The Once Upon a Time of Now: Mythic Adventures, discoveries & meditations in the forest of consciousness

​We are each a story being told...The Once Upon a Time of Now is a journey of discovery into the mythic Forest of Consciousness, a compelling navigation of our internal landscape: the pathways of wonder, of curiosity, of passion. Playfully conceived, rich in both imagery and insight, this dreamlike metaphor is a mature and evocative exploration of spirituality, connectivity, and meditation, offering exquisitely articulated guidance as the young heroine, Agnes, travels on her enchanted quest.

​With a deep drink from the wellspring of Hindu mythological traditions, the author creates a thought-provoking and tender tale that probes the transformative powers of community, creativity, and the courage to be fully oneself. As Agnes travels the shadowed and challenging universe that lives inside her, meeting celestials and developing an intimacy with the forest of consciousness, ultimately she recognizes that by embracing uncertainty, each new experience has the capacity to expand her understanding of herself, the world, and her place within it. She thought her goal was simply to find the Lost Temple; instead, she learns to love the life she is living.

About the Author

With a lifelong involvement in Indian mythology and art history, author Hope West has worked closely with some of the world’s most prestigious scholars in the field of South Asian studies.
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Inspired by her research, as well as her many pilgrimages to the great temple complexes of Tamil Nadu, this allegorical tale draws from the author's own insights in order to share the profound practices and wisdom offered by the uplifting philosophy and mythology of the goddess traditions of South Indian SriVidya.

Reviews

“…The spirit of Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia meets Indian mythology resulting in an unlikely fusion that showcases profound spiritual wisdom... Full of playful winks to Indian philosophy, The Once Upon a Time of Now is a delight for connoisseurs of the subject and those hesitating on the threshold alike."
— Tova Olsson, author of Yoga and Tantra- its history, philosophy and mythology

 "The Once Upon a Time of Now is a mystical, mythical, and thought-provoking story that teaches the art of appreciating your surroundings and making every moment count."
— ReaderViews

 ​“Spiritual and allegorical…The setting that Agnes traverses is resplendent; it features talking beasts with magical gifts and deities who are reflective of the gods of known parables…” 
— Foreword Clarion Reviews ★★★★

“The author’s descriptions are vivid, lush, and evocative...A loving exploration of the inner world, told through the beings of Hindu mythology…[The Once Upon a Time of Now] is a celebration of the mystery of existence and the unlikely miracle of being alive…a read recommended for those who enjoy ruminating on the big questions of life and existence."
— Independent Book Reviews​

"The Once Upon a Time of Now by Hope West ​is intriguing and exciting. I was engaged from the beginning...
...well-written and one of a kind."
— Readers' Favorites Reviews ★★★★★​

" ...Both Agnes and the reader come to appreciate the many treasures that can be found by looking within… Playfully immersive, the tale has much to teach."
-- Kirkus Reviews

“A tale for our times, The Once Upon a Time of Now returns our attention to the gifts of this life: friendship and curiosity, creativity and wonder. Punctuated by timely breathing practices and original meditations, introducing deities and complex philosophical concepts in a lyrical, accessible way, this book is here to open your eyes and warm your heart.” 
— Elena Brower, bestselling author of Practice You, Being You and Softening Time

"There is something intensely intimate about this book that makes me want to tell everyone, 'Stay a while, won’t you? Luxuriate in the poetic language. Allow yourself to be intellectually stimulated...' [The Once Upon a Time of Now] tenderly charts the myriad possibilities of our human condition. Hope West invites us into ourselves, into the things that feel deeply familiar but the very same things we might not have given enough time celebrating.” 
—​ Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, Oregon Arts Commissioner, former Portland Oregon Creative Laureate,
executive director of New Expressive Works

“The Once Upon a Time of Now is an homage to Indian culture, stories, and philosophy. An irresistible tale of life…to awaken curiosity and wonder… Hard to put it down!”
— Indu Arora, author of Soma: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care,
Yoga: Ancient Heritage Tomorrow’s Vision and Mudra: The Sacred Secret
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"...a seductive, exotic, spiritual, and brilliant poetic tale...Truly, a joy to read."
— LJ Frank, Narrative Paths Journal (NPJ)