Books and Courses 1

The Mind Body Bible: Your Personalised Prescription for Total Health by Dr Mark Atkinson

"Dr Mark Atkinson is one of the UK's leading intergrated medical doctors. He is the founder of the British College of Integrated Medicine, a post-graduate training college for health professionals."

This was the first book I read about the mind-body connection, which opened me up to the possibility that one is affected by the other, supporting the idea that an holistic view of health and well-being is so important.

In the back of the book he describes serveral powerful techniques for "de-activating past emotional trauma and dissolving self-limiting behavioural patterns." This was where I learned about Symptom Dialogue and Emotional Trauma Release.

Reading this book was like opening the door to understanding myself better on a far deeper level than I'd experienced before.

The Journey by Brandon Bays

Brandon Bays bravely and openly shares her personal experience navigating some challenging times, including the discovery that she had a basketball sized tumour in her uterus. She "refused drugs and surgery, instead discovering a powerful direct path to the potent healing power of the soul. Six and a half weeks later, she was tumour free."

The process she used for letting go of trauma, which she explains in her book, has been refined and improved over the years (the first edition was written in the eighties). With practitioners around the world offering the Journey Work, she has helped thousands of people on their own emotional journey.

As I read her book, I experienced strong emotional reactions myself not to her experience, but because of what it stirred within me about my own life. As a result, I was inspired to seek out someone who could help me release my own personal trauma, with amazing positive results: The Journey Work

One of the key concepts she mentioned in the book was the work of Candace Pert, PhD, who discovered the cells of our body hold on to emotional memories. I remember thinking, If our brains can hold memories, why not the cells in our bodies?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

I first read this book many years ago, when it first came out. Then, more recently, it came back onto my radar and I felt inspired to read it again. The Secret is the law of attraction and "how you can have, be, or do anything you want." It might seem a crazy notion, but the more I've read and experienced life with this awareness, the more I believe it's true. The challenge for some people may be in believing there is a mysterious unexplanable infinite power in the universe that will draw to you what it is you wish, ask or pray for. Even if you don't believe it's that easy, it's certainly an interesting concept. It's possible to put it to the test, and see for yourself if you can draw into your life something you hope for.

Thinking Positively is one of the key issues. As my situation in life was different this second time around of reading the book, something quite significant jumped out at me and resonated strongly. "You don't have to fight to get rid of disease. Just the simple process of letting go of negative thoughts will allow your natural state of health to emerge within you. And your body will heal itself." 'Let go' were the words Caroline Kremer had said to me in one of our sessions, and I knew this was a key for my return to good health and happiness.

The Greatest Secret

by Rhonda Byrne

Reading her first book naturally led me on to reading her follow up book. It was a little more challenging to read, trying to grasp all the concepts, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing! When a new perspective is presented it's tempting to resist it because it doesn't fit in with our beliefs and values. But, if we're able to be curious, open, and consider other possibilities, the new knowledge can allow us to adapt and grow. This book has been part of that journey for me. It some ways, it lay a foundation for later, because some of the things I read then make sense now that I've read and learned more.

One of the key concepts is that we are more than the sum of our parts. We are not just a mind and a body. They are merely the vehicle in which we experience life. We are Awareness. She explains it much better than I could, so it's worth a read if this topic intrigues you. Ultimately, this is a book that tries to help you find a path to happiness.

One analogy she used that I particularly remember and like, is the Mountain of Consciousness. When you're at the bottom of the mountain you can't see what is around the corner, so you worry and fear the unknown. But, the higher up the mountain you are, the more clearly you see everything, from a different perspective and you realise the worry and fear is a waste of time and unnecessary.

The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life by Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti & Owen Fitzpatrick

I'd heard of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) but didn't really know what it was, so I read this book to find out more. It's written like a story, about a man attending an NLP conference, learning about the key concepts, how he was responding to it and the observations he made. Later in the book, there are more examples of exercises you can try to help think more positively - changing the brain and how it's wired to think.

Effectively, they highlight how important good communication skills are, and not just verbally. With greater understanding we can improve all our relationships, whether it be personal, in a work environment, or even when you come across random people during the course of your day.

One of the things I really liked was how they explained we all have a different map of the world and no two maps are the same. This is how two people can share the same event/situation, but the experience will be different and unique for each of them. It's a good reminder that we don't all think the same or have the same beliefs. Consequently, we'll react or respond differently. It's why someone can take what you say completely the wrong way from what you intended. We all see the world with different eyes.

The Art of Kind and Flowing Relationships

by Nicholas Haines, The Five Institute.

When I read this book I was already familiar with his work and had even taken the Vitality Test. It reveals the balance of the five elements that you possess (water, wood, earth, fire and metal) and helps you to understand your personality - why you are the way you are. This is based on ancient Chinese wisdom and philosophy.

Nick has worked as an acupuncturist for over 30 years and shares his knowledge, experience and insights in wonderfully accessible ways. Not only have I read his books and seen some of his YouTube videos, but I've also done a couple of his online courses, which were life-changing. (I'll share more on that in due course).

I read this book when I was starting a new romantic relationship and I found it hugely beneficial. However, I think it could be equally useful for anyone who has been married for years, who has children, or if you're experiencing some challenging relationships in any area of your life. It provides a great introduction to the Five Elements or Energies. There are some great tips on how to be flexible and flowing, creating some magic in your relationships and showing kindness and respect, plus so much more.

The Story of Boxes: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

by Rúna Magnúsdóttir & Nicholas Haines

"'Boxes' are used as a metaphor for a specific mode of thinking that's embedded in virtually all of humanity; a mode of thinking that's based on grouping, classifying and categorizing people, things, and ideas." In the book, they say that "your boxes inform your beliefs and influence your behaviours, and actions, and lead to all sorts of biases, both conscious and unconscious."

They look at all sorts of 'boxes' such as those driven by history, by a need for safety and security, by a desire for higher status, and by a desire to bond or align, plus more. It's hugely insightful. It's about encouraging an awareness and curiosity that helps you spot when you're using a 'box', understanding what's going on, and then deciding on the action - love, leave or live with your box.

In its own little way, this book is a valuable step towards creating human liberation, peace and happiness. It challenges us to pay more attention to the things we say and do.

The Tapping Solution

by Nick Ortner

"Based on the principles of both ancient acupressure and modern psychology, tapping concentrates on specific energy meridians while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations. Combined with spoken word, tapping helps calm the nervous system to restart the balance of energy in the body and rewire the brain to respond in healthy ways."

This book is all about the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). It involves tapping on acupressure points whilst repeating various words, sentences, or dialogue relating to the emotions, situations and limiting beliefs. It gives you the chance to let go of the stress or negative emotions you're feeling, or gradually see it reduce. The great thing about this process is that it gets you to delve deeper into the subconscious to find out what's behind the negative feelings.

One of the things I remember and liked the most from reading this book, was the Tree exericse. First I drew a basic tree with leaves, branches, a trunk and roots. Then, in the area of the leaves I wrote the symptoms I was experiencing. In the branches I listed the associated feelings. On the trunk, I wrote the events or trauma behind them. Finally, in the roots I wrote down my limiting beliefs and underlying concerns. It seems like such a simple exercise, but it was very revealing. It helped me peel back the layers of my experiences to understand where it was all coming from. This knowledge, this awareness, was really powerful as it opened me up to the possibility of change.

Healing Your Emotions

by Angela Hicks & John Hicks

I wanted to learn more about the five elements that Nick Haines of the Five Institute had introduced me to and traditional Chinese philosophy. He recommended this book and I found it fascinating.

"The ancient Chinese understood that positive emotions can keep us healthy whilst negative emotions significantly and unfavourably affect our health. Our bodies manifest our emotions, for example worry can deplete the immune system and frustration and anger can strain the heart."

In the book they describe each of the elements and how they're connected to certain parts of our body. They offer ways to find balance and harmony, and ultimately better health, by understanding our specific personality and energy profile.

"This is a book which will help you to transform anger, conquer fear, release sadness and break the worry habit and restore health and well-being."

The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses

by William H Bates, MD

I recall this book was mentioned to me on two separate occasions by different people, so I bought a secondhand copy of it. Bates (1860-1931) was a physician who practiced ophthalmology and didn't always follow conventional approaches like his colleagues at the time. He believed that the eye focuses by elongating the eyeball through use of the extraocular oblique muslces rather than the lens itself. The culmination of his work and experience led to the creation of the Bates Method and the writing of this book. He's been able to help thousands of people improve their eye sight not only when he was alive, but since.

In the book he explains a lot of detail about a variety of eye conditions. Many of the issues people experience with poor eye sight can be linked to tension in the muscles of the eye, which comes from stress and how we are feeling. He discovered that trauma and negative experiences, even at a young age, could affect our eyesight. It can reduce when we hear sudden unfamiliar noises, when we lie, and at night when we sleep. The many exercises he discusses are about reducing the stress on the eye. 'Palming' is the one I've used the most.

It's a fascinating book, which even led me to meet with a Bates Method consultant. She helped shine a light on the issues I have, which thankfully aren't too bad. Thanks to her I've managed to reduce the magnification of my reading glasses and improve my eye sight, which has been confirmed by a more recent visit to an optometrist. But, it's work in progress, which is more a reflection of how often I do the necssary eye exercises than anything else.

Freedom Is by Brandon Bays

Although this is a book too, I bought the CD and felt this was far more beneficial for me. Brandon speaks with a lovely soft American voice and in a style that made me feel like she was talking to me and not just reading her book. There were excellent guided exercises throughout. Step by step, with pauses, she guided me through them as I explored some deep emotions. Since then, I've been able to replay them again and work through and release more issues, which has been very liberating.

The main sections are on Effortless Being, Unattachment, Being in the Present, Gratitude, Emotions, Love, Forgiveness and Englightenment.

It's all very powerful and I truly felt transformed by the end. One of the key things she addressed early on was about ceasing the effort with things, striving and trying so hard, but instead being relaxed so things feel effortless. She also talked about the importance of fully experiencing the present, which of course ties in with mindfulness and meditation practices. Her explanations and guidance on gratitude, emotions, love and forgiveness have laid the foundations for my life going forward, which makes me so grateful for this CD.



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Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel The Way You Feel

by Candace B Pert, PhD

When she was a PhD student, in 1973, Pert discovered the opiate receptor in our bodies, which is the docking site for natural endorphins that create pain relief and euphoria. It's the mechanism that allows us to feel good. At the time, this was ground breaking. Through continuing research she's discovered that it is not only present in humans, but all animals and, get this, even single cell organisms.

She also discovered that viruses use the same receptors as the neuropeptides in our bodies as a way to enter a cell, "depending on how much of the natural peptide for a particular receptor is around and available to bind, the virus that fits that receptor will have an easier or harder time getting into the cell." The natural peptides are what relate to our emotions, which she refers to as the molecules of emotions. She goes on to say, "because the molecules of emotion are involved in the process of a virus entering our cell, it seems logical to assume that the state of our emotions will affect whether or not we succumb to viral infection." I found this fascinating! Imagine how feeling happier could help prevent you from suffering from a virus! I think that alone is a good reason to start thinking more positively.

Another interesting fact is how the bundle of nerves that bridges the left and right hemispheres of the brain is thicker in women than men, so they are able to switch back and forth from the rational (left brain) to the intuitive (right brain) with relative ease, "with fewer nerves connecting the hemispheres, men tend to be more focused in one hemisphere or the other."

Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d

by Candace B Pert, PhD with Nancy Marriott

At the start of this book Pert explains and summarises in less depth her first book, so this might be a more appealing read.

This book was a game changer for me, bridging the gap between the science and it's implications in life. Pert draws on her own expeience to document "how mind, body and spirit cannot be separated; and that we're hardwired for bliss, which is both physical and divine. Feeling good, and feeling God, she beleives are one and the same."

I was a skeptic and agnostic at the time of reading this book, but I didn't let the mention of 'God' deter me from reading it. So, whether you're open to more spiritual ideas or not, the facts and messages in this book are a real eye opener and absolutely worth reading.

For me, this book was pivotal in my understanding about the mind and body, which has helped me change enormously.