This book is a sweet reminder that being a parent and having a spiritual practice are not mutually exclusive paths. David's warmth and wit are pure inspiration, reminding us of the supremely important work of shaping the future--otherwise known as parenting.

I bought this book at a conference to give to my daughter who is a new parent, and ended up reading it myself. I'm glad I did! It is an excellent book which leads you into surprising depths in a very warm and witty way. I wish I had had the benefit of Spangler's insights and philosophy when my children were all at home, but I found the teachings in this book are every bit as applicable and useful to me now as a person pursuing a spiritual path as they would have been when I was more actively parenting. This book is a wonderful discovery, and I intend to keep my copy for myself and get another for my daughter and now for my son as well, who is single!

Some books challenge classification. Is this book meant for parents? Most definitely! But it's also for all those seeking to live as mystics in the everyday reality of our lives. And whether one is a parent or not, this wise, delightful, reflective and unpredictable little book offers a perspective which may forever alter the way one thinks of parenting and being a mystic.

While I am not a parent, I AM a doting aunt, bountiful fairy godmother, proud great aunt, and occasionally, a weekend substitiute for my parent friends when they travel. So I too found myself laughing at some of David Spangler's hilarious tales of the adventures of parenting and moved by his vision of the mystical nature of parenting. What he is saying is that one may touch into the heart of God or the Oneness or the Mystery in the very midst of our ordinary moments. And how better to do that than to walk through the days of a parent who chooses to find the sacred amidst diapering, carpooling, comforting and all the daily crises and celebrations that define parenting?

I particularly love it when I am challenged to look at a common reality as in the chapter "Aliens". The author suggests we view children as though they were aliens we were in a "first contact" situation. Would that change our attitudes to ones of respect, listening and co-operation? It reminded me of the sense of privilege I feel when I am invited into a child's world if only for a short while.

And I think my favorite chapter is the one called "Laps". "A lap is a parent's best friend, a tool of transformation that would make any magician green with envy." Laps are places of calm, centering, safety and love - and always potentially available. How would it be to imagine ourselves holding each other, ourselves, the world - even God - on our "laps"? As the author says, "to discover God, make a lap!"

The language throughout is simple, poetic and warm with vivid images and lots of gentle humor. There is an overwhelming sense of compassion for and identification with the struggles of exhausted parents as well as a sheer delight in the unfolding miracles which children are.

So my recommendation: read this book - whether you are a parent or a friend of a parent, or a metaphorical parent to your work, your community, the world. Give this book to your friends who are parents, and your friends who are struggling to be mystics. Keep one on your bedside table. And - make a lap!

I found this a thought-provoking book which suggests a deep awareness by the author of modern psychology and the way that psychological issues can be addressed by using traditionally occult or mystical approaches. In the book, John Matthews describes the Grail legends in an allegorical context, and takes the reader through a series of self-healing 'Path-Workings', which would be instantly recognised by students of the Western Esoteric Tradition (particularly those familiar with tecniques developed within the Golden Dawn tradition).

While not a book about occultism or mysticism, 'Healing the Wounded King' contains elements of both and combines them into a wonderfully accessible approach to self-healing. A very good read and extremely worthwhile.

Dave Brook

This is a well-written and comprehensive guidebook to the New Age, written by one who has traveled its roads. David Spangler distinguishes between the New Age and the New Age movement, and into the latter he lumps the fringe groups beloved of the media for their sensationalism. For him, the New Age is the consciousness of the sacred rising like a benign tide amongst us, breaking into our human world. He warns that this consciousness is filtered by our personalities, and that there will be those unable to handle "the sacred world of love and wisdom, fiery intelligence and passionate will, imagination and delight," and that this failure sometimes leads to bizarre manifestations.

He emphasizes that when one is on the spiritual path, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure that one is serving the whole and not one's ego. He warns of cults. "At the slightest whiff of a power game, look for the exit." He has no use for prophecies of apocalyptic disaster, describing them as movie-like projections of the seer's own fear and anger.

David Spangler was on his way to becoming a molecular biologist before mystical experiences intervened, and as befits this background, he writes objectively and with authority. He identifies fantasies and illusions on the one hand, commercial greed and power trips on the other, and gives the reader directions for a clear middle path towards a more benign future. If you read nothing else about the New Age, read this. (Tony Mitton)

David Spangler and William Irwin Thompson "reimagine" the New-Age in this clear, sometimes shocking discussion. Based around the forums of two major New-Age conventions in 1988 and 1989, their visons and interpretations of countless aspects of what is commonly referred to as the "New Age" are the kind of candid, honest appeal to humanity that is so rare in this oftentimes overly-metaphysical genre. While the numinous aspects of reality are not spared (they fully discuss astral projection, channelling, and the like of modern "crystal worshippers"), what is refreshing is the humor and human-ness which accompany their insight. Being a reader who was raised with the concepts of past-life regression and karma as a moral and spiritual guidepost, I have often struggled with the paradoxical nature of the new-age movement. Seeming inacessible, lofty, and pretentious, this emotionally indulgent attempt at enlightmennt sent me searching Christianity for answers. Needless to say, I arrived at the discovery that both crystals and Christ can be limiting. Thus, my finding Spangler's and Thompson's exegesis on their comprehensive experience as both founders and dissentors of the new-age movement was fortunate; their ideas will engender a synthesis of thought both full of enlightenment and common sense - a combination rare in the often-megalomaniacal realm of spirituality and religion.

This book has excellent content but poor print quality. I contacted the publisher-Riverhead/Penquin Putnam and they told me to return it to them. I received a replacement and it is no different. They wanted me to return it to Amazon but I contend that it is not Amazon's problem. It is indeed a print quality issue which should be addressed by Riverhead.

Do you remember when you exchanged a "moment" with a stranger and saw a twinkle in their eye that shined from them so brightly that the rest of your day went so well you were "totally great"? That because the light that you saw was actually a reflection of your spirit coming back to you in joy? David Spangler shares this in this amazing treasure chest of thoughts, ideas and helpful exercises to allow us all an opportunity to become that blessing to ourselves and others,to enter that "blessing space."
On page 17 he explains that the art of blessing is the practice of being connected to each other in the most amazing way because we all have this space inside us readily available.When we discover this and "realize it" a beautiful thing happens and that gift to each other...is our "self." By accepting the love that flows through us we effortlessly receive blessings, give blessings to others and become a blessing in and of itself. I ask a blessing for the thought of a "radiance of blessings" as David Spangler shares Dr. Brugh Joy, his friend and colleagues special thought, to shower us with light and love! A blessing that will appear as a Rainbow of humanities love for its "self."

I cannot thank the author enough for such a warm, inspiring and eloquent presentation of how connection to life itself can be deepened through acts of blessing.
I am not an avid reader of spiritual texts -- I am a RABID reader! This book is opening up undreamed of potential in my spiritual life and will be a true companion to me for years to come.

Everyone at one point in their live has posed the question of the meaning of existence. What is my purpose here on earth, what am I to do are just a few of the many questions that have escaped from our lips. In this slim volume David Spangler enables us to deal with that still small voice that nudges us into unknown territory. The name we give that voice is "The Call" which is active throughout our lives. Spangler shares with us his own personal experiences in both accepting the call and defining its meaning. He shows us that in both the spiritual and scientific world, humanity is part of the whole. We are to live, give and grow in this world of ours as we accept our call in life. We, ourselves are walking answers to the call. This text lays out the differences between a call and a summons and how they work in our lives. We are also given insight concerning issues of power and integrity. In essence calls are all around us but we must pay attention. Calls are also not one shot deals but are processes that work themselves through us in the course of a lifetime. The Call is a beautiful book which points one onto his or her spiritual journey. By all means listen to your call and respond. The Call will enable you on your quest. It is a much needed resource in your spiritual library.

I have read many book on spirituality, but this one talked to me like no other. David Spangler has captured the complex subject of life through some simple and enlightening viewpoints. The Call is a book for anyone looking for the present moment or should I say, "becoming aware" of the present moment.

I found this book to be one of the more profound books which I have ever read about the nature of faith and expectation. It is a must read. More than this, it is one of the rare books I WILL read again. To me, Spangler is the genuine article... a man who digs into his own experience and comes up with realizations worth sharing. He shares them! It is a gem, in that it steers the reader away from spiritual pride, and group think, and towards a real relationship with the source of miracles.

David Spangler's book is a wonderfully clear book that is packed with useful tips on how to create the life you most desire. There is an energy to miracles, as Spangler describes the steps he has found to be most effective at "transforming a wave of possibility into a particle of actuality". This book provides excellent tools for anyone who feels a need to focus their manifestation powers more clearly, and even includes a chapter of how to overcome difficulties that people commonly encounter with their manifestations.

Spangler shares fascinating true manifestation stories, and reminds us that we have all experienced manifestation in our lives. Often we think of these moments when our wishes and dreams came true as synchronicities -- yet there is truly an art of manifestation, of "changing and fine-tuning the web of relationship and interconnection" -- and Spangler is the perfect guide to show us how to refine our manifestation techniques for more beautiful and enjoyable results.

Spangler's manifestation fitness program focuses on maintaining a healthy body, finding our rhythm, recognizing limits, focusing on the present moment, forgiving, keeping a sense of wonder, allowing for possibilities, positive thinking, gratitude, spirituality, and compassion. He provides useful and easy-to-do visualization exercises that help us understand how to understand the way we are creating, and begin to bring more of what we most desire into our lives. Manifestation rituals, such as "boiling reality" are described in detail, so that even complete novices can successfully achieve good manifestation results. Numerous exercises, such as "welcoming the new you with love", and "projecting the light of your will" are provided throughout the book, giving the reader ample opportunity to practice the techniques as they are being described.

In times of great cosmic questioning, such as, "Why haven't I manifested my dream yet?", this book proves helpful, like an answered prayer. Perfect for anyone who has always asked the REALLY BIG questions, like, "What is God?" or "How does manifestation happen?" or "Is there a pre-ordained blueprint to the outcome of my life or do I really have free will?" It puts the power of producing right back in the readers lap. Empowering! I especially liked the authors way of breaking down the complex theory of Quantum Physics into easily understandable terms for the layperson. If you like the works of Gary Zukav and Deepak Chopra, you'll really enjoy David Spangler.

David Chow was the technical advisor during the first season of the old "Kung Fu" television series. Many of the people who saw those shows commented on how much the techniques resembled judo. This book will show you why. Chow's background was in the grappling arts, and it is that orientation which he brought to both the show and this book. The first part of it deals with the history and theories of some of the more famous kung fu styles. The technique section contains some fairly effective responses to grabbing attacks. The poetry section could have been left out. This book is O.K., but nothing to write home about.

I have been stuying Kung Fu for over 12 years now and learned some things from the book that I previously didn't know. The book covers Kung Fu origins/some history, philosophy, review of styles, including a section on Chin Na with pictorial. Most interesting were the different Kungs in the back of the book. The authors even told you how to practice them if you are dedicated enough to do it.

The only thing I didn't like was the large section in the middle devoted to what looked like basic Chin Na. It would have been better without that section, but the descriptions of the Kungs made up for it. I still think though that this book is a must for every martial art library.

VERY GOOD BOOK - 4 1/2 STARS.

As someone who teaches kung-fu, I simply have to recommend this treatise on the history and philosophy of Chinese martial arts.

This book is unlike many others of its genre. It does not try to teach the reader Kung Fu. It does try to provide a historical perspective and philosophical background to the foundations of the art. The story begins with the travels and teachings of the founder of ancient boxing arts, Bodhidharma. An entire chapter is devoted to the relationship between Taoism and the development of Kung Fu to its current form. Finally, the different styles are explained along with the theory and philosophy behind each. Hard and soft style systems are both adequately covered and described.

Throughout this book are a number of interesting photographs of the masters of various styles of Kung Fu and some of the amazing feats they perform. The book has an extensive section explaining how certain "miracles" are done. Stunts such as climbing a vertical brick wall, leaping ability and hand hardening are described along with the training exercises necessary to perform these stunts. All of these stunts that at first seem impossible suddenly become plausible with the explanations that Chow provides.

This book provides a valuable insight to the foundations of the Kung Fu. It is a great addition to the library of any martial arts enthusiast and the pictures are mostly one-of-a-kind that one is unlikely to see elsewhere.

Math for Real Kids provides teachers an excellent resource. David Spangler has organized this book into different mathematical concepts, i.e. Geometry, Statistics, Integers, which allows for quick referencing. The topics really do correspond to concepts taught in the fourth through eighth grades.

I use this book with my advanced 4th-5th grade classes. Students love working out the math that they use everyday, such as the cooking, bowling, and probability pages. I also am able to extend beyond the pages very easily.

This is a great book to use an an additional mathematics resource.

Spangler was the youngest of the small crew who founded Findhorn. He was planning on a life in the hard sciences when, as young boy, he made contact with and became a part of an entity he could only call "Limitless Love and Truth"...and thus began an amazing journey which took him from the US, to Scotland for the founding of Findhorn, around the world as a lecturer and "organizer of change", and then back to the US where he now resides. In this book he describes the extraordinary cosmological and personal insights which were revealed to him through the channel that was created, and through the life experiences that ensued. He sets this all against the backdrop of the emergence of a new humanity, a reborn earth, and the potential for fundramental transformation which lurks just beneath thhe surface of our time.