3 comments about Kabbalah and the Power of Dreaming: Awakening the Visionary Life.

1. Kabbalah and the Power of Dreaming is a magnificent guide to putting soul back in the body and walking a path with heart. Catherine Shainberg is a profound spiritual teacher who reminds us that dreaming is not only about what we do when we sleep but about waking up to a deeper life, remembering and navigating from our sacred purpose, tapping into Source energy - including the images that speak to the body and can make it well - and being present at the place of creation. Her book contains a panoply of practical exercises for transforming fear and anger into heart-centered energy, liberating ourselves from the rule of habit and healing the wound between Earth and Sky.
   Extemporizing on a common dream image, she incites us to stop being "passengers" on the train of life and instead become "switchmen" - which means catching ourselves every time we start giving our energy to a pattern or emotion, monitoring where the train is going, throwing the switch to take ourselves off the track of repetitive behavior or a negative emotion, and steering consciously toward a desirable destination.
   She knows that dreaming is a discipline, one of the most vital and powerful that our kind possess. "True dreaming calls for rigorous training", to take us beyond the snares of illusion and protection. When we grasp that "imagination affects the physical, and vice-versa" and that "the mind exteriorizes itself" and turn these insights into daily practice, we can consciously dream and re-vision the reality that takes form around us.
   Catherine Shainberg was drawn to Kabbalah by a chain of dreams and synchronicities that led her to study for many years in Jerusalem with Colette Aboulker-Muscat, an extraordinary personality who was a leader of the French Resistance in Algiers in World War II and a lineal descendant of both Isaac the Blind (a medieval kabbalist in Provence) and Dona Gracia Mendoza (one of the leading Jewish women of the Renaissance). Though people sometimes think of Kabbalah as a bookish approach, heavy on numerology and difficult texts, Colette Aboulker's fundamental teaching was that the Book of Books is within us, and is to be accessed through images, after we have cleansed the windows of perception, and anchored in the wisdom of the body.



2. Plenty of books have covered the Kabbalah, but choose psychologist/healer Catherine Shainberg's Kabbalah And The Power Of Dreaming: Awakening The Visionary Life if what you seek is a practical application of Kabbalah principles to daily spiritual purposes. There are practices used by seers, sages and prophets to control dreams and visions: Shainberg uses the ancient Sephardic Kabbalah tradition to blend in stories from around the Mediterranean, to be used as examples for readers seeking to develop their own dreaming powers. A fine, specific exploration based on solid spiritual foundations.



3. I bought this book to help me with my forays into dreams and it gives an extensive amount of exercises to help with that. Plus, I liked how the text wasn't weighed down with complicated Kabbalistic theory which would confuse beginners, though I wouldn't have minded a reference index that points to theoretical information for further research. Another drawback is that the exercises do not come with a recommended practice timeframe, so it is unclear whether the reader does an exercise regularly for an indefinite period of time or if once is sufficient. There is also no recommended timeframe to complete the series in the book.
   
   One is also left with the feeling that there's so much more that the author could've written about. Short of moving to New York, where the dream institute is located, I'd love to see another book by the author further exploring the subject. She's a great writer, and able to convey a lot of information very simply. I'd also like for her to go a little more into the "whys" of the exercises, rather than just expect people to "do" without any explanation. That's a great approach in a master-student scenario, but readers tend to want more information on why they're doing something.

2 comments about Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment, Vol. 2: A Seth Book.

1. Where do we come from and why are we here. This book deals with the origin of mankind and the creation of this world in dreams. I'd not recommend it if you do not know other Seth books, and also not if you are looking of ways of how to improve your life situation (get Nature of Personal Reality in that case). However, it's excellent if you enjoyed Seth Speaks and Unknown Reality.



2. Seth Dreams and Projections Of Consciousness
   
   The scientific approach to dream interpretation leaves something to be desired at least in my view. However, Seth presents an indepth picture of the origin of life - from the inner dream world and beyond. His explanation of the physical world...where virtually every possibility exists and is constantly encouraged to achieve highest potential.
   
   Consider the ways in which our religions have stifled the human spirit. Surprising insight into life's meaning and purpose.
   
   "Dreams are mental work and play combined, psychic and emotionally rich creative dramas. They also involve you in the most productive of enterprises as you begin to play with versions of events that are being considered for physical actualization..."

5 comments about Awakening to the Dream.

1. Memory tells that I once seemed to visit leo's beautiful internet site (awakeningtothedream.com) and read his book... not knowing 'advaita'... though it is ever clear... like looking in a mirror... a smile still seems to linger. As a waterfall takes no credit for being a waterfall, leo takes no credit for the writing - nor the insight. This book will be read from many perspectives and, in some cases, it will seem that a door opens into a doorless void that needs no words to express itself... it is not what you think it is, yet it seems to be... smile. If it seems you have read this far, perhaps this One book is enough... Love



2. Leo Hartong connects the reader to the terrain of Nonduality in a manner that is gracious, enjoyable and satisfying. The topics of enlightenment, ego, intellect, the witness, I Am, awareness, meditation, awakening, teacher/seeker, death, are integrated effortlessly.
   
   Awakening to the Dream is both an excellent introduction to Nonduality, and an encounter with an awakened one. The writing style is memorable. This is a valuable work which could become a classic in the field. (Note: The previous sentence, as the well as this entire review, was written in 2003 when the book came out. It is first being posted to Amazon.com in 2007.)
   
   Here are a few passages:
   
   "These words are nothing but a gentle reminder from yourself to yourself that you are the awakened one."
   
   "This whole universe is the dream of the Self. Our identity is one continuum with the deep Self, and when we use words like unconditional love, bliss, and acceptance, we are reaching for our own hands."
   
   "Once your true identity is uncovered, you'll see that birth, existence, and death do not happen to you, but in you."
   
   "Enlightenment appears as a goal that one can reach only as long as there is the illusion of a separate entity or ego. In Zen, it has been called the gateless gate. When one stands before it, the gate seems to be there. When one passes through and looks back, it's clear there never was a gate nor anyone to go through it."
   
   Jerry Katz
   One: Essential Writings on Nonduality



3. Leo's book is really good - it's very conceptual and uses every "trick" to point to that which you are. Leo has a way of using analogy and metaphor to throw us back to that which is the basis for all experience - not to see a new state of mind, a special experience, but to know that what you are is the silent, still presence in which all states and experiences arise. Leo's writing at times seems to reflect an impression by Alan Watts. He gently invites you to see through the concepts and duality that are the nature of the mind.



4. This book gives a very clear and succinct description on the basic nondual nature of reality and that our own awareness is the only cause for not recognizing this. I liked it very much for its simplicity and getting down to the core of it without alienating phrases.



5. I've read many books on Advaita Vedanta and nondualism, and this is absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST of them all. Hartong writes so lucidly about difficult concepts that you will quickly come to understand many aspects of nondualism that take others YEARS to grasp. This book ranks #1 on my Advaita reading list. #2 is I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. If you want your understanding of reality to be boosted RIGHT NOW, read this book. I'm now reading it for the second time, and marvel at the clarity and quality of the writing.

5 comments about Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.

1. This is our first baby, so I don't know if we are lucky or if adequate sleep has made him perfect! He is either smiling and laughing, exploring or sitting in quiet contemplation. But, this book is confusing because it was poorly edited. My advice is to stick with it and revisit it frequently until the basic points make an impression. The biggest problem with this book and philosophy is that once you buy into it, it is unbearable to see over tired children in public. Seeing tired babies out with their parents at 8 and 9pm at a weekly outdoor concert in my town was a total buzz kill.



2. I purchased this book with two others and after reviewing not less than four total, I would say Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child would be the best of the lot and if you can only afford one book about this topic, get this one. That said, this book should only be read by people with excellent mental filtering abilities. I ignored much of the dialogue regarding the ADHD implications, etc. Many I have spoken with, including my husband felt the book contradicted itself "never wake a sleeping baby" "wake baby if..." I understood where others felt the author contradicted himself but I think the real issue is the Dr. Wiessbluth isn't very good at describing moderation, presenting both sides of the coin, and then trusting our parental instincts.
   
   All of that sounds sort of negative. Here is what I learned. 1. My baby wasn't getting enough sleep. 2. She wasn't going to sleep early enough and wasn't on a regular or consistent sleep routine. 3. Her sleep environment was too "busy" and needed "quieting". 4. I wasn't allowing her the opportunity to develop self quieting skills nor allowing her to learn how to get to sleep. 5. I wasn't guarding her nap time sacredly enough. And finally, (6) car seat sleep isn't restful sleep.
   
   After reading this book we made changes around the aforementioned are VERY happy with the outcomes. Our baby naps two times per day for about 1.5 - 2 hours with approximately 2.5-3 hours between nap times. She goes to bed about 2.5-3 hours from the time she gets up from her last nap and stays asleep, in her crib for 10-12 hours each night. It isn't always this way (teething, colds, etc.), but it sure is a lot better than waking up every 4 hours to a crying or wide awake and playing infant. She does wake up occassionally very early in the morning but plays by herself in her crib and falls back to sleep on her own without any "help" from us.
   
   Again, prepare yourself for what seems like contradicting information or suggestions, they aren't at all truly contradicting, just trying to infuse moderation, common sense, or freedom to experiment in order to achieve maximum healthy sleep results.
   
   Good luck and happy sleeping.



3. I bought this book on recommendation from my daughter's pediatrician. I found it very confusing with no real "action plan" drawn up besides letting my baby cry it out. This book is written from a very arrogant perspective. He reminds me of the doctor that told me there was no benefit of nursing past six months. After spending almost 17 dollars on this book...I think the only thing it will be useful for is starting a fire this winter. A terrible, close-minded book with no healthy solutions for our family!



4. My boys are now 12 and 15 so I read this book some time ago, however it was one of the best things I have ever done for them. This book gives great insight on the value of sleep and how childrens' sleep cycles work. My kids know the importance of sleep (even though they don't realize it!)and we have never had any of the nighttime/bedtime problems that one often hears about. It is hard to hear your child cry? Of course! But in the long run, a child who can go to sleep alone is much better off. I look at it this way, my kids used to cry when they had to use a car seat but I made them anyway and put up with the crying because, in the long run, it was what was best.



5. Really made baby & us happier! We're a bit flexible from time to time for special outings, etc., but the schedule is pretty consistent.

5 comments about Spells for the Solitary Witch.

1. Eileen Holland presented us with a very wonderful book called "The Wicca Handbook". It was a great beginning for anyone looking to start on the path of Wicca and it could be used by either solitaries or those looking to be coven trained.
   
   This book "Spells for the Solitary Witch" focuses on spells and spell work specifically for the solitary practitioner.
   
   Again we are presented with Ms. Holland's easy to read and follow style of writing. She lays her book out according to the kind of spells you may want to do, and lists her spells according to what you want to accomplish when working your spells.
   
   I have to say her opening section, entitled :Before you Begin" is exceptional in explaining basic spellwork, what it is, what is magic, ethics when working magic, personal responsibility and terminology. This is an excellent reference on it's own and should be suggested to all beginning spellworkers as a point of essential reference. I wish Ms. Holland would have expanded this section, as she did it so well, but it does stand on it's own as a very good overview.
   
   The sections on actual spellworking are divided into seven chapters, covering "Inner Work, "Goals, Hopes, Wishes", "Love", "Life Enhancement", "Problem Solving", "Magickal Candle Gardens", and "Tea Potions".
   
   Each section has a selection of spells for various situations. Under "Inner Work" we find spells for acceptance, getting over it, even personal power talisman, a tool for building self-confidence. Each spell has complete instructions and directions on how to use the spells for each intent. A list of needs is followed by preparation and the actual spell working, which may include an incantation, ritual, and sometimes an "afterward" or review of what should be the focus and how you should react to the spellworking. With the Talisman, she discusses creating these talisman, the proper signs for you, day workings and correspondences, and all you would need to know to create and use a personal talisman.
   
   Going forward into the various chapters, each chapter contains spells referencing the chapter title. In "Goals, Hopes, Wishes" we have spells for goals you wish to reach, spells for special wishes, interview charms; all with discussions on your intents to what you want to achieve and how to work the spell.
   
   The "Love" section has workings for personal enhancement, to bring love into your life. The "Life Enhancement" chapter has spells for home blessings, abundance, fertility, joy, and protection to name a few. "Problem Solving" covers dealing with major mistakes, fearsome problems, problematic persons and hard times.
   
   What I note in her spells is that when a spell calls for a "potion" as in her Tragedy Potion (for someone who has just encountered a tragedy in their life and you offer them this potion to help calm nerves and help them center and balance) the ingredients are noted and the appropriate cautions are given. In this case, she gives a recipe for a hot cup of cocoa, with some oil of peppermint. She notes "Note: this potion isn't for you if you are lactose-intolerant, allergic to chocolate or peppermint or have any medical reason that precludes its use." Wise words from a wise witch.
   
   The book contains many notes of wisdom. "Magickal Candle Gardens" focuses on candle magic to assist persons in need. The garden is built indoors, containing candles arranged for your specific purpose and using candles of specific shapes and size depending on the needs. After going over the plans and the layout, it looks to be something even I would consider as a special magical working, being attractive, practical and very especially magical.
   
   The last chapter is about "Tea Potions" specifically, and again, contains potions to work on yourself for specific situations you may encounter, such as personal health, luck, creativity and success to name a few. She works some of the potions with runes, others with chant. The only note I have here is that she did not repeat her good advice about being allergic to certain herbs, as most of these teas are herbal in their base. Please use your own digression when preparing these teas and if allergic, then look for a substitute.
   
   Many of these spells are worked in conjunction with a particular Deity. That is the heart of Wicca, we work magic in conjunction with our chosen Deities. The back of the book has a "Glossary of Deity Names", a list of Deities, their tradition and their attributes. Even if you do not wish to work with the Deity mentioned, the list in the back will give you a good choice of Deities you may want to substitute for the one listed. Also, there is a generic list of General, all purpose Deities listed, such as "Great Goddess" or "The Lady" if you are unsure, or your path is not specific. And finally, the book is indexed, for quick references.
   
   Overall, this is a great introduction to Spells for individuals who wish to work as solitaries and need advice and direction for their spellwork. This is a fine Wicca 101 Spell book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a place to begin. boudica



2. because it does not require for impossible timing or ingredients, while at the same time it is not one of those ridiculous little spellbooks that make magick look like children pretending. I know you people know what I mean. It includes a chapter on witchcraft basics, like ethics of magick, intent, basic terminology, tools and timing. In the Spells & Potions section you will most likely find a spell for any of the usual situations, like "come back to me", "home blessing", "abundance", "cooling anger", "hex breaker", "get over it" etc.



3. Easy to read, great for beginners and solitary witches. Includes a section you should read before you begin, candle gardens, tea potions, and a variety of spells that don't seem too intimidating.
   
   I say: Buy it!



4. I'm a beginner with common sense. Apparently, I disregarded it when I purchased this book. Who in their right mind would believe that burning different colored candles and drinking herbal tea will solve the worlds problems? This is complete garbage. The author even tells you, the job finder potions will only work if you're actively searching for a job (duh) and the happiness potions will only work if you get in a happy magickal state and if you are depressed you need a doctor. Duh again. I don't like it. I'm probably going to sell it to make some money back.



5. This book has good common sense spells that challenge both the beginner and the experienced. Terrific book!

5 comments about Life Without a Centre: Awakening from the Dream of Separation.

1. This book is not for beginners or those unfamiliar with non-duality. This book will be highly appreciated by those who have read the works of Ramana and Nisargadatta to name a few well known masters on non-duality.
   In Part Three of the book, "A cup of tea", coincidentally, I have been practicing it before using the chinese tea set and the writings of Jeff Foster has actually reinforced my practice. It actually expedited the 'disappearance' of 'my' ego.
   Quoted from the book,"I do not drink the tea, for there is no tea and no 'I' who can drink. And I, if I am anything, am the silent observer behind all of this, the space in which it all happens".



2. I'm not sure why there are such rave reviews of this book. To me, it comes across as amateurish and, like someone else wrote, poorly written.
   
   With the slew of nonduality titles out there, I'd recommend starting somewhere else (John Wheeler, Nisargadatta, Tony Parsons, Ramesh Balsekar). In fact, this is one of the worst books I've read on this subject.
   
   I feel like the author hasn't really steeped into this stuff long enough (He's 26 or 27 yrs old.) Indeed, he searched for two or three years, then "got it" and the first thing he apparently did is write a book -- this book.



3. I love this book- it's taken up permanent residence on my bedside table! The book is a crystal clear expression of That which cannot be expressed. The writing is playful and honest, but also deeply beautiful and shining with clarity and presence, and the author shows a solid grasp of the nondual way without any sort of superiority or arrogance whatsoever, as another reviewer commented. There's a human quality to it which I love; it leaves me with such peace and balance when I read it.
   
   I can't believe those reviewers who say this is badly written. Its style is playful and fun, and the author is really trying to use words to point beyond words. I can see how this frustrates some readers who WANT something from the book. This book gives you NOTHING! But as the author says, it's in that no-thing that absolute freedom is found. I guess a lot of readers come to these books with the idea that the book will ADD something to their lives, and certainly this book is to be avoided for those people who dislike paradox and uncertainty! Yes- this book is truly nondual - Jeff Foster never attempts to give you anything - because it's in the ''seeing-through'' of ''you'' where the freedom lies, as he demonstrates so clearly.
   
   This is a clear, accessible book on nonduality, devoid of pretence or the ''I'm enlightened and you're not!'' attitude (found in many so called spiritual books) which is so hypocritical. A beautiful, beautiful book, but not for anyone whose ego is hungry for more content!!



4. I found this to be utterly worthless, unmoving, an obvious (and poorly written) copy of other texts that have come before and said it better. Nothing is really added to the field.
   There was no connection, no interest and I can't really say for sure that he is "the real deal" and not just parroting what he has read or gleaned from a few insights.
   Save your time and money - if interested - required (and much better) reading on this topic is:
   Franklin Merrill Wolf''s books, Awakening to the Dream, I Am That, Anything by Tony Parsons, jed McKenna.
   
   As one who (apparently) has undergone the transformation he alludes to, I wrote lots of stuff like this early on after "I awoke", I had the good sense to not try and publish it - realizing that it has been done better by others.
   
   Save your time and money. If you've read all the suggested references and are still a seeker - maybe you should take some time off from reading about other's experiences and go have some of your own.



5. I bought this book based on some of the reviews I read and I was mostly disappointed. It is awkwardly written and while the author has the ability and grasp of non-duality concepts and words, it did not resonate with me. I live with "someone" who is "awake" and this book did not strike me as written by someone who has truly broken with the illusion or dream. I felt like he was writing to convince himself and others. It seems like he is writing about it, not from it. If you are looking to engage more seriously on this topic, I would strongly recommend other authors such as, Leo Hartong (Awaking in the Dream) or Tony Parsons (The Open Secret) or if you like more edge, Jed McKenna (Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damndest Thing).

5 comments about Our Dreaming Mind.

1. Robert Van De Castle has a sense of vocation for his subject that conveys beautifully. He speaks very plainly and directly, without talking down to the reader. He's as objective as you can be with a subject that's so completely subjective (yet universal.)

   The one negative review of Van De castle's book is from a Freudian. There is not "disenchantment" with Freud, he has been largely discredited. Dreams are not intentionally disguised infantile sexual wishes. The 'sub'conscious does not consist entirely of repressed desires. Freud's idea of the ego as basically the entire mind reminds me of the idea of the Earth being the center of the universe. They are just products of a different era.

   While sometimes a little simplistic in its prose style and speculative in nature, Our Dreaming Mind is on a much higher plane than the new age junk that largely consumes shelf space devoted to the subject in book stores. Well worth the investment.




2. VdC gives a pretty good gloss-over history of dreaming and what certain people thought of them; how certain philosophers and psychologists thought of them. He also recounts several studies and the statistics that were drawn from them - which are quite interesting.
   One of the studies on lucid dreaming describes the participants methods for inducing lucid dreams, and the method happens to be almost identical to a method I've successfully used before, which I originally got from a book called "Control Your Dreams".



3. This book is a compendium of information about dreams, ranging from folklore and ancient beliefs through current scientific research. The book is organized into 6 parts: anecdotes and famous dreams, early dream research from the dawn of history up until Freud, modern dream theorists including Freud and Jung, experimental dream research, scientific dream analysis, and paranormal and lucid dreams. There are also two appendixes that provide contact information for dream networks and organizations, and how to keep a dream diary. The book is extensively documented with endnotes, and there is a 20 page bibliography as well as an index. There is a phenomenal amount of material crammed into this volume- -the pages are extra wide to accommodate two columns of text on each page. The book is illustrated with black-and-white photographs and dream-influenced artwork.

   The early part of the book seemed almost like an extended literature review for a dissertation or an encyclopedia. The thoughts of dozens, perhaps even hundreds of philosophers, researchers, and other dreamers are briefly summarized in chronological order, from Plato to Artemidorus, from Erik Erikson to Calvin Hall. I found the sections on Freud and Jung particularly illuminating. As someone who has heard a lot about Freud, but never read his works, I found the overview of Freud's work on dreams and his school of psychoanalysis quite informative, especially when it was directly contrasted with Jung's work. The contributions of each of these men to the topic of dream research were presented in great depth, and supplemented with example analyses in their corresponding schools.

   I also found the section of the book covering contemporary dream research to be quite fascinating. It would have been better, however, if this section were expanded and brought up to date with the latest laboratory findings. One annoying habit that Van de Castle has is using this book to defend criticisms of his research methodology. In several places in the text, he reports that other researchers disagreed with his findings, and then he launches into in-depth justification of his conclusions. While he is certainly within his rights to defend his views, it makes no sense to do so in a popular work such as this one- -all he needed to do in this text was mention the disagreements (perhaps in an endnote) and briefly explain that he had answered the questions in print elsewhere. By discussing the points in detail here, it makes it appear as if he is defending his research by appealing not to his scientific peers, but to the general public. In contrast, it might have been good to explain the experimental design of his research in a little more detail in this book. From his descriptions here, he makes it sound as if he does dream research by positing that certain elements of dreams are common or absent in a particular group of people, and then checking their dreams to see if this is indeed the case. He never mentions whether this research is conducted using double-blind methods or control populations. If he had mentioned here that he consistently used such methods, his research would sound a lot more credible. (If he actually didn't use such methods, then his research would be dreamy, indeed.)

   In any case, I found much of what Van de Castle reports to be consistent with my own experiences. After reading this book, I am even more certain that following one's nightly dreams can be a very illuminating and worthwhile practice. I plan to use the book's extensive bibliography to follow up on the ideas presented here.




4. As other reviewers have stated, this book reads like a dissertation given all of the works cited. The author has definitely done his research and is comprehensive in covering all aspects of dreaming. The information presented is interesting and fascinating, but the book is not for those who would rather read a novel than a textbook or term paper. I, alas, am one of those people and donated my copy to our Women's Circle library. This book is a valuable resource and is recommended for those who are taking on serious study.



5. Of all the books I have about dreams Our Dreaming Mind has the most comprehensive research. Unlike other dream books that are use to promote the author point of view; Dr. Van de Castle uses facts and research to promote his claim. ***I believe most people don't remember their dreams, some or all, because they can't handle how far their dreams take them.*** Anyone that can easily remember their dreams and has a bit of a scientific mind will be overjoyed that some scientist is taking dreams seriously. I use this book as the core text for my dream study. Thank you Dr. Van de Castle!!!

5 comments about Dreams, "Evolution", and Value Fulfillment, Vol. 1: A Seth Book.

1. Where do we come from and why are we here. This book deals with the origin of mankind and the creation of this world in dreams. I'd not recommend it if you do not know other Seth books, and also not if you are looking of ways of how to improve your life situation (get Nature of Personal Reality in that case). However, it's excellent if you enjoyed Seth Speaks and Unknown Reality.



2. Seth at one point referred to this book as his masterpeice, the one that all of the others have been building up to. The concepts that he tries to get across here are actually pretty simple once you get your mind to thinking that way--it's a way of viewing oneself, the planet, and the interconnectedness of all relationships (sentiant and otherwise). All of his books are profound, so it would be redundant to say this one is too (but it is). A story within the book is Jane's rapid and dramatic physical deterioration, and Seth's dictation at times takes a back seat to Rob's records of her physical and mental state, and his notes about Three Mile Island and the Iran hostage crisis. When I reread, I will probably skip the notes and just read the dictation, if only to get a clearer flow.



3. Having read hundreds of books on the qualities of consciousness, there are NONE superior to Seth's. My first book on the subject back in the 1970's was Seth and still, though many are fabulous, none compare to the DEPTH of Seth.



4. All the Seth books are worthwhile, arguably profound and life-changing, and this is no exception. At times Seth takes wing and, as usual, presents very original arguments ...at times with a concision and eloquence that itself suggests that Seth is an essence from another dimension (as he says he is). But the book suffers from too much comment (in footnotes and an epistle of an introduction) by Robert Butts, the husband of Jane Roberts and the person who actually produced the text dictated by Jane. Robert Butts seems not to realise that what he has to say is infinitely inferior to what Seth says...and yet Butts goes on at far too great length. Stick to Seth if you want the essence of these books.



5. Well, perhaps "wrong" is too strong a word, since there are truths embedded in each of the belief systems (or theories, if you'd like). But Seth's more all-encompassing explanation -- best read if you've started out with other Seth books first like "Seth Speaks" -- is shattering in its implications. Once you get your mind around the entire framework of it, it's also absolutely the most logical explanation, too, in my opinion.
   
   Both Darwin and the literal Bible interpreters (Creationists) were/are working through a set of filters and by default, a more limited awareness of the true nature of reality. Seth's explanation, even if you don't buy into it 100% on the first read, is nonetheless extremely fascinating.
   
   Also a comment on the excess verbiage by Robert Butts: Yes, sometimes he goes on too long with details such as, "Jane woke from trance a bit groggy." But all of Butts' comments are in italics, and I've learned from reading the other Seth books to just fast-forward over the italics. It's not that big of a deal once you program yourself to do that.

1 comments about A Little Course in Dreams.

1. If your want to start a dream journal, this is a great book. It is small enough to take anywhere. He also uses real people's dreams to illistrate different exercises and ideas which really helped me understand my own dreams better.

5 comments about Take a Nap! Change Your Life..

1. HOW THIS BOOK HELPED ME:
   
   This book has made a big impact on how I view my study time. Medical school is difficult and exhausting. If I attend all my lectures, eat three meals day, maintain good hygiene, commute to/from the university and get 7 hours of sleep, I only have 3 hours on the weekdays to study. I used to hardly be able to keep my eyes open during that study time and I couldn't remember anything I studied.
   
   After reading Take a Nap! Change your life, I have the skills to use napping as part of my study routine. I used to feel guilty when I napped because I thought I was wasting valuable study time. I was just too tired to study. Now I plan naps into my study schedule and it is amazing how much better I recall everything. My test scores in Pathology have improved an average of 8 points since I started napping and my scores keep improving despite no other changes to my study routine. If you subtract out my naps, I'm actually studying less but getting better grades! As I prepare for my USMLE Step 1 Board Exam, consolidating memories and enhancing recall is especially important. I now consider napping a study skill and regular naps are part of my board prep study schedule. Naps have truly changed my life.
   
   HOW THIS BOOK CAN HELP YOU:
   
   I recommend this book to all students, but especially medical students. A career in medicine means long hours and years of sleep deprivation. This book will help you understand why naps are essential for peak performance on tests and review highlights of sleep research. You will learn what stages of sleep are most important for recalling massive amounts of detail and how to maximize those stages of sleep in your naps. You will learn the essential skills of napping for maximum memory and how to create a personalized nap for your individual needs.
   
   Most importantly, the knowledge you gain from this book will also improve your ability to provide quality patient care. The vignettes emphasize how naps can improve all aspects of life. I can already see how naps would be a beneficial part of a therapeutic plan for patients with anxiety, obesity, depression, sexual dysfunction, headaches, sleeping disorders, diabetes, substance dependence, or heart disease.
   
   A WELL ORGANIZED, EASY, QUICK READ WHEN TIME IS A PRECIOUS COMMODITY:
   
   I know that it is hard to find time for recreational reading in medical school. Fortunately, your time investment will be well rewarded by way naps will change your life. The book is written in succinct short chapters so you don't even have to use a bookmark. You'll be amazed how easy this book is to read. It is especially refreshing after studying dense med school textbooks such as Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Seventh Edition.
   
   Take a Nap! Change your life has very reader friendly lay-out. It is printed in good sized font with attention to white space. Figures are clear and simple to understand. Important concepts are bolded. It is easy to navigate for specific information as well.
   
   I highly recommend this book. I hope that you will start napping and benefit from this book as much as I have.



2. The book provided a simple overview of the stages of napping and some sample plans for incorporating naps into your day. There was too much time spent on justifying napping for my taste (I'm already a believer) and not enough concrete information about how to plan your nap around individual schedules.



3. This book is not for you if you already know a lot about sleep research AND you don't feel at all guilty about the idea of taking a nap when you're dragging. Also, as one reviewer pointed out, it won't give you a magic plan to make your boss decide that naps are actually good for the company; it's not everything to everybody. BUT... I'm in love with this book anyway!
   
   I listened to Dement's book "The Promise of Sleep" a few years back on tape, but never thought about how little attention there is to daytime napping (as opposed to nighttime sleep and sleep problems). If you're sluggish and crave pick-me-ups (chocolate, caffeine, etc.) in the afternoon, this book may be the "ah ha" moment like it was for me. How come we exercise, take supplements, practice "sleep hygiene", try not to eat carb-laden lunches, and more, but we never think about taking naps? Why not give in, rather than fighting the urge?
   
   I've been trying afternoon naps for about 3 weeks now, and for me, it's been like hitting the "reset" button on the day and getting a fresh start. It really seems like the missing piece; it's weird that it's so simple (and yet so culturally forbidden). I can't wait to tell my doctor what a difference such a simple solution has made.
   
   The only trick is figuring out how not to wake up groggy, which the book doesn't cover in great depth. I'm looking forward to checking out the author's postings, and also reading "Power Sleep" by Maas (which gets pretty good reviews), to see if they add details to this book's impassioned plea and conscise intro.
   
   The writing style is really lively, and typos are blessedly absent. It's a refreshing change from the self-published books these days in which the author thought he or she could save money by skipping an editor, since he or she can write "real great," thank you very much!
   
   Finally, for what it's worth: The author comes across as someone who would be inspiring to be around; one of those people who has fallen in love with science and with using it to make the world a better place. Aside from the personal impact the book can have, it's just encouraging to know that there are people like that out there.



4. I loved the book - it was worth every penny spent - enjoyable read, interesting stories intertwined, great educational tool to promote good sleep, health, wellness and especially to eliminate stigmas about napping. Thank you Ms. Mednick.



5. Take a Nap was exactly what I was looking for. A very good, simple explanation of the stages of sleep and what happens in each stage; answers to common questions; several mini case studies of people in various situations and how they worked the proper amount and type of sleep into their schedules.