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The Author
| Raphael Cushnir is an emerging voice in the world of contemporary spirituality. He shares his unique approach to personal growth and fulfillment with millions of readers as a popular contributor to O, The Oprah Magazine. In addition, he presents lectures and workshops around the world and at renowned retreat centers such as the Esalen Institute and the Omega Institute. His first book, Unconditional Bliss: Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship (Quest), was nominated for the year 2000 Books for a Better Life Award. It introduced a simple yet profound process called Living the Questions, which helps us become fully present at even the most difficult times, and can also break through virtually any personal block. Cushnir's second book, Setting Your Heart on Fire: Seven Invitations to Liberate Your Life (Broadway Books/Random House), was published in 2003 and is currently used as a major teaching text in churches around the country. The book’s Seven Invitations comprise an invigorating, step-by-step process for reopening and reawakening even the most wounded of hearts, and for accessing love's transformative radiance amid the dullest routine or the scariest challenge.
In 2005, Chronicle Books released Cushnir's latest book, How Now: 100 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment. This gift book, with 20 full-color photographs and a highly accessible version of his core principles, is Cushnir's bestseller. In addition to bookstores, it's also available in specialty stores like Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and Staples. How Now was chosen as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005 by Spirituality and Health Magazine. In 2008, Harper San Francisco will publish Cushnir's new book, The One Thing Holding You Back: How Emotional Connection Breaks All Barriers. This project brings together all of Cushnir's insights, principles, and practices regarding the realm of emotion and it's key role in every form of success. Its message will resonate not just with individuals but also with couples, families, businesses, and even communities. Cushnir grew up in Northridge, a San Fernando Valley suburb. He entered college at the age of sixteen, attending the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, followed by Reed College and UCLA, where he graduated at the age of nineteen. After working his way through school as a teacher and a storyteller, Cushnir redirected his energies as an activist for the environment and human rights. He devised innovative media campaigns that included such celebrities as Madonna, Pearl Jam, Demi Moore, and Michael J. Fox.His passion for filmmaking led to a decade-long stint in Hollywood. He wrote, directed, and produced a Showtime movie, Sexual Healing, starring Helen Hunt, Anthony Edwards, and Jason Alexander. The film was nominated for two Cable Ace awards and won Grand Prize at the Houston Film Festival. Designed by Cushnir as a not-for-profit venture, it raised over $30,000 for the Minority AIDS Project. Cushnir has also written scripts for the Geffen Company, Warner Brothers, and Columbia Pictures. In addition, his articles have appeared in Mother Jones and LA Weekly, and his children's book, The Secret Spinner, was published in 1985. With the advent of multimedia, Cushnir co-designed the $5 million techno-spiritual odyssey, Obsidian, which Gamezilla magazine called "the very best game in any genre." In 1996, both his career and his marriage fell apart. "It was a classic dark night of the soul," he remembers. "Many people experience something similar in their own lives. The particulars are always different but the essential experience is the same – a deep, depressing, gut-wrenching pain. In my case, everything I thought I knew about life went completely out the window." Then, luckily, one of Cushnir's mentors convinced him to embrace the pain instead of turn away from it. He suggested that, in fact, this was a perfect opportunity to "wake up." "At the time I had no idea what he meant," says Cushnir. "But after paying very close attention to every aspect of my miserable life for a very long time, suddenly I was graced with a peace and bliss and love that have never left me. Do I always feel that way? Of course not – I'm just as human as the next person. But that state is always available to me. And along the way I've come to see that this is actually true for all of us, no matter how troubling our circumstances. Helping others get there has become my life's mission. I never pretend that it's easy, but it's a whole lot easier than most people think." |
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