When you finally have your “AHA Moment” and begin the journey of self-reflection and reconstruction, you might want to have an understanding friend by your side.

Dawn James’ new book, “Raise Your Vibration, Transform Your Life -- A Practical Guide for Attaining Better Health, Vitality and Inner Peace”, might just be your new BFF (“best friend forever”). James has focused on three key physical healing modalities -- nutrition (rejuvenation and detox), breathing and vibrational work, as well as three inner work modalities -- attitude, gratitude and connected presence.

James own AHA moment occurred in 2003 following a near death experience-- when she left the physical world, and later returned with a profound knowledge and understanding of consciousness, spirituality and vibrational frequency.

How does this book offer something new on traditional techniques that have been covered elsewhere?

James’ writing outlines very accessible processes for individuals taking on their personal development work today. She provides a no-nonsense context for contemporary life’s challenges, framed with compassion. The “need-it-NOW” generation will be guided through the enriching process of deferred gratification by mastering self-discipline and will power -- integrity muscles that are sorely lacking into today’s Western cultures. As a career-woman and mother, James understands the slippery slope of material acquisitions and the lure of their insatiable appetites -- cell phones, social networking and digital media.

The underlying premise to the healing modalities, in “Raise Your Vibration”, is their impact on vibration levels in the human body. Not only do over-processed, denatured foods lower the body’s vibrational resonance, but so too do reactive thoughts, relentless media impact and our disconnect from Nature and the communities we live in.

By elevating your awareness of energy-depleting thoughts and behavior and replacing them with conscious living techniques, individuals can easily and effectively improve their health and well-being. James includes easy-to-understand segments dealing with energy chakras, essential oils and crystals for more specific techniques to optimize your vibrational health.

As Dawn James clearly explains, “By actively choosing to raise your personal vibration, you are choosing to love yourself by removing stress and regaining vitality, by transcending your ego-mind to your higher mind of Divine Wisdom and by living in harmony to experience oneness with all aspects of yourself. Self-love is like the seed from which love for all others is born.”

James offers personal reflections and stories that keep her change themes grounded in the real world. Ultimately, she is committed to helping people step out of their oblivious, stress-filled existence into an enriched world of conscious living.

“By learning how to strengthen your mind-body-spirit network, your mind will become tranquil, your physical body will become stronger and healthier and your energy systems will become more fluid and balanced.” With a clear goal in mind, individuals will take comfort in the perspective that James has so clearly and concisely brought together.

After a cover-to-cover read, this timeless book will provide a useful and ongoing reference in anyone’s personal development library.

Elaine Munro is a freelance writer, qigong master and business owner. She resides in Ontario, Canada.