3 comments about Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set): Children's Bedtime Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Indigo Dreams).

1. I was looking for something to help my child fall asleep. I have experience with meditation and the description of these CD's seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, they are very disappointing. They are poorly recorded as if it was done 30 years ago and the stories are way too baby-ish, they do not seem to be meant for school age children despite the pictures of school age children on the covers.



2. My family loves the Indigo Dreams stories by Lori Lite, for we often listen to her cds to help the children relax and fall asleep. The stories are very reassuring, calming and sweet. Sometimes, I get so relaxed that I fall asleep, too. :)



3. My daughter loves these tapes. She has a hard time winding down and getting to sleep. At first she said she thought they were a little boring, but I explained that bedtime tapes aren't supposed to be fast-paced and exciting. Within a week she was asking for them every night. She started telling me what she was learning from them: how to relax, what to do if she felt mad during the day, focusing on what makes her happy and content, etc... Not only have they helped her fall asleep, I really think they have helped her deal with her emotions during the day as well.

5 comments about The Freedom Manifesto: How to Free Yourself from Anxiety, Fear, Mortgages, Money, Guilt, Debt, Government, Boredom, Supermarkets, Bills, Melancholy, Pain, Depression, Work, and Waste.

1. This book was excellent at first, then it frustrated, then it wavered between those two emotions for the remaining pages. About halfway through he acknowledges how someone could view his ideas as contradictory. For example, he juxtaposes Chapter 17 "In Praise of Melancholy" with Chapter 18 "Stop Moaning; Be Merry." That's fine, but the changes come quickly, and they don't compliment one another as well as they could. Sometimes the chapters feel like they are unfinished or could have gone deeper rather wider in reference across different texts. (The added section at the end titled "Further Reading" gives you a clue about his desire to let you know he's read many books in preparing this book. And yet, he seems to include books he found bland, but spent time looking through. Why do you want someone to do a lot of reading to tell you what's worth a shoulder shrug?)
   
   I thought he was at his best when he was praising the will of the individual to find and create his own happiness, to break free of controls like government or the debilitating pangs of guilt. But then he talks about how people should live in communes and many other pieces of advice that seem to directly restrain the individual. Moreover, it's strange that he rails against external control and advocates freedom, while putting commands at the end of each chapter, like "Start a Guild" or "Cut Up Your Credit Card." When he's telling me things I should do to be free, one of which is "Say yes," the word that kept coming to me was "no."
   
   A lot of his chapters could have been contained inside other chapters. For example, "Chapter 8: Stop Competing" was weak, and the negative sentiments could have gone in "Chapter 4: Reject Career and All Its Promise" and the positive sentiments could have gone in "Stop Working, Start Living," the last chapter on play. Or, they could have all been combined in one extended chapter on the complexities of work. So it comes off as being somewhat sloppy and pandering, even though the book is strongest when it sheds all consideration for what people think. Ironically, if he'd refined his philosophy and made it shorter (or "simpler"), I think it would have been stronger. As it is, the 29 chapters have large doses of filler.
   
   Still, this was a fun book to read and think about and there are good ideas here. You have to find what you like and not get worked up over the abrupt changes in philosophical direction. Take what you like, leave what you don't. But if you needed me to tell you that, I wonder how much help this book could please you.



2. After reading "How to be Idle" in the summer of 2007 and finding out that Hodgkinson had a new release in late 2007, I quickly reserved a copy at my bookstore. As much as I loved "How to be Idle", I enjoyed this one even more. Once again, Hodgkinson's insights prove very insightful and thought provoking. This is not a book that I will read only once.



3. The freedom manifesto is a great read for the all those searching and yearning for a meaning to life. It is also a great read for those who believe are lives are largely manipulated by government, and corporate advertisement to maximise profits at the expense of our contentment. It doesn't pull its punches ~ and is not afraid to say things as they are. It is a doorway to the obvious ~ for when you read it you realize what it says is obviously common sense ~ although like most it is difficult to put in practice. It is a witty, cleverly crafted book that makes you laugh whilst trying to encourage us to lead a more rewarding self empowered life.
   Well done!



4. I agree with other reviewers that this book is a joy to read. It presents noble solutions to a series of very serious issues faced by modern day career ladder climber, money spending consumers, government oppressed citizens with witty yet elegant languages. The book basically tells you to let go of your desire, decrease your consumption, see through the empty promises of career, and not rely on the conventional yard stick to measure your "success". They are all common senses as pointed out by other reviewer, and probably known by most people deep in their heart even when they are doing exactly what Tom Hodgkinson preached us not to do.
   
   This is basically the reason why I only gave the book four stars instead of five. It merely presents the problem, but does not offer much solution other than some short suggestions. I can understand that the author probably think that each individual is too different to have dogmatic solutions, but I truly believe some sort of organized suggestions with more substance can greatly enhance this good book.



5. I don't even remember how I heard about or came across the book but the cover and title must have caught my eye. If you can get over the pain, humiliation, and shock when you figure out that you are not "free" but simply a corporate hack easily influenced by big marketing and empty promises of a "career" and a "life" you will love this book. Now don't beat yourself up too much as it happens to the best of us and the sad part is you start to fall deeper and deeper in without even realizing it. You work to live and before you know it you live to work. Your needs go from food and shelter to big cars, bigger houses, over priced vacations n so on.
   
   In fact this book is so out there book stores have merchandised the book in both the humor section and the self help section. Here is a few sentences from the book - "Self importance is a trap, because the moment we start to think that we actually matter is the moment when things start to go wrong. The truth is that you are supremely unimportant, and that nothing matters. All of man's striving is for nothing; all effort is wasted." or "Career is just posh slavery. And career is an institutionalized putting-off, a paradise defferred. I also bought his book " How to be Idle" which I am currently reading and enjoying.
   
   The amount of people, books, & articles he references from the last 200 years is vast and if you pursue them individualy could turn into a full time job, which if you read the book you may understand that it may not be a bad thing. However he helpfully listed all resources used in the back of the book for easy reference.
   
   Buy it, love it and then try and live it if you dare!

5 comments about I Never Held You: A book about miscarriage, healing, and recovery.

1. Only those who have been through a loss like this know the pain and can relate. Unfortunately there are not a lot of people close to me that I can lean on for support that have had this experience. Friends and family offer great support at first but eventually everyone feels you need to "just move on and get over it." Until you have walked in these shoes, you will never know how impossible that is to do.
   
   I was doing some research on down to earth books that not only I could relate to about this subject, but also would help heal my heart and also give me hope and inspiration. This book was such a great comfort to me that I could never put into words it's power. I weeped over similar stories, but also found hope and strength in them. Above all, I was relieved to know that I was not alone in my feelings of anger, jealousy and pain.
   
   When nobody else was there for me, and when people were tired of me rehashing my pain and experience....this book was there to help me pick up the pieces. I would suggest this book to ANYONE who has gone through the loss of a baby. You will not regret this purchase.



2. I was amazed how very few choices you have if you are looking for books to help with emotional support during such a lose. I found Grieving the Child I never Knew much better since I was looking for something in a Christian format.



3. A lot of the info is pretty basic, however she presents it in a way that applies it specifically to a still-birth or miscarriage.
   I have had two miscarriages both early in pregnancy and I found this book very helpful. I have started to read 5 different books and this is the only one that really helped me through it.



4. There is nothing outright terrible about this book.. It just was not what I was looking for.. I was hoping for a book of women who would share their stories, talk about their emotions, make me feel normal.. Instead, its more of an instruction guide on how to get through it.. I didn't get the book til I was 3+ months past my last miscarriage.. And, since it was my 2nd.. I feel like i already KNOW how to get through it.. I felt that the authors were sort of telling me what I should do, how i should feel.. where i was looking for people to tell me how THEY felt..



5. I found this book to be excellent for those who are struggling with their own losses and are looking for a book that will comfort them and give them a glimpse of that light in the tunnel no matter how little it may be.

3 comments about Transforming Anxiety: The Heartmath Solution to Overcoming Fear And Worry And Creating Serenity (Transforming).

1. we all have stress and anxiety and it's killing us slowly whether we know it or not. the heartmath approach to dealing with stress and anxiety is excellent. highly recommended for ALL! :)



2. Discovering HeartMath and their materials about a year ago has greatly improved my life. Transforming Anxiety gave me the understanding and tools I needed to nearly eliminate low grade anxiety I have lived in for decades. When I do experience bouts occassionally, I know just what to do and can often stop it in it's tracks. The difference this has made for me is profound. It has allowed me to pursue long held dreams I could not before due to constant anxiety. Remarkable.



3. Very Informative. Many life long lessons to learn from these authors. I have had a much more self accepting way of life since I have read it.

5 comments about Embracing the Fear: Learning To Manage Anxiety & Panic Attacks.

1. This book offers some good ideas for dealing with anxiety -- nothing new if you've read many books of this kind, but it would be helpful for someone who is new to panic attacks. An informative book, but not the key -- I'm still looking for that.



2. I have not finished the book in whole, but thus far it has been very helpful to me! I have been determined to work though this without tons of medications and things provided in this book help me with this goal!



3. My mind was filled with so much worry, so much doubt. I begun avoiding people and certain situations. I had lost touch with reality and really didn't care for living anymore because I felt hopeless. But the techniques in this book saved my life and gave me hope. It took a little while but I eventually started feeling better which made me want to read and practice the techniques even more. If you are suffering from anxiety, get this book, which teaches you to lower your expectations, embrace your fears and not fight the feeling but to allow it to occur, and to learn how to go with the feeling. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for this book.



4. This book is probably the best one I have read on fear and anxeity outside of the Bible. I was diagnosed with GAD in 2003. I found this book to be straight forward and extremey practical. I have employed many of the suggestions in this book to success. I especially enjoyed the testimonials at the end of each chapter throughout the book and the examples on how to cope with certain phobias/situations at the end of the book. This helps you realize you are not alone. It is important to note that the road to recovery is a long one. However, the Bible says in Isaiah 41:10 "Do not be afraid for I am with you. Do not be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." God is and will be with you on this journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone facing fear and anxiety issues.



5. this book is being read by my partner, who deals with anxiety on a daily basis. She has found this book a great comfort offering insights and great coping tools. I'd it is a must for anyone needing relief from daily Anxiety and panic disorder.
   
   As a side note: Most people who live with or work with people who deal with panic d/o;anxiety, don't realize just how painful this disorder can be for the person experiencing it. The best comfort seems to come from within making any practical coping tool a salvation.

5 comments about When Panic Attacks CD: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Treatments That Can Change Your Life.

1. Excellent audio cd/self help. Everyday listening and as needed, to get you back on track in life. I love to hear positive and motivating ways to steer through the curves of life's highway.



2. David Burns, psychiatrist and author of best selling book "Feeling Good," once again writes a book that is easy to understand, and fascinating to read. This can help you with anxiety. The CD is a summary of the book. Burns addresses many causes of anxiety, and shows ways of reducing them, using Cognitive Therapy. If you don't like to read, but have anxiety, try the CD, and you might even decide to read the book.



3. I suffer from anxiety attacks every once in a while and fear every now and then of having one. I went to therapy for it...but this Audio help me understand MENTALLY how to control and help stop it. It really did make me feel better to know that I can stop it and showed me HOW. Gave me peace of mind. I recommend the AUDIO.



4. Not always we have the time to sit down and start working on a new project. Not always we can concentrate good enough to have food for thought right out of the box. This CD of the well known Dr. David Burns does a good job to introduce to some ideas how to deal with cognitive therapy and to the point, to help you get the way of thinking in many situations where our mind thinks wrong and have missleading atitudes.
   
   Well read, good enough examples/stories of how CBT and way of thinking, and some rules of this kind of (well thought out) therapy works.
   
   I dont think that from this CD package (of 3) you can know every situation how to deal with, but enough good to get you gasoline until getting to the gas station.
   
   By listening to it a few times in my driving time I picked up alot of clues.. and from there I picked up a book on CBT ..only after I listened to the CDs of this package I was able to read the book more fluently knowing many of the concepts. This CD tells you interesting enough situatons in the form of (real?) stories to get your attention into the learning curve easily.



5. This CD set received great reviews, which led me to purchase it----but I discovered it mainly contains peoples' "stories" and basic information. I have been there and done that; I'm not a panic disorder "newbie", I know I'm not alone, I know the symptoms, etc. If you want more involved information regarding actual TREATMENTS, they advise you to purchase the book. The problem is, some people are wired to learn by LISTENING rather than having to sit down with a book and I feel short-changed.

No comments about Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic: Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work).

3 comments about Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

1. If you are a nursing student, you know what I mean when I say we have to read a lot of dry material. This book is the exception. The information is presented in a way that makes the reading just flow. Some of my fellow students agree that it is the kind of thing they would read even if it were not assigned. It contains examples from art and literature and that illustrate mental health disorders.



2. The Frisch and Frisch Psychiatric Nursing text is easy reading and well-oraganized, complete information for a level 1 psych nursing course.



3. This product arrived as presented, brand new, never used. It arrived in an extremely timely manner!!

3 comments about Great Speeches For Better Speaking (Book + Audio CD).

1. 'Great Speeches for Better Speaking' is a guide to oratory and, in this capacity, serves as a good tool for educating readers about what rhetoric meant, means and should mean in a democratic society. Through the chosen speeches and the author's analysis of each speech, the book persuades the reader that rhetoric is an art worth studying, a craft to be mastered and practiced because of its power and influence on human belief and behavior. The author did a good job supporting his ideas by way of example, through historical backgrounds, and brief biographical introductions to each speaker. Overall the book offers a good learning experience and it is worth reading.



2. This is a good book. The style is informative but not stuffy. It has contributed to my speaking skill. This is not for those new to presentations due to it's lack of exercises. You'll have to design your own exercises to apply what you've read.



3. Herds of Toastmasters and orators alike will call "More, More, More" after reading "Great Speeches for Better Speaking." Its engaging style, organization, and content (text and compact disks) are a refreshing break from the "blah, blah, blah" of books about public speaking. I eagerly await its sequel.

No comments about Helping Students Overcome Depression and Anxiety, Second Edition: A Practical Guide (Practical Interventions in the Schools).