From being a flower child in Berkeley and dealing with the pain of depression and unscrupulous doctors, to teaching diverse children while navigating sexism and racism, to coming to terms with her parents' deaths, Ellen Nelson looks back on her life lessons, both positive and challenging. Ellen describes her progress from intellectual knowledge of spiritual principles to a knowingness through direct experience. In each chapter, she addresses the ways she has learned to nurture her spirit in relationships, in work, or in coping with health issues. Along the way, she describes the spiritual practices that have deepened her connection to Spirit. Stories of pivotal people who changed her life make this journey easily relatable. Included also are the teachings she has valued from spiritual masters and "book teachers." In asking herself the age-old question, "Who am I?" Ellen raises the issues that concern all spiritual beings. How do I become my own authority? How do I trust my intuition? Can I live a life true to my spiritual values in the everyday world? How can I deepen in self-acceptance and compassion for others? How do I achieve wholeness? By sharing her story, Ellen encourages others to reap the rewards of introspection. Knowing oneself and sharing one's gifts leads to a meaningful, fulfilling life. Consciously being who we really are can take a lifetime but the peace, joy, and love that result are priceless.
About the Author: Ellen Nelson is an author, visual artist, mother and grandmother. Her focus is on the spiritual side of life. She has written memoir, and personal essays. Her poetry has been performed in a play and featured in workshops. Ellen's intention is to inspire others to experience the transformative power and beauty of creative expression, a vital way of connecting with the greater love, joy, compassion, and energy that is there for us all. Ellen's art and writing is an integral part of the yoga, meditation, tai chi, chi gong, and breath work she has practiced for fifty years-an expression of Body, Mind, and Spirit. She has also studied energy healing. For the past thirty years, Ellen has exhibited her abstract and symbolic paintings, won awards, and sold her work to private collectors. As an intuitive artist, she has offered her insights on the creative process in workshops and private sessions called 'Creating Art from Within." Her education includes a BA in English from California State Polytechnic University and a Master of Library Science with a specialty in children's literature from the University of California, Berkeley. For 15 years, she enjoyed the inspiration of working with many diverse groups of children as an elementary school librarian and English as a Second Language teacher.