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When I was a little girl, I first heard that a grown-up relative had run away from his home in the east when he was but eight years old. He somehow made his way through life, and not only had become a chiropractor but the respected mayor of our Southern California community. Whatever the details were, memory tells me they weren't shared with a child. THE DESTINY OF MIRO by Julie Rae Rickard gives us a look at such a journey, taking us back to thirteenth century England where an eight-year-old boy, Miro, not only is witness to a dire family tragedy but is imprinted with the last words of his mad father, "You cannot escape your destiny!" The child is thrown upon his own resources, and in the setting of countryside, forest and medieval villages learns to rely on himself. In time, Miro's unusual experiences lead him to discern hidden truths that today's new age teachings have brought into the open. Accompanied by an animal guide and a "white lady," Miro seeks answers to age-old questions: "Can anyone really know their destiny? Does fate give us one path and no choices? Does God want to punish us? Have we lived before? Can we meet and keep our soulmate? Does everyone deserve to be loved?" The adventures faced by the growing Miro, a very real and simpatico hero, in company of other well-portrayed characters, will keep you glued to the book. (Softcover, 275 pages. Obtain from 1stbooks.com for wholesale price of $11.95; e-book version: $3.95. Also available for $18.95 from other major online retailers, including Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and Borders.com or your local bookstore.)
*****
If you're looking for a yarn that keeps you guessing, RED WILLOW'S QUEST, a story of an
Indian maiden who was anything but tractable, provides adventure, romance and food for thought in striking settings throughout the early West. You'll soon learn that Red Willow's nature is to follow the promptings of Spirit rather than the mores of her tribe. This penchant, as she searches for the wisdom to become the Medicine Woman she was chosen to be, leads her into situations no squaw was meant to endure. She is confronted with inter-tribal war, the dangers of her travels on vision quests, dangerous white trappers, tribal opposition, her role as healer, the twists and turns of relationships, and more.
A short author's note at the beginning of the book tells us of extraordinary circumstances pointing to the best way to manifest Red Willow's Quest. As a mark of a fine craftsman, Heidi Skarie's telling of the story keeps readers engaged. Two examples are feisty exchanges between Red Willow and the Kootenai warrior who is sent to protect her on her journeys; they're so amusing that reading them feels almost like eavesdropping. Later, as Red Willow travels through the mountains with her dog and horse, a prolonged and horrifying encounter with a pack of wolves reads so true I could hardly read fast enough to discover the outcome. Perhaps the greatest inspiration is to be found in illustrations of trust in spirit despite apparent reverses. As such, Red Willow's Quest not only is a good story but a primer in learning to follow your dreams and listen to your heart. (Softcover, about 260 pages, $14.95, SunShine Press Publications, P.O.Box 333, Hygiene, CO 80533-0333; www.sunshinepress.com or your local bookstore.)
*****
by Stan Schultz
In the best of all possible worlds, we would keep all our commitments, never break a promise, and finish every project we ever start. In the real world, our lives are strewn with compromised commitments, broken promises and unfinished projects. Obviously, something is going on here that we don't have a handle on. Wouldn't it be great if we could find a way to finish everything we start, and fulfill all our commitments and promises, both to ourselves and to others?
As a five star procrastinator, I knew I needed some help. Big time. On the first few pages of FOLLOWING THROUGH by Steve Levinson and Pete Greider were raves and raves from readers, but the one that jumped out at me was "This may be the last self-help book you'll ever need." How I liked the sound of that! At the time, I suspected it was hype, but I knew I had to read the book. It did not disappoint. The book really does take a fresh approach.
The authors, a clinical psychologist and a specialist in peak performance, have sought out and found solutions that work in the real world. Recognizing the weaknesses and limitations of humans, they talk a lot about the differences between the rational brain and the primitive brain that imposes limitations on following through with our commitments. They tell us that decisions made with the rational brain are not enough. To actually effect change, they tell us, the primitive brain or Primitive Guidance System (PGS) must be engaged. The PGS is that part of us that stays in survival mode, a very present-oriented attribute. When your good intentions are wiped out by spending the time doing something else, you can be sure that your PGS hasn't been engaged. We have to find a way to get it on our side.
The whole book consists of techniques the authors have developed or discovered that engage the PGS so you can finish what you start.
Many wonderful examples are strewn throughout. A 360-pound real estate investor spent three decades trying to lose weight. He realized it was his love of restaurant food that had gotten him into trouble. To give his PGS incentive, he had posters made up featuring his mug shot and posted them in all his favorite restaurants, offering anyone a reward of $25,000 if he was spotted there. He lost 114 pounds. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Another anecdote tells how a woman put her PGS into gear so that she actually prepared her income taxes early instead of at the last minute. Following Through explains the many ways to engage your PGS, giving it the incentive to agree to complete the task your rational mode has set for yourself.
What a relief to discover that rather than possessing a character flaw, human beings merely have two parts that don't necessarily agree. Knowing this, we don't have to go through the usual anger, frustration and guilt at being one whose follow-through doesn't match up with intentions.
I concluded after I finished this book that if I really make the effort to put into practice the ideas the authors lay out, I can change my life in significant ways. There are several keys here. One is that you must be highly motivated, like the gourmet just mentioned. Another, you must walk your talk. You gotta work these great ideas, not just read them. If you are really ready to let go of some of those revolting old habits, Following Through will provide you with the tools to get the job done. (Softcover, about 223 pages, $13, Kensington Books.)
See The Pulse -- Classes -- for class/support group on Following Through.
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