5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. To put first things first, Stephen Covey's treatise on principle-centered self-improvement is still engaging and worthwhile almost 20 years after it was originally published.
   
   In this age of lifehacking and making technology work for you, Covey's insights are actually more relevant than ever, because people are increasingly believing that gadgets and gizmos will solve all of the world's communication and productivity issues. In fact, more often than not these communication and productivity tools hinder the very things they are supposed to help, and this happens because people lack the basic principles and skills to work effectively with people.
   
   Adding technology to un-principled and ineffective lifestyle is like never running more than a mile, then buying brand new trainers and thinking you can win a marathon.
   
   The Seven Habits avoid talking about technology and focus on human contact. The habits help us use our ideas and abilities to become interdependent and be able to work effectively with ourselves and other people to achieve overwhelming success. And while he does use a lot of jargon that may seem bureaucratic, Covey conveys his ideas through very simple anecdotes that help explain exactly what he means and how to accomplish it.
   
   His writing style is so accessible and he makes his ideas seem so easy to implement, it's no wonder this book has been the go-to source for managers and company leaders for so long. I plan to buy this one and re-read it once a year or so to help keep me on track to becoming more effective.



2. Having read the book, I was left with a sense that the abridged audio book lacked more detail. However, the concepts are still magnificent.



3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic. If you have never read this book, do so now. For your convenience it's available in print and audio. Just pop a cassette into the car's player and you can be rewarded with some of the best advice ever presented. Turn your commute into a classroom.
   
   This book was first published in 1990, but remains a favorite with business leaders. The author tapped into a basic principle; namely that success is a result of both personal and professional effectiveness. These pages systematically show how to achieve this level of productiveness in both areas through what he calls a "paradigm shift". That merely refers to changing your perception of how the world works. The author challenges the reader to make this shift by highlighting key areas, like time management and positive thinking. Once this change has taken place, the person is then ready to climb the corporate ladder with confidence.
   
   Building on the premise that change comes from within, this book has the potential to solidly impact the reader's life and workplace. But, it's not a quick fix. These concepts will take time to understand and master. It's recommended that this book be read slowly, allowing the principles to be fully understood before moving to the next one. In fact, to fully apply these concepts may take years. Yet, that's not a negative aspect of the author's work. Stephen Covey realizes that success is not an overnight happening; it comes in stages and by degrees. Yes, it can be painstakingly slow, but when it comes, it's here to stay.
   
   The title mentions "habits" and that's important. A habit is something that develops over time. Successful businesspeople comprehend the necessity of thinking the right thoughts to bring about the right kinds of decisions. Covey demonstrates this through anecdotes as well as concise writing. The entire idea of being stuck in a negative mode of perception will be a startling revelation to readers, but more importantly is the author's advice on moving beyond that obstacle. There is a good amount of psychology presented in these pages, all of which is incredibly useful in bringing about effective changes.
   
   These seven habits are fully explained, and yes, you may need to slow down to capture their full meaning. The first three habits deal with personal responsibility, leadership and self-management. Granted, these are huge areas to deal with, but once again, if the author's words are taken in small segments, they can bring about amazing results. To the author's credit, he's able to take these larger issues and present them within the framework of everyday occurrences. This sets the ideas more firmly in the reader's mind by associating them with real life scenarios.
   
   This holistic approach makes a lot of sense, but you will need time to fully master it. As the author explains, success and effective leadership is not something that will come to you without an investment of time. The formula for enduring success is right here in these pages; study it, apply it and watch the incredible results.
   
   
   Raymond Le Blanc. psychologist & economist
   Author: Achieving Objectives Made Easy! Practical goal setting tools & proven time management techniques



4. There's a good reason why this book remains a bestseller - it makes sense and has something for everyone, including the most seasoned professionals. A most critical point is Covey's notion of the relationship between being a great leader and inspiring others to find their voices. He says that to inspire trust, it is important to clarify your purpose or what you are trying to accomplish. If one thinks about what Covey is saying - readers will also realize (hopefully) the value of visibility both inside and outside the corporate environment. If we want people to value our skills, listen to what we have to say, and pay us what we deserve, we must first show that we value ourselves - by making sure our accomplishments are visible to carefully targeted audiences. If we want to be effective leaders - and if we want people to hire us, buy from us, or invest in our companies, they have to know who we are, what we have accomplished and why they should do business with us! (Marion E. Gold is author of Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command)



5. I had to read this book in college for a class and do a report and I honestly loved this book. Yes yes, it can be classified as a "Self-Help" but... it really opens your eyes. I feel one would get more from it if they read it while still in school or even in stressful situations. If you're 100% happy with your life and don't see anything wrong with it then no need to buy this book, but for everyone else, pick it up, it's pretty cheap if you get it used. Worth every bit.

5 comments about 21 Distinctions of Wealth: Attract the Abundance You Deserve.

1. New York Times Bestseller Peggy McColl's new book and program, 21 Distinctions of Wealth: Attract the Abundance You Deserve, is an essential resource for anyone who wants to wake up to experience the joyful abundance our world has to offer.
   
   Reminding us that "positive emotions are the fuel for your dreams," and encouraging readers to "envision what you most desire," McColl guides us through twenty-one crisp chapters that address every conceivable concern a reader might have about achieving and understanding wealth. There's sound advice and savvy insight on every page, and each chapter concludes with a series of affirmations that are appropriate to the Distinction under discussion. The book also comes with a calendar/checklist, which makes working with each distinction on a daily basis convenient and fun.
   
   Through it all, McColl's characteristic generosity and warmth sparkle and shine. Her temporal/spiritual awareness is awesome! She is a marvelous listener who has the ability to empower those who study with her and read her.
   
   If you're ready to become more grounded while awakening your full potential as you listen to your dreams, this compassionate book is a good place to begin the journey or correct the journey you're on in mid-course. Like McColl's earlier books, 21 Distinctions of Wealth: Attract the Abundance You Deserve feels like a good friend, a heart friend!
   
   --Robert McDowell, The Poetry Mentor, is the author of POETRY AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE (July 2008, Free Press) www.robertmcdowell.net



2. Peggy McColl brings the world a timely gift with her latest book, 21 Distinctions of Wealth. In a period of high economic uncertainty, Peggy's gift couldn't be more welcome. Her teaching reminds us that we have the opportunity to control our thoughts and emotions about abundance and prosperity. When we think, feel and act abundant, we become abundant. She shares with us the steps we need to take in order to become magnets for money. She shows us the secrets to creating prosperity in our lives, the very secrets she has shared with me as my abundance coach. Implementing her approach will propel you to the results you wish in your life. Buy and read her book, make her 21 Distinctions part of your own ritual and watch the positive changes accrue! I recommend her book highly!
   Chuck Bolton, author of Leadership Wipeout: The Story of an Executive's Crash and Rescue



3. A master self-promoter publishes a trite book on abundance. But it's nothing you've not heard from all the other 75 or so authorities on wealth and abundance. and please do judge the book by its cover (ick). I don't know what I was thinking.



4. Peggy McColl emphasize the importance of affirmations, and through repetition, the belief system change. In summary, like everyone else, you have the right to enjoy prosperity. Peggy's 21 Distinctions explains how and why .



5. 21 Distinctions of Wealth: Attract the Abundance You Deserve by Peggy McColl is an upbeat book sure to inspire. McColl brings her expertise in motivating people to this book--you won't be able to finish the book before you find yourself trying out some of the 21 steps to abundance!
   
   In order to manifest abundance (or anything else we may desire,) McColl believes we need to shift our energy vibration. I totally agree...I've been practicing this and it has definitely worked for me.
   
   We get so caught up in daily living that many of us don't realize that our thoughts, behaviors and emotions can be working against attaining the abundance--or whatever else--we so desire. Peggy McCall explains how to change these destructive tendencies in our thoughts and behaviors to literally change the energy within our bodies and change our lives.
   
   In The Hidden Messages in Water, it was found that thoughts alone influenced the shape of water crystals. Negative or hateful thoughts caused water crystals to form ugly, misshapen crystals; loving and positive thoughts formed beautiful water crystals. Our thoughts affect our energy and our lives.
   
   However, inasmuch as working with the energy within is important, working with the energy that surrounds you--particularly in your home--is vital as well. It's like adding extra power, as your home absolutely influences how you feel. (Think about manifesting anything positive in a dirty, clutter-filled home.) Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planetwill help you change the energy in your home and fill it with life-affirming energy to help you meet your goals.
   
   Let McColl's motivational words invigorate you to change your life now and experience the abundance she speaks of!

5 comments about Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.

1. I've been looking for a good personal workflow management system and this one delivers. It was easy to understand and I had it up and running in about a day. After about 4 weeks, i find myself more adaptable and able to accommodate more projects without working harder. I'm going to stick with it to see where it leads...



2. This book is theraputic and probably saved me thousands on a shrink! I also got Mr Instability a while back for my career problems and it was also excellent! Self Help books are really becoming effective these days!



3. This book has totally revolutionized the way I handle my incoming work and file what I've done. David's tips for organization, filing, and even productivity were just what I needed.
   
   I haven't finished doing all the work I need to do to take full advantage of his knowledge, but I'm getting there. Restructuring my desk space was hard work but oh so worth it.
   
   Thanks to this book, I can now FIND that email I know I saved... somewhere.



4. This book is quick and easy to read. It offers a unique approach to time management and productivity. Very helpful! Anyone who needs to multi-task will find it useful!



5. and this book will organize your life. make the time as a priority, and it's a life-changer - for the good. consistency is the key, though. if not on top of weekly reviews, you just fall back to the natural state of disorder.
   if you're committed, you'll fly.

5 comments about The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.

1. Just finished this book and I think it was excellent. It's written very differently then any other motivational book I've ever read and I highly recommend it. I especially like the chapters about simplifying your work week. I was able to apply his ideas to my own life with great results.



2. This book is awesome! pick it up. So much valuable information in it.
   
   
   Be a RockStar in your life,
   & Make the world your stage!
   
   Dr Dan
   
   
   MakeTheWorldYourStagedotcome



3. A must read for any aspiring entrepreneur or American frenzy live mainly to work survivor. This is not outside the box but entire lifestyle paradigm alteration. Ferriss brilliantly revives and modernizes the inherent blessings and rewards of a strong work ethic humanely applied.



4. After hearing all the hoopla about this book, I got the audio version for a two day car drive. I was extremely excited and listened to the entire book non-stop. When I finished, I thought I must have missed something by not reading it, so I purchased the book. After several chapters reading, I realized, nope, it wasn't just the audio. This book was really lacking. I only read 3/4, but it was just empty for me. I'm not saying I didn't get anything from it. I loved what he did with his emails and implemented that immediately upon my return. But otherwise, it was a whole lot of nothing. Maybe I'm more like the fisherman in the story he tells. I'm already living a great life, but it just seemed to be so extremely basic that I can't recommend it. Read almost any Joe Vitale instead. A lot more meat on the bones than this.



5. I got a lot out of this book. As a small business owner sometimes its good to be reminded that we can forget to look up and utilise the worlds resources far better than our own two hands. I've already implemented some of the outsourcing strategies and are benefiting straight away.

5 comments about The Secret.

1. I've read other books about creating your life through your thoughts, but this one grabs you from the first page and lays it out like no other. It explains the law of attraction so you feel and know it personally. You are in complete control of your life.



2. This book is inspiring to say the least. It provides powerful insights into improving your life.



3. The Secret is a Fabulous book. It is an awakening to human beings to how energy good and bad works in your life. Apply the principals and it will change your life. You must be consistent and love it. For me, it has impacted my life in so many ways it is unbelievable! I have even attracted a very lucrative business where I can stay at home and it is based upon the principals in this book, The Secret! This is how powerful the Law Of Attraction Is! This book has opened up a whole new world for me in so many areas of my life. I rec to everyone!



4. This is the Best Video on the market. It is a must for everyone. If you follow the basic principles it will work for you.



5. Great message, great enthusiastic delivery, but . . . I can't help thinking that despite principles such as the Law Of Attraction, there isn't much about human experience thus far explored by our greatest thinkers to supply us with much optimism. Mankind - oops, shouldn't that be PERSONkind in this PC age? - is and remains a selfish, savage breed. I generalize, of course: not everybody resembles this state. But if there is a higher being - or universal principle that allows light and abundance and limitless love into our lives - then why is Mankind's nature so ruthlessly base? Nature, too, is relentlessly cruel. Surely a benevolent being wouldn't have created man and beast so? I look to the guidance and principles of The Secret and, at most, cheer on its lantern-leading light through the darkness and doubt that afflicts us all; but I remain a reluctant cynic. I'm not implying that only gullible gombeens (an Irish expression for fool) will glean guidance from this book but I am sharply aware that the world's natural state isn't necessarily guided by loving principles. I feel compelled to add here that The Secret's author would smile at my comment of 'the world's a cruel place' and shake her head in pity at my 'belief' (which would need to be revised, according to the principles of the book) but I remain unshaken in my belief that while our reality may be guided by intelligent forces, it's yet to be exclusively revealed whether those forces can actually impact on our lives, for good, or for bad. I do, however, grasp at tendrils of optimism, and for that, I'm glad this book attempts to give those tendrils substance.

5 comments about Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want.

1. James Ray just skims the surface of his own evolution. Yeah- good for him. How does this help me? I was expecting solid steps to take to "propel you to where you want to go" He promises he will teach you how to "Heighten your creativity, intelligence, intuition, and mental functioning" "Achieve financial freedom" "Maximize your health and energy, and amplify you physical strength" Wow, he IS a fantastic salesman. I have not looked up the interactive website (which is a cool concept) Maybe he gives more depth there (or tries to sell us more stuff) I do think he is very interesting and honest and for that reason I enjoyed the book. We do need a male "Oprah". You go James!



2. Harmonic Wealth is absolutely the very best of James Ray. Once I started this book I just couldn't put it down. I have attended the Harmonic Wealth Weekend and feel that this book should be mandatory for anyone wishing to continue their journey towards the life of their dreams. This is by far my favorite of all of the James Ray materials that I have used (other than attending the weekend). My gratitude cup is overflowing and I just can not express how truly grateful I am that James has taken the time to present this material in this manner. At times it feels as though you are having a direct conversation with him as he leads you through the exercises.
   I promise you won't be disappointed All my love and gratitude to you James!



3. James Arthur Ray knows his stuff. As someone familiar with his other books, I know that James can walk his talk, and is capable of being a compelling and motivating speaker. Just look up some of his videos on YouTube and you'll see that he has amazing recall and mastery of the work.
   Having said this, you would expect Harmonic Wealth, his largest and most ambitious work so far, to be a veritable gold mine of information.
   And you would be right, but also wrong.
   Imagine if I approached you and told you that I had all the knowledge you needed to live an amazing life. It was all written down in detail, and all you had to do was read it, follow the steps and you, too, could change your life.
   You'd be excited right?
   You'd want that book!
   Now next imagine that I take all the pages of the book and put them into a shredder. Each page cut up into thousands of pieces, like confetti after a New Years Eve party.
   You'd be sad and disappointed and maybe a bit pissed, right?
   
   That's how I feel after reading Harmonic Wealth.
   It's full of great information, but it's so poorly designed, so poorly thought out, so poorly edited, that I came away sad and disheartened.
   I was hoping that James would, after going into detail about each pillar, lay out some easy to find, easy to collect, concrete steps that I could take toward improving that pillar.
   It just frustrates me that while I read, I keep wondering "What are you recommending?" "What worked for you?" "How can I duplicate your experience in my world?"
   Like I said, a recap at the end of each chapter, and then again, at the end of each pillar of the main points to remember and concrete actions to take would make this book even more amazing.
   I recommend that you do buy the book, but read it with a notepad or a stack of index cards handy to write out the action steps that James recommends for a better life.
   Follow those cards, follow those notes, integrate them as habits into your life and you will change it for the better.
   This is a C book from an A+ teacher.
   
   William Mize
   PWA Shamus Award Nominee
   Creator of the Denton Ward and Monty Crocetti mystery series



4. This book is too wordy without saying anything new. I was left feeling that the author wrote the book to proclaim how wonderful he is. It needs a lot of editing.



5. It's just like being at an event only different. You're missing the feeling of being in a energetic space and the activitites. I suggest after reading this you go and sign up for the weekend seminar while he's still teaching it.
   
   James is a master story teller! I love the personal stories about himself and his students. This is a great book for yourself and a gift for anyone wanting more. It covers all areas of your life and keeps no rock unturned.
   
   I expect his next book to be even more masterful. See you in Sedona!

5 comments about Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within. (ROUGHCUT).

1. I saw Maria on the Oprah show and immediately added her book to my list to look it over on my next visit to the bookstore. Well, I did just that and found myself sitting down to read it right in the store. I enjoyed it very much...wanted my adult children and recently widowed sister to read it, too, so I bought it. This small little book is based on the speech Maria gave at her nephew's college graduation, but I think the message is very important to anyone from junior high school and up. If you love a teenager or have an active grandmother with a birthday coming up...or anyone in between, BUY THE BOOK! Yes, it's a quick read, but the message is an important one.



2. Honestly, I did not expect Ms. Shriver's book to be more than a light read. I did not consider changing my mind until I passed page ten. My first impressions were about the genuine openness of Ms. Shriver's commentary about herself and the wonderful humor that pops-up unexpectedly. As I read further, I found her comments and descriptions related to her topic to be quite insightful. I believe most people ask similar questions about who they really are; what they want to do with their lives; why they are here on earth; and so many more deeply personal queries. Ms. Shriver's question as to who she really was, and not what she does in this world, will probably resonate with many. I found the speech Ms. Shriver gave to her nephew's high school graduation class to be excellent. I rather suspect no one in that audience was bored or unmoved by her speech--unusual for graduation speakers! I do recommend this little book of ninety-five pages to everyone (men included). However, the primary readership may be limited to women and grandparents. I hope not. This is an excellent book to be shared with daughters, sons, grandchildren, and others outside the family circle. The book's brevity may work to its advantage when given as a gift to young adults with the attention span of a thirty-second commercial. Personally I would not wait until high school graduation to give a copy of this book to a young adult--I think the book should be given at the start of high school, or sooner if you have a smart young adult in your family. Life is hard enough, and this thoughtful little book can provide anyone a logical starting point from which to ponder those profound personal questions we all have. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Thank you, Ms. Shriver, for helping to make those personal journeys just a little easier to navigate.



3. I was feeling very lost in my life and this book helped me realize that I was still identifying with my Corporate job that I had left 5 years earlier. This book has shown me the way to look internally and identify who I am. The message in this book has given me the courage to stop living up to society's definitions and standards, to stop identifying with things or a job. This book brought me to tears as I realized why I was stuck in fear in my life and lost. Maria bares her soul and it is helping men and women around the world stop living in fear and find the courage to follow their dreams. Thank you Maria for having the courage to share your struggles along your journey! I am no longer living a life of quiet desperation!



4. It is true everyone wants fame because of American Idol and youtube. But I was very disappointed in this book. Can't believe she tried to be Dr. Seuss with that poem in the middle.



5. to be herself. I can recommend another wonderful book by a remarkable woman whose courage to find herself AND to be herself is inspirational:
   That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. The title comes from a song by Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako's book is also wonderfully well-written and a pleasure to read. The writing simply flows.

5 comments about The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.

1. I've read hundreds and hundreds of books and Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" is probably the best I have read yet. It speaks to the person in you, the parent in you, and the friend in you. It is simple yet deep in it's message. This is the best investment you'll make this year. You may end up buying several to share with friends it's so great. It will change the way you view things forever...



2. One of the most important books you could ever read. Get The Power of Now-Now!!!!! I liked the audio book too as his voice also carries the energy of presence.



3. I recommend this book to everyone. The Power of Now is a fascinating textbook for becoming a happy human being. It is direct and easy to understand. You see yourself on every page. And, of course, it is even easier to see everyone else you know on these same pages! Listen, learn and try it - you'll be glad you did.



4. A friend was really excited about this book and asked for my opinion. Here is my response.
   I wish Eckhart would just leave Jesus out of his book because he is only using Jesus, incorrectly, to support his own ideas. This may also be true for his quotes from Buddha. However I am no authority there to give an opinion.
   Piously Eckhart states, "When I quote from the ancient religions or other teachings, it is to reveal their deeper meaning and thereby restore their transformative power - particularly for those readers who are followers of these religions or teachings. I say to them: there is no need to go elsewhere for the truth. Let me show you how to go more deeply into what you already have." (Now, p. 9-10)
   Since when does Eckhart Tolle have sole insight into truth!
   
   Eckhart's god is Now (He wants us to always focus on Now and our self.) Then he goes on to say that we are god. This is ego to the max! And I thought he was trying to go beyond the ego and to stop allowing himself to be controlled by it.
   
   Whatever we choose to focus our energies and thoughts on IS our god.
   
   Eckhart is encouraging us to think of ourselves as "I am" (Now, p. 127-128). If you know the Old Testament, God revealed Himself to the Israelites as the great "I AM." This was to tell them that He was self-existing and could not be compared to anything else. During Christ's crucifixion trial he said "I am" in response to one of the Pharisees questions. For this he was condemned because the Pharisees well knew that in saying "I am" Christ was equating Himself with God. Eckhart is dangerously suggesting that we are "I am." This was Satan's error too: to want to be equal with God.
   Here are quotes from Tolle's writings in which he claims that we are god:
   "...what was left was my true nature as the ever-present I am" (Now, p. 5)
   "Yet you are still there - the divine presence that you are" (Now, p. 196)
   "The word God is limiting ... because it implies an entity other than you. God is Being itself, not a being. There can be no subject-object relationship here, no duality, no you and God" (Now, p. 224)
   "The way of the cross... forces you to become as nothing, to become as God - because God, too, is no-thing" (Now, p. 225)
   
   Eckhart's books are all about "me," and how "I" am to free myself. For someone who is trying to escape from "egoic delusion"(Now p. 200), he is very hung up on himself!
   It might be very enlightening to count the number of times he uses the word "you" and "I" in his book! His books are all about you. As he says in The New Earth, "This book is about you." (New Earth, p. 6) He also states that "It can only awaken those who are ready." This is a very egotistical statement to make. He's saying, "I'm awakened. And if you don't get what I'm talking about, then you aren't part of this inner circle of special people."
   Here is the quote from The New Earth: "This book is about you. It will change your state of consciousness or it will be meaningless. It can only awaken those who are ready. Not everyone is ready yet, but many are, and with each person who awakens, the momentum in the collective consciousness grows, and it becomes easier for others. If you don't know what awakening means, read on. Only by awakening can you know the true meaning of the word" (New Earth, p. 6)
   
   Tolle refers to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus without ever quoting the exact words or giving a reference. All the times he does this, he is misinterpreting the Bible. It is as though he has something to say and then looks through the Bible to support his own thoughts. He does not understand the Bible at all. He twists its meaning to serve his own purposes. Why does he even bother to mention Jesus? Is he trying to give his readers the impression that Christianity and Buddha and New Age are all one big family? Eckhart writes, "When I occasionally quote the words of Jesus or the Buddha, ... I do so ... to draw your attention to the fact that in essence there is and always has been only one spiritual teaching, although it comes in many forms" (Now, p. 9).
   It has been said that those people who say all religions are the same and all paths lead to God have never actually followed any path themselves.
   Steve Turner in "Creed" writes
   "We believe that all religions are basically the same -
   At least the one that we read was.
   They all believe in love and goodness.
   They only differ on matters of creation,
   Sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation."
   
   Here are some specific examples of misinterpreted Scripture:
   Eckhart writes, "You take a journey into the Unmanifested every night when you enter the phase of deep dreamless sleep. You merge with the Source. You draw from it the vital energy that sustains you for a while when you return to the manifested, the world of separate forms. This energy is much more vital than food: `Man does not live by bread alone.'" (Now, p. 132).
   Here Eckhart is quoting from Matthew 4:4: "Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
   Eckhart misses the last part of the quote which tells exactly what is meant by the first part! Eckhart is saying that the "vital energy" is what sustains us, not God's Word.
   
   Eckhart writes, "You `get' there by realizing that you are there already. You find God the moment you realize that you don't need to seek God. So there is no only way to salvation: Any condition can be used, but no particular condition is needed. However, there is only one point of access: Now. There can be no salvation away from this moment," (Now, p. 147).
   In the Bible, John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me."
   There is only one way to salvation, through Jesus Christ.
   And the Bible says that you do need to seek God. In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
   
   Eckhart writes, "The Unmanifested does not liberate you until you enter it consciously. That's why Jesus did not say: the truth will make you free, but rather: `You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' This is not a conceptual truth. It is the truth of eternal life beyond form, which is known directly or not at all," (Now, p. 133).
   This is a quote from John 8:31-32 which actually reads: "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, `If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" And a little further in the same passage, John 8:36 says, "So if the son sets you free, you are free indeed."
   The "son" here refers to Jesus himself, not an unmanifested being. Jesus is equating Himself with truth.
   
   Eckhart's books clearly lay out a dangerous philosophy that is very enticing to a self-centered world. Eckhart wants to do away with the past and future. If there only is "now" our faculties have become like an animal which considers neither the past nor the future. The truth is that the past is a valuable teacher and the future is our hope. God has given us the gift of knowing the past and looking forward to the future. The problem for us is that we do not trust God. As a result we worry about things that we have no control over. This is what Eckhart is trying to achieve by centering in the "now." However, he is misguided. The solution for worry is not denial, but trust in God.
   
   The main page of Eckhart's website has a quote: "The world can only change from within." This contravenes Christian teaching. The power to change for the better is not within us, it is from God. To say that we, ourselves, can by our own determination and strength, change the world for the better, denies the power of God and pretends that we are gods ourselves. We are not the ones to change ourselves. A better quote would be, "The world will only change when people's hearts are changed by God."



5. Life changing, soul touching, amazing experience. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. There are not enough stars to rate this book. Every page is highlighted. Incredible wisdom, knowledge and communication skills on the part of the author.

5 comments about A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61).

1. Very enlightening! Explains a lot about the human dramas that we love to create. Expands on similiar writings in layman's terms.



2. The very nature of nature is change. If you're looking for an awakening transformation in your life this book has it! Tolle is completely spot on. If you're looking for your purpose in life this book makes the most sense. I've studied NLP, transcendental meditation and so much more in hopes of finding out who I was. This particular book was the portal for me. Very life changing. Tolle presents a way in which to deal with life and those in your life that completely opens one's eyes rather wide. Acceptance, Enjoyment, Enthusiasm have all returned to my life and my world is wonderful.



3. Wasn't really for me, but my family is raving about it. They say I don't "get it". That's probably true.



4. The best book I ever read,its has taught me so much about myself, and awakened me to a new life



5. I am very impressed with the service from Amazon. My book [A New Earths Awakening to Your Life's Purpose] arrived very quickly and in good condition. I have not read it yet. Thank you.

5 comments about The Last Lecture.

1. Excellent book, well written and very mind opening to life. Being a cancer survivor I can share what it means to keep yout spirit strong asnd love life.



2. In line with books fiction and non-fiction, e.g. The Alchemist, Tuesdays With Morrie, etc., The Last Lecture is a book that needs to be incorporated into life and not just read. Life's important lessons must be tested and lived in order to resonate and light our being from within.
   
   The threat of death has a way of winnowing our perspective until it focuses on the things that are most important and Pausch presents an opportunity for us to go along this journey of discovery. In that sense, The Last Lecture is a must-read. But it's more; it's a must-live.



3. Randy Pausch has been instrumental in creating public awareness of the need for more pancreatic cancer research. After losing my own spouse to this horrible, horrible disease less than four months after diagnoses, I was moved at how universal many emotions are as we approach the final leg of life's journey. A good read, a good gift. Let's find a cure for this relentless killer.



4. Mortality: One day we all will face our own, as does Randy Pausch in "The Last Lecture," and he does so with dignity and grace. I hope his children get as much from "The Last Lecture" as I did.



5. Humbling and heartwarming ... it reconnects one with what's really important as we generally spend too much time piling up material matter that really doesn't matter ...