Reviewed by Krysta Gibson

Awake in the World - Essential Energy Medicine for 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life
by Debra Moffitt
Llewellyn Worldwide

This little book would be a great companion during the next year and beyond. It contains 108 essays with each one offering a practice or ritual to help actualize the concept into the reader's life. Based on ancient wisdom from many different traditions, the ideas are varied and can appeal to different people in different situations.

The chapters are divided into areas such as peace of mind, at work and in the world, discovering God, and relationships. Within each of these, there are sections such as have a laugh, raise vibrations with a mantra or centering prayer, listen, and the one-minute mind training.

Written with great compassion and wisdom, this book is certain to be used many times over and treasured as a wise friend who offers sound counsel along the spiritual path.

Brain Power - Improve Your Mind as You Age
Michael J. Gelb and Kelly Howell
New World Library

Modern science has discovered that our mental capacity is meant to improve with age and that, although some brain cells do die, we can generate new cells. This means we can continue to learn during our entire lifetime and that our brains can change and grow. In this book, we're given techniques that will help to activate unused areas of the brain, tone our mental muscles, and enhance all our capabilities.

Besides what you would expect about having a positive attitude, getting exercise, and eating good food, we're given techniques and technologies to re-wire the brain and optimize mental performance. There's an internet link given where the reader can download a Brain Sync Audio program. It's very enjoyable and is designed to balance the brain hemispheres and optimize mental performance.

This is a fascinating book with a ton of great information no matter how young or old a person is. All of us can benefit by having a more fit brain that leads to a happier and more productive life.

Astrology Reading Cards - Your Personal Guidance from the Stars
By Alison Chester-Lambert
Illustrations by Richard Crookes
Findhorn Press

A visual and tactile feast, this new card and book set is stunning while being fun and insightful. And you don't have to know anything about astrology to use or enjoy it. In fact, it can teach you basic astrology while you use it.

The deck of 36 cards is divided into three sets of 12 cards each: Planet cards, the Zodiac Sign cards, and the House cards. The main way to use the deck is to think of a question or issue in your life and then choose one card from each set. The Planet card will tell you which part of your personality is involved in the issue. The Zodiac Sign card will tell you the influence around you or the Universal energies. And the House card will tell you the area of your life affected by your question.

The accompanying book gives a one-page explanation for each card. Then it is up to you to assess the meanings and stop or pull more cards. There are many different ways to use the deck to gain clarity on an issue or just to have some fun.

Wabi Sabi Love - The Ancient Art of Finding Perfect Love in Imperfect Relationships
By Arielle Ford
HarperOne

February is the perfect month to read about love and relationships. Many people want to find their soul mate because they think this would be a perfect relationship. Not so, says Arielle Ford. These are some of the most difficult relationships.

Based on the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection known as "Wabi Sabi," this book helps you learn to love your partner's imperfections as well as their high points. Relationships start off great when two people are newly in love. As time goes on, however, each other's habits and shortcomings can cause friction and, in many cases, a breakup.

Wabi Sabi Love is about leaning into your partner's imperfections as they lean into yours and find the beauty in one another. Filled with stories and exercises, this is an interesting, inspirational, and thought-provoking book that can help couples stay together once the shine of the relationship wears off.

Shining True
By Amy Janelle
Musical CD

The first time I listened to this enchanting solo piano album, I made a few notes about how it made me feel: floating in space... cotton candy softness.. .clouds... heart opening...dreaming. This is Amy's first album and it is truly a delight. There's an innocence and warmth that feels like the artist's soul is reaching out through the speakers embracing you.

Technically, Janelle makes great use of syncopation in an unobtrusive way. The music is perfect for massage, writing, reiki, daydreaming, or just sitting with. There are a few lovely vocals on the album which adds to its depth and feeling of intimacy. If you enjoy inspirational, relaxing piano music, this album is one you will want to have.

The Qi Healing Kit - Energy Practices for Health and Vitality
By Lee Holden
Sounds True

Lee Holden is a qi gong master and well-known television personality who has appeared on PBS stations. He is also a doctor of Chinese medicine, a licensed acupuncturist, and an international instructor in qi gong, meditation, t'ai chi, and stress management.

Consisting of a DVD, two CDs, 20 cards, and a 51-page workbook, this is a kit that you can use to create your own system of healing body, mind, or spirit. Qi is our essential life-force energy and both Taoist and Buddhist schools of thought have focused on studying the power of qi. Use of this kit will help you become more aware of your qi and learn how to make it stronger.

The DVD offers support for relieving pain or for physical healing. The CDs are geared for spiritual or emotional support with guided meditations such as The Healing Sounds, the Microcosmic Orbit, and the Dissolving Meditation with Inner Smile.

The kit is amazingly well-done with great attention to detail while being very compact and easy to assimilate. If you're looking for a home-based system of energy work this would be an excellent set to work with.