5 comments about The Breakout Principle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity, and Personal Well-Being.

1. Pretty much anything you enjoy doing can be a source of "The Breakout Principle." There. I've read the book for you.



2. Why did I buy this book? It was one of those darn impulse purchases. I mean it's not terrible or anything In some ways it explains the well-known phenomena of creativity after intellectual struggle and more interestingly it provides an explanation of why meditation etc. may work. But there's not much substance and it is certainly not worth full price. Also towards the end it pushes religion on the reader. If this type of thing bugs you, be forewarned.



3. Excellent Read! The best self-help book ever. It will take you to the next level and higher than you have ever been!
   
   Greg



4. Some do it in the shower, some do it in the woods, some do it with friends, and some do it in their sleep. If you don't do it; read this book. "It" is `Breakout' of prior mental and emotional patterns and into a state of mind where enhance performance flows. Athletes call it the zone, for others it is when solutions `pop' into the mind or conversations/presentations flow and `connect' with others. In this book, Herbert Benson, M.D. and William Proctor take the reader through the body's biological or anatomical response during the Breakout process, as they define the four-stages:
   * Stage one begins with a hard mental or physical struggle.
   * Stage two involves pulling the Breakout trigger, completely severing prior thoughts and emotional patterns - the doing "it" part.
   * Stage three is the `peak experience', or performance element of the process.
   * Stage four is a return to a `new-normal' state, meaning one with enhanced mind-body performance patterns.
   
   In Part II of the book, the authors devote a chapter each to six types of Breakout resulting `peak experiences' - Self-Awareness, Creativity, Productivity, Athleticism, Rejuvenation, and Transcendence - before discussing how an intrinsic belief system can help trigger a Breakout and offer peak experiences beyond our analytical mind-set's capabilities.
   
   Although the book is an easy read and does contain several descriptions of how the Breakout trigger might be pulled, I would not describe this as a self-help book. It more of an informative read than a practical how-to book for finding your `zone'.
   
   Dennis DeWilde, author of
   "The Performance Connection"



5. The process as detailed in this book is completely correct and only an utter idiot could or would fail to see this in terms of the cycles functioning in every aspect of their own life. Its very simple and involves a "decision/belief" connected to what you want to do, or something that you find that you must do in your life. Then comes intense, hard training and focus ( mental and/or physical ). All "training" toward a desired objective which you believe is possible to attain MUST consist of hard and intense focus - "sweating it out" with increasing stress to a specific level ( a la the Yerkes-Dodson Law ). When this level is reached, it is immediately followed by a "release", which means backing off or letting go of the training and then pursuing some other unrelated activity which completely disconnects the intellect and body from the training process. This causes an automatic "catching up" of various elements and capabilities to take place and in turn, this "catching up" causes a "Breakthrough" experience where you advance to a higher level in your initial training. A new reality of function is then the norm.
   The process is absolutely accurate and it works with 100% consistency. However, the book is written in a meandering, long-winded, side-tracking manner that makes it tedious reading. When I read a book on subjects like this I want the meat-and-potatoes right in front of me all laid out step-by-step sequencially with straight-up talk and explanations. I don't want trips into the lifestyles of people I don't know, or views on case histories from almost the beginning of the book onward - all of which bogs down the flow and lessens the grasp of the topic.
   The whole issue with what's wrong with this book is that it doesn't GET TO THE POINT fast enough. It doddles. It blathers. It keeps droning on and on. And in fact, the book could have been one third of its length if the topic had been explained properly ( A + B = C ) so that the reader could put the process into practice right off. Since the process is itself very simple and easy to employ, all the superfluous information must only have been included for one purpose, and that is to increase the book's size and thereby increase its price!
   Still, its a great and accurate process and its worth learning about and consciously using, but its too bad the book explaining it is so damned drawn out.

2 comments about Chicken Soup to Inspire a Woman's Soul: Stories Celebrating the Wisdom, Fun and Freedom of Midlife (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This book, Chicken Soul to Inspire a Woman's Soul is geared towards women at midlife...but it truly is a great read, it consists of inspiring true stories for women of all ages. All the authors in this book are shining examples to all that read it. Afterwards, you'll want to reach for the stars -- I felt revitalized -- I have a new lease on life...goals...my dreams will be fulfilled.



2. A very inspirational book. Jack and Mark Victor Hansen are my fav writers and I never miss out grabbing a copy as and when I can. This one is full of inspirations and values that can tranform life. Attitudes always do matter and here's a book to recommend every women - this means, parents of younger kids too coz the chapters cover up very useful message in overcoming obstacles, friendship, parenting and across generations. Life is ever a twist and a turn but books like these always stand by in our thick and thin. A good pick. Enjoy!
   
   - ilaxi

3 comments about Chicken Soup Stories for a Better World (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This book contains heartwarming, touching stories about people who had the courage to face their problems, engage in positive behavior, commit acts of kindness, and teach us the lessons of a lifetime. These are relevant stories about overcoming adversity and finding a better way of living. This is a highly inspirational and engaging book that encourages the reader to trust their innate abilities, intuitive wisdom, live a life of integrity, honesty, and dedication to family and community. It helps readers overcome self-limiting fears and achieve their potential. Some of the stories might bring readers to tears and others illustrate passion and courage.



2. As with all the Chicken Soup books, you'll feel satisfied and content when you've finished this serving. Personally, I found this "Better World" edition to be one of the best. The stories are uplifting, inspiring and moving but without that "too sweet" feeling that I've occasionally experienced in other CS books. In these times when we're all hoping for a better and more peaceful world, this book is a welcome offering. Enjoy its many soul-satisfying courses.



3. Accounts of other people's stories of their real life events in this world makes me see my problems in a different light and sometimes helps me work them out. That is why I think this book gives a valuable insight. I think it is a must for all who enjoy the Chicken Soup stories and want another view.

5 comments about Law of Attraction - How to Attract Money, Love, and Happiness (Guide for Living).

1. If you are looking to make some changes (no matter how big or small) to your life, this book is a fantastic resource. I highly recommend it. It is a must read for anyone that is not happy with how their life is working and wants to enrich their life further.



2. I read the Law of Attraction and found the information and recommendations pertinent yet repetitious. Once you decide to make personal changes in one facet of your life, it seems easy to follow and believe that those same applications can be affective in all facets of your life. I am a firm believer in the strength and power of positive thinking and incorporate my philosophy in the classroom. This book has reinforced my thinking and I have shared it with friends. I do encourage anyone willing to try to change their personal language to include more positive affirmations and to note the changes and benefits that come to be.



3. This book was good. The workbook is even better. It gets you started. I really like the questions in the workbook. They helped me see things in new ways.



4. Listen folks this isn't some hokas pokas fairytale stuff. You don't even have to believe that it works. It doesn't care if you believe... it works anyway. It's working right now in YOUR life whether you believe it or not.
   Look at everything you have in your life right now. THAT'S THE LAW OF ATTRACTION!!!. YOU ATTRACTED IT. So if the stuff you have is not the stuff you want, including the type of person you long to be, READ THIS BOOK! It will tell you exactly what you need to do to turn your life around. I can't stress enough how absolutely powerful this information is.



5. These guidelines really work! I had trouble with my 16 year old son and I started to follow the guidelines and things have improved so much~and in such a short period! If you are stressed and find that you are at your wits end, try these principles and see for yourself. It really does work. It is also so straight forward and easy to follow. Do it for yourself, do it for your family. Your life will be happier.

No comments about The Power of A Single Thought: How to Initiate Major Life Changes from the Quiet of Your Mind.

5 comments about Change Your Life Without Getting Out of Bed: The Ultimate Nap Book.

1. I really enjoyed this book ... I agree with some of the other reviewers in that it is a little repetitive of earlier books. This did not stop me from enjoying it! I realize that SARK thought that naps were so important that they deserved their own book. I've been trying to convince my office to have "siesta" time daily, but no luck so far. Everytime I pick up one of SARK's books I become re-inspired. Great, although short, little book. Grab the book and settle down for a nap!



2. Do you know someone is that is overstressed? Want to get them a book to help?

   I researched about 20 different stress books from my local library, and I found this one to be the best. Most books are too preachy for de-stress books. They talk about stress and it just stresses you out reading them!

   But this book is a pure pleasure to read. It's fun, and it makes you feel good about taking naps. And this is a fun book to share with others. It makes for a nice surprise gift to someone who is going through alot of troubles in their life.

   *taking my nap now*

   "My life is one long nap, punctuated by brief moments of activity"




3. Spend any time in Europe or Latin countries and you soon discover the value of naps and sleeping as a requirement for a whole and healthy life. Maybe that is why this is my favorite SARK book. I own all her books. I even think this is a book that if you love yourself and your best friend, you will buy copies of it.

   She does an excellent job of explaining why naps are important and how naps heal the mind, body and spirit. I personally believe that a nap or rest period should be a must in any home and business. That closing up the store between 2-4 every afternoon and taking a nap would reduce a lot of problems American society has.

   Do not let her wonderful watercolour graphics fool you into thinking this is just a fun book. Because the words she shares are so valuable. She shows that the countries who have people who nap, are the most productive. People who nap are sick less which means less job absentees

   And she shows as does research that sleep is when we are dreaming and when we get some of the best ideas as well as when we reenergize our whole being. I like the section on pages 51-57 on where to nap etc is good. My favorite place is in a Guatemalan hammock we have which cradles me like a baby and allows me to slightly sway as I nap. I like it so much I recommend it for sleeping at night when restless.




4. cute and fun....and all about naps....sail away to dreamland....alone or with friends...the sandman does exist and this book inspires you to nap in ways you may not have thought about...celebrate naps and keep this book near a comfy spot in your life. thanks sark!



5. Goregous little book from one of my favourite authors - a good read for a rainy day and evenning tucked up in bed.

5 comments about The Acorn Principle: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.

1. Most self-help business books are a rehash of tired and familar cliches. If you're looking for some fresh insights and practical advice, I highly recommend The Acorn Principle. Jim Cathcart has written a classic. I read over 100 books annually, and I've been recommending this one ever since I first read it. It is small in size but big in ideas.



2. This book changed the way I think about myself, my life and my potential and it could do the same for you! Cathcart writes in a clear, friendly, easy-to-understand manner and his principles are so brilliant you'll find it hard to sleep while you're going through the exercises. What a great service he has done us all by putting these thoughts on paper! It's a must-have for the serious student of personal transformation, for those "just having a rough spot" and for anyone who wonders what they really could become. Magnificent!



3. In the year 2000 this book was released as an ebook by Palm Digital Library. Out of 2000 titles, it came in as #2 behind Stephen King and ahead of Tom Peters and Robert Ludlum's ebooks.
   As a regular book in hard and soft cover it has been changing lives around the world. One company who booked me to speak for their convention had bought 7,500 copies. When I gave the speech to over 6,000 people in the Sacramento Arco Arena I received a standing ovation just from being introduced to speak! At the end of the speech hundreds of people lined up to have me autograph their copies and to tell me stories of how it had enhanced their lives and their relationships. The books were dog-eared, highlighted and underlined. These were working books, not just library decorations. I'm very proud of how this book is serving readers. May it be a blessing in your life as well.
   The author, Jim Cathcart
   11-8-2001



4. Jim Cathcart has written a great book detailing what it takes to discover and develop your hidden potential. He states that every person has a certain kind of unlocked talent (like the acorn) inside of them... a certain genius, and to be happy and successful all you have to do is discover and develop it. "The oak sleeps within you"

   This book guides you through some detailed questions and exercises to help you in finding your "highest and best use". I took the time to actually write down answers to the questions he puts forth in my journal. It was interesting and well worth the time spent.

   I must confess... I have read many self-help books of this type over the past five years. I cannot say that I was blown away by the originalty of this book. However, had this been the first book of its type that I ever picked up, it would have easily ranked near the top of my list. His ideas are clear and concise, but mainly focused at the 'beginner' so to speak.

   So, if you are unhappy in your current situation, job, life... try to look inside and see what is going on in there. What lies dormant within you is just waiting to grow into something big. Jim Cathcart's book can certainly help!




5. Definitely on my recommended book list. A must read for women in business.
   
   Susan Bock
   The Success Coach for Women in Business
   www.SusanBockSolutions.com

5 comments about No Excuse! I'm Doing It (For Network Marketers).

1. This is a book with solid ideas, ideas that have worked for others and will work for you. If your into self-betterment, Read This Book, it is the only one you'll need. I've read it once and I'm reading it again.



2. After seeing Jay Rifenbary at a recent conference in Newport Beach, and crying through the entire speech, I purchased the book. This is the most exceptional man and he will change your life by the words in this book. I no longer will live my life with excuses for every bad moment and blame everyone else for what I alone created. This is a must read for professionals and families. No Excuse! Buy this book!



3. Jay's message needs to be heard and read by everyone, NO EXCUSE! I wish he would write another -- there MUST be more he has to say!



4. nevertheless. I found myself unable to relate to a lot of the military examples but the lessons taught are powerful. Good book but I think my husband would enjoy it more then I.



5. Author Jay Rifenbary is a former West Point cadet, sales professional and corporate manager. As a professional speaker, consultant and president of a training and development center, he has a powerful message for readers of this book. Stop making excuses and begin to accept responsibility for everything you do. No Excuse! is enjoyable to read because of the raw energy and enthusiasm that it imparts. Rifenbary writes well and provides his personal philosophies to help the reader discover their ability to achieve success and fulfillment. His philosophy is a variant of servant leadership principles including the deep desire to serve others, accountability and valuing people more than wealth or power.
   
   No Excuse! begins with one of the most dramatic prologues I have ever read. It not only introduces the book extremely well, but the author returns to his "special experience" in the epilogue also. The underpinning of his philosophy is borrowed from his days at West Point when "No Excuse, Sir" was one of the few answers a plebe was allowed to utter as a response to an upperclassman. Rifenbary exclaims, "We may get down on ourselves and use certain excuses to relinquish responsibility. That's exactly what excuses are used for; to avoid doing something or to "pass-the-buck". I dare you to make a list. Then when you hear yourself or others making an excuse, simply say, "No Excuse!''"
   
   The book is divided into 2 parts comprised of 14 chapters. Part 1 lays the foundation of the author's no excuse philosophy with a discussion of the principles of self-responsibility, purpose and integrity. He considers this an important preparation for what he coins the Staircase-of-Success or THESAURUS factor presented in Part 2 of the book. Rifenbary takes each letter in the word THESAURUS and uses it as a step to teach an important point or principle. A total of 9 steps take the reader up the Staircase-of-Success. For example, the first step is "Totally Forgive" (Chapter 5) and it ponders the liberating influence that complete forgiveness allows when we forgive others and ourselves of faults and transgressions. When someone embraces total forgiveness there is no longer room for complaining or blaming because the person takes charge, and gains greater control over their life. No Excuse! is not simply a book to read, but it employs many tools to stimulate thought and action from the reader. Rifenbary uses many parables or stories to highlight his points. He also provides an Action Plan at the end of most chapters along with some charts and his own personality indicator.
   
   No Excuse! is an enjoyable book to read. It may not break new ground or provide a radical new leadership philosophy, but it is certainly encouraging to read. As a result of Rifenbary's gift of clarity and printed energy, you will believe and know that change is possible in your life. If you are interested in discovering servant leadership principles presented in a dynamic and motivational book, you have no excuse... you will want to read this book.

1 comments about Making Marriage Work.

1. I've been married 7 months and while most of it has been up, there have been downs too. Whenever I am frustrated with my husband, instead of taking in out on him, I read a section of this book and inevitably, the exact frustration I am experiencing is addressed in that section. Usually, the solution is I need to show grace to my husband and humble myself, which is not easy to do as a very independent woman. ( I was 39 when I got married and this is my first and hopefully only marriage.) After God brings it to my attention through Joyce's writing, I'm much more willing and able to do those things for both my husband and me. God has blessed Joyce with a gift of frankness in her writing and God has blessed me and my marriage through reading this book and applying it to my life. I pray for the same to you. :)

5 comments about When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

1. Even though I am Methodist, I basically agree with Rabbi Kushner's philosophy. He takes a very ecumenical view. The book gives you a lot to think about, and is well written; although it may help if one has at least a little bit of Biblical literacy. Kushner references Genesis and the story of King David. He uses the book of Job as the central Bible lesson that connects to the theme of the book.
   
   Over all, though, I would say that it is fairlt easy reading (much easier than theological complexities by someone like Albert Schweitzer, who holds a similar view).
   
   The book gives one an explanation to a most profound and perplexing question. I appreciate that the author shares his personal experience and his heart with the reader. I too, have experienced the loss of a child and have also seen some things that were quite terrible working in the fields of nursing and inner-city high school teacher.
   
   I only wonder about something the author writes towards the end of the book:
   
   "'[W]hat good is God? Who needs religion, if these [bad things] happen to good people and bad people alike?'...I would say that God may not prevent the calamity, but he gives us the strength and perseverance to overcome it."
   
   My issue is that many people do not overcome calamity. Millions who died in wars, famines, genocides, natural disasters. They did not overcome anything-they just died and in many cases, the whole family died with them. Other people who experience calamity just go nuts; they face finacial ruin; they lose their jobs and families; they become so depressed that they are forever dead inside. Some people commit suicide, or eat, drink and smoke themselves to death.
   
   to an extent, I overcame calamities but I'm not the same person I was. I am more forgiving, more tolerant, and more philosophical; but I am also more melancholy and less idealistic.
   
   While I can be thankful to still have enough mental health to maintain work and family life; I know a whole of other people who lost their mental health, work and family life. What about them? Why didn't God give them the strength to overcome? Am I to believe that some people are favored by God by being blessed with a higher constitution?
   
   No, I think, rather, that some people overcome because they are LUCKY. Rabbi Kushner and I are indeed the lucky ones who can now talk rationally and philosophically about the deaths of our sons. I believe that God wants us lucky ones to turn around and help the others who weren't so lucky in any way we can. Obviously, that's why Kushner wrote the book.
   
   Still, a great book, though.



2. I chose to read this book because my Dad was diagnosed with Brain cancer and i found it to be extremely helpful, without being too 'religious'. I am not a church person, but i do believe in God. This book just seemed to wrap it's arm around me and let me think and feel exactly as i needed to, without offering any of that unhelpful help that others tend to, without thinking their words through first. I LOVED this book and it will most definitley be closely treasuerd by me, and pulled off the shelf everytime life gets a bit challlenging for me or someone i love. GREAT book!!



3. Kushner argues that God is too weak to stop the bad things of life.
   
   He writes, "If God can't make my sickness go away, what good is He? Who needs Him? God does not want you to be sick or crippled. He didn't make you have this problem, and He doesn't want you to go on having it, but He can't make it go away. That is something which is too hard even for God."
   
   That's not logical. How can the God be too weak to change the physical world that He created? Jesus heals the blind and crippled, changed water into wine, walked on water, and was resurrected -- all things that Kushner would say God is too weak to accomplish. Of course, Kushner is not a Christian, but a Jew, but does that mean he doesn't believe in any of the miracles of the Torah, such as the parting of the Red Sea?
   
   And this statement is outrageous: "Are you capable of forgiving and loving God even when you have found out that He is not perfect, even when He has let you down and disappointed you by permitting bad luck and sickness and cruelty in His world, and permitting some of those things to happen to you? Can you learn to love and forgive Him despite His limitations ...?"
   
   Yes, Kushner's God is weak. But Kushner's God is of his own creation. The true God of the Bible and of Truth and of the Universe is strong and perfect. He is Creator and Savior.
   
   Buy "Mere Christianity" or "A Grief Observed," both by C.S. Lewis, to get a true understanding of God and suffering.



4. Another great book by Rabbi KUSHNER. Readable and a solace of comfort for all beliefs



5. After reading this book I found my relationship with GOD better! Written simply and using his experience and that from the bible the author opened my eyes! No longer do I see GOD as the creator of pain and misery, but as the source of strength and courage to face the challenges that life presents to us!