In The Buddha Made Me Do It, Marla Martenson takes us on a fascinating, roller-coaster ride as she races toward her long-term goal of trying as many spiritual modalities as possible.
Just as enjoyable as her first two memoirs, Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker and Hearts on the Line, this book takes us deeper – within Marla’s inner quest for spiritual enlightenment.
The drama and the laughs are non-stop as she accomplishes the feat of becoming certified in Crystal Healing, Reiki, Life Force Energy Healing, and Psychic Development all while continuing as a matchmaker to superficial rich men, and the wife of a loving yet doubting partner.
I thought I had personally tried every spiritual healing modality out there, and experienced everything from channeling to astral traveling. But having now read The Buddha Made Me Do It, I feel like I don’t need to go to any more Whole Life Expos… Marla did a thorough investigation into New Age spirituality, energy healing and the occult. She does most of her exploring with her side-kick Julie, but her engaging writing makes you feel like you’re right there with them. You can’t help but root for Marla and hope that one day you’ll have a chakra healing session from her.
While there’s quite a bit of information about chakras, crystals and many forms of spiritual healing, this book is truly light and fun – a great read for anyone wanting to dip their toes into the metaphysical. The Buddha Made Me Do It can be considered a great recipe as to what to add and what to leave out in your own journey of self discovery. And the detox recipes she shares in the Appendix will help you clear the way.
INTERVIEW WITH MARLA MARTENSON
What sparked your interest in the spiritual/occult world?
Marla: I have always had an interest in the occult since I was a little girl. Halloween was always my favorite holiday, fall my favorite season, and cemeteries a magical place to hang out and read the tombstones, imagining what the lives and personalities were like of the deceased when they were among the living. There is so much to discover in the universe, so much magic. I am never bored in pondering the possibilities, and hidden secrets.
You tried many different spiritual/new age modalities – how did you know when you were on the right path?
Marla: I enjoyed trying all of them. For me the right path is being open to new things. There are so many modalities to try, the only thing slowing me down is money. It can be an expensive hobby. I want to try everything!
What made you want to become an energy healer?
Marla: I had a session with a shaman/energy healer at a wellness faire in the Hollywood Hills. I loved the session so much and mentally made a note how cool it would be to do what he did. Then about a year and a half later, I signed up for a crystal healing class at the Imagine Center in Tarzana. My teacher mentioned that we could also add other modalities to the crystal healing such as Reiki. I immediately sought out a Reiki Master to study with, and the rest is history, I was hooked.
How did you discover your higher purpose, and how would you describe it?
Marla: I feel that my higher purpose is to offer healing to people. I discovered it through experience. I have witnessed first-hand how people love receiving Reiki and getting their energy field cleared and chakras balanced. It feels wonderful to be a part of someone’s shift.
What advice can you give for others on a spiritual journey who are not supported by those around them?
Marla: Stay true to yourself. My husband gave me a pretty hard time about all of the spiritual modalities I was studying and getting into. He felt that I was spending too much money, as well as getting into some things that he considered to be “fantasyland.” It hurt my feelings, but I was not about to let his fears or opinions stop me from pursuing my interests and joy. There will always be people who will try to chase you off your path because of their own fears or beliefs, but that is not your business. Your business is to stay on your path. It’s your life, so live it.
In your work, what other realms do you contact and how do they support you?
Marla: I am in contact with my guardian angels on a regular basis. They are located in the 7th dimension. I use a Talking Board. I tell the story of how I began the communication in The Buddha Made Me Do It. It was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me, when I had my first communication with my angel, Murth.
Any advice on pitfalls others may fall into when they delve into the occult?
Marla: When contacting spirits angels and other entities, one must be aware that there are also low vibrational energies that can be attracted to you and attach. Learning how to protect and clear yourself is very important.
Is it possible for you and therefore, others, to maintain their traditional careers while also doing energy healing?
Marla: I think that energy healing is something wonderful to have on the side of a traditional job. You can use it to heal yourself, your friends, family and pets. Even if you never go full out with it as a career, it’s fantastic to have in your toolbox. I give myself Reiki every night while lying in bed.
The Buddha Made Me Do It is now available on Amazon.com. For more information, see www.marlamartenson.com.
Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries, Chakra Secrets, Balance Your Chakras-Balance Your Life, and The Chakra Energy Diet (free for Kindle download through Friday, August 5)
www.theChakras.org
