All of us have different ways of living our lives, but within that huge, rich bundle of possibilities some basic themes will always be present. These themes – family, relationships, stages of life, death and survival – have concerned humankind since the beginning of time, yet today we still have to find individual answers to the profound questions they pose. The purpose of this small guide is to shed light on the many important aspects of our shared adventure and to present new viewpoints and possibilities – and perhaps solutions to persistent problems of daily living. Regard it as an invisible but enthusiastic travelling companion whose great gift is to teach us to live consciously.