Science of Mind Online Feature Articles

October, 2002

Faith It till You Make It:
Rev. Bernardo Monserrat
Health Communications, Inc. $12.95

The term "fake it until you make it," according to the Reverend Bernardo Monserrat, is a "gross misinterpretation of a positive outlook on life." To truly believe that our lives will turn out for the good, he says, requires more than mere "faking" or pretending. "A positive outlook on life must be grounded in philosophy, a useful psychology and a practical spirituality." Anything less than that would indeed be just "faking it."

Faith It Till You Make It, subtitled How to Build Your Faith One Doubt at a Time, examines the role of faith in our lives, more as a way of life than as something to be called upon only in times of crisis. In this new book written by Rev. Monserrat, the senior minister at the Church of Religious Science in Santa Fe, New Mexico, faith is defined as "a mental attitude that encourages us to overcome seeming obstacles and disillusionments." For him, there are four stages of faith: natural, lost, educated, and enlightened. Faith falls along a continuum, and can be built over time and with practice. Through many inspiring stories, this book can show you how.

-Jan Suzukawa

www.spiritsite.com

Today is truly, as someone once said, "The Information Age." For what an immense library of information is available to us with the pressing of a few keys and a click of the mouse!

This remarkable site is one such library, where those drawn to things of the spirit will find within it a treasure house of books, art, quotations—even a daily affirmation. The designers have wisely created a home page that is simple, easy to access and thankfully readable. They have formed it into three sections: Spiritual Books, Resources, and Gallery. Each deserves a brief mention.

Click on "Spiritual Books" and you find books on self-help, world religions and other significant subjects. A link to "Writings" brings up a plentiful list of authors-from Lao Tzu to Maya Angelou-where you can access brief excerpts from their works and a note about their lives. Under "Resources" one can find a list of spiritual retreats or books on meditation and prayer. The "Gallery" particularly intrigued me. One link led me to sixteenth-century illuminated manuscripts, which I was able to zoom up to 200 percent to view the artwork in detail.

Those with audio capability can listen to spiritual music from several traditions. If you wish to maintain further contact, a monthly newsletter is available. Spend some time with this site. You will not regret the expense.

-Cliff Johnson

Sacred
Taliesin Orchestra
CD $ 15.98

The Taliesin Orchestra, renowned for playing Enya songs, now brings the same ethereal sounds to sacred and classical music. Respectful of the greatness of these time-honored songs, yet involving an upbeat tone that embraces all ages of listeners, Sacred is a recording that will inspire you deeply.

Each track of Sacred invites the listener to journey deeper into his or her own soul. Bringing together flavorful combinations of music, chanting, strings, and piano, these timeless hymns and songs will quickly become new favorites.

Beginning with the song Amazing Grace, the melodious music brings the listener to a new awareness of the depth that each composer/writer must have come from when creating their music. The Lord's Prayer and Adagio for Strings are included in this eclectic mix of celestial songs.

Various tracks have chants with a jazzy blend that can evoke a variety of feelings, emotions and thoughts, taking one back to the first time such a song was heard. Some of the music starts lowly leading to a crescendo of various notes and tones that cover a full spectrum of energy that is great for listening to while journal writing, meditating or just relaxing after a busy day.

Sacred is a whole body, mind and soul experience.

-Shari Sorbo

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