by Ricki Blanchard

I have been asked many times over the past few months, "What kind of store is the Higher Self Bookstore?" As I tried to explain, the responses varied from "Oh, it's New Age" to faces completely blank, not having any idea what I was talking about.

My own response to "New Age" was one of avoidance, though I wasn't sure why. I have thrown the words "New Age" at a blank face just trying to give that person a point of reference. Sometimes it worked. I've read some articles by various authors and artists who have all given different interpretations of New Age, and only a few actually claimed that what they did or who they were as New Age. Most referred to New Age as New Thought.

When I think of Age, I go back to school days history lessons about 'ages' and 'eras', as in Dark Ages, the Renaissance Era, etc. According to the textbooks, these were specific periods in time, with beginnings and endings. Anytime one ended and another began, it was because of new thought, though I don't recall the books saying that exactly. Personally, I think there is probably Dark Ages going on somewhere in the world now, as well as a Renaissance Era. New thought was and is always happening, but how romantic is a "New Thought Era."

My point is, why would I limit the store's existence and potential by referring to an "age" that has a beginning and an end, historically speaking. (I wonder, did the people know they were in a "Dark" age during the Dark Ages?) Besides, I am unable to find consensus on just what New Age is.

I refer to the Higher Self Bookstore is a metaphysical store. So then I am asked, "What is a metaphysical store?" Okay, now this is something I can research so that my explanations are clear and concise, right? I mean, metaphysics has been around forever! In fact, I am currently taking courses in metaphysics. In my mind, it is the science of the body, mind, and spirit connection. I like to speak in an educated manner in just such situations, so I thought I'd memorize some definitions. Piece of cake, right? Wrong!

According to the American Institute for Holistic Theology, metaphysics is "the science which investigates first causes of all existence and knowledge. It seeks to explain the nature of being and of the origin and structure of the world, bringing together the physical, mental, and spiritual character of mankind into its true perspective of holism."

This is not what I want to say to the "man-on-the-street", so I checked the dictionary. met a phys ics: 1. The branch of philosophy that investigates principles of reality transcending those of any particular science, traditionally including cosmology and ontology. 2. All speculative philosophy. met a phys i cal: ...2. Highly abstruse: abstract. Latin/Greek, referring to the works (physics) of Aristotle. (When metaphysics becomes the accepted norm, will Webster still say "abstract"?)

I think I'll stick with my own definition of metaphysics.

Others say it's a spiritual bookstore. Well, it is - and it's more. It's also holistic (not in my dictionary at all!). David, co-worker at Higher Self, described the store as eclectic. This is very close, as it means composed of material gathered from various sources, systems, and doctrines.

It occurs to me that labels just aren't going to work here, just as they don't in my life. Labels are a very limiting judgment. There's no room for growth.

"What do you sell in the store?" I'm asked. Now remember, retail is a new experience for me. I usually answer with what we "offer." I have been offering people an alternative, a choice, for the past four years in the area of personal growth. At the Higher Self, I have the great privilege of expanding that offering.

Words are very powerful, putting into the universe a specific energy dynamic. Why else the warning: Be careful what you ask for. They can also be quite inadequate in expressing what you know to be true so that others will experience the same "knowing." What I am trying to do here is tell you about the Higher Self Bookstore, the store I "know" it to be in a language where there is no language.

The Higher Self Bookstore is a New Age, New Thought, Metaphysical, Spiritual, Eclectic, Holistic entity that offers the opportunity for personal growth, healing, enlightenment, knowledge, intuition development, health and well-being, along with materials and merchandise that supports one's path, belief system, awakening and rebirth. It is a meeting place and a school. Did I leave anything out? Are there any questions?

I love words. I especially like to write words, but I can talk, too. So feel free to talk with me. But the best way to really "know" something is to experience it. Come experience the store. Then, you tell me what it is.