ALISON Whittall (Swarupa) is well known in Crediton for leading choirs like Crediton Community Choir and Heartsong.

She organised CREDSING where 300 people sang in harmony and raised money for charity.

For the past three decades she has also been fascinated by spirituality and has a deep love of the divine, of freedom and of universal truth.

All her songs express this with an emphasis on unity and peace.

After countless retreats with awakened masters and much study of ancient scriptures she has now written a book “JOY in CRISIS” that emerged out of the challenges and turbulence of the last four years.

Alison holds a B Ed Hons and is a OneSpirit Minister and Spiritual Counseller.

Talking about the book, Alison said: “Seeing the despair, fear, and pain that many were facing in 2020, my heart was touched deeply. There was a shared shock and grief.

“Much of the world was in ‘lockdown’ and chaos ensued. Since then there have been challenging turbulent times of ongoing crisis after crisis it seems. Through all this there is an opportunity and a hidden joy, free from life’s circumstances, that is accessible, effortless, and unfathomable.”

“This joy is the inspiration behind this book, to uplift our spirit in these challenging times.

“Positive, encouraging, and profound. This colourful and enlightening book is easy to read.

“It unlocks a door to discover who we truly are. To reveal the powerful presence that lies within us, even in times of crisis and pain.

“Now is the time for sacred transformation that goes far deeper than personal development.

“Discover the inner sanctuary of peace and joy that is your True Nature.”

Alison explained: “The book includes wisdom quotes from the Bible as well as from sages and saints of all time.

“Very much inspired by the Christ light of peace and compassion this book points to the one True Self that is our natural state, in harmony with the divine.

“Christmas can be a painful time of isolation for some.

“We can feel we don’t belong to this ‘world’.

“Yet there is a rare and precious opportunity here on earth to awaken to the miracle of Life, to ‘overcome’ (or transcend) this world and our limiting beliefs and engrained conditioning that can keep us held hostage by our own psyche.

“Do you ever wish you could get out of a loop of negative thinking or feel more free from the minds judgements? “JOY in CRISIS is for YOU!”

Reviews state: “It has been my hearts joy to read this book… It is immediate and direct. Swarupa’s words convey a power that is full of spirit and grace.” - Saul Auty

“Full of life, love, blessing and empowering insight.” - Nicola Coombe (OneSpirit Core Faculty, former Focaliser/ Head).

The 66-page paperback book (ISBN 9781526210272) is available at £8 from: yorkbookshop.com , Amazon, The Bookery in Crediton High Street and from the website: https://awakeningtospirit.com .