5 comments about The Goodnight Caterpillar: A Children's Relaxation Story to Improve Sleep, Manage Stress, Anxiety, Anger (Indigo Dreams)(Hardcover).

1. My boys ages 6 and 8 love this book. We talk about about how to relax when feeling nervous or scared about something. Kids today worry about so many things. It's nice to see Lite's books showing ways to manage stress in children.



2. I bought this book for my five year old son, who has anxiety disorder. He was having difficulty sleeping at night, due to anxiety about the next days' events (school, soccer, etc). We read this book together each night and he says he can feel himself relaxing, "just like the caterpillar in the book, mom!" He's sleeping really well most nights and his teacher says he uses the deep breathing techniques at school when things seem overwhelming for him.
   
   The story line is pretty basic and if you can pair this with actually growing caterpillars, the book really comes to life. It's age appropriate, too, with something for kids of all ages. I even relax while I read it!



3. My youngest daughter age 6 has Sensory Processing Intergration, along with Anxiety. Her Anxiety can keep her from doing things she really wants to. Going to bed has always been an issue in our home. She becomes very aggitated and anxious at bedtime. I bought the book "The Goodnight Catapillar" and it has helped alot. She has learned to relax her body in bed as the Catapillar does in the book. The pictures are beautiful and she actually catches things I as her mother don't such as in each page as the catapillar relaxes his hands become straight and relaxed. I would reccomend this book to anyone whose child has a hard time going to bed at night!



4. This is a truly WONDERFUL book! My 8 year old son loves it (we bought it when he was7). It's tough to relax and unwind after a long day at school and we wanted something to help him do just that before going to bed. He unwinds soooo much after reading this book ~ you can see the stress leaving his little body! It helps mom and dad too! Muscle relaxtion is essential in promoting relaxation ~ we have found he wakes up less frequently during the night. It's wonderful to have him be able to read this book himself, should he feel the need, if he awakens during the night (or any other time). A super book!



5. I use this book with clients (child and challenged adults) in psychotherapy, as well as with my 4 and 6 yr. old children. The simple relaxation techniques are clear and accessible and help with the management of anxiety. The illustrations are inviting. The book is one I reach for often and recommend to other therapists and parents.

3 comments about 200 Ways to Raise a Girl's Self-Esteem: An Indespensable Guide for Parents, Teachers & Other Concerned Caregivers.

1. Bottom Line:  It's a buy for any parent, teacher, or caregiver working with girls.

   Best feature:  Each of the 200 "ways" has a short action step individualized for both parents and teachers.  Makes implementation of the ideas much easier.

   Pet peeve:  No index....aarggh!




2. What a find! Borrowed from the library and soon to become a core source of smart, practical and important strategies for helping my daughter navigate her complicated world and become a person of strength and generousity.
   It is the type of book useful to those who enjoy well written parenting books and those who want something that they can pick up and put down, as time permits.



3. The good parts of this book: the recommendations are practical, reasonable, and, in the long run, pretty straight-forward. Some examples of the 200 items: Get your priorities straight; Teach her to set healthy boundaries. In all, not a bad checklist.

   This book probably is useful to parents or caregivers who need to review or talk about these items. For parents or caregivers to a child with moderate academic, social, or emotional problems, however, this book is insufficient. Readers should turn to books by Myrna Shure, Martin Seligman, and others.

   This book matches a similar book for boys, from the same publisher, 200 Ways to Raise a Boy's Emotional Intelligence. Why is it that we think of self-esteem for girls and emotional intelligence for boys?

5 comments about When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies: Freeing Yourself from Food and Weight Obsession.

1. This book is BRILLIANTLY conceived. It isn't about losing the weight first; it's about learning to love yourself first and unconditionally. What comes after that is your whole LIFE. The diet industry has convinced us that when you lose the weight, then you can/will love yourself.
   
   So how come diets - 99 out of 100 times - lead to bingeing!! With odds such as that, do you honestly feel it's your own fault????
   
   This book is about losing low self-esteem and self-criticism, assumptions, and judgements about yourself and others. How much do you believe those things weigh you down??? It's incalculable. Then you learn how to become your own caretaker who loves you unconditionally, is creative and so much stronger than you think. That's the stuff that lightens up you and your life. This takes time and effort to develop but don't be swayed by others who haven't gotten the concept and who even sound as though they haven't carefully read the book. You CAN TRUST yourself; you will NOT eat yourself into oblivion. You do deserve the time and self-exploration involved. This book is about living your life to the MAX which you will do once you get over obsessing about food. I LOVE the book; it's my BIBLE. Thank you to the authors from the bottom of my heart.



2. This book encourages victimhood. We are overweight because we live in a man's world. So carry around a feed-bag and soothe your anger.
   
   I agree that dieting as a result of self-hatred is a poor motivation that will never work. But I am overweight because of choices I made yesterday that are a reality today. It's not my husband's or my father's or anyone's fault.
   
   A better book is "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," which I am currently reading. This book teaches that we are only victims when we choose to be. Once we get that, we can go from their and dump all that anger-based, victimhood "momentum."



3. This book is 12 years old. I think the authors' stand on the position of women in our society reflect what was happening in the 90's. Nevertheless, I think their premise that dieting makes us fatter and that we use food to cope is right on. Their cure of legalizing food, sitting with our feelings, and learning to stop loathing our bodies is easier said than done. Laurel Mellin takes the idea of sitting with our feelings further in her book "The Solutions." I seriously doubt anyone who has any issues with food won't find a passage in this book that will make them say "Aha."



4. It's quite simple really. These days, when I look in the mirror I love the girl I see. Some of the credit has to go to this book. Thank you Jane.
   
   If you are ready to look past your weight and focus on your well-being, then this book will be a great companion. It is well written, with real-life examples from women who have discovered the secret to a lifestyle free from body image worries; a lifestyle that is light and loving in itself.
   
   I am happy that I found this book at the perfect time for me. It has helped me transform myself into the person I am today. These days I can focus on my friends, and I can be relaxed enough to let go of my insecurities and have a great time. It has been a year-long process and although I still have to remind myself every once-in-a-while, it has gotten much easier to snap out of it.



5. This book truly changed my life by asking the simple question, "Who says?" Who says that one kind of body shape is better than another? Who are these dictators to whom we give all power over our bodies, self-image and self-esteem? The editors at People Magazine? Our parents? That guy in high school? It becomes a ridiculous quest. Certainly, history has shown that the "right" body is constantly changing--should WE? Then the book gives straight forward steps to help dismantle our self-binding beliefs and to overcome the idea that food itself has power over us. I left this book knowing that food is nothing more than sustenance and a treat at times.

5 comments about Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set): Children's Bedtime Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Indigo Dreams).

1. I was looking for something to help my child fall asleep. I have experience with meditation and the description of these CD's seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, they are very disappointing. They are poorly recorded as if it was done 30 years ago and the stories are way too baby-ish, they do not seem to be meant for school age children despite the pictures of school age children on the covers.



2. My family loves the Indigo Dreams stories by Lori Lite, for we often listen to her cds to help the children relax and fall asleep. The stories are very reassuring, calming and sweet. Sometimes, I get so relaxed that I fall asleep, too. :)



3. My daughter loves these tapes. She has a hard time winding down and getting to sleep. At first she said she thought they were a little boring, but I explained that bedtime tapes aren't supposed to be fast-paced and exciting. Within a week she was asking for them every night. She started telling me what she was learning from them: how to relax, what to do if she felt mad during the day, focusing on what makes her happy and content, etc... Not only have they helped her fall asleep, I really think they have helped her deal with her emotions during the day as well.



4. My children ages 5,7 and 9 love all 3 of these CDs.The narrator of Indigo Dreams has a voice that can lull them to sleep even on the most difficult nights. They love the Ocean CD with the seachild/mermaid character and can really relate to the angry octopus. They now remind each other to take a deep breath like the octopus when they are losing their tempers. It is quite funny. All of my children are now using the techniques from the stories including positive statements like the dolphin. My oldest has been having trouble sleeping due to stress and worry about school. He constantly asks for The Garden of Wellness CD. The stories hit you in the heart and the practice tracks help him get rid of his worries and fears and anger and fall asleep quickly and soundly. I highly recommend this set.



5. I hope to put into words how transformational this CD is.
   My 8 year old son has a lot of anxiety due in part to his reading disability. So whenever I introduce a new concept to him (home charter school), he immediately thinks he can't do it, he gets extremely frustrated, and gives up before even trying. Awful. I was desperate to find something to help, and I knew something like Indigo Dreams had to exist. Lucky for us, I found it.
   I downloaded it in MP3 format right away. My husband was very skeptical, but he knew we had to give it a try.
   I prepared a small alcove off of our living room to create a "relaxation station". I painted it chocolate brown, brought in a couple of live leafy plants, set a dark green cushion on the floor, along with a few coordinating pillows. I set up his CD player with headphones, and explained to my son that during school, I will set aside time whenever needed for relaxation station. He was excited to try it out.
   So on the first day of school, he got overwhelmed with his phonics lesson. He got through the lesson though, knowing that he would get down time. So shortly after, off he went to relaxation station. He was sitting up on the cushion, against the pillows. Literally, ten minutes later, he was nestled in, and sound asleep.
   He LOVES "The Angry Octopus" from Indigo Ocean Dreams. That is his favorite. He says that he uses his imagination to see the story. When the octopus is angry, he feels angry too. And when the octopus breathes to calm himself, he does it too. He sees colors and the characters and the environment. He loves the sounds of the ocean. He says that it relaxes him and makes him feel good. (I think hearing a male narrarator helps too, whereas my daughter would prefer a female narrarator.)
   Since using relaxation station on an as needed basis, my son no longer has the outbursts as I described earlier. He still gets frustrated from time to time, but now he is becoming an eager learner! He is progressing in school like never before! There are still challenges, but this CD helped remove one of the barriers, which was anger/frustration. Awesome!
   I have recommended this to elementary teachers, special education teachers, and physical and occupational therapists. I have recommended it to moms of kids who are perfectionists or have anxiety or anger issues or are highly sensitive.
   I am so glad I found this product. Even my skeptical husband admitted to its success. :)
   My 6 year old daughter also enjoys this. She especially likes the breathing exercises. Although she does not share the same challenges as her brother, she still does benefit from the stories.
   I would highly recommend this to parents, teachers, therapists, and specialists who work with children.

2 comments about The Present Moment: 365 Daily Affirmations.

1. I thought this was a calendar, since it came up when I searched for a Louise Hay Calendar. It's just a nifty little book of affirmations. If you're looking for a desk calendar, buy the other one.



2. This is just that...every day you have something to keep you motivated. Way to go Louise!

No comments about My Organic Soul: From Plato to Creflo, Emerson to MLK, Jesus to Jay-Z--A Journal to Help You Discover Yourself through Words of Wisdom from Visionaries Past and Present.

1 comments about Pleasers.

1. This is a great great book. If you are a "pleaser" you need to read this.

5 comments about Daily Affirmations for Forgiving and Moving On.

1. I love this book and read it daily. It is so ironic when you are going through something and you open the book right to an affirmation that pertains to that very situation. I bought several copies of Daily Affirmation for Forgiving and Moving On and give it out as gifts to friends that I know will benefit from it.



2. I love this book of daily reflections. It is very thought provoking and the quotes are memorable.



3. I picked up this little gem of a book and cant put it down. I refer to it again and again because it has so much insight on all kinds of issues people may have..it really speaks to you and I found it so comforting during difficult times. I will treasure it for a long time!



4. I own this & have gone through it. I liked it so much I picked up a copy for a friend's daughter who has just lost a significant other. Comprising of 366 pages & designed to be read one page each day. The book is an excellent tool for a healthy direction for one's getting back on track. Gentle affirmations reveal true sources in one's feelings. The book does go a long way in dealing with the loss of a relationship



5. I PURCHASED MY BOOK 3 1/2 YEARS AGO THE WEEK AFTER MY HUSBAND OF 34 YRS DIED FROM ALCOHOLISM WITHOUT KNOWING THIS WAS TO BE MY MOST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK. I HAVE BEEN IN RECOVERY ABOUT 4 YRS NOW AND I HAVE GIVEN AWAY 10
   OR 12 BOOKS. I ALWAYS KEEP AN EXTRA ONE BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL MEET UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN USE IT.

5 comments about Letting Go and Becoming.

1. I enjoy listening to the message that Marianne Williamson gives. She is inspirational, shares her insight & thoughts based on her life experiences and education. She always gives me a new perspective to think about regarding life, love, change, growth. I enjoy listening to her on the road, which is a time for reflection for many of us. Her philosophy has enriched my life and made me a better person.



2. This is a good mix of spirituality and one that includes a meditation. This reminds me of the daily Meditation that I use every day from Marianne Williamson. It's just that good!I'm sure that if you like the meditation CD, you would definately like her CD on Letting Go and Becoming.



3. I keep this in my car and listen to it over and over,on long drives. Never boring and it is always an inspiration.. I end up feeling better off for having listened to it.



4. I love Marianne Williamson but this product should have never hit the shelves. The sound quality is very poor and I can barely hear most of it on a couple of the CD's. I am disappointed.



5. My first thoughts of this book were, I won't be listening to this one more than once. Then as I listened further and began to try to really get what she was saying. Most of it was about getting rid of attachments I had a hard time with this one at first but now I realize she was saying, get rid of the physical and attach yourself to your Spirituality and that is the most important thing in our growth. When you go to work, you don't do it for money you go to work to grow and be what God needs you to be and create. In fact everything in our life should be dedicated to spreading joy from the depths of our soul. She talks alot about women and our the empowerment that we have and how to use that power.
   The bottom line is that you rule your life with the constant aide of the universe. It is up to you what you do with the aide. I listened to it three times to make sure I got it.

5 comments about Colorstrology: What Your Birthday Color Says About You.

1. Don't be disappointed if you expect a book that also includes astrological information to be in the forefront. This is, just as stated on the cover, "what your birthday color says about you" and nothing more. There is, beneath the full-page sample of your color, a couple two or three paragraphs about your personality, preferences, color partners. I've read their birthday color info to many of my friends and acquaintences, and we all seem to agree that it's worth picking up a copy. Simple, functional, fun for those interested in decorating, astrology.



2. I agree with other reviewers who want more on the mechanics behind how the system for color choices is used. That being said, I have found this book to be quite effective for assembling color palettes in my jewelry designs. Since each day is assigned a color and qualities that are enhanced by that color, the reader can use other calendar or zodiac-related associations to mix and match, such as the Sabian Symbol degrees or the Playing Cards Calendar. I purchased 2 extra copies and cut off their bindings so that I can lay out colors and create an "intention" behind my design choices.



3. I had the pleasure to meet Michele and review her book in an intimate setting of 20- 30 women. She touched our hearts with her wisdom and intuitive insight and made us all eager to read her new book Colorstrology. I found out that my best color was yellow; a color that I was not to thrilled about but I embraced it because she said it would bring good energy my way and she was right! Now everyday I embrace a little yellow in my life from a yellow tank to a yellow bag. Many of my friends love the book as well. Michele has proven that a vivid world still exist!



4. I like this book. I ordered it because I like Micheles site. It has god information in it for each day of the year & what your color means.



5. Whenever I have a moment or coffee with a friend, I share the page corresponding with their birthday. Each is asked to sign the side of the page and we reflect on how accurate the information is for them. Usually, we are surprised at how closely the assessment is for them and have fun discussing it. After a while, the book has begun to fill with birthdates I can easily use for reference.
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