After studying trends in modern science, theology, and philosophy, EvolutionNext editor Carter Phipps introduces a new understanding of evolution that adheres to both science and spirituality. Phipps interviewed scientists, philosophers, and theologians who share an "evolutionary vision and a care for our collective future" to create this pioneering guide to evolutionary spirituality.

In Evolutionaries, Phipps explains the relationship between technology, evolution, and society’s speed of change. He shows the reader what it’s like to see with evolutionary eyes, bringing to question where we come from, who we are, and where we might be going.

This collection of essays outlines a new approach to leadership to fit the demands of the twenty-first century. In The Transforming Leader contributors draw on psychology, neuroscience, organizational change theory, traditions, and actual experiences to convey that in order to succeed, today’s leaders must lead in ways that connect mind and spirit. By updating their own thinking in addition to encouraging collaboration and creativity in others, leaders can create transformational results.

Dr. Carol S. Pearson was the principal investigator of the Fetzer Institute's Leadership for Transformation Project from which The Transforming Leader grew. She is currently the president of Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California, and is an internationally recognized scholar and author.

Harvard neuroscientist and Learning Strategies client Eben Alexander knew that near-death experiences felt real but explained them as fantasies that our brains created under stress—until he had one of his own.

In 2008, Alexander had a rare form of bacterial meningitis which attacked his brain, shutting down the part that controls thought and emotion. As he lay comatose for seven days, Alexander journeyed to what he can only explain as heaven, met by an angelic woman who guided him to a divine being he calls Om.

After waking from his coma, Alexander transitioned from a man of science and a skeptic to one who knows heaven, God, and the soul exist and that death is not an end but merely a transition. "Our spirit is not dependent on the brain or body," he says. "It is eternal, and no one has one sentence worth of hard evidence that it isn't."

As you read the book, you may recognize that what he described is what Chunyi Lin describes in his meditations and talks.

Chip Conley, author of the best-selling Peak and award-winning entrepreneur, utilizes brilliantly simple math and accessible ideas to show readers precisely how to master the "age of uncertainty". Of course, making mathematics out of emotions sounds remarkably counterintuitive, but Chip Conley not only effectively ties the two together, but does so in a way that will inspire and encourage.

After suffering a series of tragedies, Conley began using what he called "Emotional Equations" (like Joy = Love – Fear). These equations helped him deal with the problems that everybody faces; the unchangeable constants: Death, taxes, and a slouching economy. And now, Conley shares his amazing self-help paradigm with the rest of us.

A must-read for anybody seeking guidance in facing life's toughest challenges, Emotional Equations is both accessible and intensive, arming readers with formulas to become super human beings…even in times when most of us are feeling anything but super.

This groundbreaking, 336-page book combines Western neuroscience with Eastern meditation in an exploration of how a troubled mind can right itself. Dr. Daniel Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and co-director of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, shows readers how to use "Mindsight" to escape mental traps. These traps, which can range from anxiety to depression and feelings of shame and inadequacy, cause recurring conflict in our lives and relationships.

Through a broad range of scientific research, coupled with lessons applicable to everyday life, Siegel provides helpful approaches to overcome obstacles blocking happiness. Often inspiring, and just as often profound, Mindsight helps readers master emotions, relationships, and living a life full of prosperity and potential.

Seeking happiness is a constant struggle as we all ache from the pressures of society's expectations to be perfect in every way. We are expected to look younger, to make more money, and to always be happy. According to Tal Ben-Shahar, it is the "pursuit of perfect" that may actually be the number-one internal obstacle stopping us from finding happiness.

Shahar, the New York Times bestselling author of Happier, taught the most popular course at Harvard University prior to teaching at the Interdisciplinary Center in Israel. His consultations and lectures have reached organizations around the world, and his speeches have touched people from all walks of life. The Pursuit of Perfect applies research in the field of psychology, and takes readers off of the pursuit of perfect, and into a path of happiness, richness, and true fulfillment. Shahar shows readers that real lessons like failure can teach us valuable lessons, and that there are powerfully transformative results from not trying to do everything perfect, all the time.

After illustrating the global relevance of trust in The Speed of Trust, Stephen M.R. Covey again illustrates the human power of trust to change lives and impact organizations. Smart Trust shares enlightening principles and anecdotes of people and organizations that are not only achieving unprecedented prosperity from high-trust relationships, but have attained elevated levels of energy and joy.

Stephen M.R. Covey is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and advisor on trust and ethical practices in the business realm. A Harvard MBA, Covey's last book has sold more than one million copies in twenty-two languages.

In this ground-breaking book, Otto Scharmer invites us to see the world in new ways. Fundamental problems, as Einstein once noted, cannot be solved at the same level of thought that created them. What we pay attention to, and how we pay attention - both individually and collectively - is key to what we create. What often prevents us from attending is what Scharmer calls our blind spot, the inner place from which each of us operates. Learning to become aware of our blind spot is critical to bringing forth the profound systemic changes so needed in business and society today.

Dr. C. Otto Scharmer is a Senior Lecturer at MIT and the founding chair of ELIAS (Emerging Leaders Innovate Across Sectors), a program linking twenty leading global institutions from business, government, and civil society in order to prototype profound system innovations for a more sustainable world. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and management from Witten-Herdecke University, Germany.

The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything

by Stephen M.R. Covey

Staff Recommendation

A groundbreaking and paradigm shifting book, The Speed of Trust challenges our age old assumption that trust is merely a soft, social virtue and instead demonstrates that trust is a hard edged, economic driver a learnable and measurable skill that makes organizations more profitable, people more promotable, and relationships more energizing.

Qigong in Psychotherapy: You can do so much by doing so little

by Patrick Dougherty

Staff Recommendation

A student of Master Chunyi Lin and Spring Forest Qigong since 1995, psychologist and qigong teacher Patrick Dougherty shows the reader simple, powerful ways to integrate elements of Taoist philosophy and Chinese medicine into Western mental health practices. From teaching simple mind/body techniques, such as focused breathing and imagery, to explaining how the energetic world we live in affects our emotional and psychological health, Dougherty shows us how to quickly and easily enhance our well being. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this book is its emphasis on our fundamental interconnectedness, and how following the practices in this book can lead to a more open-hearted engagement with the world.

Brain Gym: Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning

by Paul E. Dennison

Staff Recommendation

A pioneer in applied brain research, Dr. Paul Dennison focused on the interdependence of physical development, language acquisition, and academic achievement. In his work he developed a series of simple and enjoyable body movements, called Brain Gym. The commonality of this set of movements was that they all assisted brain-body integration. Since fortunately the brain and body are linked, these movements lead to microadjustments in neurology, which in turn could dramatically accelerate academic progress. In studio and class we all used all the exercises of Brain Gym every day. This small book has been translated into 20-some languages. It offers drawings of the 26 Brain Gym activities with simple descriptions of how to do them, written in a simple story form that children can understand.

The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief

by Gregg Braden

Staff Recommendation

Between 1993 and 2000, a series of groundbreaking experiments revealed dramatic evidence of a web of energy that connects everything in our lives and our world—the Divine Matrix. From the healing of our bodies, to the success of our careers, relationships, and the peace between nations, this new evidence demonstrates that we each hold the power to speak directly to the force that links all of creation. What would it mean to discover that the power to create joy, to heal suffering, and bring peace to nations lives inside of you? How differently would you live if you knew how to use this power each day of your life? Join Gregg Braden on this extraordinary journey bridging science, spirituality and miracles through the language of The Divine Matrix.

Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters

by Jerry Porras

Staff Recommendation

This fascinating book clearly shows that creating a life that matters is not a pipe-dream. It will show you little-known—but very doable—ways of thinking and acting that will allow you to create a successful and fulfilling life.

The Biology Of Belief: Unleashing The Power Of Consciousness, Matter And Miracles

By Bruce H. Lipton

Recommended by Pete Bissonette

The Biology of Belief is a groundbreaking work in the field of New Biology. Author Dr. Bruce Lipton is a former medical school professor and research scientist. His experiments, and those of other leading-edge scientists, have examined in great detail the processes by which cells receive information. The implications of this research radically change our understanding of life. It shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts.

Dr. Lipton's profoundly hopeful synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics is being hailed as a major breakthrough showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking.

If you're fascinated with our programs, especially Spring Forest Qigong, you will find the book a refreshing affirmation of the work you do with us. Get it.

The Grace of Ordinary Days

by Kay Saunders and Bernie Saunders

Staff Recommendation

Bernie Sanders has not only been a friend and colleague of many years, but also the co-author of Learning Strategies' Boundless Renewal course. His latest project: "The Grace of Ordinary Days," incorporates more of the same heart-stirring photos, unfolding for us the wisdom between mother and son.

"The Grace of Ordinary Days is a rare glimpse into the lives of a mother and son, Kay and Bernie Saunders. The book combines their art of poetry and photography, but more important, unites the art of their sixty-year relationship. Together they discover that it is never too late to have a courageous conversation, and in doing so, find unsaid love, understanding, and forgiveness. The beauty and riches found in this book at the culmination of their truth."

Hidden Messages : What Our Words and Actions Are Really Telling Our Children

by Elizabeth Pantley

Staff Recommendation

This wonderful book digs deeper into the art of parenting, instructing the reader on not only what how their actions directly affect their children, but the indirect effects as well. The chapters are easy to read while providing incredibly thorough lessons and insight. Even the best-informed parents will be shocked to discover that they have unintentionally been sending their kids the wrong messages. In this book, these hidden messages are revealed through intriguing stories that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect upon your own family life. Through specific action plans, this book will help you uncover the best ways to raise your children to be happy, successful people.

Elizabeth Pantley, the creator of the bestselling No-Cry parenting books, shows you how to improve the hidden messages behind your words and deeds. She shares with you other parents' stories that demonstrate how they unknowingly sent their kids negative messages through their words and actions. After each story she provides a gentle lesson by showing the child's perspective on the same scenario and offers suggestions for a positive outcome.

The Einstein Factor: A Proven New Method for Increasing Your Intelligence

by Win Winger & Richard Poe

Staff Recommendation

New research suggests that the superior achievements of famous thinkers may have been more the result of mental conditioning than genetic superiority. Now you can learn to condition your mind in the same way and improve your performance in virtually all aspects of mental ability, including memory, quickness, IQ, and learning capacity.

Intelligence pioneer Dr. Win Wenger has identified the tools you need to reach greater levels of sharpness, insight, and overall intelligence. Using Wenger's Image Streaming technique, you learn to bypass inhibitions and access the hypernormal capabilities hidden in your own subconscious. Discover how you can improve your memory, read faster, solve problems like a genius, and build self-esteem.

Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision

by Marc Grossman

Staff Recommendation

When Magic Eye images hit the publishing world in the 1990s, the response was as magical as the 3D images popping from their colorful backgrounds. Viewers couldn't get these best-selling books fast enough. In fact, Magic Eye I, II, and III rode the New York Times best-seller list for 34 weeks and eventually sold more than 20 million copies. Now Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision with Magic Eye takes this phenomenon to another level.

Beyond 3D examines the medical benefits and scientific possibilities related to viewing these remarkable images. Clearly explained in lay terms and through the use of numerous Magic Eye illustrations, the book not only helps readers "see" the images, it identifies and demonstrates the many physical and performance-related enrichments that may result, including reduced computer eyestrain, diminished stress levels, and improved overall vision.

The Resiliency Advantage: Master Change, Thrive Under Pressure, and Bounce Back From Setbacks

by Al Siebert, PhD

Recommended by Paul Scheele

Psychologist and presenter Al Siebert, PhD, recently published his newest book titled, The Resiliency Advantage: Master Change, Thrive Under Pressure, and Bounce Back From Setbacks. His first book, the bestselling The Survivor Personality, introduced his model for mental health and featured "resiliency" as a core human skill.

I've been a fan of Al's since the mid 1980s and privileged to have worked with him to publish the audio personal learning course, "Resiliency: The Power to Bouce Back." It is clear to me that the personality trait of being highly resilient to disruptive change couldn't possibly be more timely in this age of so much worldly turmoil.

Dr. Siebert does a lovely job of presenting how to develop five levels of resiliency skills. He illustrates all his points with clear, relevant examples. A major bonus comes through his rich history of 30 years working with clients and documenting their experiences. The pages are alive with energy that will give an immediate advantage to any reader.

Copyrighted in 2005 by Al Siebert, PhD. Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. San Francisco, CA.

The Success Principles

by Jack Canfield

Recommended by Paul Scheele

This is a brand new success classic by a good friend and a phenomenal writer: Jack Canfield, famous for his Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He has already greatly impacted the soul of the world, and he is doing it again.

No matter where you are with your life, The Success Principles gives you proven strategies and time-tested systems to create a brighter future. I recommend it unconditionally. Every page has something useful, and I'm sure you'll end up buying copies for friends.

The Future of the Body: Explorations into the Further Evolution of Human Nature

by Michael Murphy

Recommended by Paul Scheele

Michael Murphy is co-founder and Chairman of Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. For thirty years he has been a potent force in the human potential movement. In his book he provides a massive tome of impressive evidence for the extraordinary powers of the human mind/body. Murphy beautifully catalogs "metanormal capacities," offering rich scientific support for our transformative abilities. He cites studies in biofeedback, psychotherapy, sports, martial arts, religion, meditation, spiritual healing, and more.

I've always loved telling tales of amazing human potentials and offering strategies on how to achieve them, so this book is a real treat for me. Anyone interested in developing human potential and justifying their efforts to skeptical loved ones, should read and reference this book. Murphy offers straightforward explanations on the bases and elements of transformative practices. Then, to top it all off, he gives us a complete set of "integral practices" to discover our own higher powers.

The Solutions Focus: The SIMPLE Way to Positive Change

by Paul Z. Jackson and Mark McKergow

Staff Recommendation

The idea really is simple: identify what works and do more of it, and stop doing what does not work and do something different. By taking a solution-focused approach to problems instead of focusing on the problem, you move toward your desired future and toward the solution. In essence, there are no problems. Analyzing, talking about, and reacting to problems, is the worst way to solve them! Realize that every "problem" is different and therefore each requires a unique approach to changing it. Once you do, you take your power back. Use the SIMPLE approach in your organization, office team, and any area of your personal life.

Unlimited Futures: How to Understand the Life You Have and Create the Life You Want

by Bobbie R. Stevens, Ph.D.

Staff Recommendation

With this book, let Bobbie Stevens be your personal consultant to create whatever you want: optimal health, an ideal partner, to understand the meaning of life... Because our self-defeating habits and our negative thoughts and beliefs often get in the way of what we want, we need to change the way we think about beliefs. And, about self-improvement. Beliefs are only information we have accepted. Bobbie Stevens shows how she created relationships, found herself a mate, how she created business success, and a lifestyle she truly enjoys. She shares step-by-step guidelines, which are practical and powerful, teaching what it means to become self-actualized, ultimately discovering the ability within to fulfill our needs and desires.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

by Eckhart Tolle

Staff Recommendation

One of our biggest problems is our constant need to analyze; we think about our past and the future, all of our problems and our pain. What if a problem is just an illusion, a label we allow our minds to attach to a certain situation? What if instead of thinking about what might happen, we let go of time and notice only what is going on in the present moment? The author believes that we would attain enlightenment. The idea appeared suddenly for him when he awoke one night, and though the realization may not come to us this way, his message is simple and inspiring. Even while doing our meditations, practicing yoga or relaxation exercises, we are constantly looking for peace, but we find true happiness when we stop searching for it, because happiness is now.

Thresholds of the Mind: Your Personal Roadmap to Success, Happiness, and Contentment

by Bill Harris

Staff Recommendation

His belief is clear: no one has to suffer or lead a life of unhappiness. You can live the life you want. Bill Harris has helped thousands to create life-lasting change through Centerpointe Research Institute and the remarkable Holosync audio technology. Learn how so many people have found mental, emotional, and spiritual growth with this program. The key is starting from the inside, using an audio program that can produce for your mind a relaxed and meditative state. Bill Harris understands how the minds works, why meditation works, and explains how the profound effects of Holosync have helped him and others achieve success and happiness.

The Sedona Method: Your Key to Lasting Happiness, Success, Peace and Emotional Well-being

by Hale Dwoskin

Recommended by Pete Bissonette

The Sedona Method is finally available in book form! Since the 1970s personal friends have raved about the emotionally freeing results they've received from doing the Sedona Method. And then, since the 1990s when Hale Dwoskin began offering classes in the Sedona Method, clients of Learning Strategies began telling us about their successes--so much so that we asked Hale to do a special program as part of our Euphoria Personal Learning Course. The Sedona Method teaches a simple way to be free from any emotion that may be barring your success. In the book Hale tells you how to use the method systematically on any challenge you have in your life, whether in learning, career, relationships, or health.

Loving What Is : Four Questions that Can Change Your Life

by Byron Katie

Recommended by Paul Scheele

Byron Katie (a woman who goes by the name Katie) reveals the details and use of her amazing process known simply as "The Work." I first encountered Katie in a weekend workshop at Omega Institute in upstate New York three years ago. Her long awaited book is much better than I had anticipated. Along with her husband and previously published co-author Stephen Mitchell, Katie has crafted a beautiful description of her powerful human development breakthrough.

The book contains more than clear instructions for how to bring The Work alive in your own life. You also see it in action with transcripts of live stage-sessions with Katie. Each session seems more astounding than the next. Be forewarned; Loving What Is is not about self-improvement, but about finding the truth. I believe you will find, as I have, that "...the truth will set you free."

Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century:The Six-Step Plan to Unlock Your Master-Mind

by Colin Rose and Malcolm J. Nicholl

Staff Recommendation

For anyone who wants to remember more, learn faster, think more creatively, and increase your ability to retain even the most difficult material, this book will have an impact. Accelerated Learning is practical and insightful, and based on the latest scientific research. Colin Rose explains how you can increase your intuition, solve problems, and discover your own personal learning style, a key to learning that is often missing in traditional education. Learn how the brain functions so that you can tap into your natural skills, talents, and intelligence. Especially valuable for students, teachers, and parents.

The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Untapped Potential

by Tony Buzan with Barry Buzan

Staff Recommendation

Familiar to most PhotoReaders, The Mind Map book is worth mentioning. One of the most effective activation techniques, Tony Buzan's Mind Mapping is a groundbreaking technique. The Mind Mapping book shows you how to create your own Mind Maps to involve your whole brain in learning. The genius in Mind Mapping is that it mirrors the way your brain naturally perceives, categorizes, and creates associations for learning. Learn how to take notes the right way for increased comprehension and recall. Organize your ideas, effectively prepare a speech, report, presentation, or lecture. Mind Mapping is for students, PhotoReaders, teachers, everyone!

Meeting the Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature

edited by Connie Zweig and Jeremiah Abrams

Recommended by Paul R. Scheele

An associate put me in touch with Jeremiah Abrams, the co-editor and contributing author of Meeting The Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature. After a lively phone conversation, I retrieved his book from my shelf and remembered the many excellent writings contained within it.

This book has long been on my "most recommended" list for those interested in learning more about the shadow side of personality. But now I know it is a must-read for anyone involved with personal development (either on their own or helping others).

We all pay a price for neglecting areas of our psyche that we would rather deny. Read the book and find out how to gain the riches of your mind, improve your psychological strength, and understand why people behave as they do.

Meeting The Shadow is filled with well-written and easily digested contributions from the most knowledgeable authors in the field of shadow-work. Although the subject is both deep and broad, the book covers it with remarkable thoroughness.