Merlian News November 2018 Newsletter
Dear Readers: We look forward to presenting you with up to date news and information, and we thank you for your support.
This Month’s Recommended Merlian News Articles:
Merryn’s Musings by Merryn Jose
The Importance of Sharing Our Metaphysical Experiences
Some time ago the New York Times Magazine section featured a wonderful interview with Barbara Ehrenreich, author of several books including “Nickel and Dimed.” The interview focused on her most recent book, Living With a Wild God, which is a memoir detailing the author’s “dissociative” experiences when she was in her teens. “…The whole world came to life, and the difference between myself and everything else dissolved — but not in a sweet, loving, New Agey way. That was a world flamed into life, is how I would put it.” As I read what Ms. Ehrenreich had gone through, I found myself moved by the story and recognized the pattern of staying silent for years about the strange and wonderful events that had occurred to her.
Liminal Moments by Cheryl Shainmark
They Are Us
I remember in the ’60s, being six or seven years old, and visiting my great-grandmother Teresa in a nursing home, shortly before she died at age 94. She only spoke Italian, and my Dad taught us a few words to say to her: Come sta? Bene; prego. Her son Henry, my grandfather, was bi-lingual; her grandson – my Dad – had a smattering of the old tongue, and now I had the four words he taught me….
Nutrition
What is Natto & How do I Eat It?
Natto is a traditional Japanese food. It’s fermented soybeans that are rich in vegetable protein. Typically eaten with rice, natto has a mild cheese-like flavor and can be an acquired taste. It has a sort of sticky paste on its surface and once it is stirred, the paste increases its volume becoming even stickier. You will find that the paste pulls apart in such a way that resembles a web. This is another characteristic that sometimes turns people off. Still, the benefits make it worth exploring, and according to The New York Times, it’s catching on. If you’re the adventurous type or enjoy uncommon textures in your food, definitely try Natto! You can even make it yourself (video) if you want.
Books
If you’re looking for a gift book for the children in your life, I highly recommend Old Dog by Nancy Mehagian, illustrated by Yoko Matsuoko. There are a million books about puppies out there, but this is the first I can think of that introduces children to the idea of a “senior” dog. Written with real warmth, the author has captured the joy and rewards of loving and caring for a beloved older pet.
Wellbeing/Healing
Kriya: An Ancient Technique for Restoring the Soul by Stephen Thompson
Kriya Yoga is a powerful and life-changing spiritual practice that combines the spiritual techniques of yoga and meditation into a system that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. The result of regular practice is the rapid acceleration of spiritual development. Indeed, one minute of practice is said to equate to one year of natural unfoldment.
Website of the Month
www.issc-taste.org
Transformative Experiences
When Scientists Have Mystical Experiences
What happens when a scientist has a spiritual experience? When the skeptic has his or her eyes opened? When the rational comes up against the seemingly irrational? Lately we’ve been reading serious accounts of just these events. Our favorite new website is www.issc-taste.org . Originally created by Charles Tart, the website has become a real resource and a treasure house of true stories of scientist’s mystical experiences. The stories are fascinating and many readers who have had similar experiences will recognise the details of the events recounted.
Thank you once more, for your positive feed back and support!
Merryn Jose – Editor In Chief & Publisher
Cheryl Shainmark – Senior Editor
