I wanted to write some more about the idea of trying something new, or changing the way you think about things. I was talking to my father in law, who is very much not a vegan, and he was saying that it’s strange to think about not eating things you like. And that’s when it hit me: the things we consume, come to define us. For years I smoked, I was a “smoker.” Even after friends started quitting, and restaurants started banning it, I still smoked. I could not picture myself without the cigarette hanging out of my mouth, or in my hand. But when my wife and I decided to quit, we quit.

William Powers has worked for more than a decade in development aid and conservation in Latin America, Africa, and North America. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, International Herald Tribune, the Atlantic and many other publications. He is a senior fellow at the World Policy Institute and an adjunct faculty member at New York University. He speaks and writes widely as an expert on sustainable development. He lives in Bolivia. His website is www.WilliamPowersBooks.com.

I am a huge fan of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s books, CDs and DVDs . First featured on the documentary, What the Bleep Do We Know? this leading neuroscientist and lecturer has written such best sellers as Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind and Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One. His latest book, Becoming Supernatural, builds on his previous work.

Many people assume that our consciousness, our conscious awareness of being alive as a human being, is created by the human brain. However, rather than creating consciousness, it’s possible that the brain interacts with and interprets a cosmic field of consciousness which exists as a fundamental and intrinsic element everywhere throughout the Universe, both inside us and all around us. This cosmic field of consciousness seems to have an inherent self-awareness, a self-knowing conscious awareness everywhere within itself that we can access and know intuitively if we pay attention to it.

Dear Readers: This year promises to be an exciting one with new research and developments coming through almost daily in the fields of consciousness, science, spirituality, nutrition, activism, the environment, and more. We look forward to presenting our readers with up to date news and information, and we thank you for your support.

An interview with author Dan Millman on The Life You Were Born to Live — Revised 25th Anniversary Edition. Dan Millman, former world-champion gymnast, coach, martial arts teacher, and college professor, is the author of seventeen books published in twenty-nine languages and shared across generations to millions of readers. His internationally bestselling book Way of the Peaceful Warrior was adapted to film in 2006. Dan speaks worldwide to people from all walks of life. He lives in New York City. www.PeacefulWarrior.com.

What is the first image that pops into your mind when you hear the word yoga? I’m guessing it’s got something to do with the physical practice, or asana as it’s called in Sanskrit. A long and lean-looking woman in a downward facing dog. Or the well-defined physique of a man standing on his hands. These images, and what the vast majority of people – including yoga practitioners – would conjure up in response to this question, is actually just a miniscule part of the practice of yoga. Yoga is a practice of integrating mind, body, intellect and spirit.

So after another month I can say that this is no longer even an “adjustment,” it’s now just the way I eat. And the benefits just keep coming – my energy levels are higher than they were pre-cancer. Hell, I barely drink coffee in the morning anymore. If I have a cup it’s because I like the taste, not because I need it. I found out this week that there’s a 100% Vegan doughnut place near the only other shop I ever worked at. Gonna have to head over there at some point. It’s not near anything I normally go to, but I LOVE doughnuts, so it’ll be worth the trip.

When I was in my thirties I began to meditate. Most of my friends were doing it, so I thought I would try. I became addicted to my practice and progressed to a point that I was meditating daily for periods as long as three hours during one sitting. I was also becoming pretty full of myself and had a kind of spiritual arrogance at the same time. Now as I look back, I think I approached meditation in the same way I did any competitive sport. My efforts were about being the best I could be, the one with the most endurance and greatest success.