A society that tends to ignore “death, dying and the bereaved,” Hemingway believes, leads to “fear and alienation” and a sense of being “traumatized and alone” when death touches our lives. Acknowledging death and the dying process allows us to become “free to live life more fully,” and leads to an understanding of the connectedness of all beings. Viewing death as a transition, not an ending, is an “invitation to continue the work of the healer, the poet, and the philosopher — who use their creative gifts in the service of humanity.”

Welcome to the April 2008 Newsletter! As you enjoy the world outside blossoming, please be sure to enjoy this month’s newsletter! Inside it you will find podcasts with Lynne McTaggart and Dannion Brinkley, a new environmental awareness article, an updated Merryn’s Musings, three book reviews, and three great articles including a new one by Steven Thomson! Also, make sure you check out the website of the month!

“In the midst of Oprah Winfrey’s global showcasing of Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth — a book which has encouraged millions to contemplate a new spirituality — an emerging Vancouver spiritual teacher, Eliza Mada Dalian, expands on Tolle’s message in her newly released book, IN SEARCH OF THE MIRACULOUS: Healing into Consciousness — an essential “how-to” manual on living in the Now.”

For the Next 7 Generations: The Grandmothers Speak, is well on its way to becoming a full-length documentary for initial theatrical release. 13 Indigenous Grandmothers from around the globe have come together because they were told in prophecy that their ancestral ways of prayer, peace-making and healing are vitally needed in the world today. From Award-Winning Producer/Director/Writer Carole Hart. A production ofThe Laughing Willow Co., Inc. 13 Indigenous women elders, shamans and medicine women from around the world, have been called together to share their sacred wisdom and practices. Can they light the way for us to a peaceful and sustainable planet?

In 2005, just after the tsunami that swept away so many lives and livelihoods, a group of volunteers from The Isha Foundation were starting the job of rehabilitating the devastated coast of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. They noticed that coastal villages that were forested suffered significantly less damage than those that were not, and an idea arose. Could trees be a tool to reconnect people to their hearts, to their grief and to their land?

Most people have heard about animal communication – the ability to talk intuitively with animals. Some consider it unbelievable, while others think only gifted people can do it. As a biologist it was hard for me to believe it too, but when I did my own experiments in animal communication I found out the ability is real. I’ve taught thousands of people how to talk with their animals intuitively. I know that anyone can learn to do this. I teach you how in my new book, Ask Your Animal, which also explains how to use intuitive communication to correct bad behaviors or help your animals get along better.

The dying is one of society’s most unrecognized and under-served minorities. As individuals near the end of life, they are often ignored, discounted, misunderstood and forgotten.In 1997, a small group of dedicated individuals, under the leadership of best-selling author Dannion Brinkley, came together to form a very special organization named COMPASSION IN ACTION… now officially named, The Twilight Brigade. As an Educational Organization The Twilight Brigade’s conducts volunteer training sessions, community workshops, and professional education seminars. Our informative 20-hour volunteer training programs are also open to the public.

Merryn’s reflection on the work of Esther Hicks, an inspirational speaker shares the translations she channels from a group of spiritual teachers known as Abraham. Esther was first influenced by the Seth material, channeled by Jane Roberts. She refers to this on her tapes, and I suggest ordering Esther’s tapes to see how you feel about her work… Abraham-Hicks teachings have long since stated much about The Law of Attraction, however, they have been teaching this since 1986! That’s 20 years prior to The Secret!

This is really how all of our days had gone, experiencing the powerful yet simple teachings of this Shaman. Furthermore, as each day passed, it became more and more evident that Jorge’s teachings were in stark contrast to our group’s western, over-thought, more complicated approach to spiritual the path. There was a great and loving presence to his way. And in one sentence he transformed some of the most complex spiritual principles we knew. We had his simple, child-like and playful voice to follow as direction. You want to fly, flap your wings and soar. And at another time, close your eyes and you will see deep within yourself.