A Cry for Light: A Journey into Love, by Janet Alston Jackson, is the inspirational story of a parent’s struggle to find peace in a household ripped apart by her psychologically disturbed son. This powerful memoir reminds us that you can find peace amid any problem-- for Jackson; it was the ancient practice of Mindfulness that brought her salvation.

A page-turning narrative about a Hollywood publicist seeking help for her emotionally-disturbed son, Jackson recounts her struggle to adopt and raise Devon, a three-year-old trapped in the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services.  Her unforeseen troubles begin when the child is placed in Jackson’s home.  The joy of saving a child turns into a desperate attempt to save a collapsing family as Jackson desperately seeks a way to combat Devon’s anti-social and violent condition—Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).  A search that lasted over 11 years, it was only after Jackson turned to the love teachings of Mindfulness that the healing of mother and son could begin.

“When we are crying in the middle of the night through agony and frustration over our RAD child-- and when we have lost hope, we can find inner peace to restore us and help us to tap into our own wisdom for direction, says Jackson.  For me it was through the non-religious practice of Mindfulness-- learning to live in the present moment.  Thinking about the future for my son was scary, and I was angry and frustrated over things my son did in the past.  Mindfulness helped me to focus on the moment to find the right help for him and we did.  Today, he is healed and serving in the Marine Corps.  Mindfulness is where I found peace, a divine love, forgiveness, and God.  We don’t have to suffer.”

What They Are Saying About A Cry for Light

USA Book News calls “A Cry for Light” “An amazing book filled with love, power and mindfulness of how each and every one of us can make a difference in this world!”

Gregory C. Keck, Ph.D. , co-author of “Parenting the Hurt Child” and founder of the Attachment and Bonding Center in Ohio, says, “Janet drew me into the journey of reading this insightful and hopeful book.  I found that at times I wanted to read faster so that I could get to the next chapter.  I think that “A Cry for Light” will help prepare families who choose to embark on helping children.”

Stacy Miller, a mother of three and Vice President of Child Resources Center says, “This book reads like a good novel.  It touched my heart in so many ways!”

Barb Holtan, MA, MSW Executive Director, Adoption Exchange Association Project Director, Collaboration to Adopt US Kids, says “A Cry for Light” is so important for all of us who have lived through similar challenges being the parents of children who have been hurt and damaged, and for all of us who work in “the system.”  This is not just another adoption book!”

You Can Find Inner Peace

Readers will discover the ancient practice of mindfulness through “A Cry for Light.” A non-religious practice used today in pain clinics and cancer hospitals, this technique can enhance any religious practice and give peace to those without religious affiliation.

Janet finds Mindfulness through studying the works of Thich Nhat Hahn, an International Peace Activist and Zen Master, who Rev. Martin Luther King nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here’s what Thich Nhat Hanh said about “A Cry for Light:” “This is a beautiful book about the profound transformation that is possible when we ground our lives in mindfulness, the awareness of what is happening in the present moment.  The author is truly skilled in the practice of recognizing and embracing her thoughts and feelings, even in the midst of extremely painful and frustrating situations.  She shows us how to love and also how to let go.”

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness or being mindful, is being aware of your present moment. You are not judging, reflecting, or thinking. You are simply observing the moment in which you find yourself. When this happens, stress is released and you will find increased insight and clarity.

Mindfulness is used in clinics across the country.  The majority of participants who complete these programs report these benefits:

• Decreased physical and psychological symptoms
• Increased ability to cope with stressful situations
• Improved self-esteem
• Greater enthusiasm for life
• Greater energy
• Improved pain levels or coping with chronic pain

Mindfulness programs can help complement care of the following:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Headaches/chronic pain
• Sleep disturbance
• Job and family stress
• Type A behavior
• Heart disease
• Cancer/AIDS
• Fatigue/depression
• Arthritis
• Gastrointestinal disorders

“A Cry for Light” is Available on Amazon

Purchase the book from Amazon

Return to author’s website

http://www.JanetAJackson.com