As If Smiling: by Sharon Anderson - Softcover

Anderson, Sharon Lenore

Softcover

ISBN 10: 099685732X ISBN 13: 9780996857321

Publisher: Sharon Anderson, 2010

Synopsis

This book is an autobiographical spiritual adventure story; a coming of age of a little girl from the Alberta prairies desperately longing to be once more anchored in the divine, and finding the path to freedom through a beloved guru; Swami Kriyananda. She is initiated into the kriya yoga of Yogananda, handed down from Krishna through Masters that have come in the line of Jesus. The little stories of her life embroider this tapestry of unfolding help that will deliver her into the arms of her own higher self, and her inner light begins to shine. She finds the Saint who has been waiting in the wings for her to mature enough to recognize him, and the opportunity to finally break free into the skies of promise. The story has been read by Swami Kriyananda before his death, and many at the Ananda communities have given accolades for its heartwarming ability to open vistas for the reader into a vast realm of possibilities for perceiving truth and unveiling love. The book is punctuated with her reverent songs at intervals -- dipping into the tenderness and strength of heart that permeates the search. Inspirations include: kriya yoga, raja yoga, krishna,arjuna, the bhagavad gita, the path, swami kriyananda, yogananda, ananda, finding happiness, between the twilight and the rim, the movie Awake, As if Smiling, Arjuna is despondent on the battlefield – Krishna spoke as if smiling, illustrations by Ollie Anderson, anchored in the divine, the alchemist, the little prince, imitation of Christ, the yoga of Jesus, Revelations of Christ, The essence of the Bhagavad Gita as proclaimed by Paramahansa Yogananda, Disney like magic, the spiritual search, growing up in alberta and british Columbia, Blackie, uncle, finding a guru, love of the guru, devotion to God, meditation, union with the divine, bhakti yoga, God is for everyone, Father, J. Donald Walters, finding the perfect love of God, the Time Tunnel, the Yugas, Peter Marchand, Asha Praver, Jyotish, autobiographical spiritual adventure, practicing the presence of God, Illusions, Jonathan Livingstion Seagul, The wayshower, The Answer, The Answer Movie. Co-operating with Grace.Krishna spoke to Arjuna "As if Smiling" on the battlefield.  He is on your side, Anchored in the Divine, The Search for God is beautiful, Your love for God is vibrant, With Krishna guiding Arjuna's Chariot, victory is assured.  You have found this truth on the battlefield of Life.  Powerful - I couldn't put the book down.Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free

About this title

About the Author

Sharon Anderson is known for her songwriting and was an artist on Capitol and other labels in the 90's. She was raised in northwestern Canada and her writing is subtly influenced by the pristine beauty of the Rockies, and open prairie settings she once winded her way through from town to town playing music in her teens and twenties. She then found the teachings of Yogananda; the great spiritual teacher, through his disciple Swami Kriyananda. By this time, having gone through spells of serious doubts that one's life even holds a meaningful destiny, she suddenly found herself blossoming anew before the tutorage of the Saint. Sharon has responded to her newly awakened glimpse of self by reaching out from beneath all the restrictions imposed by ill born habit and self definitions so typical of our culture and times, with fresh new melodies, commentaries and books of promise, And, amidst working as a bookblock editor, wife and mother in Tennessee, she still makes pilgrimages to Ananda Village in California where Swami lived and taught. At his feet her life was saved, and her understanding of the teachings of Christ greatly enhanced. Her inspiration and meditation born level of consciousness is so improved, that this book and others of her offerings, along with her music, may become a fresh, trickling spring of promise into your daily life.

Review

Mantradevi- "Dearest Sharon, Your book is wonderful! I've read it cover to cover. What an interesting life you've led. It was so much fun reading about familiar places in Alberta, about skidooing and skating on the Sturgeon, where I also did. Most of all, your devotion to God, Master and Swamiji is very touching. You're a deep soul, dear one. And your boundless creativity is inspiring. Thank you for sending me the book and sharing your life with so many. I feel blessed to know you." Miriam Brown- "I think in all these years, Swamiji has never received such a beautiful book as yours . " -Swamiji's nurse/secretary Asha- "Your book is delightful! I love the title . Beautiful. And it is such an original and interesting way to put a book together. The parts about Swamiji are so deeply touching. I used to wonder how people would find him from a distance with only a now and then contact. Soon I realized, as you explain, that consciousness- especially love- laughs at the so-called barriers of time and space, skipping lightly from heart to heart through eternity. I see why you noticed me at Ananda . We are sisters in Swamiji, our common spiritual father. Well done ...Love, Asha." Savitri - "I had a wonderful time reading your book and feel so much closer to you now, since I know a little more about your life and what brought you to this path. What shines out of the book so brightly is your deep devotion to Swamiji and Master. It is so powerful and many times brought tears to my eyes." Anandi Cornell- "As I read I keep thinking how much God must love having you as his devotee, because you have such a creative and colorful approach to life, along with a burning devotion ." -(this one touched me so deeply - as Todd holds such a special place in my heart): " For the past few weeks I've been talking to you in my head [ not your part .. just mine,] because. your book has affected me so much. I read it in little pieces, sometimes revelling in the way it made me feel. Other times, just getting lost in our shared experience. Of how we grew up. Lucky us. I don't know how you will receive this, but I have to say how proud I am ...and always have been .. of you ! I admire the fearless, honest way you write, live, and share your life experience in such a unabashed aura of truth .. naked . " Michael Shellard-(very close musician friend since teens) "Gotta say Sharon that you have really made a connection with this and I am reading again for the first time in years. I wanted to say that you have really mastered some very powerful metaphors in your book and I love the one about the bridesmaid, who is faithfully ready and waiting with her lamp lit and a good supply of oil. It has wonderful imagery. Ron Bjarnason;you triggered memories from so long ago and wrote such a sweet calling to the universe of your love and desire to return home. Iknow the desire and feelings. So glad you rediscovered/discovered your meditation ... life changing ... life itself!" Sister Robin "I got the books yesterday ....... Phew. You are one gifted writer ...blew my mind and I could not put the book down. I read half and will finish probably tonight. I can't even begin to describe the emotions I felt.... I could not stop crying when I put the book down for the night and turned off the light....it seems that something was lifted off of me and I know one thing for sure....you are going to be just fine. I worried for so many years about you and all of us really ...and now I know we will be just fine. I love you"

Edition details

• Publisher: Sharon Anderson
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 099685732X
• ISBN 13: 9780996857321
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 158
• Illustrator: Anderson Ollie Lynn