Book - Skip Jennings

Glow + Grow For Good!! Wednesday, Thursday + Friday (see inside)

Spiritual growth and unfoldment is an ever evolving process.
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As I say, transformation is a choice!

Even when you go through the transition of leaving your earthly suit, you are presented with the choice to grow. (as told to me by my medium friend, Wendy)

So, the invitation that lies before you on a daily basis is this:

>> Will I choose to grow + glow or resist that which is seeking expression through me?

Thank you for your responses to the transformational spiritual practices found in my book!!
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Here’s DAY 4 from Little Book for Big Transformations!
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Renewing the Mind, Body and Spirit

“And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect the will of God.”
~Romans 12:2
–Many of my “Aha” moments are downloaded during my daily workouts, which I have come to call “physical spiritual practice.” For example, there are times when a run clears my mind, allowing me to enter a receptive mode and begin catching inner guidance about various facets of my life. The physical practice is a conduit for new ideas to flow and for contemplation to take place within my soul. Those who dance the tango, a vigorous dance of surrender have compared its energy to meditation. The practice of yoga is a form of mental focus, experiencing our capability to improve physical flexibility. Movement cross trains body, mind and spirit, creating a whole-person immersion in the Self.

A good cardio workout focuses our attention on our breath, reminding us that the breath connects us to the soul. Strength training anchors a strong connection to Spirit. Yoga postures remind us not only to be flexible in our body, but in all aspects of our lives. Physical movement enlivens and rejuvenates us and the more we relate to it as a spiritual practice we will become encouraged to include it in our daily routine. Caring for our body temple as the vehicle of our soul represents a deep bow of gratitude to Spirit for the miracle the body is.

I welcome you to consider how you can connect movement to your spiritual practice by inviting yourself to consciously notice if there are “Aha” moments that occur during your exercise routine that you simply haven’t yet recognized. It is our thoughts which separate us from the awareness of God so build your mental strength. The physical practice helps us to restore and heal the temple of the Holy Spirit. Today, as we train the body we empower the mind and we unleash our greatness. Set the intention to connect with God fully, mind body and spirit.

Affirmation: Today, I renew my mind, body, and spirit with the Love of God and movement. I infuse love, during my daily practice. I I am blessed and a blessing. And so it is. Amen
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Join me Wednesday, February 10, 11 am PST where my next guest on High Conscious Conversations is my friend, John Jacob Mubarak.

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You will, as I do, love John Jacob, or, JJ, as he is affectionately called by friends.
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Please see his bio below.

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John’s role as the Marketing Director at Rythmia is un doubtedly a universally aligned match considering his history and deep connection with Michael Bernard Beckwith, Agape International Spiritual Center Founder and Rythmia partner.

Founded in 2014, Rythmia is an all-inclusive, medically licensed luxury resort that has helped over 6,000 people experience life-changing mir acles through plant medicine ceremonies, ancient and modern wisdom teachings, and leading-edge healing technologies.

In 2009, John Jacob discovered Agape and subsequently studied directly under the auspices of Rev. Michael Beckwith. During this period, John found a singularity of purpose – a deep commitment to spiritual growth and development, both his own and to walk that path with others. John found within him a deep desire to work to wards the vision of the fullest evolution of our collective consciousness through a world that works for the best and highest individual, and collective good.

John has devoted his life’s work to the spirit of Truth and in-service to spiritual truth-seekers through leading workshops, retreats, public speaking engagements, spiritual counseling sessions, prayer treatments, and in his role as a Spiritual Practitioner at Agape and as a Director at Rythmia Life Advancement Center.
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Please join me on High Conscious Conversations on Wednesday so that you can hear JJ’s wisdom.
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Yogic wisdom is that a supple spine creates a supple mind.
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Join me Thursday, February 11, 12 pm PST for Gentle Yoga and Sound Bath with me.

And, then, join me on Friday, Friday 12, 7 am PST, for one of my favorite topics, Fitness As A Spiritual Practice.

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These Masterclasses are gifts from the heart.

While there are no class fees, I welcome love donations, in any amount, in support of the law of circulation. PayPal or Venmo

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Namaste,

REV SKIP

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Minister, Author, Speaker, Coach
Mind Body Spirit Solution L L C

3 Ways You Can Thrive This Wednesday, Thursday + Friday (see inside)

The question my clients ask me now is, “what’s next?”
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Even though there is a new administration, there is still much work to be done.

And coupled with relief and expectation, a low level anxiety frequency is wafting through the air waves.

There is a deluge of information daily.
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Does the constant negative news have you feeling on edge?

Well, I’ve got some good news for you!
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Here are 3 simple ways you can thrive this week:

1. Keep your conversations high frequency

>> Surround yourself with people who are authentic and focused on solution rather than problem.

>> Feed your mind organic, nutrient rich, high vibe thoughts and information.

How, you might ask?
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Join me this Wednesday, February 3, 11 am pst on my High Conscious Conversations Webcast.

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I will be in a divine dialogue with some of my visionary ministerial brother and sister graduates from the Michael B. Beckwith School of Ministry. (there are more of us)

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We are a powerful posse of praying, be-ing + doing folks!

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And next, . . .

2. Move Your Body

>> Yogic wisdom is that you must laugh and sweat daily to achieve optimal wellness.

>> It is scientifically proven that moving your body alleviates depression and rumination.
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Join me Thursday, February 4, 12 pm PST on
Insight Timer for Gentle Yoga and Sound Bath.
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3. Sound heals

>> Dis-ease can manifest within our body temple, creating physical and mental trauma.

>> Mainstream is catching up to what mystics knew from the beginning of time — sound heals.

>> A Sound Bath bypasses the monkey mind and activates your body’s natural healing energies

Join me, Rev Skip, for Meditation, Prayer, and Sound Bath for healing and clearing the Chakra System on
Friday, February 5, 7 am PST

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Step away from the TV + socials feed for just for an hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and return to the activities of you life renewed, restored, refreshed, revitalized.

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Namaste,

REV SKIP

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Minister, Author, Speaker, Coach
Mind Body Spirit Solution L L C

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PS: Remember you can go HERE to download Day 1 of The Little Book for Big Transformations!!

What A Week! ! The Little Book For BIG Transformations! (+ Gift )

Hey there! What a week it’s been!

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>> An elegant inauguration ushering in a new administration on January 20.

>> That moving poem by Amanda Gorman, award-winning writer, cum laude graduate of Harvard University, and the youngest inaugural poet at 22 years-old.

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>> And, my book, The Little Book for BIG Transformations was released on January 21!!

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Have you taken the opportunity to read Day 1’s entry?

You still can!

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The Little Book for Big Transformations: 31 Days of Inner Visions and Spiritual Practices (2nd edition)

These daily devotions, teachings and affirmations will help you find inner peace, joy and inspiration!

Please accept my my gift of Day 1: Stuck No More
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Enjoy Day 1 of The Little Book for Big Transformations!

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Namaste,

REV SKIP

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Minister, Author, Speaker, Coach
Mind Body Spirit Solution L L C

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PS: Go HERE to download Day 1 of The Little Book for Big Transformations!!

The Little Book For BIG Transformations! My Gift To You (Day 1)

The Little Book for Big Transformations: 31 Days of Inner Visions and Spiritual Practices (2nd edition) will be released on January 21, 2021!!

What you will receive are 31-days of daily devotions, teachings and affirmations to help you develop a positive and loving mindset so that you can navigate these uncertain times with ease.

Please accept my my gift of Day 1: Stuck No More

As we hold in consciousness a peaceful transfer of power politically and socially, it is crucial to keep your frequency high!

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Allow me to introduce my next guest on High Conscious Conversations: Sean Patrick.

Sean Patrick is a Publisher + Broadcaster. (and the publisher of my books)

He is the founder of the spiritual/ self-help publishing house That Guy’s House and author of the award-winning memoir, That Guy Who Loves The Universe.

Sean’s work and philosophy have been featured on BBC News, The Sunday Times, The Huffington Post and many more.

Recently, Sean’s publishing company has developed a division for Production & Broadcast. Sean believes that through applying spiritual principles to today’s modern world, you navigate both life’s blessings and challenges fortified and empowered..

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Enjoy Day 1 of The Little Book for Big Transformations!

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And, see you at 11 am PST for High Conscious Conversations.

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Namaste,

REV SKIP

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Minister, Author, Speaker, Coach
Mind Body Spirit Solution L L C

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PS: Go HERE to download Day 1 of The Little Book for Big Transformations!!

Have a Healthy Thanks-Giving (+ Awakening Your Spiritual Journey)

It’s that time of year again — the holidays!

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Thanksgiving is a day I treasure!

It’s when I get to see my momma.

But, I’m not going to see my eighty year old mom this year, which makes me feel sad.

I bet your holiday plans have changed, too.

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So, I want to share my favorite Thanksgiving Reading with you.

I read it every year.

It’s my personal reminder of the sacredness of this holiday

Not only that, Howard Thurman is my favorite scholar!!

One of my greatest teachers and inspirational people.

This reading is from his book, For The Inward Journey, and it is entitled, “A Litany of Thanksgiving.”

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Today, I make my Sacrament of Thanksgiving.

I begin with the simple things of my days:
Fresh air to breathe

Cool water to drink

The taste of food

The protection of houses and clothes

he comforts of home.

For all these I make an act of Thanksgiving this day!

I bring to mind all the warmth of humankind that I have known:
My mother’s arms

The strength of my father

The playmates of my childhood
The wonderful stories brought to me from the lives of many who talked of days gone by when fairies and giants and all kinds of magic held sway;
The tears I have shed

The tears I have seen

The excitement of laughter and the twinkle in the eye with its reminder that life is good.

For all these I make an act of Thanksgiving this day.

I finger one by one the messages of hope that awaited me at the crossroads:
The smile of approval from those who held in their hands the reins of my security;

The tightening of the grip in a single handshake when I feared the step before me in the darkness;

The whisper in my heart when the temptation was fiercest and the claims of appetite were not to be denied;

The crucial word said, the simple sentence from an open page when my decision hung in the balance.

For all these I make an act of Thanksgiving this day.

I pass before me the mainsprings of my heritage:
The fruits of the labors of countless generations who lived before me, without whom my own life would have no meaning;

The seers who saw visions and dreamed dreams;

The prophets who sensed a truth greater than the mind could grasp and whose words could only find fulfillment in the years which they would never see;

The workers whose sweat has watered the trees, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations;
The pilgrims who set their sails for lands beyond all horizons, whose courage made paths into new worlds and far-off places;

The saviors whose blood was shed with a recklessness that only a dream could inspire and God could command.
For all this I make an act of Thanksgiving this day.

I linger over the meaning of my own life and the commitment to which I give the loyalty of my heart and mind:
The little purposes in which I have shared with my loves,

my desires,

my gifts;

The restlessness which bottoms all I do with its stark insistence that I have never done my best,

I have never reached for the highest;

The big hope that never quite deserts me,

that I and my kind will study war no more,

that love and tenderness and all the inner graces of Almighty affection will cover the life of the children of God as the waters cover the sea.

All these and more than mind can think and heart can feel,
I make as my sacrament of Thanksgiving to Thee,

Our Father, in humbleness of mind and simplicity of heart.

Dr. Howard Thurman

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Isn’t that beautiful?

And, so very meaningful.

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Just like my High Conscious Conversations guest this Wednesday, November 25, 11 am PDT .

I am so happy to share that Akuyoe Graham is my guest!!

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Akuyoe Graham, born in Ghana, West Africa, is a performing artist and an Agape licensed Practitioner and Spiritual Counselor.

She is the Founder and CEO of the nonprofit, arts organization, Spirit Awakening Foundation, named after her critically acclaimed one-woman play, Spirit Awakening. Akuyoe’s play and her essays are used for curriculum at USC, Berkeley and Stanford Universities.

As Spirit Awakening Foundation’s CEO, Akuyoe oversees the implementation of her innovative arts programs in over 12 schools and juvenile facilities for incarcerated children. Named one of the best nonprofits, Spirit Awakening Foundation has been recognized as a leader in transformational studies for systems-involved youth and is currently scaling its programs for national implementation.

The Foundation collaborates and works in partnership with the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, the LA County
Probation Department, the LA County Office of Education, the LA County Board of Supervisors, and numerous other organizations and institutions.

In 2019, Akuyoe was selected to serve a 2-year term as a member of the Office of Violence Prevention Community Partnership Council (CPC).

She is also an award-winning actor in television and film, a frequent TEDx speaker, both locally and internationally and the recipient of many awards. Some of these include: A Season for Nonviolence Local Hero Award, The Children’s Life Saving Angel of the Year Award, Artshare LA’s Artist of the Year Award, The Miriam Makeba Award, amongst many others. Akuyoe was also one of 2018’s Walden Award Honorees alongside her teacher and mentor Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and Oprah Winfrey.

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So, mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 18, 11 am PDT and join Akuyoe and me, Rev. Skip, for a High Conscious Conversation!

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It has been said that we are in the midst of a Great Awakening.

Truth be told, awakenings, just like dark nights of the soul , are not a one + done experience. They are ongoing.

And, so, it is essential to have a guide on your journey.

I invite you to join me, Friday, Nov 27, 07:00 am PST for:

Awakening Your Spiritual Journey
With Skip Jennings

It is crucial to understand the universal principles that govern your life so that you can apply them to your everyday life.

Like gravity, spiritual laws are operating whether you’re thinking of them, or, not.

As a divine being, your invitation is to explore spiritual beliefs so that you can create the life you desire.

Join me Friday for a talk and guided meditation to awaken your spiritual journey.

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I have an irresistible offer that will give you the opportunity to take me home + help you thrive!

Spiritual Technology During Unprecedented Times
Learn empowering technologies in my new 10-day course.

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It will help you embrace your spiritual evolution. (typically available on the app for premium members)

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The Spiritual Life App is filled with premium content created
and curated by me to uplift, inspire + transform you daily!

Here’s your code: TSLFREEMONTH

FREE ACCESS FOR NEXT 30 DAYS ONLY
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See you Wednesday for High Conscious Conversation s and Friday for, Awakening Your Spiritual Journey.

Namaste,

REV SKIP

Skip Jennings – My 10 Best

I have had a love-hate relationship with books and reading in general. I experience severe dyslexia and as a child, my family could not understand my challenges with reading and spelling. It wasn’t until the year before attending NYU, did we seek help. Knowing I was a bright student in many other subjects, I felt it was time to find out what was going on. After many tests and months of examinations at The Lewis School in Princeton N.J., I was diagnosed as have a major learning difference, or, another term I prefer, “right-brain dominance.” Determined not to allow a label to hold me back, I studied, worked hard, graduated from the university of my dreams, and became an author of three titles.

I am grateful for this experience; as a writer and lover of books, I have many favorites with their unique reasons why I hold each dear and near. Compiling my 10 Best was both a challenge and a blessing. I would choose a book and it would spark a memory of another. Every choice had an equal or greater companion, and most could have made the list for one reason or another. Then there are the authors with a series of books, that I wanted on my list because they are amazing teachers.

What I loved about this project was the inventory required. It was a time to reflect on what each author and book has taught me. Through introspection and contemplation, the choices became clear by the vibration and feelings each book delivered. Through touch, smell, and memory, my 10-Best started to evolve. I made a conscious decision to only choose the books I could physically hold in my hands, which narrowed the choice down quite a bit. During this digital age, it is easy not to purchase a book to hold. If I download a title I love, I make a point to purchase a handheld copy as well. Books and authors have been my greatest teachers and I am honored to be a part of this project.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

As a child, I experienced severe dyslexia. and reading was a major challenge. This was the first book of leisure ever finished as an adult. Because “I Know Why…” was such an easy read, I could not put it down. When I found myself taking a break to sleep or go to work, I was longing to find out what happened to young Maya and her older brother. Her journey became my journey. Although the circumstances were different, I could relate to the themes Maya used to teach the lessons I need to learn.

“I Know Why…” is a book that talks about the challenges of learning as a child of color in the racist south. There was an instant connection, not only because of my race but because I also struggled with literacy throughout my primary education. Maya Angelou freely writes about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child, which led to her decision not to speak for five years. Her account allowed me to begin my healing process around my own experiences.

The greatest lesson for me is the theme of freedom. Throughout the book, Ms. Angelou talks about her experience of racism. But it was the power of words and language that freed her mind, allowing her soul to sing. She taught me to rise above my circumstances. She introduced me to the principle “Words Have Power.” I fell in love with Maya Angelou because of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and have read almost everything she has written. She is and will always be a teacher and inspiration.

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Becoming by Michelle Obama

Politics aside; this is my all-time favorite memoir. The life of Michelle Obama inspires me to live and be the best person I can be. The journey she shares from childhood to wife, to mother, to First Lady is mind-blowing. Reading this book, multiple times, reminds me of what greatness looks like. Chapter after chapter, Michelle Obama brings the mastery of verse; a true wordsmith. Every page is a “turner.” It reads like a novel, waiting to be scripted for a film.

The perfect read for me is when I can experience the book with the author. The way Michelle Obama shares her life, reading it I felt as if I was walking the path with her. “Becoming” reminded me of the importance of family and how sacred my loved ones are. The storytelling of her ancestors and family brought tears to my eyes. The loss of her father reminded me of my departed family members. I was virtually transported to her wedding day and I relived the celebration of the inauguration of Barack.

“Becoming” is an inspiration and a personal invention for greatness.

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Life Visioning
by Michael Bernard Beckwith

I received the physical copy of “Life Visioning” on January 13th, 2012. But because I have been a student and a mentee of Michael Beckwith since 2006, I had been practicing “Life Visioning” for a long time before it’s arrival. This book is my personal “go-to” for discovering the next phases of my life. Every time there is a desire to shift my paradigm and rediscover my life’s calling, “Life Vision” has been an access point for my evolution. This book introduced me to the “4 Stages of Evolutionary Growth.” Stage 1 – Victim Consciousness, stage 2 – Manifester Consciousness, stage 3 – Channel Consciousness. and stage 4 – Being Consciousness.

“Life Visioning” gave me the language to articulate what I was experiencing as a spiritual being having a human incarnation. Michael’s “Life Visioning” as a spiritual technology helped me to reveal my life’s calling and for that, I am eternally grateful.

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Invisible Supply: Finding the Gifts of the Spirit Within by Joel S. Goldsmith

Invisible Supply was the first book I studied that focused on abundance and prosperity, not just as material but as a conscious awareness. When I teach classes on prosperity, this book is required reading for my students.

As a minister, many of my clients arrive at my office with financial challenges. Because I am not immune to challenges in this area, I get to share what I use for financial spiritual growth. Every word, sentence, and paragraph are a tool for expanding one’s paradigm, everything I desire comes from within me. “Invisible Supply” helps me to take full spiritual responsibility for manifesting the life I want. My favorite Joel Goldsmith quote comes from Invisible Supply. “If we individually experience a lack, it is not because of any actual lack. It is because of our inability to make contact with our supply.” Enough said!

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The Energy Codes
by Sue Morter

The question I am asking myself is, “Where to begin?” The Energy Codes is so rich with spiritual, but particlular way to understand energy. As a yoga student and instructor, The Energy Codes has been instrumental in how I comprehend and teach the Chakra System. Sue Morter invites me to expand beyond intellect and have an experiential awakening.

The Five Truths in The Energy Codes have transformed my life from “pain to bliss,” as Sue has written. 1. Everything is energy. 2. Your life is energy. 3. You are the creator of your life. 4. Your creation -your life – is always expanding. 5. The purpose of your life is to discover your creatorship. Once I embraced and fully lived the five truths, my life expanded beyond my wildest dreams. The Energy Codes”transformed my life, physically, mentally and spiritually.
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The Seat of the Soul
by Gary Zukav

The first time I was introduced to Gary Zukav and “The Seat of the Soul” was back in 1989 during a broadcast of the Oprah Winfrey Show. When Gary spoke, he was speaking truth to my soul, but I was not ready for the journey of awakening. In 2014, this spiritual treasure celebrated 25 years of publication. You know the old saying, “You get it when you are ready”? Well, I was ready. This book cracked me wide open, allowing me to uncover deep-rooted blocks that stymie my spiritual growth. The Seat of the Soul helped me to feel, deal, and heal issues that I had chosen to cover up and try to forget. Through this book, I became aware of my personality as a part of my soul wanting to be healed. Gary writes, “When the personality comes fully to serve the energy of its soul, that is authentic empowerment.” What a powerful teaching to remember and live every day.

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Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

I love a good book that challenges my paradigm, offering a new way to experience life. Between the World and Me, is a masterpiece in the form of a letter to the author’s son. This book is a journey of racial introspection that makes me question my perspective and understanding of race relations in America. This brilliantly crafted non-fiction brings to light Ta-Nehisi’s concerns for his son, growing up in a racist country. Toni Morrison, one of my favorite authors that did not make my list, said, and I quote, “I’ve been wondering who might fill the intellectual void that plagued me after James Baldwin died. Clearly, it is Ta-Nehisi Coates.” I agree! Coates reminds me of Baldwin’s swagger and poetic mastery.

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Between the World and Me is an odyssey of a young man from the streets of Baltimore becoming a New York Times Bestselling author. I read this book in one day. I was deeply moved to tears as Coates explained his love of American history and how slavery has affected our present social culture. The accounts of his education at Howard University left me envious of the HBCU (historically black university) experience. Ta-Nehisi took me on his first, unforgettable trip to Paris that made me utter an audible statement, “The next time I am in France, I am going to Paris.” Some authors have a skill in non-fictional storytelling and Between the World and Me is a masterclass in the art of the narrative.

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The Color Purple
by Alice Walker

In 1984, The Color Purple was the book to read. Every bookstore – back in the day when there were bookstores – promoted and sang the praises of Alice Walker and The Color Purple. Honestly, I did not have time or the desire to read anything outside of my high school junior year required reading list. The following year, the movie was released and instantly became (and still is) my favorite movie of all time. The next day I bought the book, began to read, and I was hooked from the first two sentences: “You better not never tell nobody but God. It’d kill your mammy. Dear God…” From that moment I made the agreement with myself to fully embrace the journey that Alice Walker intended me to travel.
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When I completed the book, I wept tears of joy, sorrow, connection, and empowerment; a myriad of emotions overwhelmed me. The previous film experience became so much more, and I had a greater understanding of why I loved it so much. The Color Purple is important because it teaches so many lessons of love; self-love, love beyond labels, family love, the desire to be loved, the love of freedom, forgiven through love, the redemptive power of love. My favorite quote from Alice Walker’s creation gives me my greatest life lesson: “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” We must learn to take the time to appreciate and be grateful for life.

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The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown

The subtitle says it all: “Letting Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.” Another one of Oprah’s many book club inspirations, The Gifts of Imperfection helped me to understand perfectionism and how it was standing in the way of me experiencing meaningful and authentic relationships.

In 2010 I was in a committed relationship with someone I loved deeply, but I was not happy. During our conscious un-coupling, I was introduced to Brené’s book; literally a gift for my healing. She told my story of self-shaming, blaming others, and feeling unloved. Brené invited me to see that everything I considered to be an imperfection was a divine blessing. The Gift of Imperfection is one of my greatest tools for living a vulnerable and authentic life.

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The Miracle of Mindfulness
by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Miracle of Mindfulness was my first book on mediation. In 2006 I began my journey to becoming a minister. As a student of New Thought Spirituality, meditation became my foundational practice for transformation. During a class on meditation, “he Miracle of Mindfulness was required reading and I instantly fell in-love with Thich Nhat Hanh’s simple approach to a practice that often left me confused and frustrated. This book gave an understanding of the practice I had not heard before.

The Miracle of Mindfulness is filled with lessons, practices, principles, stories, and parables that reveal the blessings of meditation.

The Lotus Kitchen – Vegan Recipe – Roasted Veggie Panini

Roasted Veggie Panini – Vegan Recipe
Comfort food like panini’s really hit the spot when you need something quick and delicious. This roasted veggie panini is from my latest book, The Lotus Kitchen, a collaboration with Gwen Kenneally. Plus, the Veggie Panini is the perfect example of yoga: all the goodness of the practice is sandwiched between two physical anchoring points, the warm-up/sun salutation, and the final corpse pose later below.

Ingredients:

1 red onion, sliced
2 red peppers, halved
2 green peppers, halved
2 yellow peppers, halved
1 eggplant, sliced in rounds
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
2 large very ripe avocados
2 cups alfalfa sprouts
8 slices multigrain or pita bread
2 tablespoons olive oil for
coating pan

Directions:

To roast the vegetables: Gently toss the garlic, onions, peppers and eggplant in olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper. Place vegetables in a roasting pan in a single layer. Roast for 45 minutes in a preheated oven.

To assemble: Spread avocado on each slice of bread. Place 2 slices of onion, 1 each of the halved peppers and 1 eggplant round on bread. Add 1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts. Close the sandwich and give it a good press.

To Panini: Have a large and slightly smaller skillet ready. Place the large skillet over medium heat. Coat the pan with a half-tablespoon of olive oil. Place the panini in the pan and press down with the bottom of the smaller pan. Once golden brown, flip the sandwich and place the bottom of the smaller pan over it. When it is golden brown, remove from pan, cut in half and serve. Continue with the other 3 sandwiches. Serves 4.

The Practice:

Panini and yoga it’s all the body and spiritual goodness sandwiched into two poses. Poses are always practiced starting with intentions and finished with achievements. The asana or pose begins with the willingness, and is finished with an insight. When beginning the pose there is always a sense of struggle until we find peace. Remember that yoga is a yoking or natural expression of bringing or connecting the many delectable pieces of goodness together into one.

Chair Pose (Utkatasana Fierce) Instruction:

Stand tall on your mat and spread the legs at hip-distance apart. Anchor your feet by spreading your toes. Sit your hips back as if you are sitting in a chair. Reach your arms long toward the sky and lengthen the torso diagonally while spreading the fingers or the hands. Look toward the hand and contemplate awareness of the body.

The Lotus Kitchen – Vegan Recipe – Baked Spinach Cakes

Vegan Recipe – Baked Spinach Cakes
These special cakes are from my latest book, The Lotus Kitchen, a collaboration with Gwen Kenneally. They were created for a cooking segment and were a big hit with the crew. They can also be served as an appetizer and are equally delicious the next day. It’s imperative that the spinach is well drained to avoid a runny cake.

Ingredients:
16 ounces fresh spinach (1 bag or 1 large bunch), washed well and chopped fine OR

16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and well squeezed, drained of as much liquid as possible

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

2 large eggs, beaten

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a medium bowl add spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, nutmeg, salt and pepper; stir to combine. Coat a 12-cup standard-size muffin pan with cooking spray. Divide the spinach mixture among the 12 cups; they will be very full and very dense. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake the spinach cakes until set, about 30 minutes. Let stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and place on a large serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of sour cream or almond yogurt. Serves 6.

The Practice: The Sat Nam “Truth is my reality” — Sat Nam is a mantra commonly used in Kundalini Yoga and amongst its practitioners. It is frequently repeated three times at the end of a yoga session. But the importance of Sat Nam is the meaning. Sat Nam has been interpreted as: Truth is my identity, truth is my reality, and truth is my authentic self. The mantra is also a recognition that God, goodness, or truth is in all things and heaven is present in this very moment. The practice is to recognize truth in every bite of the baked spinach pie. Goodness and love is the truth of everything. Sat Nam can be used in every pose to remind you of the truth as a way to focus the mind before meditation.

The Lotus Kitchen
East meets zest as Hollywood caterer/food writer Gwen Kenneally (Sweet and Savory Cookbook) and yogi/transformational coach Skip Jennings (The Shift With Skip) present a boldly flavored and inspired recipe collection to nurture yoga practice and nourish mindful eating.

The Lotus Kitchen-Blueberry Mango Salad

Blueberry Mango Salad

4 LIMES
1 CUP WATER
1/4 CUP AGAVE NECTAR
2 LARGE MANGOS, PEELED AND CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES 3 CUPS BLUEBERRIES
1/4 CUP CRYSTALLIZED GINGER, FINELY CHOPPED

Remove zest from one lime in strips with a vegetable peeler and cut any white pith from strips with a sharp knife. Squeeze juice from limes. Bring zest, water, and agave to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
Let syrup stand 20 minutes, then remove zest with a slotted spoon and discard. Toss together mangoes, blueberries and syrup in a large bowl and sprinkle with ginger. Serves 4.

The Practice: The nectar and sweetness of the fruit in this salad remind us that the practice of yoga is sweet nectar as well. When we finish our daily practice of yoga we are reminded of how sweet life is. Physical practice brings us to a place of surrender and final relaxation called Shavasana, the corpse pose. “Life is Good.” To get to the nectar of yoga, we must work through the practice. The journey, in this experience, is to recognize the preparation of the salad is very much like the practice of yoga. Once the salad is complete, sit and is still; enjoy every bite. “Life is Good.”

Corpse Pose (Savasana) Instruction:

We lay on our backs in full rest experiencing the pleasures of the breath and moment. It is also the final meditation of the practice where we remember that life is really really good.

The Shift with Skip Radio Guest: (Replay) Angela Nissel

It’s more than the ‘skinny jean boo’ it’s transformation of the mind body and spirit. This week join Ana and Skip as they interview TV Producer, screenwriter and comedy writer Angela Nissel author of the “Mixed: My Life in Black and White” and “The Broke Diaries.” Take 30 minutes to tune in and get your laugh on.

Tune in here on 3/25 at 10 am PT.

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Becoming by Michelle Obama

Life Visioning by Michael Bernard Beckwith

Invisible Supply: Finding the Gifts of the Spirit Within by Joel S. Goldsmith

The Energy Codes by Sue Morter

The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh

Directions:

The Practice:

Life Visioning
by Michael Bernard Beckwith

The Energy Codes
by Sue Morter

The Seat of the Soul
by Gary Zukav

Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Color Purple
by Alice Walker

The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown

The Miracle of Mindfulness
by Thich Nhat Hanh