I first learned about Jana Mullins from a mutual friend at the University of Santa Monica, both Jana and I are graduates of the program with degrees in Spiritual Psychology.

I was fascinated to learn about her graduate project, which was the writing of Open Hands: Lessons on Giving and Receiving.  There is a wonderful story behind how Jana was able to attend University of Santa Monica and pursue her masters degree.  Jana was the single mother of three children, and really did not have the funds to attend.

Her good friend, by the name of Fred, said if she applied for the scholarship for the tuition that he would pay for her trips back and fourth from Houston, TX to Los Angeles so that she could attend classes once per month. Months after applying Jana received a telephone call from the University saying that she had been accepted into the program.  As Jana states it, Fred provided her with much more than the airfare to be able to attend graduate school, he provided her with the encouragement needed, for she was not in a very good place in her life at the time she applied.

Part of our graduate program is that we have to complete a second year project.  Jana took on the project of writing this book, and collecting the moving stories of giving and receiving that fill the pages of Open Hands.

You will be inspired, encourage and moved by the amazing stories of everyday people going out of their way to help another person in need.  These stories and a true inspiration, and will encourage any reader to  take the first steps of reaching out and touching someone in a special way.

In a recent interview with Dr. Stephen Post who wrote the book “Why Good Things Happen to Good People” he emphasized the emotional and physical benefits of giving and receiving.    His research proved that we live longer, we are healthier and our happiness quotient is amazingly high. In other words, it pays huge dividends to be kind and generous.

Jana’s book is a wonderful collection of these stories of love, support, encouragement. I know you will be encouraged to take action in your own life.

In a quote from her book Flora Edwards states ” In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”  This quote exemplifies what Jana’s book is all about.  If you are looking for inspiration and would like to have your heart touched in a special way, then I encourage you to get Jana’s book, “Open Hands: Lessons on Giving and Receiving“.

Inspired by the generous gift from Fred, Jana’s proceeds from book sales go to charities in the U.S. and abroad.  Individual purchasers are invited to select their charitable area of interest at www.foropenhands.org.  Non profit organizations, churches, schools and youth groups are also invited to use Open Hands as a fundraising vehicle for their own charitiable endeavors.  You can email Jana@foropenhands.org for additional information or  please click here to learn more.