LEARN SOMETHING

BOOK CORNER

Oprah is such a big fan ofA NEW EARTH: AWAKENING TO YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE(Penguin, 2008) by Eckhart Tolle that she made it one of her book club selections. Tolle is a spiritual teacher and author who was born in Germany. At the age of 29, a profound transformation radically changed the course of his life and he began an intense inner journey. Tolle is also the author ofTHE POWER OF NOW: A GUIDE TO SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT(New World Library, 2004). Both are widely regarded as two of the most influential spiritual books of our time.THE AGE OF MIRACLES: EMBRACING THE NEW MIDLIFE(Hay House, 2008) is the latest from spiritual guru Marianne Williamson and a must-read for any baby boomer who is struggling with feelings of decline and loss. Her advice: View midlife through an endless framework of possibility and wisdom instead. —M.D.

Q What keeps you centered?

Shane Michael Manieri

We caught up with Shane Michael Manieri at Chris Chase Salon in Manhattan, where his gig as stylist and lead colorist keeps him superbusy. "I do yoga and practice meditation daily," Manieri says. "They are both about awareness of your mind, body and thoughts. I try and bring those practices into my daily life by cutting hair with awareness, for example, and also by eating with awareness." Manieri says that while he will occasionally give in to cravings for such foods as fried chicken, the Louisiana native doesn't overindulge in them. "I tend to eat more Asian, Japanese, Korean and Thai food—dishes with a lot of vegetables and things like basil, tofu and curry," he says. "A lot of my friends say that I must have been Asian in my past life, and if there is such as thing as reincarnation, I think they're probably right." —C.W.

GENIE'S MONTHLY BREATH

FEELING LOVE

Genie O'Malley

How often have you thought that life would be different if only you could experience love, prosperity and creativity or could feel supported, honored and nurtured? What I've discovered is that what we interpret as our longing on the outside is really a longing on the inside. So how do we connect to this beauty within, when we are so desperately seeking it outside of ourselves? As the founder of ibreathelife, I am interested in showing people the difference between finding love and feeling love by accessing the love within beyond negative thought. This month, reflect upon the first breath you ever took. What did it say? Was there a message of love within it that said, "Welcome precious one?" Within that moment, a gift was given to you from a higher and universal truth. Throughout your day, take your mind into your breath and listen for the language of love. I promise you will find peace, joy, union, honor and trust. —Genie O'Malley, http://ibreathelife.com/