Dear Friends, There’s a lot of talk these days about the months ahead, and much of it is rather gloomy. The value of the dollar is low, oil prices are high, credit is tight, and the economic forecast points to areas of rain and chill. Meanwhile, warm and warmer is what’s on the minds of global weather-watchers, as polar ice caps disappear and platitudes of concern fill the emptiness of response. Some folks are also counting down to the Mayan Calendar’s end in 2012. Does this portend, as they surmise, an extended period of hard times and difficult transformations? It all seems inconvenient. And for many that triggers worry and even fear. When challenges accumulate or a sense of malaise prevails, people often withdraw into moody retirement, suspending some of their normal activities, pleasures and expenses, waiting for better news to raise their spirits. The psychology of such a reaction is easy to understand, but it serves no useful purpose. In fact it tends to feed on itself, adding force to the downward pull on one’s hopes and dreams. The antidotes for troubled times are many, but they all come down to an exercise of will. As Paramhansa Yogananda reminded his disciples repeatedly, “The greater the will, the greater the flow of energy.” Just as with a swift river in spring, when one’s mental current is set in forward motion, attuned to a higher consciousness, eddies of karmic resistance and commiseration are overcome, swept into the mainstream of revitalized action. Maybe you could use some help in sweeping away your own worries or fears. Or maybe you just like spending time in places that soothe your day. East West has long been the region’s leading resource for books, programs and products that bring “refreshment” to anyone thirsty for expansive ideas, joyful discoveries and ways to inner peace. Our mission is simply to assist you in becoming the expression of happiness that resonates most genuinely with your heart and soul. We support all paths to Spirit, all reflections of wisdom, all means of hope for a better world. We also believe that beautiful things elevate and accelerate the journey to these aspirations. On that same theme, we are pleased to note that in mid-July a special public celebration of “Hope for a Better World” will feature a variety of programs in the South Bay area, as Swami Kriyananda is honored for his sixty years of astonishingly productive discipleship as an author, composer and lecturer, and also as founder of the world’s most successful spiritual communities. There’s more information on our events calendar page, and our next issue will spotlight these events in greater detail. For the present, let us draw your attention to the scores of exceptional programs that are summarized in this magazine. Among the authors, artists and healers who will join us this spring are Susann Taylor Shier (Apr 4-7), Joshua Leeds (Apr 11,13), Caroline Cory (Apr 16), Master Stephen Co (Apr 24), Pratichi Mathur (May 2-3), Brant Secunda (May 14), Snatam Kaur (May 17), Asha Praver (May 21, Jun 11), Z Budapest (Jun 7), James Wanless (Jun 13-14), and we’re also presenting our own East West Psychic Fair (Jun 21-22) with ten outstanding practitioners offering private readings. Finally, our events manager, Steve Manus, is leaving us to pursue his own personal business. We want to thank him for a year of excellent programs, and we welcome Heather Tolles, who now fills the position. Joy to you… Surendra and Tushti Conti Co-Managers