5 comments about The Age of Speed: Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World.

1. The book has some interesting insights but presents them in a pop culture manner, and the pace of the book is perhaps more suited to a speech by the author than readers who actually enjoy more challenging books....



2. Olympic-speed skier turned business consultant (and "Speaker Hall of Fame" inductee) Vince Poscente reveals "for everyone feeling trampled by the speed of life and business, how to get ahead of the rush once and for all." He identifies four behavioral profiles: Jets (the best), Bottle Rockets, Zeppelins and Balloons.
   Rarely have I seen a book that offers so little content for a $22 hardcover list price. The 232 pages are padded with 44 full-page chapter and section headings and full-page quotes like "We drown ourselves in trivia and excess." It also contains space-filling "Fast Facts" like "Thirty-six people died when the 804-foot Hindenberg exploded and crashed into the ground in 1937. It was filled with more than seven million cubic feet of hydrogen" and "Reverend Run of Run-DMC is Russell's little brother." Page 12 offers a half-page definition of a Mach number.
   After reading a few banal observations (for example, Technology has made life busier and more complicated and Blackberries have the potential to erode productivity) I reviewed the index to find anecdotes on a few companies of interest and then returned this book to the library. This material might support a solid oral presentation but has been stretched far too thin for this medium.



3. About two chapters into this book I realized that the build up that I was hoping for was not going to come. I buckled down and kept an open mind that I might be able to grab some substance in the following chapters. This never quite happened.
   
   The play on scientific studies and company examples barely scratched the surface. I don't recall more than one given example of any single point.



4. A waste of paper and ink...and my time. I, too, got it at the airport. As I read it, I kept hoping for some "meat", but it was all fluff. Don't waste YOUR time. Don't buy this book. Don't even check it out from the library.
   P.S. I think reading it actually caused my IQ to get lower. Save yourself! Step away from this book using all the speed you can muster!



5. If you need to read one book to help you take charge of your life, work, and leisure, this is that book. And you should read it NOW. Vince Poscente's "The Age of Speed - Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World" was written to be read now. Today. Not next month, not next year, because by then, seeing how quickly information tools and technology are evolving and shaping our existence, countless opportunities would've passed.
   
   Poscente lays the foundation of "The Age of Speed" by analyzing man's inherent desire for more from life, the human need to do more with this onrush of technological gizmos, complicated by the fear of stress and busy-ness. He goes on to explain that embracing speed in work and everyday life does not mean sacrificing quality, cost, or peace of mind; and that multi-tasking is actually counterproductive. In a series of real-world examples, he expounds on the four profiles that define how embracing or resisting speed can lead to success or failure. He guides you into determining which profile describes you.
   
   One of the countless crucial points (and "aha!" statements) Poscente delivers in The Age of Speed is a formula for the achievement of one's goals. He stresses that being flexible, sleek, and aligned to an authentic purpose guarantees success. He also likens taking advantage of speed to the philosophy of Aikido. These points are all explained surprisingly clearly in this fast-paced and easy-to-comprehend book.
   
   Most of Poscente's chapters are enhanced by facts, data, and trends surrounding companies and individuals who embraced (or resisted) speed. But the best part of the book is the last two sections: "Applications" and "Tips and Tricks from the Age of Speed." Undoubtedly, this book will challenge your perception of the hectic world we now live in, and inspire you with ways to pursue a more productive and more fulfilling role in it. - Ruby Bayan, [...]

5 comments about 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free.

1. For those of you that are into personal development and self improvement, I have to tell you about a book that I just finished reading it at 12:30 at night that I could not put it down. It is without a question the most powerfully simplistic, compelling and motivating book next to the Bible that I have ever read. For those who are interested, you can buy it used on Amazon.com for $3.00, and if you cannot afford it, email me your address, and I will buy it for you and mail it to you.



2. I have the cds; it was so effective for me to hear this on my headphones as opposed to reading. Absolutely fantastic, extremely helpful.



3. Near page 150 (varies with different editions), the author writes, "raising your self-esteem is up to you. You can build self-esteem in a prison cell, in solitary confinement even. It does not depend on the thoughts or actions of other human beings."
   
   I'd like to know that source for that info. Surveys done with women show that more than 3/4ths of women rely on a romantic partner to increase their self-esteem. Pulling one's self up by one's own bootstraps is more than a physical impossibility; it's also mighty tough if you've never heard good things about yourself.
   
   That aside, the book does have some pearls of wisdom and it was an enjoyable read. It didn't get bogged down in too much detail or too many anecdotes, but had a good blend of stories, humor, poignant insights and inspirational ideas.



4. This was a horrible book. I bought this audio book because of all the positive feedback that I read. I listened to it and could not believe what an idiot the author is. He goes on and on about things he thinks he knows something about and therefore considers himself an expert. He is so full of himself and boring. His monotone voice is enough to make you want to shoot yourself.
   
   The only truth that will set you free is to know that this audio book isn't worth a darn and that the author is making a fortune spreading his bull around.



5. If you're a business owner or about to be one, this is in the the top 10 of what I recommend you read 1st and immediately. It will save you lots of time, money, and spare you many headaches. 80% of businesses fail--this will help ensure you're in the other 20%

5 comments about Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent.

1. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Not only is it a heartwarming, motivational tool, but it is also an easy read. I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh and smile and be thankful for the single experience.



2. Recently single, for the first time, I bought this book looking for something a little uplifting and encouraging; and that's what it is. There's lots of quotes to inspire, and "Try this" suggestion areas to keep you busy and on your way. Definately a must for people looking for a quick and productive read!



3. I don't write reviews, but I have to write a review for this book. This book was awesome. I found myself single and alone for the first time in 9 years. I was scared, hopeless, and at a complete loss. This book really helped me get my thoughts in order. It helped me overcome the fear of being single. I truly am finding ways to love life, but more importantly love myself. I highly recommend this book. In fact, I am buying a copy for one of my friends that is the most negative person I know. I am hoping it will help her like it helped me.



4. I never write reviews on books unless they really moved me, and this one certainly did that. I did not want to put it down! So comforting and a real amazing read if you have just gotten out of a relationship or have been on you own for awhile. This book really puts things in perspective and makes you view your life in a whole different way. I couldn't help but feel like the author was like my mother or older sister of some sort giving me advice to really loving and appreciating the life that I have right in front of me. I have recommended it to all of my single girlfriends as abook of wisdom and guidance through all the hard times we have endured. I personally have had a hard time getting over the stigma of being single, thinking I will never be loved and if I am alone then I am nobody. Its hard to really look at the brighter side of things when all you see is happy couples hand-holding every where you look, but there are other amazing joys in life as well that you can do when you are forced to be alone.
   I really, really loved this book. I cannot recommend it enough!



5. I am not a single. I have a wonderful boyfriend. He loves me; he spoils me; he is caring and sensitive; he is everything a woman can dream of. The connection between me and him is great.
   
   However, I still feel trapped inside over the past pain in my childhood. I am still struggling. I don't believe and I don't feel that a man can make me feel happy if I cannot make myself happy. I ordered this book right before I met him, but I just started to read it now because I felt bored lately. This book helped me overcome a lot of fears I had and I am still having. I mean it is so important for you to overcome those fears that hold your back and that stop you from becoming the best you can. After dealing with your emotions well, everything will become so easy!!!!

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5 comments about Fat, Stupid, Ugly: One Woman's Courage to Survive.

1. There is no doubt that this woman's story needs to be told. Unfortunately, the way it is told doesn't match what is being said. The first half of the book reads like a college entrance essay, with the themes reiterated over and over and over. Finally, halfway through, when Debrah creates A Place Called Home, the book picks up the pace and moves forward with incredible stories and anecdotes. Ultimately the story is triumphant, encouraging and inspiring.



2. What an incredible story of turning one's life around and making a difference in the world. Deborah Constance's stamina and creativity are remarkable, as is her survival in the face of extraordinary life challenges. While it would have been good to learn more about Ms. Constance's underlying psychology, the straightforward writing style may be a reflection of her need to do rather than to analyze. This book is accessible to all readership levels (except, of course, children).



3. For most of us, good self-esteem and good self image drives us to do great things ... make more money, create a home for our family, be the best kind of person we can be, and do right in the world. But for Debrah Constance, not having any self-esteem and being labeled "Fat Stupid Ugly" pushed her to help a displaced community deal with life's hardest issues -- drug addictions, gang violence, single parenting, school drop outs, and death. Debrah is the founder of "A Place Called Home," a South Central Los Angeles youth center that provides at risk children, ages nine to twenty, with a secure, positive family environment where they an regain hope and belief, earn trust and self-respect and learn skills to lead to a productive life. Debrah's memoir chronicles her life as an abused child who thought so little of herself she endured deep psychological and emotional problems, drug and drinking addictions and abusive relationships throughout her life. After a life long struggle with her poor self image, she found a way to change her pattens, get help for her drug/alcohol problems and give back to children who have lost hope. This is an amazing person. I found hope and direction for my own life after reading it. I hope I get an opportunity to meet her one day so I can thank her. Her story belongs on the Oprah show so that other people can learn that even when the most unfortunate situation occurs ... there is hope. Thank you Debrah!



4. As a psychologist, I am always astonished at what people can transcend. Debrah Constance's telling of her life story in her own words is witness to this fact. I found "Fat, Stupid, Ugly" extremely inspiring. It gave me pause. It gave me the opening for further introspection into my own life. The questions are always the same: Who am I? Where am I going? What am I doing? It seems to me to be truly awake, these questions must be posed time and time again. In my 61 years I have found this to be so.
   
   "Fat, Stupid, Ugly" is a disturbing book that provokes us to think beyond the surface of our day-to-day lives. I thank Debrah for this book; it is a gift to all of us. She is remarkable. Our lives can be so difficult and some of us have dramatic and cataclysmic events befalling us. Debrah tells us about the major obstacles in her life and that the battle is worth it in the end. It brings us to our ultimate truths. Debrah's story reminds us that the work is never done, the job never quite complete. We are all on our way back home is how I see it. And on the way back we meet each other and hopefully shed a little light on the task at hand. Thank you, Debrah. The light shines brightly.



5. i felt this book was not only written horribly, but this woman just came across as immature and self centered, despite her horrible childhood. the entire time i was just annoyed by her. i felt that the whole book was just a bunch of reiterating and repeating. i DO NOT suggest this book to anyone.

5 comments about Empowered by Empathy : 25 Ways to Fly in Spirit.

1. Some of things are long winded and not all that well explained, such as some of the exercises. I got the impression that you sort of had to understand things a bit more to really get use out of some of the exercises. Unfortunately, shutting it off and turning it back on isn't quite as simple as she'd have you believe. My empathy is very ingrained in me and I still have trouble doing it without the aid of my guides, and I'm far more advanced now. BUT... it is a wonderful book for beginning to understand more about a latent gift I didn't realize I had.



2. There are few books out there that both inspire and inform at the same time. With each sentence, I kept nodding my head in approval because it all applied to me. As I read the part on emotional onneness and emotional intuition, I could not help getting teary eyed because for the first time I had an explanation for what I had. I was not abnormal, or an emotional wreck. I had a gift all along and I did not even know it. Also the fact that it is written by one who has actually been there is a a sigh of relief because you are not alone. I recommend this book to anyone who believes that empathy might be a part of their every day life, and I hope it is as much a blessing to you as it was to me.



3. Over the years I'd hear comments like "you're so empathic", but I know now that I didn't really understand what empathy was - what it wasn't - and how to use it wisely or turn it off. In reading Empowered by Empathy I began to understand the differing styles of empathy. And most importantly I recognized myself as an untrained empath.
   The teachable moment for me was when my neighbor and I were talking and I began rubbing my right knee as it had begun to ache. I asked (silently) Is this MY pain? If not, I don't want it. And remarkably, the pain left. Now I have tools to protect myself from the moods and pains of others or I can use the information to assist if and when appropriate. I have choices that I did not know I had. This book Empowered by Empathy is aptly named. I highly recommend it to empower your life!



4. A decent book; I especially liked the Aura bounce & aura rub. Not enough information on using technology or crystals to protect yourself. FYI though, there is plenty of free material out there which is just as good and won't cost you, like Dr. Michael Smith's Inner Power material at his website.



5. This book taught me more about myself than I had ever known. I kept stopping while reading with amazement, so much of it resonated with my own struggles, I got answers to a lot of questions I did not even know I needed to ask.

2 comments about The EQ Difference: A Powerful Plan for Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work.

1. Adele B.Lynn, who helped us find honor, has now given us the platform on which to build honorable leadership: emotional intelligence. Others have written on the subject before, but Lynn gives us practical information, exercises and examples that can be put to use in our relationships at work or at home. No leader should be without this well written, relevant handbook.



2. There are many books on emotional intelligence. What makes this book distinct is that it contains a model for developing emotional intelligence.
   As much as I have already read on the topic, Adele's self-coaching model has helped me develop a much greater awareness of myself and ways in which I can improve in the development of the competencies associated with emotional intelligence.
   
   This book is absolutely essential reading for people engaged in consulting and management development. I have made this required reading in my work as an executive coach. Her work has had such an impact on me personally that I do not hesitate to ask my clients to read it.

5 comments about Life's Too Short!: Pull The Plug On Self-Defeating Behavior And Turn On The Power Of Self-Esteem.

1. This is a book to consume in one evening, and while it seems very slight and superficial, I found it rather effective as a self-esteem booster. Twerski uses case-studies to illustrate his point about how we defeat and degrade ourselves. The problem is that it's difficult to break these habits of thought.



2. This is an excellent book, once again showcasing Dr. Twerski's gifted understanding of human behavior and his masterful ability to translate the complex building blocks in life into understandable, recognizable, and workable terms. This book transcends hope and places clear, easy to follow solutions at our feet. The vignettes are rich in character and Dr. Twerski's personal experiences validate his expert insights. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this book as a gift for anyone because it is a power-packed very easy read.



3. This is very basic human potential material for people very new to self-examination.



4. The book opened my eyes! Every time I turned the page, I thought I was reading about me. Truly awesome! This is my 1st Book, of Rabbi Twerski's, that I have read - I plan to read more of them.



5. In this practical, supportive and instructive work, Dr Twerski points out that self-defeating behaviour is a result of low-self esteem and not lack of ability.
   Through some of the case studies of the more than 40 000 people he has assisted over the years, and humorous but instructive cartoons, the author explains how this is, and how it can be overcome.
   Dr Twerski explains how if we expect rejection we will interpret all that happens as rejection and will behave in a way that precipitates rejection, so that we can blame our own behaviour, instead of believing it is due to something intrinsic to ourselves (which of course it is not).
   Once we realize that we are of beauty and value we will not allow ourselves to be marred and damaged, and it is never too late to reverse the effects of self-destructive behaviour.
   
   Once we know that insulting remarks are not true we are more able to not let them hurt us.
   Once we feel good about ourselves, uncomplimentary remarks can be much more easily dismissed and and certainly need not make us feel worse about ourselves. Dr Twerski deals with fear of failure and what is known as "fear of happiness":
   "It is hard to believe that there are people who dread enjoying life. Some people have a sense of foreboding. They are afraid that if they enjoy things something terrible will happen. Consequently, they consciously or unconsciously torment themselves or deprive themselves of pleasure.
   They may feel so undeserving of good fortune that they anticipate misery. Sometimes this is tied to a religious belief in a punitive god who is going to punish them for being bad. Those who think they are bad expect to be punished. Sometimes they do not have a concept of a loving god, or if they do they may think of themselves as so unworthy that even G-D could not love them".
   
   Dr Twerski deals with the symptoms and causes of depression, and points out that he has never come across a substance abuser who has not suffered from a low self-esteem before they fell into alcoholism/addiction.
   
   Dr Twerski believes that at the core of every human being there is nucleus of pride, dignity and self-respect...at some point in a persons life, there is a breakthrough and the individual at least has a momentary awareness of his or her dignity and self-worth.
   
   This book is highly recommended.

5 comments about Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Wisdom: The Feminine Face of Awakening.

1. The author, Rita Marie Robinson, in her quest for understanding, has written, beautifully, about the passage she interprets as the direct path. This is spiritual awakening, described in its most welcoming, feminine way.
   
   Ordinary Women Extraordinary Wisdom is a series of interviews, led by Rita Marie Robinson, with twelve remarkable women who have become spiritual teachers (friends as they prefer to be called) through their own emergence into enlightenment or recognition. An unexpected notion is that these women live in our world and among us. Each one's path is unique. Each moves beyond the personal "story" and explains the sameness within all, that which is truly us and only waits to be revealed. Though each teacher's portal to arrive there is distinctive in style, "there" is the same transcendent place to reach within each of us. This is what the interviews assure. Also, and perhaps most importantly, the book promises that there is no lengthy and arduous technique to master; no circuitous route. This peace, mystery, love, intelligence, consciousness, presence, whatever the reader may choose to call it, is available right here, right now. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
   
   Reading Ordinary Women Extraordinary Wisdom is nourishing and satisfying like being in satsang, a practice often mentioned by the women. Satsang, a Sanskrit word, means "being together in truth". An interpretation of this is a meeting of hearts facilitated by the teacher. The authentic, candid interviews that Rita Marie Robinson leads are compelling. The reader muses about Rita's own recognition, as the author's loveliness oozes between the lines. While reading this text, one drifts into one's own inquiry an invitation the reader can't help but accept. This book is a highly recommended read for a truly pleasant, demystifying and enlightening venture into the feminine model of awakening.



2. I was very excited to attend Rita Marie Robinson's book signing at the in Santa Fe on Oct. 12 and was delighted to get a copy of her book here.
   
   Rita has crafted a heartwarming look at the spiritual journey of 12 women who lovingly share their wisdom in what is call Satsang - a Sanskrit word meaning "bringing together in truth". I spent most of the next day reading the stories of Santa Fe's Pamela Wilson, Muni Fluss, Sharon Landrith and Gangaji, whom I had recently seen at a Satsang in Ashland, Oregon. I so identified with each woman's story of their path to recognition or awakening. I felt a kinship and joy as I realized I was not alone in this journey I have been on since 1971.
   
   Rita has connected each interview with her own story of her growth and insights gained as she took up the challenge to fulfill the inner urge she had to tell these women's stories. In addition I found in the telling of these stories, the wisdom of 'resting', being totally present to the now, living our ordinary lives in exceptional love, patience and peace.
   
   I have found that "Ordinary Women Extraordinary Wisdom" is full of additional encouragement and understanding for living a level of 'no limit soul connection'. I encourage you to get a copy of this book.
   
   I agree with author Raphael Cushnir as quoted on the back of Rita's book..."One of those books to savor, underline like crazy, and then age with gracefully." Congratulations Rita."



3. I practically had an awakening experience just reading this book. Hearing about awakening from so many different viewpoints, with different voices and experiences, as well as the voice of the narrator/author helped me take the information deeply inside of myself where I could feel it viscerally, treasure it in my heart, and allow it to move through me into my world. Highly recommend.



4. It's a good book. Some of the women are a little out there but it is a helpful book.



5. I've been a big fan of Tolle, Adyashanti, and Byron Katie, but recently discovered Jeannie Zandi and Pamela Wilson and really loved their tender approach. This led me to this book which I could not put down. There is something very tender and welcoming about the feminine side of the spiritual search. I wanted it to keep on going when I got to the end of this book. It's so nice to see so many different sides of awakening and to realize it does not have to look a certain way. Having an expectation about what it "should" look like is one of the many obstacles we encounter.

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