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By Mallika Chopra I n a refreshing departure from the more typical, albeit often useful, "Let me share what I've learned" writing convention, Mallika Chopra's Living with Intent style is more, "Let's fi gure this out together." The fi rst time I met the author, who is founder and CEO of the Intent.com social media site and blog, she dashed in slight- ly late for our appointment at a Santa Monica café, trailing a backpack and clearly a bit harried. Still, she was warm and pro- fessional, immediately giving me her full attention. Based on what she's written in her new book, it's clear our meeting was a microcosm of her life at that time. Chopra was caught in a familiar struggle—juggling professional life with family life (she's married with two daughters), friends, exer- cise and staying healthy—and despite having grown up under the tutelage of a celebrated sage, had to confront the same challenges we all face. She writes of feeling overwhelmed, often frustrated, and dis- appointed at her seem- ing inability to meet her goals. With thoughtful insight, generous sharing and some- times-awkward honesty, the author takes us through the vi- cissitudes of that diffi cult passage to a place of self-fulfi llment and inner peace. She shares simple suggestions that are highly accessible and will indeed give readers a gentle but powerful nudge in creating, as she continues to do (it's an ongoing pro- cess, after all), the life they desire. Like a frank conversation with a friend, Living with Intent is an inspiring and sustaining read, perfect to accompany a morning cup of tea or send you off to a peaceful sleep. (Harmony) —Abigail Lewis Living with Intent My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy BOOKS art & soul AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE: LIFELONG LEARNING GET YOUR AD IN NOW! • 310.425.3056 • sales@wholelifemagazine.com D onna De Lory, the ultimate Earth Mama with the unpar- alleled voice and dance grooves, is a leading lady in the fi eld of devotional music. Before dedicating her life to singing sacred mantras and lyrics of spiritual aspiration, De Lory worked for years singing backup and dancing on tour with Ma- donna. Her unique energetic approach melds the best of pop with sacred music, with infl uences drawn from Celtic, Middle Eastern, Indian classical and contemporary electronic and pop sources. Universal Light was remixed from The Unchanging by some of the hottest DJ masters, including Carmen Rizzo, Mac Quayle, David Starfi re, Rara Avis, Eastern Sun, Drumspyder, FreQ Nas- ty, Dub Kirtan All Stars, Atom Smith and Willie Lewis. The resulting trance rhythms hypnotize the soul as they also propel listeners into ecstatic dance. An insistent rhythm on tunes like "Amma" and "Praying for Love" (a trippy arrangement that includes some of her most pop-infl uenced lyrics to date) makes it a chal- lenge to sit still. In addition to remixes of the fantastic songs from her earlier album, De Lory's beseeching rendition of Krishna Das' "By Your Grace" lands exquisitely in the heart. (De Lory Music) —Lloyd Barde Donna De Lory Universal Light Remixes from The Unchanging MUSIC 32 wholelifetimes.com