Rewire your mind, recharge your soul

“Every single one of us is suffering from the same problem,”

observes Baron Baptiste, founder of the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute

and author of “Journey Into Power.” “We are not living from our

authentic selves.”

Books to help recharge your sense of self are on the shelves at

the Newport Public Library.

In a new book that promises to help “sculpt your ideal body, free

your true inner self, and transform your life,” Baptiste presents a

program for shedding unwanted pounds, sharpening mental clarity and

releasing life-limiting beliefs. Based on the weeklong book camps

offered in his Cambridge, Mass., yoga studio, the program integrates

yoga’s physical and spiritual components, a cleansing diet, daily

meditation and a strong, spiritual focus.

Prefer to reconnect with authenticity one step at a time? Check

out Cheryl Richardson’s yearlong program organized into 52 weekly

sections in “Life Makeovers.” Based on the premise that making small

changes, over time, can have a huge effect on one’s quality of life,

the program includes tips for revamping internal rules, asking for

support, improving sleep, managing time and connecting with others.

Each chapter concludes with an inspiring story illustrating its point

and tips for formulating a personal action plan.

There’s no quick fix for the spirit, Elio Frattaroli maintains in

“Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain.” Arguing against what he

calls science’s “delusionary hope,” that it is possible to fix the

soul’s sickness by taking a pill, the psychiatrist and University of

Pennsylvania teacher argues that depression, anxiety and other

psychological problems need to be identified and addressed, rather

than sedated with drugs.

While talking with a psychotherapist may heal the spirit, the

brain requires more rigorous workouts to ward off Alzheimer’s and

maintain ultimate fitness, Richard Restak says. Find 28 exercises

designed to enhance memory, concentration, creativity and analytical

ability in his newest work, “Mozart’s Brain and the Fighter Pilot.”

With the latest research in neurology and psychology, the eminent

neuropsychiatrist reveals how to get the brain up to speed for

managing every aspect of daily life.

Once the mind and soul are whole, there’s physical health to

address. Turn to Dr. Walter C. Willett’s “Eat, Drink, and be Healthy”

for a summary of 20 years of medical research that topples a towering

health icon -- the food pyramid. Arguing against the evils of eggs

and the virtues of milk, the Harvard Medical School guru sets an

all-new nutritional standard that includes lifestyle guidelines for

weight control and alcohol consumption.

There’s nothing radical in this dietary approach emphasizing fresh

vegetables and complex carbohydrates, but there are surprises

supported by research that shies away from recommendations from

special-interest groups.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach

Public Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in

collaboration with Tamara Henn. All titles may be reserved by

accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.