5 comments about I Can Do It (Louise L. Hay Subliminal Mastery).

1. Great CD, Thank you for sending it so promptly.
   Sincerely
   
   Lynn



2. Okay, I admit it. I wish my mother had Louise Hay's voice. I probably would have grown up to be a normal person. It's the CD that comes with this little book that gets my 5 star rating. Yes, the CD is essentially what's written in the book. But when you hear Louise read it, everything makes sense. And it does. If you put out positive, loving thoughts, you'll get positive, loving thoughts back. Simple, right? Except when I say it, you probably smirk, or roll your eyes. But listen to Louise just once, and you'll actaully entertain the idea that you can change your world just by changing your thoughts. I advocate buying this book so you can listen to the CD on your computer, in your car, at the office. Your cynicism will abate (or at least lessen) and you might just believe all things are possible. Really.



3. I love Louise L. Hay and this book and cd it just great. It would make a great gift for someone who is going through some tough times in their life and they need a little life. The positive messages on the CD are wonderful to fall asleep to.



4. An excellent companion book to Ms. Louise L. Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life." Nicely illustrated. It's a relatively short read, overall, with dozens of affirmations included that should be slowly absorbed and included in daily meditations to manifest positive changes in key areas of one's life.



5. I have been a fan of Louise Hay for years, but recently determined to make a concerted effort to direct my life in ways that would benefit me. I ordered Hay's new DVD "You can heal your life" and was so moved by it and the accompanying DVD with full length interviews (I bought the expanded version), that I searched for more Hay material. I purchased I Can Do It and not only read it and underlined parts, but I have created cards with affirmations on them to carry in my pocket each day. I listened to the CD that comes with the book for several weeks and have so incorporated the material into my thinking that I'm much more aware of the negative thoughts I'm hearing from others and thinking myself. I immediately change my thought to a more positive one. I have given a copy of the book I Can Do It to both of my grown daughters and one of them has just told me how much she loves it, though I haven't heard from the other one yet. This is a total bargain. Buy it. It will change your life for the better.

5 comments about The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

1. I am not a big one for inspirational books but this one struck a chord! Not only is there insight from the Dali Lahma but the Dr. who interviews him asks all the questions I would ask and plays an excellent Devils' Advocate. Anyone who reads this will surely come out being a better person. It gives you a lot to think about. Although I think the DL is naive in some ways, you must take from the book what works for you and keep it all in perspective.



2. If you are unfamiliar with Buddhism, then this book is a good place to start. Also, if you believe fully in the scientific method, as I do, but are interested in Buddhism, then again, this is probably the best place to start.
   
   Instead of overwhelming you with a bunch of Buddhist lingo and ideas as some books do, this book is very gentle in introducing Buddhist ideas and philosophy. Written by a western psychiatrist, it is very good at bridging the gap between western thought and the Dalai Lama's Buddhist wisdom. Cutler asks all the typical questions that westerners have when first exploring Buddhism, so you're not left thinking "Well what about this?". He also adds anecdotal evidence from his private practice to further explain the Dalai Lama's points, which is very helpful.
   
   One of the best things about this book is it's PRACTICAL advice, just little things you can do every day to be a happier person. I think it would be impossible for anyone to read this book and not get something out of it, not be able to make meaningful changes in their life to be a happier person.
   
   If you want to delve a little deeper after this book, I would recommend getting "Healing Anger: The power of patience from a Buddhist's perspective" by His Holiness, which is a translated version of the actual talks that the Dalai Lama gave in Arizona- which Cutler attended and discusses in the Art of Happiness. If you're new to Buddhism like I am, then you'll be glad you read the Art of Happiness first and Healing Anger will make much more sense thanks to Cutler's practical introduction to these ideas.



3. I am about half way through this book and am a bit dissappointed. I wanted to see what others thought of the book and BlueJack's review, unfortunately hits the nail on the head. This is Cutler's book. This book is not by the Dalai Lama. While I do think the concepts of a right to happiness, compassion, non-reaction, etc., are great for personal spiritual growth, I feel that the Dalai Lama's true message has been filtered through a much less able interpreter. I find Eckhart Tolle much more transformative. If you are interested in how Buddhism can help a non-Buddhist read "The Naked Buddha."



4. A very simple, yet enjoyable, read, but I especially enjoyed hearing his voice on the audiobook.



5. Happiness is a core state we all seek to achieve. Thanks, in part, to the Positive Psychology movement, happiness has taken center stage and is now the focus of a significant amount of attention. On a recent visit to a large, chain bookstore, I noticed one whole table devoted to books related to happiness. It appears that a happiness movement is underway.
   
   It is said that happiness can be achieved through external and internal means. Happiness achieved through external means is, unfortunately, short-lived. Life long happiness is derived from internal sources - positive states such as kindness, compassion and tolerance.
   
   The value of this book lies in its presentation of a framework the reader can use to attain these positive states - a framework based on the integration of scientific psychological research and Buddhist philosophical principles. In addition to the framework, each of the chapters contains exercises the reader can use to reinforce the learnings presented in the chapter.
   
   Due to our survival instinct, negative states of mind often predominate our thinking. Negative states impede or dilute our happiness. To increase your level of happiness, the authors argue that these negative states need to be combated through the greater cultivation of positive mental states. The content of this book will help guide you towards developing these positive mental states.
   
   Seeking greater happiness? This book represents a good starting point from which to start your journey.

5 comments about Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway (r).

1. I have read this book twice now...and every time i come up with something else to help my way of thinking. i use to be overly negative and i hated it...so when i got this book recommended by my doctor...i feel like i have taken a 180 and have recommended it to several friends.



2. My rating is specifically directed at the "audio" version of this book. The narrator's voice is not very pleasing to listen to and can become in fact a little distracting. Rather than listening to a clear professional voice, there's a nasal quality to it and a bit of a lisp. You hear a lot of her tongue, swallowing & spit in her mouth...a bit gross. If you don't need the audio version and you are sensitive to these types of sounds (it can over time become as irritating as listening to someone who makes tons of slurping noises while eating), I recommend you read the paperback book version instead.



3. "At the bottom of every one of your fears is simply the fear that you can't handle whatever life may bring you. The truth is: If you knew you could handle anything that came your way, what would you have to fear? The answer is: NOTHING!" ~ Susan Jeffers from "Feel the Fear... And Do it Anyway"
   
   This is one of my Top 10 favorite self-development books. Easily. If you haven't read it yet, I have a feeling it will make it to your Top 10 list as well.
   
   Please (please please) get it. And read it. And mark it all up. And do what Susan suggests. It has the potential to change your life.



4. I think that this book is meant for every one of us on this earth.Reason is that we all go through tough times in our lives.Sometimes everything falls on our head all at once.Then we have no breathing space.We cannot see clearly were we are going,and what we should do.We are stressed to the maximum.This book shows us a way to analyze ourselves in different prospectives.How to handle things that are good,bad,overwhelming and at the same time destructive.
   We need guidance sometimes,and this book has helped me see the light of many things.Friends that unless you share with them their misery will dump you like a sack of potatoes.They use you and throw you away.
   Almost losing a loved one, the desperation of that moment,what can you do, so that you can help your loved one live longer and not die in front of you that such thing does not happen.To extend life for many years more.Is it in our power to do so?I think to a certain extent we can extend it.It happened to me.
   How to react when you are not welcomed in a different culture.How to accept defeat and yet move on.
   I think that we should really analyze how we interact towards each and NEVER take each other for granted.But see the love that is within all of us, and try to express it in every way we can.With a smile, a caress,and a look.It makes the person that sees it feel happy and wanted.



5. "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" conveys that by taking positive control of our lives, letting go of resistance, and ultimately choosing one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, we can begin to realize that "pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the bigger underlying fear that comes with a feeling of helplessness."
   
   From a personal perspective, I have seen too many people walk through life afraid, believing themselves to be a victim and giving away control of their lives to others. In fact, I must admit that I myself spent many years as a prisoner of my own fears, letting that fear control what I did and did not set out to accomplish. Eventually, I decided that I was tired of being afraid. This culminated with a skydive at 11,000 feet. I will never forget the moment that I approached the door, wind in my face, stood on the edge, and said to myself, "I believe." For the first time in my life, I completely let go. It was the most beautiful moment of my existence to date.
   
   Control your fears, don't let them control you. Folks... this one is worth your time.

5 comments about The Self-sufficient Life and How to Live It.

1. Very nice addition to any collection. Most of the ideas and uses, in this book, I agree with. It'll open up all kinds of other ideas to lead a simpler life in harmony with nature and the land we should all be a good steward of.



2. This book is an absolute classic in self sufficiency. I don't think anyone seriously considering living "off the land" should leave this out of their library. The author not only lives what he teaches in the book but also teaches it in classes. This is a very well balanced book giving little golden nuggets that you probably never considered.



3. REVIEWER: First up, consider that this review comes from a suburban guy who has his eye on country living. I would imagine if you are a seasoned farmer or off-grider then this book is not for you. Veterans will likely find this book too shallow on the virtually hundreds of topics it addresses.
   
   SKILL LEVEL: However, if you are beginner to intermediate on topics of farming, gardening, livestock and all round back-to-basics living then this book is hands-down perfect. It deals with virtually every aspect of self-sufficient living in a concise, well illustrated manner. It's flat out makes me curious to try (put into practice) and to learn more about many of the different subjects contained within.
   
   QUALITY: A great quality book (well printed, solidly bound). The layout and typography are excellent and illustrations are an excellent companion to the text.
   
   CONCLUSION: This book is the culmination of decades of knowledge from a man who has lived his life as depicted in this book. It must be challenging to pack a lifetime into relatively so few pages (it's still a big book though!) but the "Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It" does a great job. It packs a lot of punch on a broad range of subjects and one must appreciate that because of this, it will at times feel a little skinny on specifics or in-depth information.
   
   I'm rating this five stars because I believe that it communicates the subject matter perfectly to the audience for which it was intended.



4. I was very impressed by the amount of information covered in this book. It is a very good overview of all topics pertaining to Self Sufficiency. I would recommend it to anyone considering this as a lifestyle or who is looking to make even a few changes. My only complaint is that some topics that interested me were not covered in as much detail as I would have liked but this book is still a wealth of information.



5. For those wishing to find an overview of what it means to live a self-sufficient life, look no further than this text. Engagingly written and bursting with relevant information, Seymour's volume covers just about every topic with the fundamental information you need to properly evaluate your current situation and plan for the future. It is sure to be well-worn and dogeared before too long.

5 comments about The Secret Gratitude Book.

1. I really like this idea once you read the secret and follow up with gratitude makes a huge difference The Sercret Is life Changing....



2. As everyone has indicated this is a great follow-up to The Secret. This journal allows you to write down your thoughts and everything you are grateful for. However, do we need this? My favorite book on the Law of Attraction (The Secret), Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook has a journal at the end of the book with memorable quotes that stimulate your mind and recommend this also.



3. I agree with all the previous reviewers. This was a great idea to record what you are grateful for and is wonderful if you are looking for a separate journal. However, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook not only brings you from the beginning, learning about the Law of Attraction but teaches you through its many recipes and ends with a journal to record those thoughts. 3 in one. Get it.



4. If you liked the Secret then you will need this to help you to keep on track. It is a beautiful journal to write in and will remind you what to stay focused on!



5. Not that you need a Gratitude Book, a pad of paper would serve the same purpose, but having the book strengthens your desire to participate. It is only through participation that you connect with the true power of mankind. It allows you to be an example for others on the true power of the mind by guiding you through your own personal evolution.

5 comments about Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life.

1. "The only time we suffer is when we believe a thought that argues with what is. When the mind is perfectly clear, what is is what we want." ~ Byron Katie "from Loving What Is"
   
   THAT, in a nutshell, is the book.
   
   If you want to argue with what is, you will suffer. Period. In fact, "If you want reality to be different than what it is, you might as well try to teach a cat to bark." :)
   
   The question, of course, is "How can we get to a point where we actually `love what is?'"
   
   Enter: Katie's brilliant book.
   
   For whatever reason, it took me a while to get to this book. I'm glad I did and I think you'll dig it as well.



2. It's easy to look at a title that includes a phrase like "Change your Life" and put it down to hype. I'm a practicing psychotherapist, and interested in my own peace of mind. Quite frankly, I have never seen a more powerful practice for feeling calm, relaxed and joyful. I have been helping people (and myself) for over 30 years. This is the most powerful technique you can do on your own I've ever found. (No, I'm not a paid reviewer, and have no association with Byron Katie at all!) The key though is not just reading the book, but doing the very simple practice ever day. If you do it as she recommends in the book, you will see results. I've seen it with scores of clients and friends.



3. I wish I had never read this book. I was bought into the idea of her "enlightenment" and being a perfectionist really tried to make it work for me. I suffer from anxiety disorder and tried to use "the work" on it and it has made it so much worse.
   
   There are some scary premises in here: that people "are being thought and breathed" and that we can't drop a thought or belief except through her inquiry. These ideas take away personal choice and sometimes inquiry doesn't work. Beliefs and thoughts can be changed through life experiences and also through other methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (which I more recommend).
   
   I've read all of her books and it astounds me has she has no emotion over he mothers death or the fact that she herself was going blind. She accepted her blindness so much that she didn't even take action to try to correct it. It was her husband that found her the help. I want to feel emotions so that they can guide me and lead me to take action. I want to grieve when people I love die. I don't want to "turn it around". I want to believe in god and that he directing my life in a very personal way, not that I am being "breathed and thought" in a collective human consciousness way.
   
   I have also seen her in person and have seen how some did not get it when she worked with them or how they misinterpreted it and had more pain.
   
   Inquiry worked for me when I was having trouble potty training my daughter and it might be helpful when dealing with confusion over others behavior, but overall it can be dangerous, and I think there are better methods out there to get to acceptance and peace.
   
   Personally, this book has caused me so much more pain, that I wish I had never read it and now need to recover from it. I hope this review helps someone else avoid the unneccesary pain I've experienced through the work.
   
   I have learned from this, that self help needs to be taken with a grain of salt and I need to evaluate the author and their training, and also not accept what others say so blindly, even if they claim to be "enlightened". I need to check it out with my own truth and god.



4. I liked the way she described: your business, other people's business and God's business--tremendously helpful to think of things in this manner.
   The book is basically cognitive therapy--re-think your thoughts. Is it true? How do you know? etc.. There's some usefullness to that.
   The problem I have with this book is with the one example of child abuse where the adult, through her dialogue with the author, comes to say "I abused myself." Then, "I abused him' (the abuser). I really don't understand how anyone could accept this, except that it's easier to feel that you were in control of the situation rather than accept the truth. Can anyone reading this book say it is truthful to say that children who are sexually abused are: 1.)abusing themselves 2.)abusing the abuser? I would like to hear their thoughts about this.
   Also, that "we never can harm another." This isn't true. We can and do. If we believe this, we are free, but free from the truth.
   If we believe that there are no evil acts or people, only in our thoughts, I think we're just not being honest or truthful.
   Yet, I do find some value in this book--it can reframe what you think about some things.



5. As a Board Certified Psychiatrist who uses The Work Of Bryon Katie in my practice, I can say that after 23 years of learning and doing psychotherapy with people, I have found nothing faster or more powerful to recondition the mind/brain than The Work. It is deceptively simple and puts us face to face with our very identification with our story of a self. The Work stimulates growth like no other "shadow" practice, it doesn't need a therapist, and it can be combined with any other practice that suits you. I also think that when we have the neurobiological research to prove it that we will find that TW accelerates the healing and rewiring of dysregulated states better than any psychopharmacolgic treatment (which can still be used by those doing The Work). All of Katie's books point to aspects of The Work and all are worthwhile reading.
   Debra London @ www.rightbrainpsychiatry.com

5 comments about The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits.

1. Not an easy read.Was suprised this was so boring because the author is an excellent speaker.



2. I really do not like what Gregg has to say. See my other reviews on 2012 Odyssey and The Divine Matrix for more specifics. Gregg always borrows heavily from others and gets tripped up in the synthesis, this book is no different.
   
   Let's start with the title. It sounds like another book that was already published. In fact 'Spontaneous Healing : How to Discover and Embrace Your Body's Natural Ability to Maintain and Heal Itself' was written by Andrew Weil and released in April 2000. From the beginning we see Gregg trying to ride the coat tails of a very solid book from a much more solid authority than himself. This is a pattern with Gregg. He makes statements that are fluffy (insufficiently conceived or lacking meaning) and then attempts to anchor them by closing his words with a truth or near-truth. In this case through the borrowing of the title he is attempting to pass off his words as meaningful by associating them with another, much better, book.
   
   Greggs thesis here starts out by examining the ideas of those (Seth Lloyd, John Wheeler, John Barrow) who compared the workings of the universe to a computer program or simulation (ala Matrix). He says that the universe is a running computer program composed of bits (atoms) and that this concept of bits (polarity) has influenced, or corrupted, our entire mental programming. If we can realize that not everything is good or bad, and if we can swap our old beliefs for new ones (cosmic belief code), then everything will be better.
   
   Since Greggs background is as a computer programmer, not a scientist, these 'facts' he generally conveys accurately. And he uses these facts as a foundation upon which to build a less certain train of thought. Through the book he ends up building up 31 Codes of belief which are an attempt to explain how the universe works.
   
   Ok, so why would I have concerns about what Gregg has written here? This does sounds like a technically enlightened self-help book for the awakening minds of the 21st century right? Here is what I don't like and why and the reasons why Greggs wares actually prevent people from progressing on the spiritual path.
   
   First, I don't like Greggs writings in general, and this book specifically, because he is not saying anything new. Read your favorite spiritual book by any ancient author. Pick the word of Jesus for instance and you have everything Gregg is saying here with more clarity and in a less complicated way. Check out the Sermon on the Mount or the Tao Te Ching as examples.
   
   Second, Gregg seems here to be changing positions from his earlier works like The Divine Matrix (and the Lost Language of God) where it was emotion, not belief, which was absolutely primary to reordering your reality. In a section where he misquotes the Nag Hamadi scrolls he claims that the unification of two (specifically thought and emotion, like this is his grand discovery) will allow you to move mountains.
   
   Third, he does not realize that when he is fitting the writings of others to his own concepts that he is often missing the core of the original quoted message. Did you realize that when Gregg borrowed the verse from the Nag Hamadi scrolls to try and prove his concept of joining thought and emotion that he missed something really, really, big? Neither did Gregg. Let me explain.
   
   The unification of 'two' to 'move mountains' is primarily the union of polarities in general (ALL polarities), not the union of 'thought and emotion'. This is HUGE! It's a breakthrough in our orientation to the world and Gregg completely misses it! How do I know the interpretation I see is correct? Because it is repeated in other places in the same Gospel of Thomas (verse 22) Jesus said to them, "When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter [the kingdom]."
   
   Jesus is saying that if you can look beyond polarities, of any kind, you will enter the Kingdom. Don't get stuck in male or female, good and evil, right and wrong. This single verse should have been the crux of the entire book. Gregg was so close but missed it.
   
   My other main concern with the book is his emphasis on belief. If we change our old beliefs from being based on polarity and get a new set of beliefs then we will be ok. However, at some point on the spiritual journey you realize that beliefs are something that you lean upon, something that you believe 'in' that is still `out there'. You can believe in this or that being, this or that orientation. But until you really do away with polarities (including the world of separation of 'you' and 'everything else') you still need belief to hold you up and keep you going. The latest belief becomes the latest support that you cling to in order to give reality a sense of meaning. So what's wrong with having good beliefs?
   
   After some advancement on the spiritual journey you realize that you can change your beliefs. But if you really progress you realize that to a certain extent belief fills in the gaps from what you know. Belief becomes this big box where you can put all the unknowns. But belief is still something `else'. The real solid spiritual foundation comes from knowing, Gnosis, not from belief.
   
   To *know* the shepherd, reality, whatever you want to call it, is the only sure foundation in life. To know that the kingdom of the heavens is within you is the only `rock' of `salvation'. This is the Yoga of all the great saints and sages.
   
   Belief is in the intermediate school of spiritual life. Gnosis is where there real substance starts to come in. I don't think the word Gnosis ever appears in this book. I don't quote the New Testament Paul very much but he understood the Gnosis when he wrote in Philipians 3:10 "That I may know him..." Knowing, not believing, is where it's at.
   
   The paradox is that real faith is not based on belief. Real faith is having enough experience with *knowing* that you can actively anticipate how the unseen will unfold in your life. How? Because you have seen it before and know that you are always taken care of.
   
   And hence this book, which can only take you to beliefs, to change your old beliefs for new ones, better ones (still stuck in the world of polarities), shows me again why this author has nothing really new, or meaningful, to say.



3. Easy reading and presented beautifully showing us how our thought process shapes our lives. Reminds me of another of my favorite books that deal with the same subject,Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. Read this also.



4. I finished this book about a week ago and have been deliberating it's content trying to post a suitable review. Quite simply: it seems as though there was a germ of a really good book in there somewhere, but it never materialized. It seems as though Gregg is just trying to replace one mental box for another, that in order for one to program the universe to ones liking, one must alter or change or abandon their beliefs in favor of a new system of beliefs, which in the final analysis seems to be at the very least - pedestrian. It's a new version of make new beliefs or rather, make believe. Gregg's use of scientific proof's is quite sloppy as well and very often unsupported.
   
   It is my considered opinion that it is the dispensing of ego driven belief systems, intellectualizations and judgments that will allow us to begin to experience the wholeness of life and creation; as a very wise being once said "a house divided against itself cannot stand."
   
   A disappointing journey.



5. If you want to know more about your subc.I heartily recommend these CDs
   
   The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
   The Master Key System
   Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World
   The Science of Getting Rich
   The Science of Mind
   Think and Grow Rich: Original Version

5 comments about The Power of Intention.

1. This book changed my whole attitude and way of thinking. It's one I will refer back to when I find myself out of balance. A+



2. The two CD Set is very inspirational and on the Power of Intention. Dr. Dyer entertains and informs in a way that is very relaxing and uplifting.
   I recommend this set to anyone interested in self improvement.



3. If you put in a bag the words spirit, intention, field, God, source & intelligence, and then shook the bag you would recreate this book The Power of Intention which for all intents and purposes is nothing more than the workings of an undisciplined mind. The introduction and opening chapters hold promise filled as they are with profound quotations and based on the premise that mind can effect matter through intention. But the reader is quite soon struck by the realization that he is bearing witness to the rantings of a televangelist.
   
   Indeed throughout this book we are told things like "God is writing this book through me"; "Trust yourself as a piece of God"; "Practice Japa meditation or the repetition of the sound of God" and most peculiar, "Even an atheist doesn't have to believe in God to experience God".
   
   The central problem with the good doctor's thesis is taking the now extensively documented scientific evidence for the human ability to influence the physical world through conscious thought and intention and linking this to a literal "field of intention" emanating from a supreme being. He cites for example Lynne McTaggart's book The Field, one predicated on finding the science behind this human ability. Yet nowhere in this or in her later book The Intention Experiment does the word God appear in its indexes.
   
   Dr. Dyer wants us to believe that "everything in the universe has intention built into it". This omnipresence has `seven faces' the essence of which is that God loves you. This logic leads to the notion that there is an all creating universal mind of intention indeed an `original designer' for all manifestation and we can connect to it or intend to come into being any experience or thing we want for ourselves simply by choice. Willpower, drive and perseverance is replaced since our goals all pre-exist: think them and they will appear. There is no need for the concept of evolution in this world where the Flint Stone's are a documentary in which humans and dinosaurs exist simultaneously each a mere choice to experience on the world stage.
   
   As part of this religious drama the author puts forth the absurd contention that the higher octaves on a piano are better than the lower ones because higher pitches vibrate faster and are therefore more spiritually informed. This medicine of higher pitch applies to musical character as well: "Harsh pounding musical vibrations with repetitive, loud sounds lower your energy level and weaken your ability to make conscious contact with intention." Pg. 75. We must now burn all recordings of Igor Stravinsky and Bruce Springsteen.
   
   Within Dr. Dyer's `gated community' of the mind and spirit his cartoon for living includes banning commercial & cable television, alcohol in any form, choosing alkaline rather than acidic foods and also finding people who are connected to God. Yoga, massage, and visits to monasteries and geriatric centers are advised. Dyer seems to treat emotions in the very Baroque sense, a historical period when nature of all kinds was to be controlled and molded into various contrivances: Palace hedges cut in the shape of animals, each emotion distinct from another, thought and feeling, mind and body polar opposites. The ego itself so intrinsic to healthy personality development subject to mental jujitsu surgically cutting out the `bad' parts.
   
   Central to this author's misperception is the notion that phenomena like emotions or musical compositions can be reduced to distinct singular properties. On the contrary nothing is more complex than an emotion nuanced by all manner of shadings, multiple meanings and quite non-static impacts that evolve and change as we process them. It is simply preposterous to advocate music devoid of low vibrations and repetitive rhythm. Equally so to strive for a constant state of happiness in a Disneyesque world scripted by Steven Spielberg.
   
   Having produced over 30 books Dyer's chapters in this one take on a boring formulaic style concluding each and every one with a multiple step program for change and for summarizing chapter contents. My advice to prospective readers of this book is to direct every one of your own steps away from making this purchase.



4. I disagree with others' reviews that Dyer is a pseudo-evangelist or preachy, etc. He uses words like "God," "Source" and "Universe" interchangeably, not because he is diminishing their "value" as words, but because in his view they mean the same thing but a person who does not believe in "God," per se, may not feel comfortable thinking of "God" as a higher power. The bottom line is that these are words. Arbitrary definitions of concepts that are difficult at best to explain using human vocabulary and logic.
   
   The deeper, and I believe more important message from the book, is that we have more power over ourselves than we think we do. We just don't tap into it. Whether you believe that your power comes from within yourself or "God," "Source," whatever, is irrelevant, at least in my opinion. Dyer believes we are connected to God/Source because we were created in that image. Therefore, we are a "piece of God" as he says. We are not God ourselves, but if we attempt to tap into the gifts we were given, we will see that power manifest more and more.
   
   I have personally used visualization to manifest something that eventually happened in my life. After reading this book I was more convinced that I can learn to stop letting others control me. People are so worried about everything everyone else thinks about them. We spend so much time obsessing over other people or things we have no control over, that we waste valuable time and energy that could be better spent living out our passions. Dyer teaches the reader to be grateful, even for the hard times. If you've read Eckhart Tolle's books, he echoes much of what Tolle rights, except in much less complex language. If you have read about Law of Attraction and/or The Secret, then this book is an excellent supplement to that as well.
   
   Dyer's main message is that you don't have to live your life for other people, you don't have to live your life hoping and wishing that things could be better. You don't have to worry all the time about things that will probably never happen. He encourages the reader to "untrain" our brains into thinking about the good stuff. If you keep thinking about the bad stuff, then you'll just keep getting more of it. He wants you to feel good. Isn't that what we all want? Doesn't mean you are God. Doesn't mean you hurt other people to get what you want. Doesn't mean you think about something and the next day it shows up. You have to work at it. It's a process. But it can and will work. I feel SO much more calm, positive, centered, and focused after reading books like this and Tolle, and doing meditation (not Dyer's--I recommend "The Secret Mediation" by Kelly Howell). Recently my Mom even said she couldn't get over how relaxed I seemed, how different (in a good way). I told her, "I can choose to be angry and bitter or I can choose to make the best out of a difficult situation." And you know what? The more I thought that, the more I felt it. It does work--you just have to stop holding yourself back.
   
   If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, if you "what if" everything to death, etc. this is a great book to read.



5. I agree with the reviewer that had reservations about the book. Being that if what the author writes its true, that theoretically if you were to drop the book into a 3rd world country it would follow that those peoples lives would improve if they applied and accepted these truths.
   
   To address the comment made about the Tsunami victims. Dyer in the beginning of the book, talks about how he accepts the weather as it is because it is all part of the source and the world we have been blessed to live in. So what about when disasters strike? Tornadoes, hurricanes, and people are killed by them? Dyer does not tackle these questions anywhere.
   
   Nor does Dyer discuss why bad things happen to good people. I am not a Christen fundamentalist in the least, but at least in the Power of Positive thinking, the author talks about staying positive even through the worst of times. Dyre implies that there will not be bad times if you stay in touch with the source. Would this mean that everyone who was ever killed by a natrual disaster were not in touch with the source?
   
   My final problem is on page 207, Dyre states that everything that has ever happened to us "This is your past, and whatever your energy level at the time, whatever your needs, whatever your station in life, you attracted the right people and events to you..." If this statement he makes is true, and everything happened in the past exactly as it should, then why am I reading his book? In other words, I thought the point for getting in touch with the source and intention was to make my life better? If nothing was ever wrong all along, then whats the point of the power of intention.
   
   All this being said, I believe the book is outstanding, and I beg anyone to get me past my reservations above because I want to believe it...

5 comments about Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life.

1. This book is incredible! Seligman discusses how, through our life experiences and relationships, we have become pessimistic in our thought and how to cognitively now "learn" optimism. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has only the slightest bit of negative thinking!! Thanks to the most amazing Mary H for recommending this book - you are the BEST Life Coach anyone could be blessed with!



2. When I picked up this book, I was in hopes that since it was in the Sociology section, that it would be more than a useless text that suggests for people to "think positive thoughts", regardless of whether these thoughts have substance or whether one actually believed these thoughts. Thankfully, I did not experience any disappointment with this book.
   
   Seligman takes a different angle from this by applying psychological principles that he has extensively researched in his lifetime. While some may not be interested in the psychology surrounding theories such as learned helplessness, the format of the book allows people to skip directly to the application of techniques which would allow them to use optimism AS NECESSARY as well as providing tools that would make this easier.
   
   I emphasize "as necessary" because optimism, as it is defined psychologically, is not a cure-all in the real world. I'll leave it up to the reader to figure out why not.
   
   I find this book to be a useful resource for leaders, and those with an interest in Behavioral or Positive Psychology. The book as a whole supports the "Look for heart, train for skills" mentality.



3. This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. I'm not talking just psychology or self-improvement books...but all books...period. The science behind it, the practices outlined, the insight, will change your attitude and your life. It is unlike any book in its genre, and I can't for the life of me understand why it isn't required reading and a guide book for therapists...but I guess that would make therapy effective! :0. Not really providing a lot of information here...just read it and see for yourself. I have read all his books. This is the first and the best. If you're interested in Positive Psychology or shaking off depression/anxiety or knowing more about yourself and others...start with this book. It is not only a great read...it works. I credit it for changing my life for the better, and I no longer take medication. I would also check out the author's program of study and website and UPENN which is http://www.authentichappiness.com.



4. I thought this book gave one a great understanding to where we have been and where we could go. Here the author explained how through our experiences and relationships we are pessimistic. He reinforces that most people are negative in their thoughts and teaches us to be optimistic. I have also reviewed Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook which is a wonderful book proposing this same theory of positive thinking through The Law of Attraction. Read this to learn about the principles of The Law of Attraction and apply it through the exercises given to live this optimistic and happy life.



5. I absolutely loved this book. It helped me to start working on my world view. Although I was a very optimistic person because of a bad marriage and harsh relationship, my attitude went down. This book helped me to realize that we can make a difference in our life. I am still work in progress and we have to be patient about it but I believe world would be better place by having more optimistic people around us.

5 comments about Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny.

1. I loved this book. As a Big Sister to an 11 year old girl, I found the topics that Hill Harper spoke to "Little Sistah" about was truly what is on a little girl's mind. I loved that he took an active role in the responses AND that he had a variety of women give their responses. I would love every single parent girl to read this book.



2. This book was awesome!!! It was very inspirational and uplifting. This book is not only for teenagers but for women of all ages. This book has helped me to become the beautiful woman that I am. This book has inspired me to become all that I can be. I am a 43year old happily married woman and I learned so much from this book. Hill Harper keep up the good work !!



3. Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny
   
   I'm only about half way through and I can't say enough great things about it. You must read it for yourself. Its an amazing book full of praise, inspiration, honesty, knowledge, quotes, and so much more. It perfect for all ages. It provides a refresher course for anyone who needs to be reminded of how unique and special we all are. As we grow older and life creates more and more obstacles, we often lose focus. Hill Harper puts you right back on track with enough truth to help keep you there.



4. Thank you my brother Hill for this wonderful book. I have bought 3 books. Two to my young cousins who graduated from Spellman and Hampton and one for my granddaughters to share who are 16 and 19. What they have told me they have gotten from the book is wisdom beyond what I could have said to them. Wisdom for their life, words to save their lives and make it better. That was what I wanted for these young ladies and you did that for me. God Bless You!



5. I commend Mr. Harper for yet another inspirational book aimed at encouraging a generation that needs all the positive encouragement it can get. His committment to not only succeed in his own life; but to also enspire others to do the same speaks well for him and should be applauded. Thank you Hill Harper for not sticking your head in the sand.