As If Smiling: by Sharon Anderson

Sharon Anderson is known for her songwriting and was an artist on Capitol and other labels in the 90's. She was raised in northwestern Canada and her writing is subtly influenced by the pristine beauty of the Rockies, and open prairie settings she once winded her way through from town to town playing music in her teens and twenties. She then found the teachings of Yogananda; the great spiritual teacher, through his disciple Swami Kriyananda. By this time, having gone through spells of serious doubts that one's life even holds a meaningful destiny, she suddenly found herself blossoming anew before the tutorage of the Saint. Sharon has responded to her newly awakened glimpse of self by reaching out from beneath all the restrictions imposed by ill born habit and self definitions so typical of our culture and times, with fresh new melodies, commentaries and books of promise, And, amidst working as a bookblock editor, wife and mother in Tennessee, she still makes pilgrimages to Ananda Village in California where Swami lived and taught. At his feet her life was saved, and her understanding of the teachings of Christ greatly enhanced. Her inspiration and meditation born level of consciousness is so improved, that this book and others of her offerings, along with her music, may become a fresh, trickling spring of promise into your daily life.

Ollie Anderson has never really been singled out for her amazing artwork and to this day drives a truck near the Ft. McMurray tarsands in Northern Alberta. As you can see there is a Disney and beyond sweetness to her spirit that her pictures are an embodiment of, and she remains a quiet creative force living in the little Alberta town of Calahoo where their family was raised in the 50's and 60's and where she runs a sign business in her spare time . You can see some samples of her work through the years at Sharon's site; SharonLenoreAnderson.com under the Ollie Anderson tab, Or look for Ollie Art

Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), who left his body in 2013, was a direct disciple of the great master, Paramhansa Yogananda, and an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world. In 1968, Kriyananda founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community around the globe. Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional communities in the world; over 1,000 people reside in Ananda communities in the US, India, and Italy. The European retreat and community located in Assisi, Italy, also serves Ananda meditation groups in Europe and Russia. Ananda Village is also home to The Expanding Light, a world-renowned guest retreat facility where thousands of visitors annually visit for renewal or instruction in many aspects of meditation, yoga, and the spiritual life. The nearby Ananda Meditation Retreat, located on Ananda's first property, functions both as a retreat and as the site for Ananda's Institute of Alternative Living. An advocate of simple living and high thinking, Swami Kriyananda's more than 140 books cover a wide range of subjects emphasizing the need to live wisely by one's own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas. A composer since 1964, Kriyananda wrote over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. Many of his later albums are instrumental works with brief affirmations or visualizations. Chuck Dilberto, of Awareness Magazine wrote, "[His] words and music are full of his life and light. His sole intention is to heal, something we could all use during these chaotic times." Through Crystal Clarity Publishers, his works have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 25 languages. More about Swami Kriyananda, including photos and videos, is available at the official Swami Kriyananda website.