Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1124077
June/July 2019 23 art & soul FILM The Biggest Little Farm Directed by John Chester I grew up in a farming family. My grandparents either hired people to do the work or used a mule-drawn plough and their children. My father and brother farm using conventional farming techniques. These changes are seen as advancement. Farmers produce more than ever and feel a sense of pride in their work. It's a success story by many measures. Success, however, isn't static and we can poke holes in these farming practices too. A great way to see an evolution in thinking is to watch the film The Biggest Little Farm. It takes you on a journey from a small Santa Monica apartment to Apricot Lane Farms, a now thriving farm 40 miles north. Cameraman-turned- farmer John Chester documents eight years spent with his wife, Molly, transforming a neglected piece of land. They're assisted by Alan York, a great character in the film, who guides and inspires their dream of creating a sustainable, organic farm. One wonderful benefit for us in SoCal is our proximity to Apricot Lane Farms. You can go there for a tour or find their products at local farmers markets. The film discusses soil health, erosion, diversity, and the hazards of monocrop farming in an approachable way while dazzling the viewer with stunning visuals and a sumptuous score. Crops and farm animals are endearing characters. You'll find yourself wondering how they can possibly save their stone fruits and chickens. And what about the pig? You'll be cheering for every living thing on their farm. That's the power of this film. It speaks directly to our hearts and sense of wonder rather than lecturing us about modern farming failures. Living in the midst of serious environmental crisis, we need the kind of hope this film and farm can give us. (NEON) — Jane Evans BOOKS Opening the Akashic Records Meet Your Record Keepers and Discover Your Soul's Purpose By Maureen J. St. Germain M aureen J. St. Germain has this unique way of being cosmic and practical all at the same time. Sometimes in the same sentences. I know very little about the Akashic Records and the record keepers. But after reading this book, I think I understand a very esoteric subject better than I have before. Opening the Akashic Records is officially presented as: "A clear and simple manual of precise instructions for accessing the Akashic Records and confirming the accuracy of the information you receive." Now, that's pretty bold. And yet, it works. For those who do not know, the Akashic Records are described as a living vibrational field that stores all possible futures, the present, and the past. The records are believed to be in a non-physical plane, but accessible in the ethers. By delving into it, you can discover information about life and learn your soul's purpose. The author covers detailed exercises and offers tools and techniques to clear the energies blocking your access. She explains the specific markers that allow you to recognize your record keepers and to validate the information you receive. She also provides guidance on accessing the Akashic Records on behalf of other people. I want to give special credence to the chapter and explanations on the difference between what the records are and what this "soup" is in which we live. I have felt that many spiritual teachers are confused about this part — and thus — are vague and confusing in the way they explain it. Not so in this book. If you are interested in understanding your own faith, and its possibilities, this is the book for you. (Inner Traditions/Bear & Company) — Sofia Karin Axelsson REVIEWS