Angel Astrology 101 Book Review

Book Review:  Angel Astrology 101 by Doreen Virtue and Yasmin Boland

Reviewed By:  April Morris

I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Angel Astrology 101 by Doreen Virtue and Yasmin Boland.  Astrology has always been an interest of mine, so of course when I saw that this book contained information on the angels connected with birth charts, I was interesting in finding out more.

The book itself is beautiful with high quality pages that will not rip easily, an important consideration when there are young children in the house.   The artwork is stunning.  The book begins with the history of astrology and the false beliefs held by some religions.  There is also an explanation of what modern day astrology covers as well as the spiritual side of astrology.   Then an explanation of the connection with astrology and angels is given, which was quite informative. 

In order to use this book to find which angels are connected to your birth chart, you need certain information from your astrological natal chart (sun sign, moon sign, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and ascendant or rising sign).  There is information on free resources to access this information, which is really a nice touch and adds value to this book. 

Overall, I enjoyed locating the angels associated with the aspects of my chart, as well as those for my loved ones and friends.  Keep in mind that this is a 101 (introductory) book, so for someone with more knowledge in astrology it is very basic.  For those who are new to astrology or think they know about astrology but may hold false beliefs, this is a great book to help one understand how the sun, moon, and stars affect every aspect of our lives and how to work with the angels to enhance our experience here on Earth. 
http://www.hayhouse.com/angel-astrology-101

http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Astrology-101-Discover-Connected/dp/1401943055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399565518&sr=8-1&keywords=angel+astrology+101

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.

Book Review: Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything

Book Review:  Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant
Reviewed By:  April Morris

When I first heard about Iyanla Vanzant’s book, Forgiveness: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything, I was interested in reading it.  I feel that there tends to be a major misinterpretation in society of what forgiveness actually is and that it is indeed not condoning bad behavior, but making peace with a situation.  We often see examples of crimes committed against others with the offended family often stating they have forgiven the perpetrator of the crime.  Then there are comments from people outside the family usually consisting of “how could they even think of forgiving that person.”  In my own life, I have struggled at times with forgiving, not only for others, but for myself at times too.

This book uses several modalities to take an individual through the process of forgiveness.  These modalities include journal entries (topics supplied), meditation (CD supplied), prayer, and the Progressive Emotional Freedom Technique (Pro EFT^TM) or tapping.  I was actually surprised to see the information on tapping, I simply was not expecting to see it as part of the journey of forgiveness.  At the same time, I am familiar with the Pro EFT^TM techniques and know that it works to release beliefs and the emotions tied to them.  After reading the book and working through the 21-day process, I was able to see first-hand how important the tapping aspect is to releasing the past. 

Overall, this extensive process of “forgiving everyone for everything” requires a significant time commitment and a dedication to performing all modalities as described in the book.  I believe this process is worth it in the end.  It will give you a fresh start in the world and allow you to appreciate all that you have in your life.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.

http://www.hayhouse.com/details.php?id=9229&utm_id=3313

The Importance of Strength Training

Several years ago I worked with a personal trainer.  One day she turned to me and said, "you don't need to be afraid of bulking up like a man since women cannot do this due to their biological make up.  The female bodybuilder types are using "enhancers" to develop in this way."  I knew this, having a background in the medical field, but I have found that many women have this concern.  Over the years, I have found that I have had to address this with friends that were afraid of strength training for that very reason.  Strength training offers so many benefits to both men and women.  There is a reduction of anxiety and depression.  It helps prevent osteoporosis.  Strength training helps regulate blood sugar.  Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, I have found that when I am actively exercising and particularly hitting strength training hard (and not so hard), that I feel so much better.  I have energy and do not feel those MS-type symptoms as readily.  I actually feel "normal."  At this point, even though I am trying to lose weight, I am so happy to see the increase in muscle mass because I know it is so good for me.  Below there is a link to an article showcasing the benefits of strength training.   

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/

A Reason to Consider Mobility Training

Many people confuse flexibility with mobility.  What is misunderstood is that you can have great flexibility, but poor overall mobility.  Likewise, you can have good mobility with poor flexibility.  There is a need for a person to have both flexibility and good mobility to enhance their performance.  Also, I had been reading a lot lately on pros and cons of static stretching pre and post workout.  The article I read (link supplied below) touches on leaving the static stretching for a cool-down post workout.  With the wide interest in activities like CrossFit, mobility is now becoming a focus point in training.

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/warm-ups-mobility-exercises-will-prepare-the-body-to-move-quickly-and-efficiently-345

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Weight Loss

I was first introduced to HIIT when I participated in a local news station's "reality show," The Get Fit Club.  The coach for my team went over the concept of high intensity interval training as the preferred way for us to exercise during the program.  I actually found it very effective.  Even though I had gotten away from exercise with an overloaded schedule and crazy family life, when following a HIIT program, time is really not an excuse.

I found this article from Shape Magazine informative regarding HIIT:  http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/8-benefits-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit