5 comments about Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry.

1. It is rare to say but so true. It was given to me by an older woman and it truely changed the way I parent my two boys, see life and helped me create a summer that I will treasure. A must read for those who want to slow down and get off the "treadmill" of life.



2. As others have noted, this book is a series of reflections about motherhood and the importance of slowing down to savor daily life with loved ones.
   
   This book energized me to make several changes in my own life. Part of my motivation for homeschooling this year was a desire to have a more conscious, contemplative, and purposeful life rather than a frantic-mad-dashing here and there life.
   
   In fact, as the holidays approach, many of my friends are feeling "swamped", "overwhelmed", "stressed" - feelings I remember all too well from previous years. While I still have my moments, overall I am much less stressed than last year. The overall tenor of the holidays is much happier and calmer. I have done my best to pare the holidays down to the essentials, to keep things simple and personal, rather than grandly extravagant. Extravagance has its place, but when children are young, I think simplicity makes so much more sense.
   
   I loved this book so much I chose it for my book club of busy suburban SAHMs. I was quite surprised to find only two (out of nine) loved it as I did! Three thought the book had "some good ideas", but they clearly didn't connect with the author.
   
   The other four were quite negative about Mitten Strings. They felt it was too preachy and perfect and Pollyanna-ish, that "real" people couldn't live like the Kenisons without lots of money. But it's not a financial lifestyle she is talking about, it's an internal one, it is simply making a conscious effort to notice, appreciate, prioritize and streamline.
   
   In trying to figure out the mixed response to this book in my book club, I came up with a couple of ideas. I think the crux of liking the book has to do with the following:
   
   First, it depends on whether you are at a point in your life where you actually consider rushing madly to be a negative thing, rather than proof you are productive. Some people feel empowered and energized by rushing and being busy!
   
   Second, it depends on how contemplative you are feeling when you read the book. The more contemplative you feel, the more likely you might enjoy the book.
   
   Finally, it depends on whether you enjoy visual and poetic language. The author writes with a heartfelt, genuine sentimentality that, while I enjoyed it tremendously, can apparently be off-putting to people with more pragmatic sensibilities.
   
   One reviewer said they would not give this book to a parent of an autistic child, or one with Down's Syndrome. I actually think this book has considerable merit for families with special needs children - the key is knowing WHEN to give the book. I have a child who was diagnosed with autism at 3, and when he was younger and we were rushing around madly from therapy to therapy, ransacking our home to make it an engaging learning environment, etc..., I would not have been in the frame of mind to appreciate it.
   
   In fact, according to my three criteria above: the mad rushing was proof I was doing everything I could to help him; who has time to be contemplative when you are trying to save your child from autism; and poetic musings about the wonderful lives of families with typically developing children would have been quite upsetting.
   
   NOW I see things differently. I think the ideas in the book have even MORE relevance for children with special needs, who often thrive in calm, centered environments. I think children with special needs deserve to have their progress, however slow or small, deeply savored and appreciated.
   
   Well anyway. This is not a book that EVERYONE is necessarily going to love, in spite of the steady parade of 5 star reviews. Nevertheless, I join the parade and give this book 5 stars based on my own incredibly positive experience reading it.



3. Mitten Strings touched me in such a way that I felt like I was reading a letter from a good friend. There was a sense of peace reading it and imagining my family in her book. Her basic premise is to slow down, notice the details of your children's lives and be present with your family. But the book goes so much further than that. We all know to slow down...but to be reminded how magical it can be, with illustrations that are so tender is even better. I highly recommend this book and in fact purchased seven more to give to my friends as a special gift. I'd love to meet the author (Katrina) and sit over a cup of something on the front porch while our children run circles around the house!



4. I truly enjoyed this book. It is not a religious book (despite the title) nor a parenting guide; it is a deeply spiritual look at what it means to be a family.



5. This book hit home. One of my best friends gifted me with this book and it has been one of the best gifts ever. I work full time and have a 10 month old daughter. After reading just a chapter I felt relieved to know I am not the only one feeling stressed with all there is to do everyday while maintaining a home, work, relationships,etc. This book gives permission to slow down, and it says it's okay to stop and listen and not do the big birthday parties and attend all the holiday parties and events. Just being and listening and not doing anything together is time well spent.

5 comments about A Master Class in Gremlin-Taming(R): The Absolutely Indispensable Next Step for Freeing Yourself from the Monster of the Mind.

1. As a teacher and collegiate athletic coach I found "A Master Class in Gremlin Taming" to be extremely beneficial. Carson's Gremlin Taming method helps me be aware of the barriers I create that limit my potential. By being aware of my own blocks, I am able to help my students and athletes notice theirs as well. We can both then move toward unleashing our fullest potential.
   
   While mastering Gremlin Taming is a life-long pursuit, I notice that the Method is easily applicable. It is for this reason I have given "A Master Class" and "Taming Your Gremlin" to All American athletes and Honor students. Often the difference between being good and being great is in their mentality.
   
   I strongly suggest "A Master Class" and "Taming Your Gremlin" to any teacher or coach who wishes to help their students or athletes excel.



2. Richard Carson's presentation of his gremlin-taming process is so digestible and good natured. It is grounded in the real world. I recognize bits of myself and others in the examples. And I think that is the key to the value of the book. Each chapter is linked to the others yet stands alone as a tool for finding your own way of enjoying your own life. In fact, I believe this might just introduce you to your very own self!
   
   I can honestly say that I can't think of anyone I would not recommend this book to. It's a good read, a toolbox full of very real aids to finding clarity for yourself and it's often funny. And the illustrations are great!



3. A Master Class In Gremlin-Training by Rick Carson revisits a complex subject in imaginative and simple language. As in his prior books, Carson outlines the basics of pleasure and explaina in unique, yet common sense, language a method of getting out of our own way. In his latest work he offers us the opportunity to increase the pleasure in our lives by spending more time living and less time thinking about our lives by taming our gremlin. The gremlin in our mind is the one who is a master at using our "fears, regrets, or self-limiting concepts" to create scenarios that exacerbate our vulnerabilities. The book is well written. An example is the following explanation of what the gremlin can do: "Untamed, he will destroy your health, foul up your relationships, dampen your creativity, hamper your productivity, send you tumbling into low-down funks, and wind you up into fits of panic." The book has an important message and lesson for anyone who wants to understand and minimize the worries that plague them and to successfully pursue a pleasurable and active life



4. Rick Carson has written a warm and personal book. He writes from an experiential base; he shares his experiences while encouraging and challenging the reader to utilize this method and evaluate theirs.. As a bonus, the reader will be charmed and tickled as I was by his humor and anecdotes. All the while, the method allows you to shine the light of awareness on the toxic messages inhibiting and limiting us all. By the books conclusion, I felt as if I were parting company with a friend as wwell as a master therapist. Jay Karant, Evanston, Illinois



5. Received book on time and it was in new condition as described. Thank you.

5 comments about The Greatest Secret of All: Moving Beyond Abundance to a Life of True Fulfillment.

1. This is one of the most inspiring and well written texts on the secrets of life I have ever read. It contains the essence of all great wisdom traditions - including how to live the life of our dreams AND create a world that works for all. I actively use these principles in my life and the effects are beyond what I had dared to expect. It is truly possible to live a life of ease, grace and fulfillment....



2. The Secret. Everyone seems to think that there is some sort of deeply hidden secret to being happy and living a good life. The truth is that there is no secret. The answer is simple, something that we learned as children and somehow forgot over the years.
   
   In The Greatest Secret of All, the author shares the story of his own personal journey. At thirty, he had a sudden realization that the life he was living did not at all resemble the life he wanted. He was unhappy, broke, and lost. We've all been there.
   
   However, instead of accepting his lot in life, the author decided he needed a change. Like most of us, at first he didn't know where to even start. Over time though, he created a working system of goal setting, affirmations, and the willingness to be open to the possibilities.
   
   The Greatest Secret of All is that we all can have a good life. We all deserve to be happy. Most importantly, that the power to fulfil these wishes is within each one of us.



3. Like stretching in the morning sun, Marc Allen's book is refreshingly simple to understand in an "easy and relaxed" manner. His insightful observations invite the reader to become more aware of what they are doing while thinking, breathing and being. He gives us the permission to ask for what we want. He reminds us that as we start to focus on that which brings us joy, we are automatically stirring up our subconscious doubts and fears.
   
   Rather than cave in to our inadequacy, he shows us how to "stay on track" by simply readjusting our attitude of worth and trusting our God-given intuition--similar to my own book, Forgiveness: The Divine Connection.
   
   I also enjoyed his soulful points which felt like elegant desserts beautifully arranged on a silver platter. Marc allows us to ask for God's love and support and helps us realize that this simple inquiry automatically creates the intention to receive abundance, joy, and success. A lovely gift for yourself to read over and over!



4. The Greatest Secret of All:
   
   Moving Beyond Abundance to a Life of True Fulfillment
   
   By Marc Allen
   
   ISBN 1-57731-619-3 (New World Library, 2007)
   
   With a clear explanation of "The Law of Attraction," we can turn our journey of self-discovery into an amazing adventure of cooperation with the world around us. There's nothing more inspirational than reading the words that come from the experience of success and failure. While reading Marc Allen's book I realized that manifesting happiness and inner peace is an important ingredient to lasting success for myself and the world around me.
   
   Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine ([...])



5. I have been reading law of attraction books for years (and years). They've been fun, and they've even been a bit helpful. But not until now did I really get it!
   
   "The secret of manifestation is not complicated. In fact, it is very simple... it appears too simple and too obvious. And we feel it should be more complex somehow. Or at least more original, not something we've heard many times before." From the book.
   
   In truth, it really is all that simple, and Marc goes into it step by step.
   
   Marc talks about his own personal experiences. He started out pretty much in a state of poverty at the age of 30! Within just a few years though he was a millionaire. No magic wand... no magical inheritance. Just practicing what he now preaches!
   
   He also talks about the exercises that he does, which are simple, because in his own words, "he's very lazy." He also points out that the exercises should be simple, because the subconscious mind needs to be able to accept them. If our subconscious can't accept what we are doing, it's not going to work for us.
   
   I find his style charming and endearing. He's friendly and to the point! Seriously too the point!! No fluff... no sparkly things... no vague promises. Just do the work. That's it!
   
   I LOVED this book, and am listening to the audio book right now for the second time.
   
   I would highly recommend "The Greatest Secret of All" to anyone and everyone who is looking not for a life of big homes and fancy cars, but rather for a life of true fulfillment and happiness.

5 comments about Adult Children of Abusive Parents: A Healing Program for Those Who Have Been Physically, Sexually, or Emotionally Abused.

1. I could not finish this book. In part one I kept reading about daughters being molested by their fathers and step-fathers -- it was too much.



2. If you have been abused: sexually, mentally or verbally by a parent or guardian, and you are the walking "wounded", you need to read this book. It helps you to get past all that trauma, forgive that person and go on with your life. Forgiveness doesn't mean you'll ever forget, it means you let go. There's so much you can do on your own and this is a great start!!
   
   Paula



3. This book made me feel the pain of those who have suffered at the hands of abusive parents. It proved to be useful for my course project.



4. I found that this book, although promising a fresh look at the age old problems of adult children of abuse, falls short in the long run. Adults who experienced abuse as children are usually well aware of that abuse. This book deals with uncovering the abuse, and then takes, in my opinion, controversial steps at therapy. Those steps include a "reconstruction of the past" in essence fabricating lies and letting those lies replace the truths of the abuse. I, for one, was looking for a way to defeat the anger I feel, not reconstruct my past into some idyllic existence. For me, living a lie where I remember parents who never existed would only be compounding the problem.
   So, I cannot recommend this book as part of an affective regimen of therapy.



5. I get the idea that most of the people writing reviews of these books are Psychologists and aren't people who were actually abused.. I thought there were a few good ideas. It was good at showing what characteristics people who were abused have, but most people who were abused already know they have all these characteristics. They are trying to figure out what "normal" is and how to get from point A to point B, and to be honest if they are buying this book, they're buying this book to get help and not to come up with all the theories and all. That said, it's still better than most of the other books I've read, and it still has good ideas that are worth getting the book for. There's a section on listening to what's around you.. I had been going to the swimming pool several times a week for the past few years, and I never really heard the sounds of the water splashing, or the kids playing, or the lifeguard, or the parents sitting there, I just tuned it all out, like everything and everyone else.
   
   but it's still not a lot of help to a person who has been abused. It's really more for therapists to be honest, and that does me little good, to be honest. but I'm still glad I got the book,a nd I don't regret getting it. Some of them are a waste.

5 comments about The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering The problems Of Everyday Living (4 CD Set).

1. I found myself a bit distracted by the lack of specific references as to who the annecdotes were about. A lot of "a certain high ranking executive in an important industry, in a major US city..." These days we expect to be told which executive in which industry and and which in which city. Maybe we have all gotten a bit more skeptical about sources in the Internet age.
   But that quibble asside, I have been making a concious effort to put Dr. Peale's ideas into practice, and found them very helpful. In another 50 years the presentation will seem more dated yet, but I am sure the ideas will be no less important. I am glad I bought the book.
   As as has been noted in many other reviews, this book is about living a rich, full, happy life in a Christian framework. If that's not what you are looking for, keep looking!



2. An oldie but a goodie. Everything in this book was so uplifting. Wonderful daily reminders. Lots of suggestions to improve your life. I love that scriptures are quoted. Who knew the Bible book of Job first spoke of the law of attraction! Interesting stories of healing and the mind/body connection. Must have been quite controversial back when it was first published.
   Don't be put off by those who say it's religious. I am not religious at all but rather I say I'm spiritual. I will reference this book often.



3. I was at a very low point in my life, having just been laid off from my job, depressed and feeling very unwanted. I was looking through book titles and this one caught my eye. I didn't really know much about the book but it sounded like something I could use. I started listening and the more I listened the better I felt. So much of what was said hit home for me. I found myself listening to this audio book whenever I was in the car going to an appointment, going for an interview, anytime I needed to feel better. Some of the sayings from this book continue to resonate within me at the times I need to hear them the most.
   
   I highly recommend this audio book.



4. I started reading this book with great hope of getting some push on positive thinking. But, even after reading 70 pages I could not find anything that is closely related to positive thinking. The writer, through out the book, was telling that reading the bible is solution for all problems.
   
   I myself is very religious and I have nothing against the content of the book, but the title is not apt. I would have given atleast four stars if it would have been titiled "power of bible".
   
   Once again, this book is just promoting religion/bible and it is not any thing about positive thinking.



5. I bought this book years ago, and just recently my life changed enough that I needed to read it again. I have no idea where that original book is, so I bought it again. This book is timeless in it's knowledge and information. There are things that we never know exist until our eyes are open. It's simply amazing how the laws of the universe are fact, and how they go on whether or not we believe them, understand them, or even know about them. This is one of many books everyone should have in their library, next to other books that help us understand and expand our knowledge. This is a treasure, and I am very thankful it is still in print. I will hold onto this one!

5 comments about Group Exercises for Enhancing Social Skills and Self-Esteem.

1. Most of the exercises seem to be designed for adolescent groups. It would have been nice to know that before purchasing. However, many are adaptable to adult groups, and are quite useful.



2. Find Me: How Psychic Detectives from Around the World Have Banded Together to Find Missing People - Co-author of Find Me
   
   This book had great exercises for new students, partners etc. I enjoyed using some of techniques in my classes.



3. I bought this book for use with adolescent groups. I am a licensed clinical social worker will years of experience running groups with this population. I find that this book encompasses some exercises that I already had from other books. I also found some of the suggested topics to be thin on content. Overall, I think that this book is more appropriate for use by paraprofessional staff, or those with limited experience running groups.



4. This book is very helpful, with many options for group activities for different levels of groups.



5. I've reviewed this book and find it to have a lot of good resources for future use in my work doing groups. The groups as presented are easy to follow with good handout materials to be copied.

5 comments about Meditations to Heal Your Life (Hay House Lifestyles) (Hay House Lifestyles).

1. If I could give no stars, I would. I'm putting this review on each of Louise Hay's titles to warn people who fall into believing that this is a caring, compassionate person. I met her recently at an event and was about to compliment her on one of the books her company publishes that Dr. Dyer wrote for children. Louise Hay was so incredibly rude to me before I even got to open my mouth that I was shocked. The woman seemed to be only about capitalism, power and ego and, though I had been a previous customer of her publishing company, I will NEVER purchase anything by them again nor will I recommend them. I will not give money to someone so ill-behaved, let alone someone who's telling others to be nice when they haven't learned that lesson themselves. Louise Hay, I hope someone on your team shares this with you. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so nasty!
   
   By contrast, I have dealt with the people at Sound's True a zillion times and all of them are as nice as can be and behave in accordance with their products. I spoke with their people at the same event (and others before it) and they were all lovely.
   
   And, no, I do not work for or am in any way compensated by Sound's True. I simply people should know the truth about who practices what they preach and who doesn't. In my opinion, Hay's behavior was one step down from Cruella De Ville. If you're shocked reading that, imagine how shocked I was experiencing it from her.



2. I love Louise Hay, she's helped me so many times with books such as this one.
   
   I'm actually referring to the audio version of this book which I play during the day. This gives positive suggestions, a way to change your mind to change your life.



3. Louise Hay is absolutely the best if you're wanting to make a HUGE shift in your life. It all starts with loving yourself, and she's got it down !! I highly recommend all her work.



4. Just starting the book...a followup to "You can heal your life" by Louise Hay. I believe that it will help me as I continue with my journey of surrender and restoration.



5. This book is absolutely amazing! Whatever your issue, there is a written affirmation to help you get through it positively. I feel that this book is so great, that I have given one to anyone that I thought would appreciate it. SPECIAL!!!

5 comments about Healing Feelings from Your Heart.

1. Results is ultimate guru..... I have witnesed healing in my life and my familie.... That joy and peace is happening at very deep level's....... Thankyou, Karol for sharing information at this time. A time when many can come together in a divine pattern, Using a script of inspiration. It works.
   
   Debara from kznu 1450am talk radio
   from the Devona and Debara's Calling all angels
   Show. Pay it foward



2. Helps in identfing causes of dis ease in the body. Therefore it helps one to work out these feelings and to help one's body to heal



3. This book is a solid follow-on title to Ms. Truman's book Feelings Buried Alive Never Die. It brings some enhanced content to the table, but still relies heavily on the foundation of the previous work. To get the maximum benefit from this work my recommendation would be to first read her initial book, and then read this one.



4. I would reccomend this book to anyone that was willing to talk with me about their emotional wellbeing. It changed my life and will continue to affect my life in the future. It is worth every penny and every minute of your time.



5. The author of this book has done a great job of identifying feelings and their underlying physical manifestations. As human beings, we must understand that the emotional side of us and the physical side of us is absolutely connected...on fundamental levels. The body keeps track of everything and this book will help you to identify particular emotions, where they are in the body and what to do with them. There are some books that as a Christian, you need to glean from and throw the rest away and there are some portions of this book like that. However take what you can glean from it and I think you'll find it useful.

5 comments about Kokology : The Game of Self-Discovery.

1. A former roommate of mine kept nagging me to answer some questions from this book. No thank you was my constant response until I played just to make her stop.
   
   I HATE these kinds of 'games', which I usually find ridiculous and boring. Responding to scenrios and reading 'what they reveal'. Blah. Or so I thought.
   
   Kokology, while totting a serious label, was so much fun, and at times, too true (and not always something you want others to know!), that we did the whole book in a matter of days. Each scenerio was so benign and unassuming...but what they revealed was enlightening, mostly true and uproaring hilarious!
   
   The ringer: you have to answer immediately, the first thing that pops into your head. You only get a few seconds, otherwise, it's a bust. You're not supposed to have enough time to organize something coherent or framed--by answering quickly, it's assumed you'll answer honestly (and it's true if you're willing and follow the rules). So don't play with people who aren't in the mood or take too long.
   
   It's really fun to go back and re-read the answers you gave a few months later and to read other people's responses (of course, ask for permission and omit names unless it's ok with that person). I was laughing for hours on end.
   
   I wouldn't try this on people you don't know that well. Because, frankly, it got a bit awkward, especially if it hit too close to home for some participants. Or have a few drinks then play. Rather, it was more fun to play with people you really know because you think you know what they'll say but realize they're is always more to discover.
   
   The only downside is that it can give negative reads, espeically if people are trying to get a certain 'right' response (which really isn't possible, but people try...). It is easy to lie (knowingly or not) and/or get weird pscyho-babble. People have gotten very upset and even angry by one analysis or the other, so word of caution.



2. Kokology provides short, imaginary and some amusing scenerios and then asks you questions about the situation. How you describe yourself and/or parts of the scenerio provides insight into who you are and how you view life and those in it. Interesting. . . some of "games" are fun. This book would be fun relaxing with a group of close friends - especially, after imbibing a few drinks. I don't think I would "play" this with a large group, and certainly not with people I didn't know well. Some answers can get pretty "personal". I don't agree with all of the interpretations. I don't talk to camels because I'm losing out on love, but I do talk to my dog as a companion. People really do ask me what time it is in museums and art galleries, so my answer has no psychological tag as far as I am concerned. I have a physical problem with my ear that keeps me from enjoying rides, but- I have three kids. Right, and maybe not. The point is, the book is fun, but you can't take it too seriously, otherwise I'm losing my job today. The Cube, while limited more in scope than Kokology, is short, sweet, thoroughly enjoyable and funnier. I am not sure this is worth buying, but certainly enjoyable to read as long as you don't take yourself, or the answers too seriously.



3. This is really cool book to read whenever you want to have some fun with friends.



4. We bought this book on a whim and it is a gem. My family and friends have enjoyed several hours already answering and discussing the questions and interpretations in the book. If you are the kind of person who enjoys taking personality quizzes, this book is for you. Try it, it's fun and very interesting. I found it spot on with most of the analyses.



5. This book is so fun! Its a good one to read with a few friends, the results are suprising, and really accurate it seems

5 comments about Finding Your Way Home: A Soul Survival Kit.

1. I first read this book about 8 years ago and reread it this year. I thought it was excellent as a first read, and even better the second time around. It has definitely changed my life in a very positive way once again. I am going to keep this one on my nightstand for times when I need simple reminders to guide me through difficult situations. Though they seem simplistic at first glance, her ideas and suggestions are extremely profound and wonderful for those of us searching for peace.



2. Ok book. I don't much like the remedies at end of many of the activities, but the main text is pretty good. I underlined a lot of things that were powerful to me.



3. This book has a much more of a "new age" feel to it than Codependent No More. This might be a selling point for someone else, but it was a real turn off for me. Codependent No More and Beyond Codependency are still my favorites by her.



4. I have long been a fan of Melody Beattie and this book is no different. Very well written and based on Melody's life experiences, this book helped me understand that, really, I am not alone in my confusion with my life.



5. I searched for this book, based on my familiarity with Beattie's other helpful works. I found a chapter entitled, "Healing Fear," read a few paragraphs, and decided this book was a keeper. This ability to find a title of a chapter and not follow any sequential order is a strength of the book for me. This particular chapter on healing fear is concrete, specific and rich with examples and simple truths that help me.
   
   Beattie offers mantras as the end of each chapter. Some have wording that I find awkward, even with repetition. Others I use easily. Her concept of a "Soul Survival Kit" resonates with me, as I relate well to visual images.
   
   The book is a good resource for me when I find I have wandered off track and need balance restored in my life. Thumbing through the index, or selecting a particular chapter title always offers me some wisdom.