Author Stephen Levine Talks About His Book "Birthing Your Dream"
I cannot think of a better time than Mother's Day to talk about a wonderful author, Stephen Levine, and his new book "Birthing Your Dream". Even with millions of books lining book store shelves, Stephen's book is innovative and like a breath of fresh air. It's filled with thought provoking exercises and is ideal for the person interested in their personal development. Mother's Day is the perfect time for me to reflect on everything that I got out of his book, thinking about all of my dreams that have come true in my life revolving around my two children that I adore and also other dreams that I know will come true in the future. I am so priviledged to be able to share with you this interview with Stephen.
Tell me about your book. "This book was "channeled" through me. When writing each chapter, I sat down, prayed and meditated and asked my Angels and Guides to come through me through God's Divine work. The book was written in a non-linear fashion, where pieces of chapters would be written, with other pieces showing up quite inexpectedly several week later, after subsequent chapters had been written. This book was inspired by instruction that I had received during a psychic reading to get immediately started on writing a book that would help people "be the best that they can be". Despite an ongoing campaign at that time to complete packing for a major move, I started the book within two days."
Why did you write it? "Because I care deeply about people and love making a positive difference in the lives of others."
How did you choose the title? "It arises out of the metaphor that this work entails that says the following: when we bring our life dreams forth into expression, we are involved in a process similar to the process of birthing a child, with similar stages and passages. In addition, once our life dream is born into the world it takes on a life of its own, just as a child would. It thus must be managed and disciplined competently. To my knowledge, no other book had been written that addresses bringing forth life dreams in this manner. Since most of us either have or know someone who has a child, most of us will be able to easily relate to this process."
Who is this book for? Who can benefit from it? "Everyone, for all of us could use inspiration and assistance in uncovering and bringing forth our life dreams."
What do you see that are common obstacles that block people from fulfilling their dreams? "Past negative programming from family and/or society, lack of self-confidence, lack of believing oneself worthy of the magnificence that this dream entails."
What advice would you give to new parents in regard to raising emotionally healthy children? "Your child is the physical manifestation of a cherished life dream. Treat your child with reverence, while teaching them healthy boundaries in a compassionate way."
What advice would you give to someone growing up that never got any encourgement from their parents? "Hold faithful to your dream and keep dreaming; never give up. My entire journey arises out of this very scenario. I moved from being a very shy middle school child who was ruthlessly teased for my dream, to being paid $1000 per client per week for the priviledge of their following me as I lived this dream. In addition, major TV productions such as National Geographic and the Tom Brokaw Evening News featured me living this dream. If I could do this, most anybody can as well."
If someone is having trouble fulfilling their dreams and their life is not how they want it to be - what would be you suggestion as to how they can turn it around? "I offer workshops, a book, and private sessions - both one on one and telephone or internet based to assist people in clearing the blocks to accomplishing the life that they desire and is indeed within reach."
What about the person who doesn't have dreams? "My book, workshops and private sessions specifically address this issue. Often life dreams lurk inside, just under the surface, waiting for permission to be released. Through Divine guidance, I assist clients in opening doorways to the delightful discovery that beckons. Several of my workshop participants have given themselves permission for the very first time in their lives to follow their dreams. When this happens, it is so delightful to see the renewed life spark that illumns their faces and overall body posture."
How does someone not lose hope? "Sometimes, a period or cycle of disappointment, frustration or even dispair can happen, even to the most spiritually inclined person - as they focus and work to make their dream come about. Just as in birthing a human child, the life dream birth process may at times feel quite challanging. What is the best thing to do if this occurs?
- Love yourself through it. Treat yourself as you would a young and tender child who is feeling distress...
- Pray, and have others who are close to you in your life pray with you for healing and breakthrough...
- Believe in the possibility of miracles. They happen all the time...
- Let it go; give it to God with trust and thankfulness a priori...
- Understand that the emotional challanges that sometimes accompany the life dream birthing process may be part of a breakdown - breakthrough cycle. As such, know that wonderful breakthroughs in consciousness and manifestation are about to spring into your life. Such challanges could be an invitation for you to let go of old belief systems that no longer serve you. New, vibrant ways of thinking and being are replacing these out dated systems from the past."
How easy is it for people to design their own lives? "I believe that this depends upon ones background, how well they have cleared past negative programming, their level of self confidence and their belief in/trust in God and Divine processes."
Why is it that some people have an easier time than others? "They possess strength in the points mentioned in the last answer, and/or do the inner work necessary for getting there."
I always look at things that happen as "signs" from our guardian angels or spiritual guides. Do you have any views as to how someone can recognize signs and have it help them in their lives? "How to recognize these signs could be the topic of a whole separate article or even book. Many of us experience frequent occurances of what I call Divine synchronicity. For instance an inner tug or pull to call someone who we love, then when we call that person we come to find out that they really needed our support or connection is one such example."
What was your life like growing up? "I had an extremely difficult childhood, growing up in a world where nobody understood my awarenesses. From grades three to nine, it was like being isolated in Siberia. However, through inner strengthening work as well as my connection to God, I transcended those challenges and have constructed a good life for myself."
How did your experiences growing up affect you or play a role in as to who you are today? "They build compassion, empathy and ability to coach and assist others. I enjoy giving others what I rarely received during my growing up years."
It's hard enough for people to change or to fulfill their life's dream, what do you see is your role in helping them? "I see myself as midwife and cheerleader, confidant and coach. I hold the Highest Vision of my clients when I work with them, and commit to assist them in reaching the deepest place possible with their internal alignment/outer expression with the Divine."
What do you see is the meaning of life? "We give our lives the meaning that it has for ourselves. When we shift our interpretation of our life experiences, the meaning of life itself may change."
What in life is important to you? "Being fully self-expressed in purpose, as well as being a positive difference in the lives of other people. Also savoring beauty every day, and listening to God's Guidance."
I know that you got married within the last year, tell me about how marriage has enhanced your life? "This is the most loving, stable, heart opening, mutually committed partnership I have ever experienced in my life, and itself represents a life dream come true that planted in 1989, yet had roots that go back to my early childhood."
How did both of you meet? "At church."
Do you have a spiritual connection? "It's one of the core aspects to our marriage commitment, if not the core. Before we moved from friendship to committed partnership, we sat by an alter and prayed, giving our entire relationship to God."
Do you think that meeting her was spiritually planned or a coincidence that you met? "Spiritually planned."
What are your dreams of your life together? "To love one another as deeply and unconditionally as possible, and to support one another in all realms of life."
I know that you were previously married. How many years ago was that and why do you think that it took so many years to meet the right lady to remarry? "Early 1970's and I had alot of inner growth work to accomplish, and so did my wife before we met."
How is this marriage differnent from your first? "I am about five persons removed from who I was back them. It's been a long, sometimes difficult yet fruitful journey."
Are you planning on writing another book and if so what will it be about? " I already have two other manuscripts prepared. One discusses the spiritual life lessons that clients gained relative to pursuing goals that arise from storm chasing. The other manuscript analysis the specific effects of open and blocked chakras upon our physical, emotional and mental health."
I know that you teach workshops, tell me about them? "Inspirational, transformative, gentle and loving. For deeper detail, feel free to click on the "workshops" link at my blog site www.birthingyourdream.com."
What other services do you offer? "I also offer storm hunt stories and slide show presentations to children and adults that include dramatic photos, stories and weather safety tips, as well as inspirational support for following your dream. One of my current dreams is to give inspirational presentations at assemblies for high school students that encourage them to follow their dreams."
How does someone purchase your book? "You may e-mail me directly at birthingyourdream@yahoo.com, or go onto my blog site and click on "Books" link and order through Pay Pal."
How does someone attend a workshop? "You may sponsor one at your church, company, or private home."
How does someone get into contact with you? "Through my e-mail, or business phone 214-662-0197."
Thank you, Stephen for that wonderful interview. I encourage everyone to get a copy of "Birthing Your Dream", do all of the exercises in it, and manifest all of your dreams to come true.
Barbara Leynor Certified Wellness Coach
P.S. Have a great Mother's Day to all who are celebrating this special day. Read my other articles from the past year in the archives at www.magicoftherainforest.blog-city.com. I also introduce people to all natural skin and health products including healthy teas and chocolates. See my website at www.magicoftherainforest.amazonherb.net and feel free to contact me at 972-618-3446.
