1 comments about Shadows Of The Heart: A Spirituality of the Painful Emotions.

1. I am 51 years old and a full time psychology student. I feel that I have been on a spiritual journey most of my life,trying to solve the mystery of life, and the Whiteheads had just added a big piece to the puzzle.

   I have been given a whole new perspective on the painful emotions, ones that most of us find very difficult to deal with - shame, anger and guilt. I feel that I now have a constructive base from which to deal with these emotions from a spiritual dimension.

   Excellent book for anyone seeking to heal their psyche and their soul.

5 comments about Inner Peace for Busy Women: Balancing Work, Family, and Your Inner Life.

1. Inner Peace For Busy Women By Dr. Joan Z. Borysenko is a very nice surprise in that it is not a lot of advice about how to meditate, although this is one of her prime suggestions as a daily practice for gaining inner peace, but this 2 - CD set is her private sharing of the demons she has faced throughout her career as first a medical student/mother/poor housewife and through the years through divorce, single parenting, and balancing a demanding career as a doctor. The pain she experienced and the wisdom she gained she shares openly and especially deals with the persistent guilt of the working mother who is told by society that she can have it all, but in reality she is living a juggling act that kills relationships and individuals. She and her children succeeded through it all and have a loving adult relationship, although her marriage did not. She gives sage advice and encouragement to any woman walking this tight rope. EXCELLENT!



2. Listening to this audiobook in my car driving kids to and from lessons and on my i-pod commuting to and from work was as comforting as a one-hour full body massage. Although much of what she discusses would be familiar to anyone who has dabbled in New Age, the way that Dr. Borysenko frames this information specifically in terms of the anguishes and rewards of a working woman's life made it uniquely digestible and gave me much food for thought.



3. I was looking for trustworthy and very useful advice for my too busy daughter as she tries to balance her work, her family, and her own inner or soul needs. I knew that the author is well respected, and so I chose this book in the hope of offering her a gift that would ultimately bring her more inner peace. I'll have to let you know how it has worked, but I was particularly grateful for the format...an audio tape, which she could listen to in her car on long commutes to work. Thank you for having this available.



4. Easy reading, great suggestions, and it was exactly what I'd been looking for.



5. I was not looking for this particular book when I went into my favorite bookstore/coffeshop. But, there it was! How could I resist the title? Inner Peace for Busy Women--this book HAD to be written just for me, I thought!
   
   It is not often that I find it necessary to comment on the actual physical components of a book when I sit down to review it. This time, however, I feel I must share my delightful discoveries. First of all, I am naturally drawn to "little books" as I call them. You know the type. They are slim little volumes that carry messages far deeper than their sleek size could possibly seem to hold. This is one such book. The 179 pages speak not only to me but to many women I know. Now it is my mission to introduce them to this book so that they can have the same delightful experience I had.
   
   Paying for my coffee and newfound book, I settled into a quiet little corner of the shop. The quality of the paper is exquisite. Smooth pages of a soft, subtle white color are inviting. But it was hard to ignore the striking difference from most books, even those "little books" I so enjoy. The delicate shade of green ink is a relaxing and welcoming change from the stark black print we have become accustomed to in most of our reading. I am fairly certain it is no accident that this was the chosen print color. It beckons the reader into a cool, peaceful and calm domain. While inside those pages, I felt as though I had stepped into another world where someone understood what I felt, what I feared, what I needed to hear, and what I already knew. The book and its author made me feel as though I was in the company of good friends once I opened these pages.
   
   Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., is the bestselling author of this work as well as many other publications. She is a well-known expert on stress, spirituality, and the mind-body connection. She has ten other publications to her credit and is a nationwide speaker on women's health and spirituality and integrative medicine. She also hosts a website where visitors can browse, sign up for a free newsletter, and get the latest information on seminars, speaking engagements, books etc.
   
   The moment I turned the page to the book's preface, "I Am Woman Telling the Truth", I was hooked. As I read on, I found myself thinking that in some ways, reading this book felt as good as sharing a cup of tea with a dear friend.
   
   
   "If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that a busy life is hard. In spite of our best efforts to have successful careers, raise happy families, enjoy a rich spiritual life, and make a difference in the world, many busy women carry an unspoken burden of grief inside themselves,"
   
   writes Borysenko.
   
   I couldn't get enough of this book. Nor could I read it fast enough. Yet, at the same time, I knew that the first read was only to whet my appetite for more. I sipped my coffee and read the volume from cover to cover, then headed home to wait for a bit of peace and quiet to REALLY read the book a second time. Its message was just too rich and too personal to be read once and put aside.
   
   "Women's wisdom has traditionally been passed down through story. In sharing these stories of our lives with one another, we leave road maps that detail treasures and traps, paving the way for the generation that follows."
   
   Has Ms. Borysenko been to Story Circle Network? It would seem so from those powerful and true words! Her philosophy is so in sync with that of our own organization that I couldn't help but notice how closely her words mirrored our beliefs about our writings.
   
   This little volume with its five parts contains essays of three types: (1) woman-to-woman stories, (2) essays dealing with research, and (3) spiritual principles on aspects of inner life. With an invitation to join the author, readers are offered a chance to "discover some ways to finally find some balance, wholeness, and peace in our lives."
   
   Looking for some uplifting and encouraging words about stress, guilt, or the busy-ness of life? They're here in this little book. Part of the sandwich generation? Read "Taking Care While Caretaking." Struggling to "Come Back Home to Yourself" (the title of part III)? Spend a little time pondering "Mindfulness: The Lights Are On, and Somebody's Home."
   
   I am fairly certain that once you begin this little treasure, you will find it difficult to put down. When you come to the end, you will feel blessed, renewed, and perhaps a bit sad that the time spent with this new good friend has drawn to a close.
   
   In her afterword titled "Sisters on a Journey", Borysenko bids her readers farewell with these words: "I wish that we could sit together and talk about our busy lives over a cup of tea." (I KNEW IT !! I knew that was what this reading experience felt like!!) "...Looking deeply into each other's eyes, we'd realize that we've held the wisdom in our hands all along. What is there to search for? The answers are already ours... As women have from the beginning of time, we would recognize oursleves in our respective stories." (Are we SURE Ms. Borysenko isn't part of Story Circle Network?!) "...Even though we haven't had the chance to sip tea together, pehaps you will do just that with a friend or a group of friends and talk about your lives..."
   
   This book resonated with me in a way no book has done in a long, long time. I intend to share copies of it with several dear friends and family members. Its message is profound, timely, and deeply personal.
   
   by Lee Ambrose
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women

2 comments about The Myth of More: And Other Lifetraps That Sabotage the Happiness You Deserve.

1. I am typically not a big fan of self-help type books but I must say that I truly enjoyed reading Dr. Novello's account of the "spiritual" side of psychiatry. This book is written for everyone - whether professional or lay person in a style that is easy to read and yet challenging enough to keep one's interest. His review of the theories on the influence of "lifetraps" in people's behavior are brought to life with humor, humanity and fascinating case studies. For anyone that is in the midst of a personal quest for happiness, (and who isn't?)this book is a gem! As we search for love and happiness, Dr. Novello's book reminds us of looking inside ourselves to find the peace and love we seek. I highly recommend this book!



2. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but, I don't know, there was just something about it. I don't think I learned anything from this book. It seemed more like one of those "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books than anything else.

5 comments about Soul Prints: Your Path to Fulfillment.

1. Rabbi Gafni is a brilliant if problematic teacher of traditional Jewish texts. In this work he wants to help his readers escape their loneliness and difficulties in life through finding their own ' soul-print' their own spiritual I.D. In self- help book fashion he preaches that the way to one's true self is the way to a meaningful life. Unfortunately Rabbi Gafni does this while ignoring the more traditional Jewish view that the deepest way to find oneself is through giving to others in one's own family and community, to worshipping not oneself but God. Yet Rabbi Gafni reads Midrashim with startling insight , and it seems to me that there is great benefit in reading this book if only in that it shows the readers(who probably have small knowledge of traditional Jewish texts including Midrashim) how deep and powerful the Jewish tradition is.



2. This book arrived and it was in perfect condition. I surely could not tell it was used. It looked brand new. I would order again and again like this. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and the timeliness of it's arrival!



3. Although no of the Jewish faith, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering myself through these stories of biblical and folk myths. The "Soul Print Practice" exercises were also illuminating. Much more than a "self help" book and students of Kabbalah will probably be particularly drawn to it.



4. Nothing will prepare you for the level of search, the journey and the discoveries you will make, guided by Mark Gafni. It is mystical without being partial. Be prepared t source the real you.
   Four stars: The fifth star of this book is you.



5. Marc Gafni is a danger to women and children. He is wanted in Israel for sex crimes.
   
   Back in May, 2006 new allegations were made against confessed child molester Rabbi Mordechai Gafni . This time the allegations were made by three twenty-year-old women who filed a complaint with the police in Haifa (Israel). The new claims were of professional sexual misconduct / clergy sexual abuse. The alleged offenses occurred during Torah lessons given by Gafni.
   
   Immediately after the charges were filed Rabbi Mordechai Gafni confessed and then fled Israel for the United States. He first landed in Boston, MA, where it is believed he stayed with one of his many female friends. There were rumors that soon after arriving in Boston he continued on to Boulder, CO and stayed with a colleague and then moved on to Salt Lake City, Utah.
   
   There are rumors floating around that that Marc Gafni is involved with the Buddhist community of Salt Lake City. It is believed that he is in hiding and will attempt to reinvent himself again as he did back in the 1980's after the first allegations were made against him of child molestation. Marc Gafni is should be considered dangerous to women and children as he confessed to criminal sexual offenses in the past.

3 comments about Do It Anyway: Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments.

1. Dr. Kent Keith, author of "Do It Anyway," is also author of the bestselling book "Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments." In this inspirational and encouraging book, the author expands on the essence of the Paradoxical Commandments and includes forty stories of people who are applying the principles in every day living.
   
   The author emphasizes that personal meaning and deep happiness can be realized even as we face a chaotic world or difficult circumstances. He offers questions that you can ask yourself or use in discussion groups to reflect the deeper value of life's problematic situations. Kent Keith inspires the possibility of becoming spiritually liberated and more able to help the world become a better place by applying these priciples.
   
   The Paradoxical Commandments are simple, fundamental truths and can be understood and applied by anyone making them universally helpful.
   
   Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment



2. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway. From the book (the first paradoxical commandment).
   
   Sometimes it seems like there is just so much wrong in the world that nothing we can do will make a difference. In Kent M. Keith's book "Do It Anyway" he shows us that one small person can make a difference; one small person can be the change through living the paradoxical commandments.
   
   Mr. Keith wrote the paradoxical commandments back in the 1960's while attending college. Over the years they gained world-wide popularity; they have circulated over the internet, and you've probably been the receiver of them many times.
   
   "Give the world your best and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world your best anyway." From the book (the tenth paradoxical commandment).
   
   This is a sweet little book, and can easily be read in a day or two. I really enjoyed Mr. Keith's writing style, which was very inspirational. The book is also filled with touching personal stories and questions that help the reader to think about how living the paradoxical commandments can bring more meaning and happiness into their lives and the world around them.
   
   Sometimes we forget to give our best. It happens to all of us. But when we get to the point where we are taking the easy way out rather than doing what's right, we are off our path, and most likely just getting by rather than living a life filled with meaning. By following the paradoxical commandments, we gain a sense of personal self-worth, and find our lives filled with meaning and happiness.



3. Deep inside, we all want to do the right thing. We want to be generous, kind, loving, and full of integrity. But it's so hard. If you decide to be kind and loving, you undoubtedly will come across someone who is difficult and confrontational. If you decide to do the right thing in your work, others will likely create obstacles for you. Then, when you've accomplished your goal anyway, someone else will get the credit.
   
   Do It Anyway doesn't debate that the world is a pretty crazy place or that good efforts often go unrewarded. Instead, it presents ten paradoxical commandments. These realistic facts of life represent the things that most commonly derail us when we try to do the right thing. Then, instead of trying to get around these things or reducing their powerful influence, the author tells us to do it anyway.
   
   Such a simple concept but it really has power. Recently, I have been debating with myself about an aspect of my career. My concerns what if I fail and what if no one remembers my efforts. The answer, do it anyway. It's not about applause or anyone knowing the good I do. It's about doing what's right. I'll know and I will feel good about my efforts.

5 comments about Change Your Mind, Change Your Body: Feeling Good About Your Body and Self After 40.

1. I bought this book for my mother for Christmas. She's 45 years old, and has always seemed pretty happy with herself until the past few years. She gained a little weight, and tried different diets, but nothing really worked so she gave up. I thought this would be the perfect book to re-motivate her, and I was right. She loved it. She said it not only helped her overcome overeating, but the chapter on fitness motivated her to start exercising. Now she is training with her friend for a five mile mini marathon in our hometown this spring.
   I read the chapter on compulsive overeating and found some new ideas to stop my bad habit of overeating. I am using her ideas on handling emotions like anger and sadness which often trigger overeating. I am one of those people who has too much responsibility as a graduate student and no healthy way to re-fuel. Often times, I use food. Like the author suggests, I am working on increasing my resources and decreasing my demands so I don't overeat out of sheer exhaustion. I loved the chapter on self care and am looking at relationships I am in that leave me "hungry". Since Christmas, I got myself a copy of the book and my roommate is currently reading it as well. This is the best book I've ever read about improving my body image and eating healthy. The only mistake this author made was to assume these ideas would only be helpful for women over forty. With the exception of the first chapter, the rest of the book is full of novel, inspiring ideas to help women like me take control of my eating and allow myself to feel sexy and attractive!



2. Finally a self help book that is actually helpful!No gimmicks,No magic bullets-instead great ideas which have helped me to come up with a realistic weight goal for myself,cut out grazing on food all day long,,and becoming motivated to exercise again..Being a mother of two daughters,I got a lot out of the chapter about helping your daughters develop a positive body image-not only about body image but handling my relationship with them in general.The inspirational stories and exercises left me feeling rejuvenated and excited about these midlife years.



3. "My girlfriend bought me this book for my 49th birthday.I needed a kick in the pants to get moving and this book gave me one that and more. I have two kids and both are in college and doing well. Its me who has been struggling with my life in general my weight,body image and relationships with others. My Mom became depressed when I went to college and I never wanted that to happen to me. Through the stories and ideas in this book, I realized I have to stop feeling sorry for myself, stop procrastinating and take control of my eating and exercise..The authors insightful examination of why people overeat and great ideas on how to stop overeating have helped me tremendously. The chapter on exercise was really helpful and I am begining to feel stronger, not just in my body but in myself [I have also lost 6 pounds over the last three months]. The story that the author shared about the hike in Australia where the Aborigne guide asked her "What are you hunting for and who are you gathering around you at this point in your life" blew me away. This is a great book that has helped me look at midlif in a new way.
   
   If any women is having probelms dealing with aging, weight and self esteen this is the book to read, it is very easy and interesting reading...you go girls!!



4. "Change Your Mind, Change Your Body" is a must-read for anyone concerned about their health, fitness, and body image. I found Dr.Kearney's vast experience, knowledge, and unique perspective really helpful. This is not just another diet book, but a life plan to help you take care of your body and self. I like how she included spiritual teachings from different religions throughout the book to help paint pictures of how we think of ourselves and look at ourselves, and how we can help ourselves. Clearly this author understands women and offers great suggestions on how to quit overeating and develop a strong, positive self image.



5. "Written by skilled clinical psychologist Ann Kearney-Cooke with Florence Isaacs, this amazing book gives you the advice, inspiration and real-life tools to be your best at midlife and beyond. It has helped women of every age adjust to physical changes, retool their ideas about sex and desirability, rework aging fears into growth tools, and develop a realistic and positive image of themselves.
   And it goes beyond the physical to help women embrace and cultivate their strengths, set achievable goals and help their daughters shape a positive self-image." (review from Perspectives of Beauty/Procter & Gamble website)

5 comments about Toward Commitment: A Dialogue About Marriage.

1. Oh my gosh. If ever there was a more dreary, self-absorbed book than this desicated offering, please give me fair warning. I'd rather spend an evening with my head in a gas oven than crawl through another book like this.



2. This review refers to the unbridged audio CD version of this book. I listened to the first two discs but couldn't continue further. Diane's voice makes me very uncomfortable. This book is about THEIR marriage. It is not for everybody else. All the time they are talking about their life together, which is just a small portion of the typical lives of marriage. And they talked sooooo many details, which bored me. It's like you lived their frustrating life again. Unless you and your partner are exactly like them - highly uncompatible at the beginning, this book cannot provide much useful advice. Actually, I was wondering what motivates them to write such a book and if anybody else except them will ever enjoy reading it.



3. My husband and I view this very honest book as a generous tool for individuals and couples to digest, consider and learn. We would read a chapter or two at a time and share comments or enlightenments on the various topics which would lead us to more deeply discuss our own views on solitude, profession, criticism, retirement, money, sleep, etc. Not only was it thought provoking but it brought us to better appreciate how everything we do in our relationships sends some sort of message, and that if your relationship is a priority in your life you had better be both present and paying attention. Through the Rehms' enormous capacity for articulation, honesty and candidness we feel they have offered a "mining" tool to couples inclined (read; willing and able) to learn, evaluate and, perhaps, adjust (improve) where/who they are. Thank you Diane and John.



4. You don't often find a relationship-building book that makes you laugh out loud and this one did. I loved the format of "his thoughts", "her thoughts", then their dialogue on the topic. It proves that even if couples are miles apart in how they think about something like money or religion, there is a positive way to talk about it and reach agreement on a path forward. The totally honest, but always respectful way they talk to each other is a good lesson in effective communication. I feel this book is one of the few "relationship" books that has really helped me grow.



5. This is a very personal exploration of one couple's thoughts about the ups and downs of their marriage. They discuss, in detail, such basic topics as personality differences, anger, finances, work, children, values, etc. The only problem was that this was more of a memoir and I did not relate to much of what they wrote, since it was so particular to this couple and their own backgrounds and personalities. I was hoping for a book which would make me think about what it takes to maintain commitment and what issues one should think about before and during marriage - or even living together.
   
   My hopes were fulfilled by one section at the end of the book, a questionnaire list of questions at the back of the book which could be helpful to nearly any couple contemplating commitment.
   
   Finally, I took issue with a section which covered the "third person". Clearly, the couple were talking about being attracted to other people but I'm not sure how far this attraction went. Was there an affair? For how long? I understand the need for privacy but if one is to write a book which is truly honest and open about one's own marriage, then it is a bit disingenuous to be vague about this. Discussing how they got through it would have helped many readers, I'm sure.

5 comments about The God Memorandum Gift Edition.

1. I personally found this material to be wonderfully done with passon. As for other statements on the narrator, I feel that is poor and *Unprofessional* -- that statement is actually from a local in Mr. Nash's town that wanted to make him look bad. Billy Nash is one of the few people in this world who care about the success and futures of other people. I would highly recommend any of his recordings!



2. Are we spiritual beings having human experiences? Read the book. I would also recommend the book An Encounter With A Prophet which takes a little different track but is definitely inspirational



3. This is a must have for anyone on a spiritual journey! It will help you have faith in a Higher Power as you understand Him! The entire manuscript is wonderful but the God Memorandum contained within helped me when I was ready to walk away from this miraculous way of life over 10 years ago, one day at a time!



4. This book is a rare diamond. It will touch your heart, bring you to tears, and make your spirit soar.



5. In trus form of Og, this is a focused and easy read book filled with wonderful insights.

4 comments about Better Than Chocolate: 50 Proven Ways To Feel Happier.

1. I found "Better than Chocolate" an exceptionally inspiring book. It's so easy to read and 'digest'. The illustrations are really beautiful too.
   
   The author, Siimon Reynolds, has obviously done a lot of research (and lists a pretty extensive recommended reading) to succinctly write the 50 or so tips.
   
   By following even just a couple of the tips, to start with anyway, I genuinely found myself feeling happier. I particularly liked the "4 Magic Personality Traits" and "Focus on Happiness" tips best. If only I had had this book earlier! "Better than Chocolate" is filled with great ideas to help you feel happier.
   
   This is a book you read and re-read.
   
   I highly recommend it and it makes a fabulous gift too.



2. In these hectic days, this book is a nice and thoughtful respite. And the illustrations! One word...Wow!!!



3. Just 1 of the "Ways to Feel Happier" is worth the price of book!
   I ask these questions: of myself to get balanced; of others to be a good listener and inspire interesting conversation; and of negative people to help them find a broader perspective.
   Four "ways to feel happier" questions, paraphrased:
   1) What are you happy about in your life?
   2) What's going well?
   3) What are you excited about?
   4) What are you looking forward to?
   
   Get the book to see the other 49 great suggestions!



4. Great gift book; cool concepts; the illustrations pull it all together seamlessly. Would like to see more about the illustrator.

4 comments about Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmastime: Having the Holiday Season You Long for.

1. Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime is an easy-to-read choice for finding balance and joy during the busy holidays. I found quick tips that can be applied on their own, or in combination with other suggestions in the book. The short stories were inspirational and the strategies are practical -- and make sense for busy people. I'm looking forward to seeing how I transform this upcoming holiday season, thanks to this great book!



2. I have read this book twice and keep it by my bedside to read a little each evening. Following her suggestions will help me create a holiday season which will be less hectic and more enjoyable for each member of my family! Judy Christie is a humorous, spiritual,"thought-provoking" writer. This is a fun book...give it as a pre-holiday gift to help each of your friends and family enjoy their holidays immensely!



3. What a wonderful book! Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime will help anyone get their Holiday season off to a great start. Learn how to make time for all the family and friends. A must read!



4. If you get a feeling of anxiety rather than joy during the Christmas season due to too many obligations, too many presents to buy, too many family trips to juggle, and too little time in which to do all this and more, then this is the book for you. Judy gives you concise and practical advice to get your holidays under control.