I just think it’s so amusing and appropriate that A New Earth is receiving huge press and generating enormous sales since Oprah chose to use the book for her first webcast bookclub.

I wanted to post here my weekly newsletter from Dec. 19. I had just returned from the Chopra Center workshop in Colorado and for some reason decided to pull the New Earth CDs from the shelf. I had read the book about a year earlier, but didn’t really get it. When I began listening to the CDs I realized it was exactly what Deepak and David Simon had been teaching at the workshop. I couldn’t stop listening!

Obviously, there is some sort of cosmic consciousness at play. The Chopra website has put it up as a “book they are reading”, and, or course, the whole Oprah thing.It’s just kind of cool to watch these things happen. Cool and beautiful. Please read the book!

(Original email from Dec. 19, 2007)
Hi All,
So I’m listening to Eckhart Tolle’s CD of his book A New Earth. I read it when it came out a few years ago, but for some reason I decided to listen to it this week. I feel like I never read it – this is amazing stuff that maybe I wasn’t ready to hear… It’s all about the EGO. The tricks it plays on us, trying to take over, making us think something is there when it’s really not (love, hate, anger, anxiety, stress, etc.). I laughed out loud this morning while listening to him talk about the collective ego as it applies to the work place:

“A collective ego manifests the same characteristics as the personal ego, such as the need for conflict and enemies, the need for more, the need to be right against others who are wrong, and so on…It’s members will experience the suffering that inevitably comes in the wake of ego-motivated action. At that point they may wake up and realize that their collective has a strong element of insanity. It can be painful to wake up and realize that the collective you had identified with and worked for is actually insane.”

I really can’t comment on this as people I used to work for may be reading this. But isn’t it marvelous!?

I hit 40 pounds today. 40 pounds lost since I began to balance my life Ayurvedically in September ’07. I’m just amazed by the process (and progress) because it’s been the easiest yet most life changing weight loss I’ve ever had. And the most final. I know this is it as far as being overweight. That part of my life is blessedly over and from the vantage point of 40 pounds less I can see how I lived so differently then. And how much healthier, stronger and balanced I am now.

At 44, almost 45 years old, I weigh what I weighed in high school, back in the late 70′s and early 80′s. Funny to think that I was at my most “balanced” then – but go know! 44 has been one of the best years of my life. And I’m heading into the rest of my years with a new body, now thoughts, less fears and the knowledge that I can do anything.

I already thought I could accomplish anything, but I’ve held myself back in several areas. Creating breathe books has been the biggest thrill and a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy. But there is always more to come.

When I went to the Chopra Center back in late August, I met with Dr. David Simon. We had the frankest discussion I’ve ever had with a doctor. Without judgment he examined many issues in my life and asked me how they served me. I had never really thought about like that before. How is this (fill in issue here!) serving me? And, of course, the answer to many things was that it’s not really serving me at all.

Later during my week there he took me aside and looked so deeply into my eyes and said “Susan, you can create anything at all that you want.” (He actually also told me that I was smart and beautiful and talented – this was very cool to hear while I was walking around there all greasy from head to toe with Ayurvedic oils, going through daily bastis -enemas – and feeling the deepest fatigue and toxic release I’ve ever felt. Oh – and of course, 40 pounds heavier! ) While I thought I knew this – I really didn’t. It was like he infused me with the belief that this was true. Like a transfer of power! As Ramtha would say, so be it.

So, five months later and 40 pounds less, I know what he said was true.

It’s not just the weight – although that’s the easiest thing to see and measure. Truly, the weight loss is just a by-product of creating a more balanced life. When I’m Ayruvedically most balanced and my doshas are in line, the weight will stabilize and that’s where I’m to live. I feel that’s another 20 pounds, but we’ll see what my body tells me. I’m listening.

It looks like this blogging is becoming a monthly thing. How much more do I really have to say anyway?:-)

Many people are asking about the trip we are planning to India. I’m currently working with two companies who are designing travel packages for us. One idea is to travel exclusively to the south of the country, to Kerala, which is the home of Ayurveda (the 5000 year old Indian Healing system). There we could partake in Ayurvedic spa treatments to cleanse our minds, body and soul, and take additional side trips to spiritual sites in the area. And I could finally visit a city I’ve been wanting to see for 20 years – Cochin – also known as Jew Town. Guess why I want to go?! Cochin, besides being India’s premiere Jewish city, is also home to artists and textile manufactures and a few synagogues. 

Ok – so in addition to the ayurvedic idea, I’m also exploring a trip to the Indian Himalayan region – the crown chakra of the planet. This trip is a bit more out-doorsy where we would actually be doing some light trekking while visiting amazing sacred sites. White water rafting and other outdoor adventures can be a part of this trip.So as soon as I have the details I will let you all know via my weekly newsletter.

If you read this and are interested in coming to India, let me know what you think of the two ideas. Unfortunately we can’t do both in one trip. Each journey would be about 2 weeks. I don’t know the cost yet – but I’ll keep you informed.

Just in case you are interested in my personal Ayurvedic progress, as of today I am so much closer to having my doshas balanced! I’ve lost 37 pounds since September. I’m down to my college weight – and I’m 44 years old! By eating Ayurvedically, meditating and exercising, I’ve changed my body’s way of living and holding on to things. The weight is literarily falling off of me. I keep looking for it! Where’d ya go?! Well, I’m not looking too hard. I’m thrilled. And I’d like to lose 23 more pounds.

Yesterday I bought a pair of Levi’s at one of my favorite shops in Baltimore – The Bead in Kenilworth Mall in Towson. I won’t tell you the size – but I will tell you I can’t even remember the last time I bought a pair of Levis! They feel amazing.

Everything is just shrinking -including crazy dramatic emotions, frustrations, sleeping hours, and appetite. Things that are growing are patience, happiness, acceptance, love and self-esteem. I’m also feeling things more deeply than I ever have before. Some of that can feel a little scary – but with a more consistent meditation practice I can more easily see the story behind the emotions, feel it in my body and let it go. Meditation is truly the key to all.

It’s so funny trying to tell people what I’m doing. So they say – wow Susan – you’ve lost so much weight – what are you doing? They want a quick answer – like Weight Watchers! Or I eat less and move more! But telling people that “I eat Ayurvedically to reduce my dosha” gets complicated. There’s so much to explain! But I’ll just keep explaining it to anyone who is really interested as it just doesn’t get any better than this. That’s all for now!

Love to you all,susan

I’m tempted to say, “I’ll take it”, but I know that’s not a good idea. But really, so many gorgeous sunny days in January – you’d think we were in Southern California. I keep leaving my house in the morning bundled up in scarf and gloves and big winter coat, only to have shed it all by the time I walk 15 steps to my car. What is going on? I’m going to blame George Bush et al cause that’s just the easiest thing to do.

So the new year began with my computer flashing this blue screen and freezing up for about two days. I found many new friends at Dell’s tech support office in Tampa. There was Eric who drinks way too much Mountain Dew (any amount of Mt. Dew is too much. Have I mentioned before that I think soda is the devil’s brew?) The there was Ian who, when told of my problems, muttered “oh the BSOD”. Turns out that stands for the Blue Screen of Death. But still they kept me going. Oh it’s a memory problem. Of it’s something you downloaded. Oh – we just don’t know.

Well, a few days later when smoke and fumes began pouring out of the back of the computer, I understood the true meaning of the BSOD. This time I got a nice young man named David. It was such a traumatic experience to see smoke come out of the computer that I began to cry while explaining to David what was going on. I also confirmed that my warranty went up in August.

He listened sympathetically, put me on hold while he talked to his manager (is this a car dealership?)When he got back on the phone, my crying has slowed down to some sniffles. He said, “My manager said we will replace the computer for free.” I was a bit stunned and stammered many thank you’s. Then I asked is it because I cried? “Well, that helped”, he said. 

Later on when I told people this story, everyone said – oh you and Hillary! Well, we both won…Tears – especially when they are tears that flow honestly, can’t help but affect those around you. Countless times I’ve had a person at the cash register tell me a story that brought both of us to tears. Sometimes crying and hugs are shared before I even know their name. Tears are contagious.  

so, I’m writing this on Friday night at the shop – the Friday before Christmas! We’ve had a busy day – but there seems to be a bit of a lull…as the few folks who are in here are browsing, I thought I’d update the blog… I went to another Chopra workshop a few weeks ago in Westminster, Colorado. I now dream about Deepak on a regular basis…maybe I’m a little bit obsessed, but the man has changed my life. hmmm, I can’t think of the last time a man changed my life! Well…ok – that’s another story…

I have to say that Dr. David Simon is truly the star of the show – he’s the co-founder of the Chopra Center and just a brilliant, insightful, delightful human being whom I’m so happy to be incarnated with on this earth.

Anyway – I’m still living (and will always live) my Ayurvedic life, eating to reduce my Kapha dosha. I’m down 31 pounds now – 31 pounds never to be seen again on this body!It’s an entire life-style change that couldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gone through panchekarma at the Chopra Center in late August.

Panchekarma removes ama from your system. Visualize a sticky resin that’s lining your intestines and not letting nutrients get through to your system. Ama can be those cookies you loved for years, fast food, birthday cakes, that ice cream you just couldn’t pass up…for 10 years! It just gets stuck in you and the only way to remove it is through this process (in my opinion).I’ve become such an evangelist that I’ve signed up for a home study course through the Chopra Center to continue educating myself, with the hopes of teaching classes here in late 2008.wow – getting busy – so I guess I have to go!

Hi Everyone,

Snow! I just love it. I saw a photo of an Indian man on a snow board in the travel section of Sunday’s New York Times this morning. The caption was in his words, describing his first encounter with snow in utter amazement and calling a friend back home to describe the slippery substance. It was so sweet.

I looked out at the flakes falling this morning and wondered what is it that makes this stuff so beautiful and even exciting? Growing up in Baltimore, I’ve seen my share of it. Actually, one of my earliest childhood memories is of the blizzard of 1969. I was playing in the snow when suddenly I slipped down the little hill leading from our backyard to the Bonnie View Country Club golf course. My mom says I disappeared into over 2 feet of snow. Thankfully, I was quickly rescued by my dad and I remember being treated to chicken soup and fritos while I thawed out. Snow.

Anyway – here we are into the December and I just wanted to mention a few things about the holidays. Many people I know are trying to reduce the amount of “things” in their lives. Get the clutter out. Throw the stuff away. So what do we do at this time of year? Buy more stuff and give it to people who are trying to reduce stuff!

But there is something inherently satisfying in finding a thoughtful, conscious gift to share. I like gifts that create beauty and raise the vibrations in our surroundings. All it takes is one sweet-smelling candle, a sonorous singing bowl, a beautiful, soothing CD, delicious-smelling essential oils, a moving book – things to be sure – but things that create beauty in our minds and body and uplift the spirit.

We have gifts from $1.50 (Namaste and Peace bumper stickers), plenty of items under $10 (gem stones, candles, incense, oils, magnets, mini-prayer flags), and many gifts in the $20-$30 range as well (calendars, metaphysical DVDs, jewelry, posters, back and head massagers and more). Of course we always have gift certificates in any denomination.

Renowned Karmic Astrologer Linda Brady is here on Sunday – it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about aligning your soul with the wisdom of the ages. This is an experiential workshop that should not be missed as we enter 2008. Space is still available but please sign up soon! See details below.

All of us hope to see you this holiday season. And Happy Hanukah!

love,

susan

so I did something a bit impulsive on Tuesday (Nov. 6). I hopped on a train in the early afternoon and went up to New York City to attend a two-hour reception in honor of Shirley MacLaine and her new book, “Sage-ing While Age-ing” (Atria Books). I was so intent on being there because Shirley has meant so much to me over the years.

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sorry it’s been a few months since I last wrote anything. Not that I didn’t want to! We switched servers and blog hosts and I just haven’t been able to learn the new stuff yet. So this is my first try…we’ll see how it goes!

The biggest news is that I went to the Chopra Center at the La Costa Spa the last week in August and I have to tell you, my experience there literally changed my life – and I don’t say things like that easily.

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Go to this link (http://youtube.com/watch?v=CFp-iPSPplE) when you have nine minutes to spare – or just create those nine minutes. How much do I love Abraham??! And Esther and Jerry Hicks?! On this video clip Abraham explains with pure honesty, and in their typical no holds barred fashion, what happened between them and Rhonda Byrne, the producer of The Secret.

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Obs at Stonehendge

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