The Love: Of the Fifth Spiritual Paradigm

Go to "The Love: Of the Fifth Spiritual Paradigm (Foundational Trilogy)" page

 

The following is a book review on, “The Love: Of the Fifth Spiritual Paradigm,”

Narrated by Laura M. George, J.D. 

It's no secret that our world is in disarray. "The Love," is a collection of Love poems, articles, and essays generously submitted by those who have adopted the “religion” of Love. 

The authors are dedicated to doing their best to preach and practice the way of Love rather than the “dated dogma” they feel no longer meets the needs of many spiritual seekers.

“The Love,” with 408 pages is anything but fluff with contributions by over seventy authors.   

The Fifth Spiritual Paradigm is defined as an era of abundance, peace, and harmony which will be brought about by humans taking personal responsibility for the problems on our planet and by walking the way of Love.

The best way to tell you about the book is through excerpts taken from some of my favorite authors:

Susan Chernak McElroy writes, "We must learn to love with the clarity of ice and the honesty of dirt, with the dignity of redwoods and the strength of the tides. We must learn to express a majestic Love as strong and enduring as mountains. This is how Animals love. Thankfully animals are here to help.”

Philip M. Hellmich writes, "Without the unifying power of love, greater and greater global conflicts will arise. The individual pursuit of happiness through consumerism usually results in less human connection, less connection with nature, and, ultimately, less experience of Love. This in turn creates isolation, suffering, and an inner hunger that leads to more craving and consumption. Material progress without Love and compassion leads to suffering."

Kenneth Porter, M.D., writes, "Mastery of the higher soul requires us to unbury our demons of aggression and hatred because, unfortunately, our wisdom, power, and Love are buried there, as well."

Thomas Hansen, Ph.D. suggests, "We humans now choose to change our approach to all of life to be that of service-to-others, rather than service-to-self. We vow to eliminate our over-identification with our particular individual lives and with our planet."

William Van Dusen Wishard writes, “There is an infinite power at work in each of us as well as the Universe. With all of our problems and possibilities, the future depends on how each of us – in our own way – taps into that eternal renewing dynamic that dwells in the deepest reaches of our souls."

Patrick Bernard, writes, "Whoever succeeds in making this Universal force of Love spring from their hearts will fall in Love with Love itself and rise up on the scale of human consciousness."

Chief Michael Hull, writes, "Doing Love, being Love, practicing Love, all raise my "sputtering butts" – a phrase which describes what happens when I am called to Love a specific someone while my too human brain is shouting, "but…but…but."

Barbro Karlen, suggests, "Once enough of us embrace Love as an over-arching belief system, a "tipping point" will be reached, after which all of us will pass into a glorious New Millennium, even those who may not yet comprehend unconditional Love. Who knows, maybe it is the additional weight of your soul that will create the tipping point…"

The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, writes, "We must work to bring about the time for all people to be free, to be fed, and to live in peace, because as God's partners, we help to determine the time frame in which God's plan unfolds and God's dream is realized."

If you have any doubts that it's too late to change our world, "The Love" will not only serve as a guide but will be there as a reminder you’ll want to refer to again and again.

This inspiring and motivating book, invites us to transform out world by taking personal responsibility and loving our planet and each other back to health.

 Do you believe love can heal the planet?

What actions are you taking to make the world a better place to live?

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Belinda Munoz March 23, 2010, 2:14 pm

    Hi Tess, the excerpts you pulled from the book made me smile.

    To answer the first question, I absolutely believe in the immeasurable power and undeniably transformative healing effects of love. If we’re able to move past fears, false assumptions, dogmatic thinking, archaic social conventions that help no one, and any other oh-so-fake stuff we so easily fall for; if we’re able to acknowledge that we all need and want love; if we can recongnize it when we receive it and are able to pass it on many times over without keeping score; if we can let love rule over anything else; then I think it can.

    The second question is for me to meditate on. Thank you for this.

  • Joy March 23, 2010, 2:19 pm

    Oh, I fully believe that love can heal the planet. I lead a very heart centered life, and I notice my interactions with others are for the most part peaceful and enjoyable because that is *my* focus. Love helps blossom compassion, grace, faith, creativity, passion…hope…so many positive things! I cannot imagine a world without it! Love is other centered, and isn’t *that* other centeredness the underlying theme of the world’s major religions….

  • Phil - Less Ordinary Llving March 23, 2010, 3:15 pm

    Tess – I’m onboard with the love revolution. I try to treat everyone and everything I encounter with the due respect and love. It takes time to uncover the love in ourselves and love to try and bring it out in others. Luckily everyone has love at their core, so as the tide grows we’ll get there in the end.

    Loved this quote “We must learn to love with the clarity of ice and the honesty of dirt, with the dignity of redwoods and the strength of the tides.” Beautiful and a great post!

    Phil
    .-= Phil – Less Ordinary Llving´s last post…Spring Clean your Mind =-.

  • Davina March 23, 2010, 3:33 pm

    Hi Tess.
    I find myself thinking sometimes, that the planet will heal itself and we are just along for the ride to learn how it works. I have faith that all will be okay and I focus one day at a time on being the best person that I can be. I do wear my heart on my sleeve, so to speak, so I’m getting lots of practice in that learning.
    .-= Davina´s last post…On the First Day of Spring =-.

  • Jannie Funster March 23, 2010, 3:37 pm

    I feel like dancing from love over this!!

    I do believe love will be the answer, the one eternal dancer, so light on it’s feet — forgiving and sweet. That’s how one verse of a new song is shaping up!

    As honest as dirt, I wanna dig my bare hands into the meat of that thought, Tess! I HAVE to read this gorgeous, gorgeous book, by the light of the sun and the stars and the newlywed moon!!

    Your beautiful blog continues to be a stopping place of love and light, Tess. Thank you for being the wonderful sweet soul you are.

    xoxo

  • Tess March 23, 2010, 4:28 pm

    Belinda,

    Wow…what you write is strong and powerful. In fact I thing it’s the beginning of another essay worthy of the book.

    I will remember your words in the heat of the moment when my ego often screams at me to keep score. I’ll remember to choose love when I someone wants to cut in front of me. I’ll choose love when someone puts down a member of either political party.

    I’m with you every step of the way…I’ll do the work that allows me to remain peaceful and calm enough to see love in every person.

    Joy,
    The gang members in ER are blessed to have such a loving person with them even when they don’t seem to appreciate it. I think you are the light in a dark place and everyday your positive energy and love heals…thanks for being there and doing your part. Your love reaches far beyond what you’ll ever know.

    Phil,
    Yeah…I knew you would be. I was struck by the same line…so many of the essays blew me away. I know we have more on board than we think. That’s something to remember when we think we’re alone and our light begins to dim.

    Davina,
    You’re the best and I’m happy to be in your circle in the community we’ve build on line. Shine on!

    Jannie,
    I can send you my copy of course it may be a while because I have dog earred pages and have made notes with a pen, highlighter and pencil…anything I could get my hands on in the moment. Thanks for stopping by and adding your gold stars!

  • jan March 23, 2010, 6:02 pm

    wonderful book lead, tess! thank you.

    yes, I most certainly do believe in love and that it can change the planet. what am I doing? loving…person by person…one heart at a time.

    i am also intensely studying and practicing metta (lovingkindness practice – the buddha taught it) with sylvia boortstein. i want my heart to open wider than it ever has before. to love more unconditionally than it ever has before. what joy….

    thank you as always for sharing your big love with all of us.

  • Topi March 23, 2010, 9:18 pm

    Hi Tess,
    Your post today has made me feel extremely humble. I love lots of people (I’d do anything, absolutely anything for my kids), I love lots of things (chocolate, blessed chocolate), I love lots of places (a walk along the beach near my home brings me such peace and joy), and I’ve loved many experiences in my life (my wedding day, the birth of my children, the first time I held my nieces and nephews). But, do I live my life in love? Not always, not nearly enough, not as I should. I have to read this book, thanks for bringing it into my life.
    Topi

  • Patty - Why Not Start Now? March 23, 2010, 9:22 pm

    Powerful, Tess. I do believe in love. And I love all the quotes, but especially Kenneth Porter’s:

    “Mastery of the higher soul requires us to unbury our demons of aggression and hatred because, unfortunately, our wisdom, power, and Love are buried there, as well.”

    I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. We so need to pull back our projections, love them as fiercely as we can (in turn loving ourselves, warts and all, in the process), and find the gold in them. I believe this is the kind of loving that has the power to heal ourselves and our planet. I know it’s probably not fashionable to want to love all the dark parts and shadow, but it’s time, I think.

    Thanks, Tess!
    .-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Meaning Mondays: The Spring Fever Edition =-.

  • Hulbert March 23, 2010, 10:50 pm

    Hi Tess, these are some cool excerpts on love in the book you just read. I like the one with by Philip M. Hellmich, and how he mentions that the more happiness through consumerism, the less human connection there will be. I think this is true as genuine love shouldn’t be associated with materialism.

    I believe love can heal the planet; by eliminating hatred and seeing something from a different person’s perspective, the world will be a better place to live in. Some of the ways I’m trying to make the world a better place to live in is to inspire people with my writing. Hopefully, others can use the information to help themselves and help others with it too. Thanks Tess.
    .-= Hulbert´s last post…Jim Carrey and Desperation =-.

  • Hilary March 24, 2010, 12:25 am

    Hi Tess .. what a wonderful book to hear about – I love these uplifting reads – another book to add to my list. It’s good to hear different people’s approaches to inspiring us to do better. I try and do small kind things everyday and remind myself that each of us is equal and I need to follow my own truths in doing as much as I can for our world … every little bit helps.

    Thanks – always good to read your words and I love the way you’ve set the different extracts out .. a good selection. Have a good week .. Hilary
    .-= Hilary´s last post…Spring Cleaning and Passion …. =-.

  • Lana-{Daring Clarity} March 24, 2010, 1:16 am

    Love is all, Tess and yes, it can totally heal the planet! I try to ask myself often – what would love do? I wish I did it more often, because this simple question can truly change our lives. Thank you for sharing this book with us!
    (I am sending the interview questions over tomorrow)

  • Alex Blackwell March 24, 2010, 3:09 am

    Tess,

    Thank your for bringing this important book to light. I believe love never fails because it is larger than any one of us. Love is the current that flows through our souls and one another. Sometimes we choose to play in its waters and sometimes we don’t. Regardless of our decisions, love keeps moving.

    Alex

  • Evita March 24, 2010, 6:09 am

    Hi Tess
    Oh how wonderful that you shared this review with us!
    I got this book and haven’t been able to get to the review (yet), so I hope to get to it early April or so.

    But now having read your review, I am even more excited as it sounds so beautiful. I love all things “love” related, as I have no doubt that our world will continue to open up into that direction on all levels. As our heart centers continue to open more and more, our decisions and all our thinking will literally change the world to reflect a state of love.
    .-= Evita´s last post…Communication – The Cornerstone of All Relationships =-.

  • suzen March 24, 2010, 6:57 am

    Hi Tess! What a fabulous book – I MUST get this! I believe the more we focus on love, the more our minds can stop creating problems – and they DO! Your response to Belinda is precious and so perfect! Yes, it’s all that little daily crap that sends us off the path of love. It takes a lot of focus but man oh man, the benefits are sweet! 🙂

    Do I believe love will heal the planet? Absolutely! But I must qualify this. The mental THINKING of this is not enough. We cannot sit by and just believe this in some passive mental reverie. We must put this love into ACTION. Mother Earth needs us to SHOW love, not just talk about it. To be actively involved in loving our resources and being lovingly committed to protecting the environment, even though this would mean some work and sacrifice – THIS is the love that will save us! In all relationships of love there is the SHOWING part, not just the talking part, and you and I and anyone who has ever loved knows this.

    And what am I doing about this? I am, as you know, totally committed to recycling, sustainable living, water conservation, organic everything, and I’m not just talking about this but showing it. Beyond the blogs I’ve been doing on this, I am taking my show on the road, so to speak, and trying to educate people in whatever forum I can find – speaking to clubs, churches and anyone who will listen. We DO have the power to change things and show our love for this planet and if we all DO this, and not just say “love will heal everything” then there is a good chance that this love IN ACTION can do it!

    This book sounds so inspiring – I definitely will get it and read it and hopefully it will keep me going when I’m feeling like I really need some help – often – haha!
    hugs
    suZen
    .-= suzen´s last post…What Should I Do With the Rest of My Life? A book review =-.

  • Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord March 24, 2010, 9:25 am

    Tess, this post is so beautifully crafted, and the book sounds … incredible. What a perfect demonstration of love in action! I resonated with so many of the quotes you shared (there are many true gems in there), but Dr. Hansen’s speaks to how I feel myself shifting lately: it’s less about me, and more about the “me” that is connected to the whole.

    I really love this post and will probably relate back to the quotes for a long time.

    Much love to you! (How fitting – always!)
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Being Open To The Moments =-.

  • Zeenat{Positive Provocations} March 24, 2010, 10:00 am

    Hi Tess,
    You know me…I am in love with love 🙂 So this review just stopped me in my tracks. WOW! I was thinking about starting a column on love on my blog….and this has inspired me further 🙂
    A whole book about love..and that too in its true essence…I think i need to get my hands on it…
    Thank you fro this loving and beautiful review.
    And yes, Love heals ALL! Nothing is irreparable if there is love.
    Much Love,
    Z~
    .-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last post…Invest for Eternity =-.

  • Tess March 24, 2010, 12:30 pm

    Jan,
    Wow! That’s powerful and it doesn’t surprise me you’re going the extra mile. Your light is bright and your love is pure. Thanks for being who you are. The planet needs you.

    Topi,
    You sound very passionate about love and life. I’m sure you’ll have no problem expanding and opening your heart. You’re in good company when you visit my blog;)

    Patti,
    Loving everything about ourselves and others and healing the dark spots needs to be the no. 1 fashion. We don’t have time to waste and I’m so appreciative of how you walk your talk. It’s obvious to anyone who visits your blog.

    Hillary,
    You’re the best! The book was so overwhelming and powerful I just didn’t know how to review it. So I used a few of my favorite lines. It really is worthwhile read and you’ll refer back to it often. You have a great week too and kiss your mom for me. Mine is sick this week.

    Lana,
    I love your line, “What would love do?” Could we put it on bill boards across the land!?! OK on the questions.

    Alex,
    You’re so right love keeps moving and I want to move along with it! Always.

    Evita,
    I need to wall paper my home with your advice, blog posts etc. I love your optimism and faith. You are the sun in our sky!

    suZen,
    Let me recap…you say so much. Thinking love isn’t enough it has to be put in action. I agree but those who aren’t ready for action will get there by thinking, right?

    Getting involved with showing love in our relationships and for the planet are big Truths! I do think once we start with ourselves we’ll move to the planet or does it have to be the other way around. Every one has to begin some where we need more people on board and aware. Thanks for the love. I heart you;)

    Megan,
    Wow I had to go back and reread that! Yes more about the love of me connected to others and less about me personally. Megan my evolved friend…keep on keepin me on my toes. I’m so happy we are friends on and off line now! Woo hoo!

    Z.
    I think that love column is a fantastic idea. You are Queen of Love. I feel it radiate from my screen to my heart. Keep spreadin’ the love and together we’ll all rock the universe!

  • Mark March 24, 2010, 1:53 pm

    Thanks for sharing excerpts from the book. Much wisdom in these words. I fully believe that our love will save us and this world.
    .-= Mark´s last post…Stay Tuned-In & Turned-On to Life =-.

  • Erin March 24, 2010, 2:52 pm

    Love can repair so many things. Love can release the best in all of us. Sounds like a must read for this year.
    .-= Erin´s last post…Night Vision =-.

  • Tess The Bold Life March 24, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Mark,
    I agree our love will save the world and our blogs are spreading the world.

    Erin,
    Isn’t love wonderful. Can’t give or receive enough>
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…My Dad and His Tool Shop =-.

  • Robin Easton March 24, 2010, 8:25 pm

    Dearest Tess, I know of nothing else more powerful than love. Nothing more healing, more peaceful, more joyous, nothing that connects us all more fully than Love. It is really ALL I believe in. I have few beliefs but Love. I think this post is so lovely. It and your replies brought tears to my eyes. It’s odd that I would come here tonight just after writing about love. In a slightly different way, but when I got done writing my post I just felt INFUSED with love for humanity, for all beings. Love is what give me Life, gives us all Life. We ARE Love. I don’t know if it’s age or just so many life experiences, but Love is what’s most important in my life now. It’s like I am on a journey to Love; to the extent that the events along the journey are almost irrelevant. I guess I am having a love affair with Love. And you are one of the people in my life who sparks and reinforces this. I love for that dear dear soul. Robin
    .-= Robin Easton´s last post…Down to the Bone =-.

  • Positively Present March 25, 2010, 5:34 am

    Great post on this, Tess. I’m going to posting my review on The Love tomorrow so you’ll have to come by and check it out. 🙂

  • Tony Single March 25, 2010, 6:39 am

    I don’t believe love can heal the planet at all, but chocolate sure can. Lots and lots and lots of chocolate. Everyone’d be too relaxed and full of chocolate to engage in anything like wars and harsh looks and stuff.

    I’ve tried it. It works! 🙂
    .-= Tony Single´s last post…An Atheist in Sheep’s Clothing =-.

  • Paul March 25, 2010, 7:43 am

    Tess,

    What a wonderful post, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the quotes you had chosen. That book is now on my ‘to buy’ list. Thank you for sharing your review.

    Love is such a much used word and wrongly used on many occasions, in my opinion. It is such a powerful word, yet used so loosely. The term unconditional love is something many people struggle to comprehend, yet it bears so much power to solve problems.

    Regards

    Paul
    .-= Paul´s last post…The cycle of the four seasons =-.

  • janice | Sharing the Journey.co.uk March 25, 2010, 8:06 am

    Lovely, Tess. I think that love is the ONLY thing that can heal the planet and I’m always glad to see books like this emerging.

    What a beautiful, powerful extract you started with – pure poetry!

    We must learn to love with the clarity of ice and the honesty of dirt, with the dignity of redwoods and the strength of the tides.

    I suspect it’ll end up on one of my homemade fridge magnets!
    .-= janice | Sharing the Journey.co.uk´s last post…Why Haiku? =-.

  • Tess Bold Life March 25, 2010, 9:06 am

    Erin,
    Yes love is wonderful isn’t it…and amazing and awesome and all zillion other undescribable words.

    Robin,
    You are unlike any human being I know. Sometimes when people don’t accept me I wonder if it’s because my light/love is too strong or powerful for them.
    Does that make sense? I don’t have the desire to dim it for anyone…I think that’s playing small. I’ve let go of all in my life who aren’t going my way…the way of love. I know they’ll find their way in their own time…I am just not their answer.

    Dani,
    I will check it out…thanks for stopping by!

    Toni,
    You are funny…now please pass the chocolate;)

    Paul,
    I agree love is misunderstood. I also don’t believe love should ever hurt anyone at anytime and if it does it’s not love.

    Janice,
    That line for me was one of the most powerful in the book. xo
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…My Dad and His Tool Shop =-.

  • Katie West/The Levity Coach March 25, 2010, 10:23 am

    Yay! I have been a way for so long…it was a joy to come back to the blogging world and see this lovely review!

    Can Love heal the world?! Heck ya! It is the only thing that can.

    What am I doing? I think The Levity Project is my way of spreading love. I want people to help people feel more light-hearted and my belief is that when our hearts our lighter we are much more likely to offer love to others and ourselves. It can be hard to reach out when we feel isolated or hurting.

    But once we feel that sense of lightness and can get those love juices going……watch out. The peace within will become the peace outside. Thank you Tess. I am ordering this book asap.
    Hugs.

  • Karl Staib - Work Happy Now March 25, 2010, 12:17 pm

    Heck yeah love can heal the planet. We must expand the love for each other and our earth to improve our lives. After watching footage of landfills I get worried that our “throw away” cultures are destroying what we got. We need to change our habits and I know this takes work, but that’s how change work. It all starts with love.
    .-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…10 Ways to Simplify Your Work Day =-.

  • Stacey Shipman March 25, 2010, 1:22 pm

    I think compassion, open hearts and open minds can heal. To agree to disagree rather than have blatant disregard for someone who doesn’t believe the same. I believe that if we all took time each day for silent reflection, to quiet the external voices and listen to our own that can heal and bring more peace to everyone. Because it is that silence that allows us to experience compassion, first to ourselves, then to others. But we are so distracted, we forget the importance of being connected to people.

    That’s what feel-good living is all about. Helping people relax into their lives, feel more peaceful with themselves, have confidence and connect to people, resources and their own inner guidance.
    .-= Stacey Shipman´s last post…A Personal Note About the Benefits of Silence =-.

  • Tess March 25, 2010, 3:10 pm

    Katy,
    I agree with you and The Levity Project. How can one laugh and not be happy and peaceful? Welcome back to the blogging world.

    Karl,
    I hear ya about the landfills but I figure it begins with me. I’m the only one I can change. I can also get on the band wagon with that topic if I choose.

    Stacey,
    I agree with the spending time in silence for inner peace. Sometimes I skip it and then have a problem and then do it. If I would have done it in the first place I wouldn’t have the problem!

  • Patricia March 25, 2010, 3:27 pm

    Compassion = love in action
    Yes, I do believe that love will turn us around/ the dawning of Aquarius?

    without responsibility there is no love….or compassion.

    I think I need to read this one…Thank you for the introduction
    .-= Patricia´s last post…A Nice Tall Drink of Water =-.

  • What would you do in heaven? March 28, 2010, 6:08 pm

    I’ve recently overhauled my website to be able to share more love in such a way that more people would understand. I’d like it to be a place where people can share their own visions of heaven, things that make them happy, even simple things as walking along the beach with the people they love, or growing old together and looking back at all those wonderful years they’ve had. People always seem to see a heaven so faraway. What I want is to bring down that heaven right here where we are, in the simple things we experience each day 😉
    .-= What would you do in heaven?´s last post…Growing Old Together =-.

  • Gaga 4 Lady Gaga March 31, 2010, 5:48 am

    Hmm, does the cover of that book make it “top shelf only”?

    Also, is that a dollar sign in the sand at the bottom of the top part of the hourglass? Is that some sort of message?
    .-= Gaga 4 Lady Gaga´s last post…Lady Gaga – Q Magazine photo shoot pictures =-.

  • Kristie Ryan March 31, 2010, 6:31 pm

    Tess,

    All I have to say is that the quote from Susan Chernak McElroy is one of the most inspiring and thoughtful things I’ve ever read. Thank you for posting this and I will definitely be looking into this powerful looking book!

    Kristie

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