Zen Rohatsu Invites Readers to Follow Buddha’s Path to Enlightenment
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet, or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Could an ancient practice hold the key to dealing with today’s stressors? Zen meditation practitioner Nora D’Ecclesis opens her new book, Zen Rohatsu, with a guided visualization that places readers at the time of the Buddha, under the sacred fig tree, as he sought to obtain enlightenment.
“Buddha was a man who found his enlightenment and set his path, avoiding suffering by controlling his thoughts and desires,” wrote D’Ecclesis. “He was not and is not considered a deity.”
And with this historical perspective into how the concept of Buddhist enlightenment emerged, D’Ecclesis sets the stage for Zen Rohatsu, which provides thoroughly researched insights into the origins of meditation, its rituals and the ways in which living mindfully can be transformative. Included are simple meditation techniques, such as postures, breathing exercises and the use of mala beads.
Written for anyone wanting to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and spirituality — from beginners to advanced meditation practitioners — Zen Rohatsu guides readers down the proverbial path of enlightenment.
“Zen Rohatsu is a microcosm of Zen meditation which best explains why we meditate and why most should consider this spiritual practice,” D’Ecclesis said. “I sat to outline a story about my spiritual practice, which I wrote from the memory of my own experiences as a lay meditator. The result is this book.”
The book explains that Rohatsu is a spiritual practice of meditative zazen that occurs on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Gregorian calendar. The meditation sessions, which focus on Zazen Meditation rather than scriptures or rituals, are celebrated for seven days in advance of December 8 by Zen practitioners all over the world. Zen Rohatsu will help readers understand this type of meditation and how it might help them.
D’Ecclesis also added: “Zazen, a Japanese style dating back to the Buddha, is a meditation that keeps us in the present with focus, equanimity and stress management by clearing our thoughts from the various anxieties that permeate them. We turn off the chatter in our own heads and establish a place of compassion. We all experience interoceptive responses to the stressors and suffering and even the great joys in life, as all sentient beings do, so the balance of meditation and concept of equanimity are a welcome alternative.”
Nora D’Ecclesis is an American bestselling nonfiction author and Haiku poet. Her international No.1 bestseller The Retro Budget Prescription held the top spot in Kindle book downloads for the business/self-help category for over a year. She is a graduate of Kean University of New Jersey with post graduate degrees in administration and education. Her other published nonfiction includes Amazon No. 1 bestseller Haiku: Natures Meditation and paperbacks/eBooks on such topics as time management, guided visualizations, gratitude/equanimity, journaling and Zen meditation.
For more information about the author, visit https://noradecclesis.com/, or follow her on Twitter at @DECCLESIS or on Facebook at NoraDEcclesis.
Zen Rohatsu Publisher: Renaissance Presentations, LLC ISBN-10: 1733020136 ISBN-13: 978-1733020138 Available from Amazon.com
Trish Stevens Susan Graber Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone
Learn How to Form Authentic Human Connections Through Storytelling
(This press release may be reprinted in part or in its entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In an age when business can be conducted from a smart phone, family therapist Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse has a suggestion to help people cultivate authentic, human connections: storytelling.
“Screens and data have overtaken our society; we are overloaded, digitalized and distracted,” she wrote in the introduction to her latest book, Storytelling Legacy: Everyone Has Stories—What are Yours? “Storytelling can be used to connect, engage, inspire, heal and create a brighter future.”
Wegscheider-Cruse has brought hope and healing to millions of people through her work as a family therapist, co-founder of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics, acclaimed author and conference presenter. She invites readers to join her as she recounts her remarkable life in Storytelling Legacy, hoping that her narrative will encourage readers to share their own experiences through the power of storytelling.
“Communication is more than an exchange of information,” she said. “Words can inspire; words can teach important lessons. And woven together, words offer a legacy to those we love for generations to come.”
In the recounting of her legacy, Wegscheider-Cruse includes tales of celebrity, culture, humor, history, questions, relationships, surprises, spirituality, traditions and travels.
She then invites readers to go deep within, to realize the wonder of their own life experiences, and to craft their own legacy of stories.
“Everyone has a story,” she adds. “What is yours?”
About the Author Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse is a family therapist, businesswoman, and founder of Onsite Workshops. She is the author of 23 books, including 5 bestsellers, translated into 13 languages, most notably Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family, Learning to Love Yourself, and Choicemaking. She has brought hope and healing to millions through her company, Onsite Workshops, TN, and fostered a movement that brought direction to millions of adult children of alcoholics. The co-founder of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics (NACOA), she has trained and lectured for the US Air Force, counseling agencies, spa wellness centers, and corporations. She has developed programs in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Sharon has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Phil Donahue Show, The Larry King Show, and The Today Show. Her love for her soulmate, Joe, is everlasting and her greatest accomplishment is her joy for her children, her grandchildren, and relationships with her friends.
For more information, visit https://sharonwegscheidercruse.com/.
Storytelling Legacy: Everyone Has Stories—What Are Yours? Publisher: HCI Books Release Date: July 26, 2022 ISBN-10: 0757324355 ISBN-13: 9780757324352 Trade Paperback, 272 pages Available from Amazon.com
Trish Stevens Lindsey Mach Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone.
Hip-Hop With a Higher Purpose: Mission-Driven Music Inspires Listeners
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
When award-winning hip-hop artist Brinson Wright was just 4 years old, he was given a cassette tape containing the song “Bible Break” by Stephen Wiley (regarded as the godfather of Christian rap), and a seed was planted. Brinson grew up knowing that the spoken rhymes of rap and the spoken words of the gospel were not mutually exclusive, and that music and ministry could be intertwined and used to edify and reach the often unreachable youth audience.
“Rap, honestly, is motivation music,” Brinson said in a recent interview. “I’m going to motivate people to chase God.”
Brinson’s just-dropped album, Before He Cracks the Sky, is his 11th solo project and 80th overall release from GodChaserz Entertainment, the record label he founded in 2006. On it, he offers a prophetic voice along the lines of Malachi, who fervently attempts to share the good news that his neighbors can indeed be saved.
As with his past projects, Before He Cracks the Sky features top-notch sounds (including contributions from multi-platinum-selling producer Frank Nitty) and guest performances from Christian hip-hop veterans like Corey Red & Precise and Knine, and newcomers Porsha Love, Bri, Lu the Great and TC the Collector.
And like his last two albums, Before He Cracks the Sky is wrapped in a vivid cover designed by notable Marvel/DC/Image comic book artist Ken Lashley (of Black Panther, Star Wars and Spawn fame).
Brinson’s work in other areas has been gaining considerable attention. His GodChaserz documentary has won over 40 awards, and his entrance theme for Serena Deeb was featured on All Elite Wrestling. Plus, his book, 10 Things Every Christian Hip Hop Artist Should Know, provides valuable direction for others who want to enter the music industry without compromising their Christian values.
Using multiple forms of media to share his message comes naturally for Brinson, who is also an avid comic book collector, movie buff and ordained minister.
“It’s time for listeners to lend their ears to Before He Cracks the Sky,” Brinson said. “This is where it all began — telling stories about God’s good grace.”
About Brinson Wright Brinson is an award-winning Christian hip-hop artist from Jacksonville, Florida. He has dedicated his ministry to serving families and hip-hop fans through his music and unashamed love for God. He is an ordained minister and has studied music business at Belmont University in Nashville. When his passions and gifts are used together, he creates music that edifies and reaches those who would otherwise be unreachable. He is the founder of GodChaserz Entertainment (GCE) and with that has been able to facilitate more than 20 Christ-centered hip-hop albums. He has traveled the globe spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Brinson’s music has been seen and heard on ESPN, NPR, BET, MTV, New York’s Hot 97 and TBN, and he is the host of the GodChaserz Podcast.
Before He Cracks the Sky is available on GodChaserz.com, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and Tidal.
Trish Stevens Ashley Rockwell Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone
Soul Searching Can Open the Door to True Wealth and Happiness
(This press release may be reprinted in part or in its entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For many years, Gerard Powell lived the “American Dream” — he was a multi-millionaire who had it all. But looks can be deceiving. The more he achieved, the more he struggled with drugs, alcoholism, depression and thoughts of suicide. Following a personal crisis, he began a journey of self-transformation and healing that culminated in the creation of the Rythmia Life Enhancement Center in Costa Rica, which has helped transform the lives of nearly 10,000 people.
In his second thought-provoking guide, Truthenomics: The Science of Allowing Abundance Through Honesty, he reveals the life-changing principles of “truthenomics” — that true wealth-building involves self-discovery, and is more about what’s imprinted on your soul than what’s printed on your bank statement.
“Everybody should have the opportunity to get rich once, so that they realize it’s not the answer,” Powell said in a recent interview.
In Truthenomics, readers will learn:
Why a problematic relationship with money can be an expression of traumatic events from early in life — and how to resolve them
The money paradox — why many people hold unconscious conflicts about money from childhood
How to be sure your understanding of money will bring authentic happiness and not a momentary fix
How to raise your daily happiness set point
How to fall forward from financial hardships
How to harness the four circles of growth to manifest your true heart’s desire
By fusing ancient wisdom and modern techniques, Powell aims to help readers create the lives that will truly make them feel whole.
About the Author Gerard Armond Powell is a leading conscious entrepreneur, thought leader, philanthropist and public speaker whose mission is to transform lives. He is the founder of Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, the “go-to” facility for a spiritually awakening vacation experience. A personal crisis prompted Powell to embark on a journey of self-transformation. He traveled the world and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in search of every healing modality he could find. He was inspired to create Rythmia through a powerful encounter with plant medicine that transformed and liberated him from a lifetime of suffering. Powell now spends his days living at the resort and guiding each guest toward their personal transformation. Over 94 percent of the guests have reported that they received their “miracle.” This led Powell to create this book as a tool to help many others.
For more information, visit https://www.gerardarmondpowell.com, or follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @gerardarmondpowell.
Truthenomics: The Science of Allowing Abundance Through Honesty Publisher: HCI Books Release Date: August 9, 2022 ISBN-10: 0757324428 ISBN-13: 9780757324420 Trade Paperback, 112 pages Available for pre-order wherever books are sold
Trish Stevens Lindsey Mach Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone
Cliven Bundy Shares His Account of Armed Standoff on Nevada Cattle Ranch
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet, or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whatever happened to Nevada cattle rancher Cliven Bundy?
“It’s not what you think,” said prolific Christian author and Leadership Books co-founder Michael Stickler, who spent more than 60 days documenting Bundy’s side of the conflict while Bundy was incarcerated in federal prison.
Stickler details the events (as told to him by Cliven Bundy) preceding, during and following the 2014 standoff between Bundy’s armed supporters and federal agents. The standoff made national news and resulted in Bundy and 18 others being charged with federal crimes. “January 6 protesters are facing the full weight of the government, but Cliven Bundy went through it first,” Stickler added.
In Cliven Bundy: American Patriot, Stickler shares Bundy’s side of the standoff, which was the result of a 21-year legal dispute between Bundy and the Bureau of Land Management involving the grazing of Bundy’s cattle on federal land.
With plenty of intrigue, twists and turns, Cliven Bundy: American Patriot also includes Bundy’s personal account of “life lost” and the continued costs that the “Bundy 19” endure in prison.
“From here, Cliven shares his personal inner fears and hopes for the future,” Stickler said. “It’s a burden that weighs heavily upon Cliven’s heart.”
About the Author Prolific Christian author Michael Stickler (who has written over 19 books) and his publishing mentor, Arthur Ritter, founded Leadership Books to provide turnkey publishing services for those with ideas they want to bring to the world as well as Book and Author Representation services for already published authors in need of more effective marketing strategies. Leadership Books focusses on thought leaders and nonfiction authors in the worlds of business, finance and faith.
Stickler is an ex-felon, philanthropist, horseman and internationally sought-after conference speaker. His all-time bestselling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is also the author of Ghost Patriot and Life Without Reservation.
To learn more, please visit: https://LeadershipBooks.com, or connect with the publisher on Facebook (LeadershipBooksOnline); Twitter (@BooksLeadership); Instagram (leadership.books); or LinkedIn (Mike Stickler).
Cliven Bundy: American Patriot Publisher: Vision Group, Ltd. ISBN-10: 0990744140 ISBN-13: 978-0990744146 Available from Amazon.com and https://leadershipbooks.com/products/cliven-bundy-american-patriot?variant=41472051085492
Trish Stevens Helen Cook Senior Publicist Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 903.654.0938 Direct 281.333.3507 Office [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
Vibrant Centenarian’s Pearls of Wisdom Immortalized in Touching True Story
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet, or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Squashing “old people” stereotypes left and right, Lucille Fleming was a ball of infectious enthusiasm wrapped in stylish clothes, floating on a cloud of Chanel No. 5. She had also just celebrated her 100th birthday when author Judy Gaman first met her.
“She represented everything I wanted to be someday,” Gaman said. “Even at over 100 years old, an age that frankly terrified most people, myself included, she was happy, beautiful and full of life.”
Gaman was immersed in her job as the Director of Business Development for a high-profile medical practice, a job that included writing health and wellness books and hosting a nationally syndicated radio show. Gaman was researching the secrets to living to 100 for a new book when her one-hour meeting with Lucille blossomed into a lively, three-hour conversation and resulted in a life-changing companionship.
Meeting Lucille not only pivoted the intended focus of Gaman’s book, but also altered her path in life forever.
Gaman shares Lucille’s secrets to living a long and meaningful life in her book, Love, Life and Lucille: Lessons Learned from a Centenarian, which has touched the hearts of readers everywhere and drawn rave reviews.
Marybeth Conley, anchor for WREG-TV News Channel 3 in Memphis, said, “Grab a tissue and strap in! This emotionally charged memoir will have you busting out laughing one minute and crying the next. Judy paints the picture masterfully and leaves the reader forever touched by Lucille’s wisdom. My listeners still talk about how charming Lucille was, even years after my interviewing her!”
Gaman described Lucille as “an elegant and spirited woman who had just recently turned 100,” one who “had the fashion and style of old Hollywood, but it was all hidden behind the doors of her senior living center. What began as a quick meeting became a lasting friendship that transformed into an inseparable bond. Lucille brought incredible wisdom and great stories to the table.”
Together, the two began living life to the fullest and met many interesting people along the way, including actor and icon Suzanne Somers, who joined Lucille and Gaman on stage for an event about longevity (Somers also wrote the forward to Gaman’s book).
But then Lucille’s life came to an end at age 103 through unexpected and unfortunate circumstances ― and the very first lesson she ever taught Gaman proved to be the most important one of all.
Judy Gaman is an award-winning author, nationally sought-after speaker and CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas. She also co-hosts the Stay Young America! podcast.
As a media expert, she has appeared on hundreds of television, radio and podcast interviews. Judy recently released the pilot for Front Row to CEO, a talk show where she interviews some of the most interesting CEOs in an engaging and inspiring way.
For more information, please visit www.JudyGaman.com, or follow the author on Instagram (lovelifelucillebook) or Facebook (@jgamanspeaker).
Love, Life and Lucille: Lessons Learned from a Centenarian Publisher: She Writes Press ISBN-10: 1631528823 ISBN-13: 978-1631528828 Also available in eBook and audiobook formats Available from Amazon.com
Trish Stevens Amanda Rawn Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety by any print or broadcast media outlet, or used by any means of social media sharing.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zen Rohatsu, from Nora D’Ecclesis, is the A to Z of Zen meditation, with thoroughly researched insights into the origins of meditation, its rituals and the ways in which living mindfully can be transformative. Included are simple meditation techniques, such as postures, breathing exercises and the use of mala beads.
Written for anyone wanting to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and spirituality — from beginners to advanced meditation practitioners — Zen Rohatsu guides readers down the proverbial path of enlightenment.
“Zen Rohatsu is a microcosm of Zen meditation which best explains why we meditate and why most should consider this spiritual practice,” D’Ecclesis said. “I sat to outline a story about my spiritual practice, which I wrote from the memory of my own experiences as a lay meditator. The result is this book.”
The book explains that Rohatsu is a spiritual practice of meditative zazen that occurs on the eighth day of the twelfth month on the Gregorian calendar. The meditation sessions, which focus on Zazen Meditation rather than scriptures or rituals, are celebrated for seven days in advance of December 8 by Zen practitioners all over the world. Zen Rohatsu will help readers understand this type of meditation and how it might help them.
D’Ecclesis also added: “Zazen, a Japanese style dating back to the Buddha, is a meditation that keeps us in the present with focus, equanimity and stress management by clearing our thoughts from the various anxieties that permeate them. We turn off the chatter in our own heads and establish a place of compassion. We all experience interoceptive responses to the stressors and suffering and even the great joys in life, as all sentient beings do, so the balance of meditation and concept of equanimity are a welcome alternative.”
Nora D’Ecclesis is an American bestselling nonfiction author and Haiku poet. Her international No.1 bestseller The Retro Budget Prescription held the top spot in Kindle book downloads for the business/self-help category for over a year. She is a graduate of Kean University of New Jersey with post graduate degrees in administration and education. Her other published nonfiction includes Amazon No. 1 bestseller Haiku: Natures Meditation and paperbacks/eBooks on such topics as time management, guided visualizations, gratitude/equanimity, journaling and Zen meditation.
For more information about the author, visit https://noradecclesis.com/, or follow her on Twitter at @DECCLESIS or on Facebook at NoraDEcclesis.
Zen Rohatsu Publisher: Renaissance Presentations, LLC ISBN-10: 1733020136 ISBN-13: 978-1733020138 Available from Amazon.com
Trish Stevens Eleanor Trace Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com 281.333.3507 Phone
