YOU ARE A COSMIC TREE
You Are a Cosmic Tree blends art, humor, and the deep wisdom of the Bahá'í teachings in a captivating visual journey into the life of the soul. Exploring concepts such as prayer and meditation, tests and difficulties, and our relationship with God, readers are invited to see life as a process of spiritual transformation and growth. The cosmic tree is a mythical symbol that represents the connection between the physical and the spiritual, the body and soul. Your true self is an eternal soul embodied in a human experience, one that is connected to others through our one human family. Amidst the turmoil of our times, You Are a Cosmic Tree offers teens and adults a joyful artistic odyssey into a hopeful worldview grounded in the sacred teachings of a dynamic global religion.
Misha Maynerick Blaise creates illustrated books for people seeking depth, beauty, hope, and meaning.
*Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Gold Award Winner
*Nautilus Book Awards Silver Award Winner
*Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Silver Award Winner
*DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Excellence from the Religion Communicators Council
We’re living through a time of profound change, so much so that many of our old ways of understanding ourselves no longer make sense. It’s no surprise that so many people are asking deep questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What matters in life?
From the Bahá’í perspective, these aren’t just personal questions, they’re part of a global transformation. Humanity as a whole is in the middle of a shift, trying to understand its purpose, identity, and direction.
You Are a Cosmic Tree was created to help spark wonder about these questions. It’s rooted in the belief that every person is both a physical and spiritual being and our lives are meaningful parts of a vast, interconnected universe. Our most essential identity is our soul, a mysterious aspect of the human reality that is always in a process of growth and development.
Designed for mature teens and adults, the book invites readers to see that life isn’t random or pointless. In fact, it’s full of opportunities for our souls to grow. The Bahá’í teachings speak of a “two-fold moral purpose”: to develop our inner spiritual qualities, and to use those gifts in service to others. This perspective shapes everything in the book, from its imagery of trees, stars, and atoms, to its deeper message that each of us has a role to play in building a more unified and compassionate world.
"If you feel like reading a genius graphic novel that synthesizes science, spirituality, and folk art into one talismanic book object filled with philosophical delight and humor, crafted perfectly for the time we're living in . . . this book is for you."
—Kimia Ferdowsi Kline, Painter and Curator
"In its style and method, this book is one-of-a-kind. Here are essential elements of the Bahá'í conceptual framework, expressed with clarity, wonder, and excitement. What is our purpose? Why do we suffer? How can we change ourselves and our world? These are the complex questions answered in the pages of this book with humor and beauty. Read this book and gift it to the people you know."
—Derik Smith, PhD, Professor of Literature at Claremont McKenna College and author of Robert Hayden In Verse: New Histories of African American Poetry and the Black Arts Era
“As an artist, I am not only blown away by the sheer quality and quantity of the illustrations in this gorgeous book, but truly touched by the heartfelt way in which they illustrate the profound philosophical points the author makes throughout. I keep ordering more copies as I give them away as gifts--this is yet another tour de force from a truly gifted and inspired artist.”
-Amazon Review
“I absolutely love this book and found Misha's art and prose insightful, inspiring, and soul-filling. Topics addressed include the life of the soul, prayer and the nervous system, and the oneness of humanity. I had a copy of the book with me at a couple of meetings, and while talking about spiritual topics, I was able to immediately refer to a passage or image to show what I was trying to say. I highly recommend this book to all!”
-Goodreads Review
“Misha Blaise's gorgeous books effortlessly integrate art and text. They're really like children's books for adults—filled with wonder and curiosity!"
— RAINN WILSON, Actor and author of Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution
“Great Book. Beautiful explanations with cute graphics about difficult philosophical and religious issues and understandings. I bought this for my tween grandchild. I read it, enjoyed it and got some useful insights. Invites a conversation on deep issues you can have with younger people. A book of wisdom for young and old.”
-Amazon Review
WANT TO READ MORE?
Where Human Values Find Their Highest Expression – An article I wrote for Baha’i Teachings
You Are a Cosmic Tree – An Art-Filled Introduction to the Life of the Soul- An interview I did for Baha’i Blog