Quiet Mountain Essays

Copyright © 2010

The Leap
Are You Ready to Live a New Reality?
by Constance Kellough
Namaste Publishing; $15.95
available: Namaste Publishing; Amazon
reviewed by Suzanne Sunshower

Over the years, I have written New Year columns for various publications.  In these articles I usually
relate how I begin each New Year by taking stock of myself and the path of my life, and how I make
necessary adjustments after considering those assessments.  I write about my New Year habits
because I enjoy sharing with readers what inspires and motivates me, and because I know that I am
not alone.  I know that others, too, are questing for consciousness; or, as the case may be, desiring to
re-align with their inner path.  I believe there is never shame in admitting that you have veered
off-course, but that it is always a shame not to care.

How fortunate it is that I was able to read Kellough's sensibly-written new book, The Leap, as I looked
forward to this New Year.  Happily, the book's messages fit right in with my own traditions and
thinking on self-healing and self-discovery.  Although, in The Leap, Kellough frequently uses the
teachings of Jesus to underscore her points, as a non-Christian I was not put-off or offended by that.  
In fact, her on-going discussion of 'stillness,' and its practice, jibed with what I know about 'stillness'
from my own long association with the Zen Buddhist temple in my hometown of Detroit.   I got the
feeling that while Kellough's spiritual background was, perhaps, grounded in Christianity, she has
opened herself to the merits of other beliefs and practices as well.  Which, I feel, is as it should be.  On
our winding life roads, it is advantageous to accept blessings and knowledge from wherever (or
whomever) we choose to receive them.  As we grow to know ourselves, each at our own pace, we
decide what knowledge we must keep and which we must dismiss.  All along our way, we learn
and grow, embrace and let go.

What Kellough offers are some practical suggestions to anyone who is awakening (or re-awakening)
to his or her inner self.  That is to say, this book is for anyone who is ready to calm down, tune out the
noise, and listen to what is emanating from within.  Even readers like myself, those who have been
around their inner block (so to speak) a few times, will find support and reassurance within the pages
of Kellough's book.  Let's face it, at times we all can use a little guidance and support.  Kellough's
words remind us that the road to a "new reality" may be long and winding, but it is worth making
The Leap.

Namaste.

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