5 comments about Every Day I Pray: Prayers for Awakening to the Grace of Inner Communion.

1. I have incorporated the prayers in this book my everday spiritual well-being. My fiance' and I read a prayer from this book, and a daily devotional from another book, and I have never felt this close with him before. We take time to pray together and relfect on the devotional for the day every night before we go to bed. God has definitely sent his message through this sister because they are on point almost every day. Thoughts expressed in this reading can apply to almost every area in my life. I love this book!



2. I loved this little book filled with dynamic verses and prayers designed to unlift the spirit and feed the soul, while addressing a variety of subjects and situations that we are often confonted with in life. A prayer book to make reference to for any and all occassions.



3. Prayers for all occasions, a book you will always return to. You will enjoy tremendously



4. Enjoyed the book. Noticed neither Jesus nor the cross referenced a single time. How can a Christian write an entire prayer book and not ONCE mention the Lord, the King, the cross, our ONLY mediator and advocate, the way the truth and the life for us?
   
   (It's a rhetorical question.)



5. I'm a huge fan of Iyanla's and I love almost everything she writes- this book is no exception. It gives you a glimpse into how she communicates with the Divine. It inspired me to add more depth and more honesty to my own prayers. Highly recommended

No comments about The Body Image Workbook.

5 comments about Silver's Spells for Protection.

1. There are SOOOO many GREAT books about wicca and witchcraft out there I certainly wouldn't waste my money again on another ravenwolf book, and I suggest others don't either. I am a solitary practioner for 8 years and have been studying wicca for 10 and when I picked up this book I thought it was very cheesy. There are many many books that focus on different spells to try, with lots of background information on how to do them corectly, this book isn't one of them. It is a lot of pop propaganda made to make wicca and witchcraft look like something out of the movies.
   It is however full of false information made just to look cute so it will sell, sell, sell. This book is not for anyone who is seriously interested in learning Wicca and spells
   This supposedly "advanced" book doesnt go into details on how to focus or make your spells stronger, it doesn't go into the operations and importance to keep your spells safe so they work corecctly, and it doesn't go into making your own spells (which tend to work BETTER). It DOES however make the reader feel like they can just read a spell out loud from the book and it will all work in a puff of blue smoke...which is far from reality.
   Instead of just reading spells from a book a reader should look into expanding their knowledge of witchcraft and of wicca so that they will have a solid understanding of how and why spells do what they do so that they can feel confident in creating meaningful, sucessful spells of their own.
   
   Unfortunatly this book may seem fun but it it is far from what most consider resonable information. Her different of opinions and different practices one can handle as a form of paganism but she portrays a real, religion as a fun and games, do whatever you want choice. I am not in a coven and I am very happy being a solitary practioner but I understand wicca is a religious choice and like any religion there are beliefs and redes which are followed. It is not 'do whatever you want to do and call yourself wiccan'. Yes some things in religion are personal choices but the building blocks of the religion are totally lost on her. Freedom of choice in religion is wonderful and its everyones right but if your choice is to make up your own religion you should not go around saying your wiccan when you do not follow the wiccan ways, Unfortunatly that is EXACTLY what ravenwolf does.
   This book seems a nice commercial, and cutesy to make everything pretty and oh so shiney. If you truely want to learn about wicca and learn how to cast better spells then you need not do the spells in this book but look deeper into magic and learn what makes a spell work and how to improve your spells. Then you won't need a book like this to read aloud from every time you feel you need a change.



2. This book panders to the emotional insecurities of youth. The instances of "psychic attack" which are actual, are a minute percentage compared to those claimed by teen-aged drama queens. SRW tends [especially with this work] to cater to the dramatics of the teen-aged mentality.
   
   If you are searching for a serious book concerning protection for home, land, and psyche, I highly recommend "Psychic Protection: Creating Positive Energies for People and Places," by William Bloom [ISBN: 0684835193], instead of a book which preys on the fears and insecurities of a juvenille mind.
   
   While Bloom isn't my favorite author on any subject, at least he isn't selling poison to children.



3. I know so many people absolutely hate Ravenwolf for one reason or another. I own two books by her (this one and solitary witch), and I've only found a few instances where I scratched my head. Of course, I tend to read everything with a grain of salt and understand that any spell I read can be altered to suit my purpose, etc. Silverwolf is definately not a total fluffbunny in my humble opinion, which can be good or bad depending upon the mindset of the reader. I would suggest that a beginner start somewhere else as this series assumes you have a handle on witchcraft. Please also remember that one person's idea of violating the rede may be different than yours, adjust (or reject) the information you receive to match what you think is right. I found this book to be a nice idea generator when I'm in a situation and need a jumpstart on following through. The information is mostly concise, although there are instances in the book that a little confusing.



4. This book is exactly what it is meant to be, a cook book of spells for protection. The writer doesn't claim it to be anything else. It says on the cover in plain site "Spells for Protection!" If you want more in depth teachings about magic she does get into this subject in other books. Anyone who has been practicing witchcraft for very long knows "anyone" can cast a spell, even if they don't know there doing it. Anger and jealousy are both energy and can be directed by the people feeling them and cause harm to you. I personally like her techniques for protection and use them often. There simple and to the point and she encourages you to customize them to your needs. So many of the people reviewing her books really need to lighten up.



5. I own the collection of Silver's Spells (the first printing), and Spells for Protection is probably the strongest of the series. Protection magick is always a good idea, and RavenWolf emphasizes this in her book. She also says that witches are never to attack, but we are entitled to defend ourselves when necessary, which is true. Right on the first page of the book, she says "Don't Be a Victim...Be a Victor!" which I found to be empowering, especially in an age where protection magick is needed more than ever.
   
   In the opening of the books ("Operating Instructions"), she explains some of the basis of spellwork (when specific spells should be done, correspondences, etc) but the reader should already have at least a basic knowledge of how spells work before moving on to advanced spells, like some in the book.
   
   The book itself is divided into Operating Instructions, Personal Prevention Magick, Banishing Those Lesser Irritations and When Things Get Sticky. The organization is to be applauded.
   
   Something that struck me as setting this book apart from other Protection spell books on the market is the spell that she has in Chapter 4 called "To Bring an Animal Killer or Abuser to Justice", which I have never seen in print before, but is nevertheless something that every animal-loving Witch should have handy.
   
   From minor inconveniences to major catastrophies and everything in between, Silver has got you covered with a spell in this book.

5 comments about Don't Take It Personally!: Transform Rejection into Self-Acceptance.

1. I usually find that the average self-help book could be boiled down to a long magazine article and not lose anything valuable in the process, but "Don't Take It Personally" is different. Dr. Savage is obviously a very experienced therapist; I especially like the perceptive way she explores the many reasons we allow other people's opinions and comments to wound us. I recognized my own tendencies in several of the case histories presented, and was also impressed by her canny analysis of clients' family background. I can't say that reading "Don't Take It Personally" has cured me for good of my hypersensitivity, but I do feel that I have a better grip on it: when someone criticizes me now, I'm far more likely to remind myself, "That's simply her viewpoint; she may be right or wrong, but it doesn't have to define who I am." Taking control of your own life is a great experience, and Dr. Savage's book is a useful tool for getting you there.



2. "Don't Take it Personally" is a wonderful guide to exploring the rejection encountered in family, intimate, office, and social relationships. Elayne Savage's personalized and clear style engaged me from the beginning and led me through the process of identifying, understanding and taking control of my rejection issues. Dr. Savage establishes a comfortable atmosphere to understand the impact of childhood experiences of rejection on adult relationships and expectations, and helped me to realize that I am not alone in my feelings. In fact, throughout the book I often found myself exclaiming "Wow, that's me!"



3. I first saw this book while browsing for something completely different. The price was right so i decided to pick it up. I really wasnt expecting much at all from it, but was pleasantly surprised to find it explained alot where behavior comes from when dealing with others in plain English. I wouldnt say it gives enough advice to do as the title says, but it does give alot of insight into re-evaluating past rejection--especailly with families. I feel this book has a lot of pontential, but unfortuantely doesnt explore things into as much depth as i would prefer. I would also have liked to see more said about approaching things and how to change instead of just exploring where certain things come from. However, it has a lot of great ideas presented clearly. All in all, a good book.



4. The book Dr Savage wrote was absolutely electrifying to me! I did not expect to have answers and solutions to my personal and social questions. As an example, I was stunned to realize that I cry, when my husband directs his anger at me because I was emotionally abused as a child. That was something that never occurred to me. And I better understand things like why women stay with me who are severely abusive to them. As a result of reading his book, I'm noticing when I start to sabotage my hearts desire and I can reverse that action. I think if I read this book over and over I will continue to glean true jewels of understanding about myself and those around me. I definitely take this book personally. I think everyone could use this as a guide book to improve their life and understand the people of the world a little better.



5. The author works really hard at putting a positive spin on rejection, because she proposes that what we perceive as rejection actually has more to do with the other person's attitudes, or it might even just be a complete misunderstanding. I found it hard to entirely buy this argument, because--let's face it--often the person who rejects is doing it because they either don't like something about you or just aren't that interested in the first place. I was hoping for more help on that level, but there's still a lot of rational information here. One thing the author touches on briefly is how some people get caught up in the relationship fantasy created by songs, novels, movies, etc. instead of seeing things realistically. I would have liked an expanded discussion of this topic. There are intermittent typos throughout the book, and although the publisher is to blame, it does affect credibility to a small extent.

3 comments about Tracking Freedom: A Guide for Personal Evolution.

1. Most of us having been reading the "metaphysical" books for the last twenty years and it is all basicly the same. I found "Tracking Freedom" refreshingly different. It took reading the book several times and suspending my own usual way of thinking to start to digest what Ken Eagle Feather is trying to get across. I love the book. I will undoubtly read it again and again. Ken Eagle Feather's style of writing makes reading the book a pleasure; like two friends having a conversation. A book to be savored.



2. Of the three books by Ken Eagle Feather, this one is my favorite. Each of his previous books led me up to this one - which launched me into a new way of perception. Tracking freedom is precisely what the book is about, with no wasted words. It is packed full of exercises and information that helps one along the path to freedom.



3. If you have read "A Toltec Path" by Ken Eagle Feather you will know what to expect from "Tracking Freedom" It's basically the same information with emphasis on tracking/stalking. Despite this there are a few concepts elucidated upon and some new insights that make it worth picking up. Those of you who are new to the information, I recommend reading the author's books as well as other toltec authors to understand the overall vision of the message. If you decide to embrace this path you may come across the "Don Juan" controversy. The question of Don Juan being an actual person or a metaphor for the collective shamanic wisdom of the people of New Mexico, is completely irrelevant. The knowledge is real. The proof of the toltec system lies in its implementation. The arts of tracking/stalking and dreaming are invaluable to any spiritual pursuit. But remember, don't limit yourself, I believe that all spirituality stems from one source that has been fragmented throughout human history. The study of one system lights the path of another, for example the books of Eckhart Tolle, which teaches the spiritual practice of present centeredness are a great aid to tracking/stalking practices.

5 comments about Psycho Cybernetics 2000.

1. This book is a complete spin-off of the original PSYCHO CYBERNETICS By Maxwell Maltz, which was a classic. Don't buy this book as it's just a get-rich-quick scheme by the author Bobbe Sommer as she adds nothing substantial to the original material, just her own boring stories. I have the original book by Maxwell Maltzand it is one of the best self help book I have ever read. Bobbe Sommer has just ruined the PSYCHO CYBERNETICS philosophy by adding her own crap in this book.



2. I'm not familiar with the original work done by Maltz in the sixties and found this to be a useful book. The writing is clear and the concepts are easily understood. I would have liked more updated information about the biology and study of the concepts but maybe that's for another book. If you're familiar with modern self-help there won't be anything shocking here but it's interesting to read about it in the original language so to speak. I was happily surprised by the comprehensiveness of the book: there are chapters on the basics, goal setting, changing your beliefs, and putting all the concepts together. Something you won't see in many other self-help books is a chapter on what to do when nothing is working. I liked the book and would recommend it as a good starting place.



3. I have read the original and I have read this one. The original is great. This one is better. It has concrete steps and explains how exactly to implement Maltz's revolutionary ideas of self-image enhancement. I got the feeling with the original that Maxwell Maltz was so turned on and excited by these new discoveries that he was eager to just "get it out there" and worry about the details later. The creators of Psycho-Cybernetics 2000, having had the opportunity to see Maltz's ideas applied in the field for 33 years, show us concrete examples of how actual people applied Psycho-Cybernetics to improve their actual experience. The example about the good-looking guy who couldn't get it up was a gem. I am not a flag-defender (I call people who are more interested in explaining why one methodology is better than another instead of just using whatever method to get results, flag-defenders) and many of the negative reviews seem to be written by these people. In PC 2000 you will find a much clearer language as to how to actually put Maltz's ideas into practice. That being said, the original is great for giving you the backgroud for the power of the self-image. In short, if I were to choose an action book, get PC 2000; if you want a theroy book with a few applicable ideas, get Maltz's original PC.



4. Although I like the book, nothing can compare to the original. Read Psycho-Cybernetics by Maltz or the revised version by Kennedy first. I read both versions and you can't go wrong with either one. Then if you're serious about implementing the ideas/methods of Psycho-Cybernetics in your life, read Psycho-Cybernetics 2000. This book has numerous examples of how people use the ideas and methods of Psycho-Cybernetics to overcome hardships/trials and tribulations in their lives. There are also helpful techniques in this book that are not mentioned in the other versions. Great book!



5. I have had this book(2000 version) for years and every time I try and read it I can never complete it. I don't know if it is because of how closely it is typed together or the checklist to dos or what. This book just doesn't resonate with me. It is hard to change your life if you can't even get through the book. Save your money and buy the original version.

2 comments about Feeling Safe: How to Be Strong and Positive in a Changing World.

1. I have all of William Bloom's books and each one is a treasure. They may cover similiar material (how to be emotionall/psychically safe), but each has its own nuggets of wisdom and build upon the others. I do feel safer after employing many of his techniques! It is hard to explain the appeal of his work unless you have read it. Trust me, but this little book and open your mind to a GREAT experience. I bet the author is a blast to sit and chat with!



2. I absolutely love this book. It has changed my life. I was such a negative person, I was scared of everything and I was always on the brink of a panic attack, suffering from PTSD for 20 years. Since reading this book, I have been absolutely HAPPY and going everywhere afraid of nothing, secure within myself. The book is falling apart I have reread it so many times over and I can't wait to read more of his books. If you are unhappy with anything in life, then you have to get this book. IT IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYBODY!

2 comments about The Powerful Self.

1. I'm finding this book a huge help. It's not light reading, but the methods are effective. It's worth spending the time with it and doing the exercises. Better would be a trip to a counselor, but reading this book first would save you hours of time (and hundreds of $$$) in preparing you to think through the many issues involved and start processing the emotions involved. What I like most about the book is that it gives you specific things to practice as you experience various emotions. In fact, it encourages you to recall those troubling negative emotions like fear and anger and then immediately switch into the desired response mode. This kind of practice takes effort, but it IS life-changing, and worth all the time it takes. As a result of practicing these methods just a short time, I already feel a much greater sense of power over my own life.
   
   Lee Liebner, author/singer of "As You Go," an inspirational gift book/song-on-CD/scrapbook-journal for young people entering the world.



2. While the thinking behind The Powerful Self seems sound, the truly awful writing rendered it nearly useless for me. Stosny's book is a powerful argument for hiring ghost writers or working with co-authors who can write and organize thoughts that the lay person can relate to. In his later collaboration on marriage he has thankfully done so. This book is poorly organized, with "workbook" exercises being presented to the clueless reader before his theory and vocabulary are fully explained or can be absorbed and understood. The book is dense with lists and acronyms which, unless you're already a Stosny follower, do little to further understanding. Stosny is probably very dynamic and effective in person and should either stick to that format - or get some professional (writing) help.

5 comments about Sacred Pampering Principles: An African-American Woman's Guide to Self-care and Inner Renewal.

1. When I think of pampering, I think of kicking back and relaxing. If I have to work too hard to get to this point, is it still pampering? This is a decent book with good suggestions but if you are busy, you may want to get to a spa or a good massage school for a discounted massage. I see where Debrena is going with her suggestions and I was enlightened to read about chakras and aromatherapy. If I was going to go into this type of business, this would be and XLNT book but for the SBW or any other woman this may be a bit much.



2. (originally posted: July 30, 1998)

   A funny and insightful beginning slowly becomes an enlightening mirror. Ms. Gandy encourages self examination that ultimately stimulates self renewal. I took a retreat one weekend to read this book and get it together.

   I'm still working on applying some of the practical principles. My attitude is different now - not cocky but more confident and peaceful because Ms. Gandy made me realize that I can't take care of someone help without taking care of myself first. Although some of the principles are not my style, the overall theme and development definitely woke me up!




3. I learned a lot from this book, I would recommend it to all women, especially single mothers.



4. I think women should try this book. There are many good things to apply to self.



5. I purchased this book from Ms. Gandy personally during one of her seminars back in 1998. She has created book superb book! For the last ten years, I have kept this book at my night stand and I still pull it out for reference. Good job and good stuff!

3 comments about Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children: Understanding and Managing the Critical Transitions in Your Child's Life.

1. The book is divided into three main parts and goes into detail on why self-esteem is important. I felt this was information I already knew. However, the most helpful part of the book was the last section where it discussed how to manage your childs self-esteem.



2. This book makes some very accurate and useful observations, chief among them:

   Self-esteem comes from tangible experiences, not just touchy-feely, feel-good platitudes mouthed by adults -- children see through those.

   Each child has a "Great Evaluator" (internal critic) that is always monitoring the child's performance and pushing for improvement. This is necessary for the child to develop, but sometimes this internal critic can be misled and a child can become too self-critical.

   Life is not always supposed to be too comfortable for kids -- some discomfort is necessary for growth. Likewise, a parent's job is not always to make a kid feel good.

   The author then goes on to elaborate on each of these and his other observations, giving specific advice to parents on how help the child accurately see themselves and build real, not phony, self-esteem.




3. Very helpful in terms of understanding child development, children's needs and particularly vulnerable times for them. I liked Phelan's practical approach, very down to earth - there is no way you can make a child have good self esteem. He blows many myths out of the water and hopefully makes it much less threatening to be parents, it is not "all your fault".