5 comments about Taming Your Gremlin (Revised Edition): A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way.

1. Rick Carson does a great job of providing a practical approach to managing one of the most common challenges for people of all ages and stations. If you are looking for detailed clinical case studies you will be disappointed with this book. On the other hand if you have a sense of humor, or did at one time, this book will entertain as well as inform you. When you apply the concepts to your own life you will be even more pleased.



2. This is a great book for readers who are willing to engage in some potentially serious self exploration with a real sense of humor. In the end there is no right or wrong way to "do" self exploration. The important thing is that we do it.
   
   Carson offers some excellent strategies, insights and suggestions for raising awareness around the self talk (Gremlin) that holds us back from achieving our full potential. I particularly enjoy and appreciate the reminders to simply observe our own process -- to remain mindful and in the current moment context.
   
   Fun illustrations engage our childlike (and sometimes childish) desires to bring the Gremlin to life, encouraging curiosity, imagination and play while downgrading the potential power of the Gremlin itself.
   
   This is definitely not for everyone, but as a coach the question I would ask is: what is it you are resisting and why? The information is solid and has the potential to be life changing. Sometimes that which we resist has the most to offer. And sometimes it just isn't a good match. Open the book and see what happens for you.



3. I have read the book several times and keep going over the chapter on awareness. It is the most helpful information in the book and very practical. Mr. Carson presents the "gremlin" as a means to convey these ideas, so take it with a grain of salt.
   
   In truth this book has led me to search for others on the same subject and as such has been tremendously valuable.



4. The voice that keeps you awake or wakes you up at 2am is that gremlin described. I have started using the taming technicques and wish I had learned how to notice, decide and choice options years ago.



5. This book was specifically recommended to me by a lifecoach I've been working with. Like many people I frequently get in my own way. I related to the idea of "Taming your Gremlin", believing that the gremlin is that part of my brain or habit that tells me what to do and what I had better not do all the time. The lifecoach calls it the Saboteur. This book explores the problem of our powerful and deeply internalized voices that tell us what we can and cannot do,what we do and don't deserve to have in our lives. This author is clear,direct and amusing in his approach. The book describes common situations and scenarios, offering advice and guided exercises. Illustrations, imagery and anecdotes are used to connect readers to concepts that might otherwise be somewhat abstract. I haven't completed the book or gone through all of the exercises yet but I plan to keep using it for a while. It is handy to pick up when you are anxious, stressed, feeling stuck or stymied by your own fears. It can definitely be helpful to increase awareness and offer simple and effective strategies to deal with these deeply ingrained thoughts and habits.

5 comments about Just Do It: How One Couple Turned Off the TV and Turned On Their Sex Lives for 101 Days (No Excuses!).

1. Cute book, I agree with other reviewers that the writing is poor. Sometimes that was a distraction, but to be fair, it's not the great American novel. Nothing special, but something to fill time. I'm surprised people are complaining that it wasn't erotic enough. If you read the description, it's obviously not erotica nor really self-help- just a cute love story.



2. This is not a well written book. Not really that much fun unless you like listening to other people whine about there lives. Yes, I get that the author doesn't like Denver and he grew up 'poor' (who didn't?). Anyone that has kids will not sypathize with the routine juggling act that we ALL do with marriage, kids, family, etc. This one's going in the trash - never to be read again.



3. This is a look into Doug and Annie's marriage and commitment to each other much more than a look into their bedroom.
   
   I recommend this to anyone looking to get the passion and intimacy .
   Other recommendation is: I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't



4. Cute book, but it had some flaws. Unlike "Julie and Julia" this read like it was straight from some blog. Near the end (ahem), the author inserted (sorry) emails from his wife that weren't all that relevant to the story and felt like a lazy way to fill space.
   
   The big problem I had was that the authors seemed to make use of hot and cold running childcare. Free care from his parents, who would fly in for weekends, then eventually a paid nanny. The kids never seemed to mind being left, never cried, showed very little resentment. We could take out a 2nd mortgage and do the same thing, but my kids would have thrown hissy fits every time. Of course, the Browns could write off the cost of each sitter and hotel because it was an expense related to the book. The rest of us have to make do.
   
   Interestingly, they were back to once or twice a week after the "marathon" ended.



5. I bought this book because I read it was more a light-hearted memoir, not a "how-to" for spicing up marriage. Douglas Brown and his wife, Annie, are a couple I could relate to-- dealing with life, work, children, while trying to manage "adult" time. They seemed to be a laid back, traditional couple, who really love their kids. I think I enjoyed learning about their family as much as I did the purpose for the memoir. Of course, it was fun reading about their trials in "sexploration." There were several "LOL" moments, particularly when struggling through sex during sickness and snot. Brown's knack for humorous writing made this a joy to read.

5 comments about Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy.

1. I was given this book while I was recovering from surgery and found it so comforting and inspiring that I have since purchased it for two friends who are also undergoing hard times with their health or families. It has helped us all to have a more positive outlook. This book has no beginning, and no end. You can read it starting anywhere, and you can read it forever!



2. I bought this book several years ago and never managed to keep up for more than a few days. This year I found out why. When trying to establish evening rituals to help with sleep, I began this book again. YOU MUST START AT THE BEGINNING. That's where I went wrong before. You can't just jump in on the day you happen to receive it. That said, you can start on Jan 1 any time you want. I did that in late Feb, and I've been "doing" two pages a day to catch up. I've followed the instructions and started a gratitude journal, and I've already seen small changes in myself and my attitudes. I'm more mindful of my words and actions, and I'm more conscious of the things I have to be thankful for. I'm looking forward to more changes and a richer life experience as I continue my journey through this book. It may not be for everyone, but if you're looking to live a more conscious, mindful life, this collection of essays and observations could just be the spark of change you're looking for.



3. I've read and reread this book so many times that I now know exactly where to look for passages about joy, self-acceptance, "homecaring," gratitude, simplicity, and so forth. The author has certainly done her homework in that the book is filled with pithy quotes, interesting information on a variety of topics, and biographical data on some famous and not-so-famous folks. Each day of the year, Sarah Ban Breathnach weaves this information in with her own words of insight and wisdom to create a delightfully uplifting book of inspiration and advice.



4. excellent condition, excellent book. It was a gift for a friend. I was very pleased with the service. thanx



5. I had planned on purchasing this book that Oprah had recommended several years ago but hadn't. Recently, I was talking to a co-worker that said
   she has read it for the past few years because she always gets something new out of it. Upon her recommendation, I ordered it on-line. It was in excellent condition and I've already started reading it.

5 comments about Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life (Workbook Workbook).

1. Lots of excellent ideas and some good techniques. But therein lies the problem: the techniques, especially on relaxation, should be defined, described and explained for use by stressed-out people in more detail.
   
   Also, I believe that Beck's original insight about thoughts controlling feelings is not as airtight as he and the many people following in his wake believe. Do your realize how hard it is to even identify specifically and accurately your thoughts on almost any subject or in any situation that calls for psychological intervention.
   
   Finally, I believe that workbooks such as these offer as much fool's gold, as real value and cogency. The most important deficiency is the assumption by the authors that psychologically crippled (blunt word but appropriate) individuals have the self-discipline, not to mention the intelligence, to make use of this book. Since Beck wrote his seminal book in the 70's, very little hard data exists to show the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and techniques. C.B.T. may be an improvement over Freudian analysis (duh!) but certainly not over medication and directed therapy by a truly competent therapist who has the time and commitment to really help you. However, few therapists have the time, dedication and ability to actually help you. There are certainly some good therapists out there, but 99% have other patients and other concerns and responsibilities that distract them from focusing on YOU.
   
   That said, the best relaxation techniques are taught by audio tape or c.d. Troubled people need the structure and discipline that tapes offer.



2. I bought this book after hearing about the postivie outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
   
   This book is amazing. You only read certain chapters that pertain to your specific problem (it tells you in the beginning which ones for which problems) and follow the instructions. My problem is panic disorder, so I looked up and know which chapters to read and complete. It takes a lot of work on your part, doing exercises, following through on things, I am only done with the first chapter I have to read and have done all but one of the exercises, and I already feel better!
   
   My therpaist is buying a copy of this book to follow along with my progress. It will take a while, but with lots of hard work and a little patience, I hope to be medication free within the year! I know I may never be panic free, but my goal is to minimize it and make my life happy and liveable while medication free.
   
   I highly recommend this book!!



3. This book was recommended to me by an LCS when I sought help for depression several years ago. I was also perscribed Prozac which I took for several months. The combination worked for me and the book in particular was a great tool for me long term. CBT worked for me and this book was key.
   
   I appreciated that this book was about DOING something about your emotions vs. thinking about and reflecting on WHY you're depressed, anxious, etc. I, like many people, know exactly why I don't naturally have the best mental outlook- thinking and reflecting on the why (ruminating on a past I was powerless to change, worrying that more horrible things might happen) was part of the reason I would get so very depressed. Especially useful for me were the techniques detailed in the book to end negative loops of thought. It took time to master, but I now use the lessons I learned in this book reflexively, without effort. It has made a huge difference in my life: I deal better with negative emotions, I note the change in my moods without being trapped by them nearly as often and I am generally happier, more forward thinking and positive.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone. If it doesn't help you, it couldn't possibly hurt. Not all of it will apply to you (for instance, almost none of the anger related stuff applied to me). Changing how you think is possible and can dramatically improve your life. Try it.



4. Great book on showing you how to use those thoughts and feelings to create a life you desire. The book stresses positive thoughts which bring on those positive emotions. This does remind me of the law of attraction and my favorite workbook, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook that also stresses the positive and gives you many, many recipes on how to follow this premise.



5. Making the effort to change your thoughts and emotions is not an easy road - but access to the right tools, techniques and resources can help. Matthew McKay, Martha Davis and Patrick Fanning offer a thorough handbook on using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to deal with such serious emotional problems as panic disorder, phobias, obsessive thinking, depression and more. This workbook is a comprehensive guide to CBT, covering what it is, how it works and how you can use it (including worksheets) to restructure your thinking. getAbstract salutes the authors for this valuable self-help manual, and recommends it to interested readers for their own use or as a reference to help a loved one who needs to regain control over runaway emotions.

5 comments about The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom.

1. This book was referred to in a newspaper article on current brain research, which is of interest to me, so I bought it in spite of the somewhat gimmicky title. I'm so glad I did. It explains in layman's terms why the people with whom we disagree can't help being so darn stubborn! It also exposed my lovingly-cherished illusions about my own open-mindedness. If we all understood what the author explains so clearly, perhaps we could overcome some of our divisions and biases. And that just might save civilization.



2. Jonathan Haidt is one of several front-line researchers in the field of Positive Psychology. This book, The Happiness Hypothesis, is a beautifully written, erudite series of lessons about how current research verifies or challenges a host of ancient teachings about happiness ranging from ancient Egypt,Greece, and China and crossing over to Hebrew and New Testament Bible teachings and 20th century psychology. Suitable for lay readers as well as psychology majors both undergraduate and graduate. The goals of this book are very ambitious but skillfully achieved at almost every turn. While the final chapter was somewhat anticlimactic, in my view, the time spent studying the book overall was well worth it. Highly recommended.



3. I purchased this book on the recommendation of David Brooks, the New York Times columnist. It was on the list of books he recommended in his column about how "we" need to change how we think (and act) in this world. (Which I agree with wholeheartedly.)
   In any case I purchased this and another of his recommendations, Michael Gazziniga's The Ethical Brain. After perusing the Gazziniga book I decided to start with the Haidt. I regretted his choice of the title, after all, what can be more fleeting than "happiness"?
   I persevered through to the end. It had a few bright moments, no, instants; but it was basically the musings of a college boy. It seem so full of ordinary, everyday information and nothing worth note. It's a mystery to me why anyone would recommend it.
   I am giving it three stars after reading the review from 'a reader in front of the front range'. I figured if he gave it three stars, I should be as generous - otherwise, I was tempted to assign only two.



4. Jonathan Haidt has done a great job of nailing the topic. This is the best work I have found for understanding the elusive state labeled happiness. His discussion of negativity bias is particularly well done. Copies given to friends result in responses ranging from 'very helpful' to 'best book I've read'. Coverage of taboos may be a turn-off to some, but to date no complaints. Haidt is generous in sharing his sources. He also shows the appreciation and pride of a great teacher in his descriptions of research by his students. I highly recommend both the book and the CD.
   
   R. Scott Clark, Ed.D.



5. Haidt says there are three ways to change your state of happiness: drugs, meditation and psychotherapy. This book is a effectively a good dose of psychotherapy and has some really excellent stand alone chapters particularly on love and romance and highlights in the study of what makes people happy, particularly based on scientific research from the 20th century. This book is an exploration of happiness that is anchored in ancient wisdoms we may be familiar with - Roman stoics, a bit of Greek philosophy, Buddhist and Hindu ideas, Lao Tzu and teachings from the Bible.
   
   Not all may agree with Haidt, especially on the utility of antidepressants. I also go along with the criticism that he may have generalised too much. As G. Johnson points out above, Buddhism is more complex than Haidt's analysis. The notion that Buddhism teaches inaction, passivity and simple detachment does not take into account that Buddhism does describe at least 11 kinds of happiness from sensual pleasures to extraordinary happiness in the third Jhana (at least in theory). Buddhism could be dichotomised into lay practice vs monastic practice and a Mahayana vs a Theravada approach. The Mahayana and Lay Buddhist practices emphasize a proactive endeavor to assist those who may need it. But, as the Theravadin's point out, it's probably better to deal with your own problems first. Haidt's Dhammapada quotations from Mascaro as translator should be regarded as a pretty poor rendition of an ancient text.
   
   There is also this peculiarly American division between liberals and conservatives, one that is unique to the US and can only be seen in an American context by those of us English speakers not from the USA.
   
   Haidt sometimes uses ancient Wisdom in caricature so that he can state a different more advanced philosophy for the technologically sophisticated times we enjoy. At this level, I think he has it pitched about right to suit cultured, middle class and educated societies trying to encapsulate for themselves, the nature of happiness and how to get it in a generally secular context.
   
   I especially enjoyed his graphs in the relationship chapter showing a distinction between visceral short term affection vs long term companionship based affection. He has also introduced with great simplicity some profound ideas of modern psychological studies from Freud to ? ... We certainly have little time to study the copious alternative treatises and this is definitely a good place to hunk down and research. So real happiness consists of Flow States of mind where you get absorbed in an activity rather than the short term thrill of winning something ... meditation is simply extending the flow state of mind to a deeper level.
   
   I would recommend this modern appraisal of the nature of happiness as explored by the new science of psychology and certain ancient thinkers. Haidt's is an impressive short compendium rich in references. I think it is refreshing that he is so open to teachings alien to himself including Buddhism and this is a book that could get many of us started on our own explorations.
   
   I find it disagreeable that our baseline happiness may be set by our genes and would endeavor to strive to increase it - this to me is an aspect of being human even though it may be very difficult to overcome the genetic conditioning. Even genes like some God cannot be all powerful and deserve to be brought down to size.

5 comments about The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life.

1. Boyd and Zimbardo have set the new gold standard for books about time. The Time Paradox is a provocative, informative treatise that combines cutting edge research with practical, hands-on guidance for self-change. In the hands of these two experienced scholars, time becomes a tool for helping us understand and better control nothing less than the way we live our lives.
   --Robert V. Levine, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, California State University, Fresno and author of "A Geography of Time: The Temporal Misadventures of a Social Psychologist, or How Every Culture Keeps Time Just a Little Bit Differently"



2. I doubt this book will change your life, but it is an interesting read all the same.
   
   The authors discuss the way in which we find ourselves obsessed with time. Interestingly, they point out that 3 of the most common nouns in the English language involve time (namely time, year, and day.....among the other common nouns are person, way, thing, man, world, life, and hand).
   
   Zimbardo and Boyd also discuss the way in which our time orientation guides our choices and overall orientation. He divides people into 7 time-related categories that basically boil down to those who are (1) past oriented (2) present oriented or (3) future oriented. Zimbardo offers up an anecdote involving pre-school aged children, and demonstrates how, even at a young age, our time orientation can guide our behavior. Basically the children are offered either (1) one treat now or (2) two treats later if they practice delayed gratification. When they were interviewed years later, the psychologists discovered that "the third of children who were able to control their impulses at age four scored 210 points higher on verbal and math SAT scores than the impulse-driven four year olds....The ability to delay gratification at age four is twice as good a predictor of later SAT score as IQ. Poor impulse control is also a better predictor of juvenile delinquency than IQ" (p. 216).
   
   Overall, it was a good read. Somewhat pedantic at times but generally engaging.
   
   Zimbardo's other book, The Lucifer Effect, is outstanding. Skip the first few chapters and go straight to his account of the Stanford Prison Experiment. It's the type of book that grabs your attention and really leaves you thinking.



3. Nothing at all earth-shattering here -- might be useful for the less-than-introspective among us. It's not bad, it's just not anything special.



4. I highly recommend this book! The Time Paradox is a great read and contains interesting stats and suggestions for gaining a "healthier time perspective". In addition to giving me new eyes with which I view and use my time, it answers questions about mine & my husband's differences. I am able to better understand why he does or doesn't do some things, and I understand why it's so instinctive for me to do or not do just about the opposite of that.
   
   Every type-A personality who is married to, works with or has contact with non-type-A personalities (& vice versa) can benefit from doing these exercises. This book would be great in HR settings, and can help people better understand others' actions.
   
   Take the quick test, and if you are willing to DO what's necessary to modify your time perspective even a little, you will see BIG changes in the way you relate to others, in the way you use your time, and in the amount of time you have to use.
   
   One caution: my young kids aren't happy I read this book - I'm much more selective about how they (and I) use their time now.



5. About: Boyd and Zimbardo put forth that one's perspective of time (how one views the past, present and future) affects most all of a person's life. Includes Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to measure your time perspectives
   
   Pros: Interesting premise, easy to read, neat asides like lists of fairy tales and songs about time, sources cited.
   
   Cons: I'm wary of single theories that try to explain all aspects of a person's life. Some sections seem a bit out of place, like the long list of what you should do when you retire, as well as the chapter on suicide bombers.

5 comments about Sailing Home: Using Homer's Odyssey to Navigate Life's Perils and Pitfalls.

1. Norm Fischer is a heartful, compassionate teacher with a great gift for expressing his and our human beingness...I've been carrying Sailing Home around with me for several weeks, cherishing the gift of his awareness and experience as a person...a person who has immersed himself in the practice of meditation, Buddhist, Judaic, Christian teachings and life itself. He is a very intelligent person who can bring even Homer's Odyssey down home in a valuable meaningful way using metaphor so that even I am understanding it. I am grateful that this book came my way.
   
   Blessings for your journey home. Joan Fenold



2. I definetely recommend this book. He uses examples from Zen Buddhism, Greek mythology, Judaism, and Christianity to emphasize the kind of struggles many have to face in life and how to deal with those struggles. So he's really a very open-minded person.



3. I found this book to be one of the most enjoyable and life changing moments in my life. I was so engaged and intrigued by the premise and the easy way Norman Fischer was able to convey his profound understanding of the human condition. The honesty and integrity of his experiences are so wonderfully shared through the trials and tribulations from Homer's Odyssey as the ground for our personal work. It is a book that you just want to savor every word. Besides, at the end of each chapter are wonderful guided meditations.



4. Norman Fischer has written a "classic" commentary on The Odyssey. What I mean by "classic" is that it is one of first rank as Norman Fischer makes Odysseus' journey of almost a generation ours. With heartfelt prose, Mr. Fischer shares his experience as someone deeply immersed in his Buddhist tradition to find his way home. Not preachy, through the travails of Oddysseus, Mr. Fischer offers a way to show the readers how to reconsider what it means to live a good life, to ask the right questions and give due care to those we love. I wished the book went on and on after I finished it. In graceful ways, Mr. Fischer shows us how to separate the wheat from the chaff in our lives. I wish him many more books to write which are as conversational and as learned as this book.



5. I just finished this book at a critical time when I was involved with major life decisions. It was helpful to me to gain understanding of what I was going through and feeling, as I travel. This book weaves new meaning into the story of Odysseus. I love how Fischer uses the Odyssey as a way to explain a new way of working with life's "twists and turns" through awareness of life, and integrates his years of zen practice into understanding deeper levels of this ancient human story. The Odyssey, Fischer says, is about coming home, for people who "have encountered twists and turns of pain and suffering, and so are ready to come home." Fisher has a delightful way of explaining how a Odysseus, a human, is at the mercy of the sea and life, and at the mercy of his own human failings, yet he goes on. He states "To respect the sea is to trust that we can welcome life's immense and unknowable currents rather than resist them. .. " This book is for seekers of all faiths, yet makes the practice and principles of zen accessible to the average person through this story. The book is broken into Parts: Setting Forth (waiting, grief, body practice, etc) and Disaster (working with disaster, pleasure and time; death, desire, the siren's call and impossible choices); and Return (revealing yourself, love's risk, and forgivenss) particularly good for those practicing meditation and particularly zen practice, but I would recommend this book to non meditators who are interested in a different way to view life's hard times, and to gain a new perspective of faith, practice on living truly, and finding love and compassion for ourselves and others by not resisting life's offerings.

5 comments about The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel.

1. I was not very impressed, after having read other reviews, I expected more. Think and Grow Rich or other books do better job in my opinion.



2. If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs
   
   The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
   The Master Key System
   Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
   The Science of Getting Rich
   The Science of Mind
   Think and Grow Rich: Original Version



3. In the introductory biography which precedes Haanel's work, the publishers highlight at least one reason why you might want to read this book:
   
   "It is Silicon Valley's secret that almost every entrepreneur who made a fortune in recent years did so by studying the words Mr Haanel penned over eighty years ago....Since this book was no longer in print until recently, copies of The Master Key System became a hot commodity in the Valley".
   
   Now I've no way of knowing if this statement is true, but such is the power of Haanel's system that it seems eminently plausible. I would not for a moment want anyone to think that Haanel presents some kind of 'cosmic ordering'-type, 'get-rich-quick' system, and neither is it a book about Law of Attraction. It is far deeper, and more important, than that. Haanel claims that his system can revolutionise your life. I've been working with this kind of system for years, and am emphatically convinced that it works.
   
   At the heart of Haanel's approach is an analytical thesis that was pioneered by Thomas Troward (to whom Haanel refers in this book). Essentially, this thesis is that the universe is governed by an overarching creative process.
   
   Haanel calls this "Universal Consciousness"; Troward called it "Spirit". Neither refers to "God", because the Universal Mind that they describe is an essentially impersonal, 'subjective' force, equivalent to the subconscious rather than the conscious in the human mind. It is more akin to a highest law of nature - a law of creativity - than to a deity. It is impersonal. You do not worship it, but you align your approach with it. Haanel's term "Universal Consciousness" is probably more apt than Troward's "Spirit" because the latter might carry connotations of the occult (though that was certainly not what Troward meant).
   
   Haanel argues that everyone's subconscious is a part of the Universal Consciousness. This gives the individual access to great creative power, in any aspect of life. Anything that manifests in your external world, Haanel argues, has been manifested first in the inner world of your mind. The trick, therefore, is to learn how to discipline your inner world - in other words, to channel your thinking - so that inner creation is positive.
   
   His method, originally published as a part-work, is to set out twenty-four stages of study, each including a mental exercise. Each chapter contains a list of numbered, very precise propositions. This is a very effective, very focused approach.
   
   If you are sceptical about the idea of a universal creative process - and do not believe that thought drives the material - you are not going to like The Master Key System. But if you accept a Troward/Haanel-type analysis of cause and effect, you will find The Master Key System an extremely powerful and effective tool.



4. This is an excellent book for organizing your mind to reach your goals. I think the information has also allowed me to remain calm in stressful situations and think things through...



5. This book and Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookcan truly change your life. Mr Haanel's book gives you the theory and principles of the law of Attraction while Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook gives you all the practical and daily tips to incorporate these valuable principles into your life each and every day.

5 comments about Guided Meditations: For Calmness, Awareness, and Love.

1. As other reviews have stated - it is just the guy's voice... he has a very faint accent (somewhat Irish, but again - very faint). His delivery is unhurried, and smooth. No background music is both good and bad: it's great because if done poorly that can really be distracting... but if done well it does help, and can also block out background noises a little too. This CD will work best if you're fortunate enough to have absolute silence to work with... which for many of us simply isn't the case.
   
   The breathing meditation is really good - you can really relax to it and he keeps your mind at rest nicely. The 2nd mdeitation is nice as well, and has some positive affirmations mixed in: a nice "feel good" meditation. the third is a "walking meditation"... I don't foresee using that one, but I do like the first two a lot, both in there own way are great.



2. The voice of Bodhipaksa is very calming to a stressed out mind and body.
   I now use this meditation CD and another CD of his,Guided Meditations for Stress Reduction as a routine part of my life. They are and continue to be plesant and peaceful experience. It is my opinion that anyone would enjoy these CD's



3. It could be that after reading the rave reviews I expected more, but I think this CD was mediocre and way over-priced.



4. I found this meditation to be forgettable. Long bouts of silence throughout. If I am going to pay for a CD, why would I want to pay for silence? Just not what I was looking for. Very little guided meditation. A lot of down time.



5. This is a wonderfully relaxing CD. The instructors voice is calm and soothing (with an intriguing accent) with instruction that is straightforward and easy to follow.
   
   I am new to meditation and relaxation that I am developing with my yoga practice and I found this to be a valuable addition and if I do not haave time to set aside for a full session, I do find even giving myself a few moments is helpful.

5 comments about Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth.

1. This is a fascinating book, packed with concise, accessible discussions of the major issues in the science of happiness. I read a lot on this topic, and I learned a huge amount.
   
   The connection between money and happiness (more complicated than many people admit), the connection between spirituality and happiness, the happiness "set-point," and dozens of other intriguing questions are tackled.
   
   The book does a particularly good job of presenting these issues thoroughly and accurately, but also in engaging language that's not hard to fight your way through.
   
   A great addition to the many books that tackle this topic: like Stumbling on Happiness, The Paradox of Choice, Strangers to Ourselves, Authentic Happiness, etc.



2. The first thing you should ask yourself is why on earth do we need another happiness book? David Myers wrote the Pursuit of Happiness in 1992, Martin Seligman wrote Authentic Happiness in 2002, and then Sonja Lyubomirsky wrote the How of Happiness and Marci Shimoff wrote Happy for No Reason in 2007. Then there are dozens of other books on the topic in the last 3 years. Do we really need another one?
   
   My initial answer was absolutely not until I read this book. Ed Diener is the first scientist to devote a career to studying the nature of happiness. After 30 years of conducting research on the topic, he IS the authority on the topic and its about time he wrote a book. As for his son, Robert Biswas-Diener, he has been out in the field conducting the exotic, exciting research in various cultures that everyone else writes about. Why not hear about the nuances of their work from them instead of watered-down, overly simplified versions by others?
   
   There are several chapters in this book that do a killer job at addressing the complexity of what we know and don't know about happiness.
   
   Chapter 6 is about money and happiness. Forget the soundbites you hear that if you make more than $40,000/year, an increase in money is irrelevant to happiness. The Dieners' dig into the data, providing a fair and balanced analysis of the situations when money is relevant to happiness.
   
   Chapter 7 is about spirituality and religion. Another topic that has been reduced to a useless soundbite that being religious is good, end of story. Again, the Dieners' dig further into the research than their predecessors. They toe the line perfectly of what the research says and doesn't say.
   
   Chapter 8 is about how happiness operates in different countries and cultures. A point often missed except for intriguing data showing that we should all be living in Denmark (happiest place in the world?). Like other chapters, they describe scientific studies like a novelist. Interesting, informative, and thought provoking. Interspersed with personal stories of Robert's travels, it reminds you that science needs good storytellers and the Dieners' fit the bill.
   
   Another topic that has been shortchanged by soundbites is the idea that humans have this amazing ability to adapt to life circumstances. Thus, happiness is hard to hold onto (sound familiar?). I honestly believe that the way adaptation is discussed in this book will change the way people will discuss and teach this topic. I was amazed that they were able to distill the information in layperson terms but they did it.
   
   This is what they do best: take complex issues with multiple points and caveats, and write about them in a way that's interesting and easy to digest. It will be easy for readers to miss the subtle new interpretations of old ideas. They do a great job of shredding apart soundbites tossed around by journalists, other authors, and the mob of people interested in positive psychology or happiness. Insights are assured by a close reading of this book.



3. Our Founding Fathers stated that human beings are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each one of these words has been questioned: When does "life" begin? Does someone's "liberty" constitute a threat to others? What is this "happiness" that we are all pursuing?
   
   This valuable book goes a long way in addressing and answering the "happiness" question. There are many many books about this topic, so why read this one? Perhaps because it is even handed, scientific, easily readable, authoritative, and will inform and enrich you. I generally don't read books like this, but this one is exceptional.



4. How to build a life that matters....How shall we live to achieve a life of happiness, meaning, and contentment? This is the BIG QUESTION for us all. This book tells us everything science knows by the world authority on happiness and a practicing coach/counselor who knows how to make the science clear and palatable to readers.
   
   After factoring out our genetics and temperament--are you generally cheerful or in a bad mood all the time, perhaps 50-80% of our happiness is under our control. The problem is we don't know how to use our power. Happiness tells us how to build a life of meaning and happiness...
   
   Some of the authors tips: Find rewarding circumstances like close friends or a loving relationship and a job full of friends and flow--times of total immersion where time stands still. Pay attention to the good things in life--savor these and recall them often. Don't give in to cynicism and pessimism. As the Buddhists say, your consciousness is your movie, you do not have to play a disaster or horror movie all the time!
   
   The authors argue convincingly for a kind of psychological wealth that may matter more than material goods. As the the old blues song goes: "The world's richest person, is a pauper at times, compared with the man/woman, with the satisfied mind...."



5. Can money buy happiness? (See chapter 6). Are happier people healthier? (See chapter 3). Do happier people get paid more? (See chapter 5). Are religious / Spiritual people happier? (See chapter 7). Are some people just born happier? (See chapter 9). These are all components of the concept of psychological wealth.
   
   In their new book, Happiness, Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, Ed Diener and his son Robert Biswas-Diener take on these and other provocative questions. In a very thorough but thoughtful way the Dieners draw on the most current research in the field of Positive Psychology to answer these questions. Sometimes the answers are "yes" sometimes the answers are "no" and sometimes the best and most honest answer is "it depends."
   
   Psychological Wealth
   
   The Dieners define psychological wealth as "your true net worth, and includes your attitudes toward life, social support, spiritual development, material resources, health, and the activities in which you engage." Hence psychological wealth incorporates more than just one's finances. The components of psychology wealth help us understand why some people may be financially poor but are rich in terms of psychological wealth and happiness while others can be fantastically financially wealthy but have very little psychological wealth and are miserable.
   
   The Dieners explore the research findings that are related to each of the components of Psychological Wealth:
   - Life satisfaction
   - Spirituality and meaning in life
   - Positive attitudes and emotions
   - Loving social relationships
   - Engaging activities and work
   - Values and life goals to achieve them
   - Physical and mental health
   - Material sufficiency to meet our needs.
   
   For example, as it turns out, (contrary to the oft repeated old adage), money CAN buy some happiness - to a degree - it depends. Yes, other people DO, in fact, matter. In the end, the Dieners say, "psychological wealth is about having a balanced portfolio. This book provides an overview of the elements of psychological wealth that research reveals are good investments."
   
   Four Parts
   
   The book is divided into four parts. Part one focuses on understanding true wealth and the explanation of the concept of psychological wealth. Part two is focused on why happy people function better physically, socially, and at work. Part three digs deeper into the other components of psychological wealth including money, religion/spirituality, culture, and "the happiness set point." Part four pulls everything together and provides a series of surveys and questionnaires for the reader to take to measure one's own psychological wealth.
   
   Science can be fun
   
   If you think all this science and research results in a dull, dry book to read, think again. This book is absolutely a delight to read. The Dieners have made the science very accessible and practical. You will love the stories they weave into the text - both the stories about themselves and the stories about the people they have studied. The Dieners take us along on their adventures around the world. From Africa to the Arctic to the Amazon, we tag along as they unlock the mysteries of happiness. As you read the book you come to understand why Ed is known as the "Jedi Master of Happiness" and why Robert has been called the "Indiana Jones of Psychology." Get the book, settle into a comfortable chair, buckle your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride.
   
   Parting Quote
   
   The Dieners conclude their book by wishing us all happiness and psychological wealth, "If you are high in psychological wealth, congratulations on a life that is well-lived. If you are impoverished, or poorer than you would like to be, now is the time to increase your [psychological] wealth, and hopefully this book has given you knowledge to help you get started." It does, it undoubtedly does.