455: Pay Attention to The Condition of Your Mind, Body, and Spirit. With Vietnam SEAL, Tom Murphy

On December 10, 1996, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a thirty-seven-year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist, suffered a rare form of stroke in the left hemisphere of her brain. This event led to a complete deterioration of her cognitive functions within four hours, yet she alternated between the logical left brain and the intuitive right brain, experiencing euphoria and a sense of complete well-being. The book chronicles her eight-year recovery and the profound insights she gained into the brain's functioning and the potential for inner peace. Taylor's experience has been widely acclaimed, including a viral TED talk and recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2008.

In 'Beat the Dealer', Edward O. Thorp shares the revolutionary point system that has been successfully used by professional and amateur card players for generations. The book includes an overview of the basic rules of blackjack, proven winning strategies ranging from simple to advanced, methods to overcome casino countermeasures, ways to spot cheating, and charts and tables to illustrate key concepts. It is considered the bible for players of this game of chance and has been instrumental in changing the rules in Las Vegas casinos. The book also includes perforated cards to help players implement the strategies in the casino.

This book is a firsthand account by Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, a secret military operation in Afghanistan. The story details the mission to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader and the subsequent desperate battle that led to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. Luttrell describes his brutal training, the relentless battle, and his survival against al Qaeda assassins. He also recounts how he was taken in and protected by a Pashtun tribe, highlighting themes of courage, honor, and patriotism. The book is a tribute to his teammates who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

This book is part of the Seth Material series and is considered one of the most influential works in the New Age movement. It introduces Seth, an energy personality essence, who communicates through Jane Roberts. The book covers a wide range of metaphysical concepts, including the idea that consciousness creates matter, the multidimensional nature of the self, reincarnation, and the concept that individuals create their own reality through their thoughts and beliefs. It also discusses topics such as the nature of God, the origins of the universe, and the interconnectedness of all consciousness.

This book presents a stunning collection of Hafiz's most intimate poems, translated and interpreted by Daniel Ladinsky. It imparts the wonderful qualities of Hafiz as a spiritual teacher, including an audacious love, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius. The poems explore themes of the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy, and are known for their ability to encourage love, happiness, and a deep spiritual connection. Although Ladinsky's renderings are not traditional translations but rather modern interpretations, they have been praised for their accessibility and timeless appeal.

In this inspirational memoir, Anita Moorjani recounts her battle with cancer, her near-death experience, and her rapid recovery. The book covers her childhood in Hong Kong, her struggles with cultural and religious expectations, and her epiphany during the NDE that she had the power to heal herself. Moorjani shares her insights on illness, healing, fear, and the true magnificence of every human being, emphasizing that we are spiritual beings having a human experience and that we are all connected.

In 'Journey to Ixtlan,' Carlos Castaneda recounts his continued apprenticeship with the Yaqui shaman Don Juan Matus. The book delves into the metaphorical concept of 'Ixtlan,' a place or state of being to which a 'sorcerer' or 'man of knowledge' is drawn. Castaneda reevaluates his previous teachings, emphasizing the importance of 'stopping the world' and perceiving reality on new terms. He also shifts focus away from psychotropic plants, which were central in his earlier works, and towards a more holistic understanding of Don Juan's teachings. The book explores the progression from hunter to warrior to man of knowledge, highlighting Castaneda's personal transformation and his struggle to reconcile his rational worldview with the mystical experiences he encounters.

Spearhead tells the story of Clarence Smoyer, an American tank gunner who leads the U.S. Army into the largest urban battle of the European war, the fight for Cologne. Smoyer's journey is intertwined with that of Gustav Schaefer, a German tank crewman, as they engage in a pivotal duel. The book explores themes of bravery, comradeship, and the human side of war. It is based on real events and includes firsthand accounts from both American and German perspectives.

In 'The Spiritual Child', psychologist Lisa Miller presents research showing that children with a positive, active relationship to spirituality are less likely to use and abuse substances, less likely to be depressed, and less likely to engage in dangerous or unprotected sex. The book also highlights that these children have more positive markers for thriving, including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high levels of academic success. Miller translates these findings into practical advice for parents, emphasizing the role of parents in cultivating their children's spirituality through love, reflection, and spiritual practices.

In this perennial bestseller, Seth, through Jane Roberts, challenges our assumptions about the nature of reality. The book explains how individuals create their personal reality through their conscious beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. It emphasizes the individual’s capacity for conscious action and includes exercises to apply these theories to any life situation. Seth’s message highlights the power of the conscious mind and the ability to form one’s experience through thoughts and feelings.

This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.

This book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin focuses on the principle of 'Extreme Ownership,' where leaders take full responsibility for their actions and decisions. The authors use their experiences in the U.S. Navy SEALs to illustrate how this mindset can lead to success in any organization. The book covers various principles such as believing in the mission, checking ego, and leading by example. It emphasizes that leaders must own all failures, develop plans to overcome them, and ensure their teams are well-conditioned and aligned with the mission. The authors also stress the importance of humility, discipline, and effective communication in leadership.

Alice A. Bailey's works include 24 books written between 1919 and 1949, which she claimed were telepathically dictated by a Master of Wisdom known as Djwal Khul. Her writings cover topics such as the seven rays, esoteric astrology, healing, and spiritual psychology, emphasizing service to humanity and global unity.

Emmanuel's Book is a spiritual guide that shares wisdom and insights on all aspects of life, offering a perspective on living comfortably in the cosmos. It is considered a classic in the New Age genre, comparable to the Seth books. The book is beautifully written and illustrated, providing guidance on inner spirit and outer world harmony.

In 'Beyond the Trident', Tom Murphy shares his journey from intense military training and combat operations to a profound exploration of spirituality and trauma recovery. The book delves into the impacts of trauma on mind, body, and spirit, offering insights into resilience and self-discovery through the lenses of religion, science, and metaphysics.

Edgar Cayce's readings are a comprehensive collection of his psychic insights, covering a wide range of subjects such as health, dreams, intuition, ancient mysteries, and spiritual growth. These readings have been studied extensively for their wisdom and insights into human life and the universe.

SEAL Warrior is a vivid and gritty memoir that recounts Thomas H. Keith's experiences as a Navy SEAL during the Vietnam War. The book provides a firsthand account of combat and the challenges faced by those serving in the special forces. It offers a personal perspective on the realities of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers.

In 'A Faith Worth Believing', Tom Stella shares his personal journey of spiritual evolution, moving from a fear-based understanding of God to a more inclusive and loving perspective. He explores how his faith transformed over time, especially during his graduate studies in theology and his experiences with social issues. The book reflects on the importance of integrating faith with real-world challenges and finding meaning in life beyond religious dogma.