of being both divine and human.

How We Die Matters by Lani Leary

I believe that how we die matters. It matters to the person who is dying; to those of us as survivors who are left behind to grieve; and it matters to the next generation who need to learn what it means to be part of humanity.

All's Well: Are Your Allergies Getting You Down? 
by Moira Fitzpatrick, PhD, ND

Are you sneezing or experiencing congestion, swollen and itchy eyes, itchy ears, prolific mucous secretions and rashes? Allergy season may be intensified for many people and is likely to extend through the summer. Many are struggling with allergies to pollen, trees and grass. As we enter into summer there will be more particulate matter in the air creating smog and consequently lung irritation for many.

Everybody’s Name is Earl - Apologies and Forgiveness by Ariele M. Huff

Words of remorse and forgiveness have in common with those expressing gratitude and affection that they don't sound sincere unless they are. Insincere apologies, absolutions, appreciation, or vows of love feel deceptive, suggest a hidden agenda to manipulate or placate. Since such inner states cannot be forced, are there ways to bring them about?

Chakra Talk: Personal Power: The Key Aspect of the Lumbar Chakra
by Ruth Stender

The third of the seven major chakras running along the spine is the lumbar chakra, located near the navel and solar plexus. The third chakra is about power – personal power – and it's associated with the fire element. Engaging third chakra fire energy ignites will and determination while promoting positive qualities like self-trust, self-respect, self-love, self-confidence, enthusiasm, and courage.

Spirituality: How and Why We Connect by Jacob Caldwell

Spirituality almost seems like a new concept that has entered the world and the definition of what it is may still be unclear. Religion is easy: if I attend a place at a certain time, say that I am one of them, and say the things that I should say, go to a couple of popular holiday celebrations, then I could say I am religious. I think in this current time and space this way of thinking has led many people away from religions and God. It has been hijacked by fear and obligation with little meaning behind, "Why am I doing this and what is it for?"

The Keepers of Ancient Wisdom by Kelly Probst

African and Asian elephants existing today are the sole remnants of a remarkable evolutionary emanation. These majestic, ancient, and spiritually complex mammals have evolved over millions of years and possess much of life's evolutionary and bio-genetic information, making them the keepers of original wisdom; they hold the memory of ancient migratory routes, many of life's first medicinal and herbal plant life and a record of environmental adaptation.

Happiness Guru’s Rx: Six Weeks by William Wittmann, M.Ed., L.M.P.

Would you believe the happiest people in the world if they revealed their prescription for happiness? Most Americans don't. Because you read New Spirit Journal, you already know more money and longer work weeks lead nowhere. The happiest people in the world take six weeks of vacation per year. On average Americans take eight to 16 days/year. To be happier, figure out how to get six weeks off. Then take them.

On the Bookshelf: Book, Media and Product Reviews by Krysta Gibson