Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives (Paperback)

~ Deepak Chopra M.D. (Author), David Simon M.D. (Author), (Author), (Author), Vicki Abrams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chopra (Peace Is the Way; The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga; etc.) and his colleagues at the Chopra Center for Well Being offer pregnant women, their partners and healthcare providers a practical, thought-provoking framework in which to experience pregnancy and childbirth. Chopra advocates techniques drawn from ayurveda, the centuries-old Indian medical science, combined with daily yoga and meditation practice, to help deepen a woman's connection to herself, her baby and her own intuitive wisdom. Chopra says that the months during which a woman carries a child are a naturally introspective period and provide an ideal opportunity to cultivate awareness of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states. To facilitate this process, the Chopra Center developed the Magical Beginnings program for parents and training programs for prenatal educators to aid them in integrating ayurvedic therapies (focused on nutrition, sound, sight, touch and aroma), meditation, yoga, visualization and journaling into a holistic approach to pregnancy. According to Chopra, Western images of childbirth can instill unconscious fears, causing undue stress to mother and child. To help women tackle these worries, he offers helpful medical information on the physical aspects of childbirth, ways to process difficult emotions, and suggestions for healthy communication between partners. In addition to pregnant women and their caretakers, readers interested in birthing and raising conscious children will likely be inspired by Chopra's stirring call for mindful parenting from conception through birth and beyond. 23 illus. Agent, Muriel Nellis with Literary and Creative Artists. (Mar.)Forecast:Chopra's name alone could sell this book; print ads and national publicity will garner an even larger audience.
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Review

'The rock star of the new spirituality' Guardian; 'The poet-prophet of alternative medicine' Time; 'A world leader in mind-body medicine' Eve; 'Deepak Chopra is the pioneer of alternative medicine' Bill Clinton --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (March 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517702207
• ISBN-13: 978-0517702208
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich and nourishing, April 9, 2005

By	Dr. Sarah J. Buckley "MD, Author of Gentle Bi... (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives is a deeply nourishing and inspiring book for expectant mothers, their partners and attendants.

Drawing on the centuries-old philosophies of Ayurveda and yoga, Deepak Chopra and his Chopra center colleagues David Simon MD and Vicki Abrams (who runs the Magical Beginnings birth education programme) have created a rich blend of mind-body medicine for pregnancy and childbirth that recognises childbearing as a spiritual, as well as a physical, process.

Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives is both beautifully written and practical, offering excellent information on nutrition (from an Ayurvedic perspective), alternative remedies for pregnancy complaints and a simple pregnancy yoga routine. Chopra and co also emphasize the many benefits of meditation during pregnancy. Throughout, there is a gentle emphasis on slowing down, being mindful and paying attention to our internal signals.

As a family physician, writer on pregnancy birth and mothering, and mother of four (with a large collection of pregnancy and birth books!) I particularly welcomed the chapter for fathers and the advice on changing relationships, which are not often covered. Chopra et al advocate Dr Marshall Rosenberg's nonviolent communication (NVC) techniques which are wonderful tools to enhance conscious communications.

I also relished the philosophy, woven all through this enlightening book, of respect for mother and baby and for the amazing changes that happen over the months of pregnancy and birth.

New insights in mind-body medicine are confirming the traditional wisdom that a mother's mental and emotional state in pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the well-being of her child. Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives provides the tools and insights to help us all to nourish our babies and ourselves at this important time. As the authors conclude, `The souls of our children are the potential for tomorrow's world.'

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering and connecting...., October 12, 2005

By	Rikkie "Mommy to be...." (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is exactly what I have been looking for.
It has empowered and inspired me in so many ways.
There are wonderful visualizations and exercises throughout the book which have helped me to connect deeply with my unborn baby and body.
Because of this book I have become much more aware of how my daily stresses affect my unborn baby and have used the suggested exercises to create a more peaceful space inside me. Nothing could make me happier.
I recommend this book to every pregnant woman. The information throughout will help you become more integrated in your mind and body and much more in-tune with your unborn baby.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a holisitci guide to pregnancy and child birth magical beginings enchanted lives, September 13, 2005

By	father - See all my reviews

This book wonderfully supports the couples' journey into parenthood. The book magically brings the pregnancy to life with great visualizations, relaxations, and concrete activities for the pregnant mom and father. The book empowers the mom to have the birth she would like and provides great tools through the process of birth. It brought us closer as a couple and began the bonding process to our child inutero. The book allowed us to experience the true wonderment of pregnancy and birth in strength and love.