Web posted on: Wednesday, December 22, 1999 10:17:22 AM

By Jamie Allen
CNN Interactive Senior Writer

(CNN) -- What is spirit?

It's a common question this time of year, often contemplated by Christmas shoppers hurrying from one store to the next.

But Lexie Brockway Potamkin has taken the question further than the holiday rush. The former Miss World USA, human rights activist and nondenominational minister has spent the last two years asking people the question: What is spirit to you?

The responses can be found in her new book, the aptly titled "What Is Spirit: Messages from the Heart" (Hayhouse Inc.), with art by Peter Max. Readers will find spiritual insight from the likes of Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Jimmy Carter, Tommy Lasorda and Donald Trump.

Donald Trump, getting spiritual?

"Even Donald Trump, as controversial as he is, says he believes in God," Potamkin says. "It's a side ... most people never see."

	MESSAGE BOARD
The meaning of spirit

Potamkin says she originally intended to fill the book with quotes from people, but found that some of them had special stories she wanted to share with others.

"I started hearing stories from people that were so extraordinary," she says. "For some, it was a story about their life, of how spirit has transformed their life, and getting in touch with the dream within themselves and believing we are here to make a difference. It motivated people to share with me some very intimate, special stories that I felt other people should hear."

For instance, there's the story of Richard Block -- founder of H&R Block -- who recounts his battle with lung cancer and how the brush with death changed his life. There's also the story of Robin Gibb, one of the Bee Gees who lost a brother to drugs, but finds spirit in the notes from his voice and guitar.

"Music is my religion," Gibb says in the book.

Potamkin says she hopes this book will get readers thinking about what spirit means to them. In fact, the front of the book includes a place for readers to write down their own thoughts on spirit. Then, after reading the book, there's a page in back to write down how their thoughts have changed.

"Real peace has to start with each individual," Potamkin says. "... It starts with this universal dream that there is a better world and believing that one person can make a difference in the lives of one of many or hundreds of thousands."