Independently Healthy

APPRECIATIONS FROM STUDENTS OF SELF-HEALING EMBODIMENT TEACHINGS AT THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL MEDICINE, BOULDER, COLORADO

“Good morning Farida, I am happily surrounded by my Iridology studies. I just wanted to express my true gratitude for you and your school coming into my life. Your writing is wonderful. I just ordered your Iridology book, and I know your new book is soon to be. Quick healing story. My eyes got red and irritated two days ago. Which I feel more represent letting go of an big attachment in my life. But I wanted to really take care of my eyes. So with what I had around I made an eyewash from chamomile, fennel, and cayenne. The cayenne came from Dr. Christopher. He highly recommended the cayenne. And I really connect to Dr. Christopher. The eyewash was spicy at first but that went away quickly and then became cool and my eyes feel really bright. Again thank you for this gift of path and study. Biggest peace,” Gabriel, Vermont, nearing CT graduation 8-2012

“Hello Farida :) I am deeply missing the beautiful energy I received from classes. Trying to find it on my own has been a challenge, but I am learning.Thank you :) Hayley, CT & Retreat 2012

“It was fabulous to meet you today!  I enjoyed learning more about the School of Natural Medicine, your philosophy on teaching, and the amazing programs you offer. Mirinda, Colorado

“I purchased a copy of your book yesterday at The Trident and am enjoying it so very much. I feel like I am in India. The book is just great. I've never been to India and my guru lives there, so someday I'd like to go there. I've always felt I have spent many lives as an Indian, as I resonate with anything of that culture.” Glenn, Boulder, Colorado

“I absolutely love your book The Old Man and His Soul. What a useful gem of a book!” GT Colorado

"Hi Farida, Hope you have been joyous and well...I just wanted to say hello and let you know Kadence (3 years old) took out your Element DVD's tonight and wanted to do all five dances with Papa, Mommy and "Mommy's teacher" in spirit:). She especially enjoyed doing the fire dance with us! We are finishing the Ether DVD and as I sense a calmness in her soul, Kadence says, "Can you please give me my magic herbs, Mommy's teacher would like for me to have them." She's also mentioned several times your glowing necklace and is insisting that I find one just like  Mommy's teacher:) I hope to call you once I have given birth (new child 3-2012) to help me get back with my studies/self healing:). We all send love to you dear Farida” Kristina, Ricci and Kadence, California,

“Good Morning Farida, I am so excited to be starting a self-healing program with my husband, so we can be open, pure and clean together. What a gift! Isn't that an old saying, "The couple that cleanses together stay together"? Just wanted to say Hi and let you know none of this would be possible without my time at SNM. I hope you are staying warm and that life are blossoming in the most beautiful way. You have been on my mind a lot and I just wanted to let you know that I care and wish you the best. Enjoy yourself with everything you do, Julia

 “I carry Herbs of Grace everywhere with me. It is my Bible.” Tasha

“Dear Farida, I want to say thank you’s for your teaching. It has been a blessing for me the way your teach me. Thanks for correcting me and being so patient with me and the barrier of my language. I have been giving seminars in Spanish. Dear, I am practicing what you taught me. Thanks. Love always.” Rosa (Spanish speaking from Honduras)

"Hi Farida! I want to update you on my progress with the self-healing module. The most exciting thing for me is how my hormones have balanced. My cycles for the past 6 months have been extremely painful with lots of mood swings, and lasted about 4 days too long. This first cycle on the herbs started on time and I wasn't moody and no pain. That is the biggest change as it has helped me feel more balanced. The acne on my jawline has healed almost completely. I know my acne issues were hormonal, so this is a clear sign things are getting back on track. My cravings have subsided. One other change I believe to be because of the herbs is my increased energy level while giving massage. I have been more focused, and I am also giving better bodywork. I thought I was doing alright before, but now I am taking more time for self-care, I can see that that was not the case. I am taking regular baths with Epsom salt, essential oils and jojoba and I enjoy them so much, my bath is now my retreat from the world.  I am also taking better care of my home. Before I didn't have the energy to do everything I needed.” G

“I see clearly that I will be a totally different and brilliant healer with the addition of teachings from your college. My calling to help others while going through this is showing itself strongly! I find I want to shower others with the knowledge I am learning on this self-healing program – showing how to nurture and love yourself allowing healing. I find myself eager to know iridology and herbology, wanting to treat people in this way. It's exciting! I myself am getting stronger. THere are little miracles everyday that I am becoming more in tune with. There are lots of opportunities to learn. I am also learning to adjust treatments as my body needs and feel good rather than anxious about that. Blessings.” Heidi, Chiropractor

THE OLD MAN & HIS SOUL - REVIEWED ON A FUN BLOG IN INDIA

Dear Ms. Farida Sharan,  I write to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful book that you have written. I am an old man of 68 on a spiritual path and found the book extremely sensitive and touching. God saw it fit to ensure that it came my way by a series of coincidences and I am sure that it was meant to be that I read it and write to you to express my thoughts.

I am in India and live in Pune, Maharashtra.Among many other magazines, I subscribe to The Vedanta Kesari, the house journal of the Ramakrishna Order.  In its May 2011 issue, your book has been reviewed.  On reading the review, I was intrigued and tried to contact the publishers, but on finding them difficult to use as a source, purchased it from an online book seller here.  In fact, I was quite surprised that the online seller was able to get it for me!I shall be passing your book on to them as I am sure that they will appreciate it as much as I did and do.

With regards, RAMANA RAJGOPAUL - My post on your book is up in my blog -

    Among many magazines, I subscribe to a monthly journal from the Ramakrishna Mission which contains articles on spiritualism and religion. In the May 2011 issue, it contained a review of a book which was very intriguing. The review ended with; “The lesson to be learnt is that, an attitude of service above self will find a purpose in life even after retirement, feelings of neglect/rejection being imaginary.”  This conclusion persuaded me to send for the book and I am now very glad that I did.

    Once I started reading it, I could not put it down till I finished it. There were just too many similarities between the central character in the book and me though there were a lot more of differences too. Many thoughts that have been troubling me have now taken new understandings. The differences were primarily in the old man’s experiences during his stay at home after his wife’s death when the daughter in law takes over all authority of running the household and his perceived powerlessness and uselessness. The similarities however, are what he begins to understand when he sets out on his journey. Though the background is very Indian, the message is universal.
    The author claims that the book is divinely inspired and I can understand that claim. For a lady author to write about a man like that would not have been possible unless of course, she was exposed to a man in a similar situation. Even in the latter case, the insights that she develops are certainly possible only with some Muse working overtime.
    Those who are interested in such journeys, that the brief review on the link given for the book talks about, may read it and gain an insight into a man’s journey to find himself.

INDIA RETREAT - AN INNER JOURNEY OF THE HEART OF THE SOUL

After my return from India and 2 1/2 weeks on an internal journey in my spiritual colony there is a process of reintegration of weaving what I received into my quiet life of teaching, writing and living in Boulder, Colorado. Though I share the outer journey, the inner journey cannot be described.

I arrived in spring greening New Delhi, India and on the first day March14th, my driver takes me to the embassy district of New Delihi where large trees are fully leafed and blossoming along the wide drives and flowering in the center of roundabouts. I spend the morning at my favorite spa, recovering from jet lag, a time in Delhi is too precious to waste sleeping. Then I meet Kashi, student Dila's dear childhood friend, who is a retired university professor and department head and now a journalist for lunch at a pure veg restaurant (uddapam's) and a lovely walk in spring time Lodhi Gardens (see photo). We meet Shri Harish Chandra, the publisher of The Old Man and His Soul, at my favorite Claridges Hotel and then I am ready for dinner at my place of hostel with many dear friends and a good long sleep.

The next day two dear friends join me for shopping: first Santoshti - a garden boutique shopping center where we also have lunch, then the famous Khan market with we shop (I find fantastic sandals) and also have massages, and then it really is time for bed and sleep as we depart early in the morning on the Express train for the north of India.

Days in my spiritual colony begin with meditation at 3 am, breakfast at 7:15, a good walk to the satsang grounds in the warmth and beauty of spring, sitting waiting surrounded by devotional songs, morning satsang with the Master with crowds of several thousand growing to hundreds of thousands over the weekend.

We walk back to the guest house and enjoy morning tea in the tea garden with dear friends, then perhaps a walk to the store, or a visit, or time in your room before a wonderful lunch of rice, dal, and salad. All lovely sunshine spring weather, with a hint of coolness in the morning and some fresh breezes that are so delightful. Lunch is followed by two hours of quiet private time before afternoon tea then the meeting with the Master for questions and answers. There are about 600 devotees in the quest house from all over the world. After supper, a walk around the colony before an early night and lights out at 9 pm.

I share The Old Man and the Soul, and find dear friends I have known, enjoying, reading it in one sitting, women crying as they read it, a General as well as a prince saying, "I am the Old Man," the heads of both Indian and English publishing loving it, the publishing departments wanting to publish it, and so on.

I love my visits and I am always ready to leave, full, happy, on the train and a brief return to Delhi. Once more the spa and then a long journey home.

OFF TO HOLYDAYS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

After a week of quiet, rest and simply being with myself, I leave tomorrow for a few days in Northern California. I look forward to seeing daughter, lovely granddaughter and sharing hot springs, redwood forests and other adventures. Renewal at home is special, as one just relaxes into being, some days not even going anywhere! However, renewal with a journey with those you love returns you home to your own life, with a heart of gratitude.

Last night, Thomas, a previous student who attended one of my Puerto Rico naturopathy rejuvenation Ann Wigmore Institute living food retreats, dropped by the video he made of my reading at the Boulder Bookstore of The Old Man and His Soul. Hearing of his life and recovery from severe accidents, I am appreciative at the good and kind contributions fine people make in our community even as they are going through challenges. I hope to put it up on the blog for those who are interested to hear readings and share questions and discussions on our relationship with death and death as a spiritual adventure.

Enjoy this picture from Facebook, from a new friend, too good not to share. Yes, blessings flying to me on feathered wings, and gratitude flying from me to the divine source.

BOULDER BOOKSTORE - DEATH AS A SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE

How wonderful to read from The Old Man and His Soul at the Boulder Bookstore, on the Pearl Street Mall, in Boulder, in that wonderful first floor room that used to be the Buddhist Center many years ago, to a small but potent gathering – a blend of dear friends celebrating the release with interested attendees.

Dearest friend Dila arrives with red roses and a radiant heart. An old student from a Puerto Rico Living Food Naturopathy training arrives with a film camera and says, "I want to film your reading so I can help promote your book on the web. Thank you for changing my life."

Darcie, the Boulder Bookstore rep, gives a lovely introduction and then I begin reading selections from The Old Man and His Soul, and the energy of truth, devotion and love carries me away.

  Then a colleague of 20+ years, Jim McRitchie and friend arrive, and a few minutes later, another dear friend, Sandy. Others come who I do not know in person and the more the read the happier I get, just like the writing.

A great session of discussion after and we agree that the more open our relationship with death is, the more fully alive we are. The more we include soul growth as an embryo soul, the more we include our transformation into the invisible world beyond this body and this life.

Death as a spiritual adventure is a part of life as a spiritual adventure.

THE OLD MAN & HIS SOUL NOW AVAILABLE IN INDA

Yes, The Old Man & His Soul, is available through the Indian publishers now. It was released at the Jaipur Literary Fair and here is the contact for orders:

Akshaya Prakashan Publishers
2/18,Ansari Road
Daryaganj New Delhi-110 002
Contact: Shri Harish Chandra      harish@akshayaprakashan.com
011-23278034, 100-23270381

THE BOOK THAT NEVER ENDS

"I don't want to finish Farida Sharan's new book, The Old Man and His Soul because I am enjoying the beauty and eloquence. I reread what I have read before and only read a little more each time, and then when I think I am near ending the book, I begin again at the beginning. I take it everywhere with me. It is a gift to my soul and I don't want to finish it." Diane Dula, Denver, Colorado - acutonics, Tibetan bowl healer

THE OLD MAN AND HIS SOUL - AMAZON.COM

The Old Man and His Soul

A Book for spiritual seekers,The Old Man and his Soul is an inspirational saga that re-frames death and dying as a spiritual adventure. It offers a universal story of profound value to seekers of truth who explore the mystery of life on their personal journey toward union with their soul.

The book follows the journey of an elderly man who leaves his ancestral home after the death of his wife and walks through the deserts and forests of Northern India during his seasons of seeking as a sadhu. When he finds his spiritual teacher in a Holy City, he progresses in his internal journey and experiences forgiveness, understanding and release with his spiritual practice during his seasons of service.

YAY! Sometime this week it will be available on Amazon.com, and soon also on Amazon.co.uk, and around the same time, it is being released in India.

Flower Child in the Summer of Love is also in the final stages of approval for Amazon.com and soon I begin on preparing Herbs of Grace - Becoming Independently Healthy & Creative Menopause - Illuminating Women's Health & Spirituality for the same destiny. E Books are also in process for Amazon, Kindle, and other sources.

What a wonderful service for authors and small publishers - Once it is approved, they do the wholesaling to bookstores and distributors, take retail orders, print on demand, take care of payment and shipping and send you payment direct to your bank.

Love it!! Once all this is accomplished (my computer design consultant, Carolyn, and I are getting very efficient at this) I will work on. Here are a few reviews from the selected few who have read the book so far:

“Your book is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!  I am deeply touched by the image on the cover and the message - you are truly amazing and a most wonderful inspiration for me and so many!!! Cezanna Malter

 Farida, The Old Man and His Soul book amazing!! Such a treat to read! It was calming, beautiful and reassuring, and so many other wonderful things. I just finished it and had to let you know what I felt. I feel closer to the love and openness already. Thank you.  Renaya Anbar

 “It’s like a spiritual fairytale.” Owner – Gypsy Jewels, Boulder, Colorado

”Lovely book - very special – thank you – what a nice structure you framed the story with, using the elements: very satisfying!” AG, Arizona

 Hello Farida, I have thousands of books to read, but I brought The Old Man and His Soul on my trip to LA. Farida, it is truly so deep, wise and profound. It deserves to be a classic. I celebrate you and thank you for this last gift. I hope millions of people read it. Bless you always,” Brigitte Mars, Author, Master Herbalist.

The Old Man and His Soul makes a lovely story set in India with many wonderful passages on the old man's inner spiritual transformations. It's also an uplifting book about death and dying that replaces fear and ignorance with a genuine sense of the adventure and spiritual possibility ahead of each one of us at the end of our life. The "elements" theme ~ the structural basis for how the book is organized ~ becomes beautifully subtle as it weaves in and out of the old man's experiences as he moves into his final phase.

I enjoyed reading it very much ~ it's perfect for people interested in reading in a relaxed way about spirituality and the inner way of self-transformation. Well done for writing a book about death that is so uplifting and generates a genuine sense of excitement and adventure. ~ Anthea Guinness,PhD; translator and editor of more than 30 books on Indian mysticism

 ”I loved the book, very sensitively written and in my mind's eye I had the image of the old man and his travels. Lovely twist when he fainted and he was kindly treated and directed to his destination.  Many people can relate to that. This book is quite an achievement and Farida is to be congratulated.” Narinder Johal, United Kingdom

“I LOVED The Old Man and His Soul. It is very enjoyable reading and beautifully put together for the spiritual seeker. I hope it is finding its way into many hands. You are such a powerful vessel for His message” Janice Fletcher, Educational Consultant

FIRST REVIEW OF THE OLD MAN AND HIS SOUL

"I'm very glad Farida Sharan dedicated the time and energy to put her dream on paper! The Old Man and His Soul makes a lovely story set in India with many wonderful passages on the old man's inner spiritual transformations. It's also an uplifting book about death and dying that replaces fear and ignorance with a genuine sense of the adventure and spiritual possibility ahead of each one of us at the end of our life. For that alone, Old Man is a great contribution.

As for the "elements" theme ~ the structural basis for how the book is organized ~ it becomes beautifully subtle as it weaves in and out of the old man's experiences as he moves into his final phase.

    Well done! I enjoyed reading it very much ~ it's perfect for those interested in reading in a relaxed way about spirituality and the inner way of self-transformation."

Anthea Guinness, PhD translator and editor of more than 30 books on Indian mysticism
Submitted as a review to Wisdome Press in May 2010

"THE OLD MAN AND HIS SOUL" NEW BOOK COVER

A gratitude Good Friday for graceful completion of Farida Sharan's new book "The Old Man and His Soul" with laughter and joy in abundance! Email for orders: Farida

ORDERING "THE OLD MAN AND HIS SOUL" THE LATEST BOOK BY FARIDA SHARAN

  Would like to be one of the first to read "The Old Man and His Soul"?

The Old Man and his Soul is an inspirational saga that reframes death and dying as a spiritual adventure. It offers a universal story of profound value to seekers of truth who explore the mystery of life and death on their personal journey toward union with their soul. The book follows the journey of an elderly man who leaves his ancestral home after the death of his wife and walks through the deserts and forests of Northern India during his seasons of seeking as a sadhu. When he finds his spiritual teacher in a Holy City, he progresses in his internal journey and experiences forgiveness, understanding and release with his spiritual practice during his seasons of service.

Farida Sharan journeyed to India over sixty times to sit at the feet of her spiritual teacher. This story of the old man was gifted as a dream during a visit to her spiritual colony near the foothills of the Himalayas.

She offers "The Old Man and His Soul" to spiritual seekers as inspiration for the journey of their souls. Farida lives in Boulder, Colorado where she shares evolutionary health and healing teachings at the School of Natural Medicine International. 

Send $20 cash or check made out to the author: Farida Sharan and mail to: School of Natural Medicine, 4645 North Broadway Unit B5, Boulder, CO 80304

Visa/MC $22. Call 720-746 9961 mornings Mountain Standard Time to place your order. Email address details to Farida Sharan   Make sure you write  OLD MAN BOOK ORDER in the Subject line to avoid your order getting lost in the junk mail!

THE WATERCOLOR COVER DESIGN OF FARIDA SHARAN'S NEW BOOK 'THE OLD MAN AND HIS SOUL'

A dear friend, Ruscha, from Devon, England mailed me this watercolor for the cover of my new book, The Old Man and His Soul –– the story of an old man who leaves his ancestral home after his wife passes and travels across northern India seeking a spiritual teacher and a path to guide him toward his departure from the world. His adventures as a sadhu seeker blend with his internal explorations and realizations so that we better understand our journey toward union with the Lord of our Soul. Thank you Ruscha!

I will be sending the book to my publishers in New Delhi this week, along with this cover. The next project is formatting it for Amazon print on demand, so that anyone that wishes the book can order it printed. After that, we will format it for an ebook. As this week is devoted to preparing for the classes that begin Friday and continue through March 3rd, I am not sure when I will get to that, but it will be in the near future.