5 comments about Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises.

1. "Keep Your Brain Alive" offers some fairly standard advice on how to keep the mind agile as one ages. You've heard it before--be social, learn new things and new ways of doing routine tasks, use all the senses. The unique aspect of this particular book is the suggested exercises, but here the author veers away from the practical a little too strongly for my taste. He's big on exercising the sense of smell, and recommends driving around with a bunch of bottles with fragrance soaked pieces of sponge. Then uncork a particular one when you pass a specific place to fix it more firmly in your mind. I think if I did this my husband would begin having serious doubts about my state of mind--with good reason! I thought some suggestions could be dangerous, such as wandering around your home with lights off to activate the other senses--not a good idea for an older person, just as "uncork bottle while driving" is not a good idea. The scientific explanations are excellent--very clear and easy to understand--but I'd take the exercises with a big grain of salt!



2. Might well be a recipe for ulcers , heart attacks and strokes:
   reminds me of the latest fad diet.The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet: Plus Dr. Tarnower's Lifetime Keep-Slim Program
   Taking advantage of an aging generation of baby boomers who worry
   about their future is somewhat reprehensible.
   In my psychology class we had to study
   a case history of monkey's that psychologists gave ulcers by " shaking things up a bit".
   Stone age hunter gathers mostly lived to a ripe old age of 25:
   so emulating them is probably very bad advise.
   Point by point the book's prescriptions can be one for an early death
   for people who haven't already taken good care of themselves.
   The most important thing in keeping your brain alive
   is not believing you are too old to think.
   Distrust doctors trying to get rich by publishing
   a cheap popular book without much real substance that you can read in 10 minutes.



3. This is a really quick read...
   Full of practical information. If you want actual exercises to do to increase your memory, this is it.
   You can read it today and start working on your brain capacity tonight!



4. Very interesting and simple book to follow. I am definitely going to do the exercises.



5. "Keep Your Brain Alive" is pretty much what I expected. Explains(simple/effective)ways of creating new neural pathways performing routine(mundane) activities.
   Arnold

5 comments about Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes (Billie Jean King Library).

1. I had the privilege of meeting Ms. King this summer. She is truly wonderful and an inspiration to everyone--women and men. This book contains a lot of good stories about Billie's career along with good, common-sense advice. It's a great read and would make a great gift.



2. Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes is a combination autobiography/inspirational tome. Ms. King focuses on her historic tennis match with Bobby Riggs in 1973, the Battle of the Sexes, and shares the lessons she learned from this and other important points in her life.
   
   Ms. King writes in a straightforward down-to-earth style, sharing her feelings and experiences that made her the number one female tennis player in the world, activist, successful businesswoman and mentor that she is. The book is divided into lessons ranging from relationships to leaving a legacy. In each lesson she shares insight into her family, her coaches, and especially, preparing for her match with Bobby Riggs which opened the door for equal treatment of women in sport. Each chapter ends with an "instant replay" of the important points of the lesson.
   
   If you're looking for an in-depth autobiography of Billie Jean King, this isn't the book for you. While she talks about her life, tennis, her family, and her sexuality, she doesn't delve deeply. It's more like how Maria Sharapova describes it on the back of the book: a "personal conversation" where Ms. King shares some of what she's learned in her groundbreaking life. A positive, enthusiastic book perfect for a light summer read. I wish my outlook on life was this good.



3. AN ACE !!! From one of the great women of our time. This book is filled with ultra-valuble lessons from someone who has put those lessons to use, to effectively change the face of womens' sports and the sports world in general, and how our entire society treats women.. Not just theoretical, but practical, sound and tried & tested advice. Every woman in this country owes a debt to Billie Jean..Every Woman.. for her courage and tenacity in the fight for womens' rights. You're probably making more money because of her, have more upward mobility in the work force and your daughters life on the sports field and the business world will be much improved due to the efforts of this great Woman, activist and athlete. A great read and a great gift for women of any age.



4. I'VE BEEN A BJK FAN FOR OVER 45 YEARS...I WATCHED HER GROW FROM A GIDDY TEENAGER INTO THE WONDERFUL WOMEN SHE IS NOW..
   I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HER 4 YEARS AGO...SHE IS WHAT SHE BELIEVES..
   SHE GIVES HER FANS HER FULL ATTENTION AND SINCERELY ENJOYED MEETING US AND EVEN GAVE US FOREHAND LESSONS..RIGHT THEN AND THERE..
   THIS BOOK IS JUST LIKE HAVING A PERSONAL CONVERSATION WITH HER..
   IT'S ALSO A LOVING TRIBUTE TO HER PARENTS WHO INSTILLED IN HER SUCH WONDERFUL LIFE VALUES...
   IT'S A GREAT READ FOR ANYONE...IT TRULY PUTS LIFE INTO PERSPECTIVE.



5. Where is Billie Jean?
   
   I was delighted to get an ARC for Billie Jean King's book, since I think of her as an extraordinary woman, one who has not only been a #1-ranked tennis player, but a woman of integrity, who championed the Title IX for equal disbursement of Federal funding for male and female sports in schools, World Team Tennis, the Virginia Slims Tournament, equal pay for women's tournaments, women's liberation and for non-discrimination in life style choices. I have always admired her for her willingness to take a position, albeit unpopular ones, because it was the right thing to do.
   
   That being said, I am sorely disappointed in her book. It's not that the book isn't well written, as prose goes, it's just fine. And, actually, her subtitle does indicate that her book is about lessons she has learned and The Battle of the Sexes. I was hoping that the book was about more than the subtitle. My mistake.
   
   She does list and discuss these lessons and her set of life principles with great enthusiasm, and I agree with them all.
   The problem is that these lessons and principles are not new ones; certainly lots of champions and even everyday people live by these same principles. They are good principles to live by, and it isn't a bad thing to be reminded of how powerful they can be in your life. But she could have talked about all of these things in one chapter, as a prelude to telling us about herself. Instead this book is about stating and then restating (in large boxes at the end of each chapter) her principles and life lessons.
   
   Secondarily, most of the rest of the book is about the tennis match for the ages - The Battle of the Sexes - with Bobby Riggs. Billie Jean would chat about other events in her life in a vague sort of way, but they always let back to some more conversation about the Bobby Riggs match. The book has 187 pages of text. She begins on Page 20 (following a preface and an intro) mentioning Bobby Riggs and the match. The story continues with him, ad nauseum, up to page 97, when Billie Jean states that she wants to make a "final observation" about Bobby Riggs. I thought - whew! - Enough already, we're going to get to the story of Billie Jean. Except, that promise of release from Bobby inanities was broken and Bobby continued to be discussed throughout the book and was last cited on page 186.
   
   I agree that, in retrospect, that tennis match was more than just the entertainment, more than the spectacle. At the time a statement about women in sports, women as champions and equal rights was being promoted. But enough already! It was also just a tennis match. In equal retrospect, any number of other important events could be cited in that same vein - we just don't need 187 pages of it, couched in between lots of not-new lessons of life.
   
   In reading this book, I relearned one of my own life lessons. Never let your expectations exceed a reasonable payoff -- you're bound to be disappointed. I went looking for Billie Jean and got Bobby Riggs and platitudes instead.
   
   I think that Billie Jean is worth much more, that her life story would be profoundly more interesting that this rather trite and ultimately uninteresting account. Too bad she didn't write that book.

5 comments about The Bible for Dummies.

1. This is a good book to get a quick overview of how the Bible came to be. I finally understood what the Tanakh books I see at bookstores are. I'm still at Chapter 1, but I foresee that I will learn something from this book. As with any book, I'm pretty sure this book does not cover everything. But hey... this is a beginner's book.



2. I am using this resource for my Lenten Bible Study. A number of parishoners who do not normally attend studies are coming. A few have noted that they never came to studies before because they did not understand the Bible enough to attend and we afraid of being embarrased.
   
   The discussions are lively. The book is well organized. The authors seem to pare down the wide scope of Biblical Scholarship into presentations that allow the reader to make educated choices of which school of thought more accurately represents what they believe.
   
   This would also be a great resource for individual study without clergy leadership.



3. I teach theology and this book is invaluable for Scripture study. It is written in a light-hearted style that is easy to read and thoroughly immersed in the heart of the Bible. A must-have for anyone interested in truly understanding the Word.



4. I have always tried to read the Bible front to back, and I have always gotten lost somewhere in the middle of Genesis. This book has helped turn the confusion into common, understandable words. I am still early in the book, BUT I now understand WAY more than I ever have. There are also tidbits throughout that explain contreversal and interesting parts of the Bible, and the authors present them without bias. The first chapter made me understand differences between the Literature used by Jews, Christians, and the Koran; I had no idea we believe in the same beginnings. This is a great book for the person, like me, who has tried to understand the Bible but can never get past the wording and sequencing. If you are looking for direction in spirituality, this may not be the inpirational jolt you need. Forget about what serious Bible-beaters tell you, the light-hearted speech of the authors does NOT deface nor belittle the wonderful message the Bible has for us.



5. Well written and holds my attention. Good overview. Using it for a Sunday School class.

5 comments about The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions--Today.

1. While reading this book, examining my own program (I have 3 of the 4 most common mood imbalances), and shopping for the supplements, I've become aware of a few practical matters that I think people should be aware of.
   
   First, this method can take some time. For example, if 5-HTP doesn't work, you should try typtophan. If that doesn't work, you should move on to St John's Wort. If THAT doesn't work, try SAM-e - at least one bottle's worth. Dealing with 3 of the 4 imbalances, I won't know what works and what doesn't if I start taking all of the recomended supplements at the same time. That means going through one by one, which I realize will take a while. Don't get discouraged if you aren't cured on the first day.
   
   Second, this method can be costly. A month's supply of 5-HTP runs $36 here. A month's supply of SAM-e is $158. Compare that to my $3 co-pay for a month's supply of my antidepressant.
   
   Let me state that I'm not advising against this program. I generally believe that being drug-free is better than taking drugs, if you can get the same or better results another way. Just realize going in that this program will require time, energy, money, and commitment.



2. Easy reading. Packed with up-to-date information, and loads of reference material to guide you.



3. I have read many books regarding health and nutrition, and only took bits and pieces from those books. This is the first one I heeded the information on. I was sad and depressed occasionally (more often than not), and ate according to my moods. I discovered that my moods were primarily caused by the food I choose to eat. I changed my diet and most of my lifestyle was starting to change before reading it. I can say that when my moods were bad, I would be angry, shy or quite. I can be a better person to others and myself and no longer feel like being killed on the freeway from accidents caused by others. LOL. But really, I'm sure some people understand that, I have had many other people relate to that idea and am not afraid to admit how I felt. I have learned so much from reading this book, which I have helped others understand and try things suggested from the book. I went out and bought a friend a bottle of 5HTP and the book as a gift, because I wanted to share this good feeling. The book is easy to understand, as Julia Ross explains it all. The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Rebalance Your Emotional Chemistry and Rediscover Your Natural Sense of Well-Being



4. every book has aspects that are debatable. we are supposed to separate the "good" and the "bad" on our own. this was a great book. i started taking some of the aminoacids , based on the questionnaires in the book, and I found it helpful.



5. This is a truly outstanding book and is intended to help people suffering from real, deep and intractable emotional and mental problems.
   
   Julia Ross is a true pro, working at the front line of mental health care for several decades. This is a book that brings together her hard won knowledge with that of many, many other experts in the field. There is a also a decent amount of scientific research at its core.
   
   Compared with the extrememly poor care offered by the average clinical psychologist or psychiatrist (they essetially offer only drugs or cognitive behaviour therapy) this book heralds the beginning of a revolution in mental health care: at last some people are beginning to recognise that there is a REASON why you (or a friend or relative) is suffering such serious problems with mood, emotions and behaviour. At last there begin to be real solutions which are wholistic and effective.
   
   Julia covers all the main issues - anxiety, depression, OCD, addictions, mood swings and the generally feeling awful and unstable that so many have. She explains why it is happening and which food and supplements to correct it. There are easy to use questionnaires which guide you in understanding which TYPE of depression or anxiety you suffer from and thereby tailor the solution.
   
   Be warned, her solutions are a VERY long way from the general advice just to eat healthily. This is hard core scientific solutions. And a lot of back up with very specific recommendations for amino acids (to make all those neurotransmitters that regulate mood - dopamine, serotonin & GABA) and vitamins and minerals which are used in specific high doses as medicines.
   
   The solution requires work and commitment. But ultimately it is highly workable and simple in structure. And it really changes lives.
   
   Julia Ross opens a door and throws open the windows on a room in which so many feel trapped. No more decades of incomprehensible misery. I use this book in my practice and buy copies in bulk to give to my patients. It is an outstanding introduction - written in an engaging style but with a good strong foundation in science. A serious book that nevertheless invites everyone in.
   
   As a response to the negative reviews below, Ms Ross does indeed take a dim view of vegetarianism - but a) this is a small point in a large and rich book and b) she has this view born of years of experience. A high protein diet is necessary for people suffering emotional health problems because protein is the source of the neurotransmitters which will ultimately cure the depression, anxiety etc. Some people are genetically predisposed to need more than average. Protein is also important for blood sugar stabilisation - unstable blood sugar being near universal with any eating issues, carbohydrate cravings, sugar addictions, much anxiety and mood swings. I find I need to give most of my vegetarian patients protein supplement powders (whey, pea, rice protein etc) before I can build up their programme of recovery further.
   
   In summary a very good book to start your journey. Of equal excellence (in some ways superior) and more scientific in its approach (the emphasis more on neutraceuticals supplements than diet) is Depression Free Naturally by Joan Larson. Don't be fooled by the title - is covers all major issues including very serious ones like schizophrenia.
   
   Additionally, anyone with serious emotional and mental issues should buy Gut and Psychology Syndrome - that gut toxicity is highly involved in much illness is now beyond debate and at least 45% of my patients need help with their gut before they can properly recover. This book will explain how and why.
   
   Good luck and whatever happens don't give up. There are answers to your struggles. The Mood Cure and Depression Free Naturally will be a good start. Add in the book on Gut and Psychology, Adrenal Fatigue, a good book on the thyroid and maybe something on mercury toxicity. A great deal of mental suffering can be alleviated with these interventions. Have faith - a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You will be taking the first when you buy this book.
   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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   Comment
   
   
   
   I am very surprised at the negative reviews below. Please don't let them put you off. This is a truly outstanding book and is intended to help people suffering from real, deep and intractable emotional and mental problems.
   
   Julia Ross is a true pro, working at the front line of mental health care for several decades. This is a book that brings together her hard won knowledge with that of many, many other experts in the field. There is a also a decent amount of scientific research at its core.
   
   Compared with the extrememly poor care offered by the average clinical psychologist or psychiatrist (they essetially offer only drugs or cognitive behaviour therapy) this book heralds the beginning of a revolution in mental health care: at last some people are beginning to recognise that there is a REASON why you (or a friend or relative) is suffering such serious problems with mood, emotions and behaviour. At last there begin to be real solutions which are wholistic and effective.
   
   Julia covers all the main issues - anxiety, depression, OCD, addictions, mood swings and the generally feeling awful and unstable that so many have. She explains why it is happening and which food and supplements to correct it. There are easy to use questionnaires which guide you in understanding which TYPE of depression or anxiety you suffer from and thereby tailor the solution.
   
   Be warned, her solutions are a VERY long way from the general advice just to eat healthily. This is hard core scientific solutions. And a lot of back up with very specific recommendations for amino acids (to make all those neurotransmitters that regulate mood - dopamine, serotonin & GABA) and vitamins and minerals which are used in specific high doses as medicines.
   
   The solution requires work and commitment. But ultimately it is highly workable and simple in structure. And it really changes lives.
   
   Julia Ross opens a door and throws open the windows on a room in which so many feel trapped. No more decades of incomprehensible misery. I use this book in my practice and buy copies in bulk to give to my patients. It is an outstanding introduction - written in an engaging style but with a good strong foundation in science. A serious book that nevertheless invites everyone in.
   
   As a response to the negative reviews below, Ms Ross does indeed take a dim view of vegetarianism - but a) this is a small point in a large and rich book and b) she has this view born of years of experience. A high protein diet is necessary for people suffering emotional health problems because protein is the source of the neurotransmitters which will ultimately cure the depression, anxiety etc. Some people are genetically predisposed to need more than average. Protein is also important for blood sugar stabilisation - unstable blood sugar being near universal with any eating issues, carbohydrate cravings, sugar addictions, much anxiety and mood swings. I find I need to give most of my vegetarian patients protein supplement powders (whey, pea, rice protein etc) before I can build up their programme of recovery further.
   
   In summary a very good book to start your journey. Of equal excellence (in some ways superior) and more scientific in its approach (the emphasis more on neutraceuticals supplements than diet) is Depression Free Naturally by Joan Larson. Don't be fooled by the title - is covers all major issues including very serious ones like schizophrenia.
   
   Additionally, anyone with serious emotional and mental issues should buy Gut and Psychology Syndrome - that gut toxicity is highly involved in much illness is now beyond debate and at least 45% of my patients need help with their gut before they can properly recover. This book will explain how and why.
   
   Good luck and whatever happens don't give up. There are answers to your struggles. The Mood Cure and Depression Free Naturally will be a good start. Add in the book on Gut and Psychology, Adrenal Fatigue, a good book on the thyroid and maybe something on mercury toxicity. A great deal of mental suffering can be alleviated with these interventions. Have faith - a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You will be taking the first when you buy this book.

5 comments about The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance.

1. I aim to emulate a lot of the practices described in this book. It's a fast and entertaining read, but I plan to go back and take notes on some of the recommendation sections. I recommend it to anyone in pursuit of excellence or who needs to overcome a major obstacle.



2. Josh is definitely on to something. The learning principles he outlines in this book are priceless. This book is thick with good ideas. I had to stop after many chapters to make sure I absorbed the information.
   
   He is clearly well-read when it comes to philosophy and human psychology. And he relates his academic training to his careers in chess and Ti Chi in an illuminating way. The parallels between these seemingly unrelated disciplines are striking. Josh's writing helps you understand how his learning process can be applied to many fields of study.
   
   This book is also very well written. Let me state that again because so few authors are as gifted as Josh: This book is very well written. I loved the vivid descriptions of his chess and Ti Chi battles.
   
   After reading this book I look forward to hearing him speak someday.
   
   The only negative I can think of is that this book may not be very accessible to people who are not already "learners". If you are not interested in learning and improving your ability to learn, this book may be inaccessible to you.
   
   I've always enjoyed learning and honing my personal learning process, so I absolutely loved this book. This is the type of book that I will apply to my learning pursuits and then read again (probably in a year) to make sure I absorbed everything.



3. "The Art of Learning" by Josh Waitzkin, while largely autobiographical, contains some really priceless ideas on concept of skill mastery.
   
   The book is an insider's look at what it takes to becoming world class in any field. The second part of the book, which talks about Josh's journey through the martial arts is particularly revealing in this regard. Focus, but also recuperation, are crucial elements... this is very well illustrated in the book, through examples from Josh's life.
   
   Besides that, a lot of it is downright inspirational... I was particularly inspired by Josh's account of training through an arm injury to reach an ever greater level of success. A lesson to all of us who sit on the sidelines as soon as we get hurt a little.
   
   I would have loved to hear perhaps a "metaphysical" perspective on the Art of Learning... does complete devotion to a skill lead to happiness, ultimately? Perhaps the subject of a later book!
   
   Paul
   paultheo2004@yahoo.ca



4. "Invest in Loss" is probably the best line and best principle to take away from this book. Although it is a universal philosophical principle the author highlights it well and gives good examples of how it helped him in his training through Chess and Push Hands.
   
   I'd also add that this is probably one of the few if only principles that support the title of the book. The invest in loss ideal is something I have incorporated into my own teaching and learning and recommend others interested in moving forward adopt this same principle, but you do not need this book to tell you how to do it.
   
   I would have enjoyed more about Push Hands when the author made the leap to that section of the book. Even though there are 3 main parts, the book is essentially divided into two - chess, and push hands. Unfortunately the author missed the mark here as the push hands section spends a majority of the pages bringing up the authors chess experience and regurgitating the first half of the book rather than spending more time discussing his push hands training and experiences.
   
   This book, simply put, is nothing but the author pandering to his own ego and not at all a book about learning or how to improve your learning. I made it to page 209 out of 262 and couldn't bring myself to finish another 50 pages of the same text reborn time and time again.
   
   I recommend you pass this one up or you'll be investing in loss through your wallet!



5. Josh Waitzkin is absolutely incredible. He has done so much at such a young age. My wife (Jane) and my two children (Cranny and Keet) went to the 25th anniversary conference of SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted)([...]) . Josh spoke at this conference about how he has achieved the success he has achieved in both chess and martial arts. It was clear that his intellectual abilities are exceptional and he is capable of learning to skills quite quickly. The one thing I learned more than anything is that when one learns a new skill, it is important to take a part of that skill and master it. Once the part of the skill is mastered, the rest of the skill becomes that much easier to master. Many of us when we are learning new skills try to do too much at one time. This one piece of advice has helped me immensely. It has also helped me give advice to others including my children and clients. Josh's book outlines his journey towards the mastery of his passions. It is quite an amazing read and will be an inspiration to us all. I highly recommend telling Josh's story to your children or to the children you work with.
   
   Steven E. Curtis, Ph.D.
   Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior: A Guide for Parents of Children with Behavioral, Social, and Learning Challenges

5 comments about Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life.

1. I think that we are all familiar with the term 'you are what you eat' but the fact that we are also what we think has escaped many of us! This book gives a clear and simple insight into the workings of the mind and how it drives our lives in ways we may not have appreciated. Although very dated in some respects, this book is still very much worth reading as the age of the book has no bearing on the findings. Only with hindsight we can see that there is more truth to this subject than has been talked about in these pages but that need not dissuade you from reading this book.
   The author occasionally slips into swiping at alternative theories or notions yet ironically ends the book imploring us to all be more open to everything that comes our way as life has many channels of expression! However, I wouldn't let that stop me from seeing his insights and knowledge.
   For example the author believes that sleeping dogs should be left to lie, leaving the root of the problem to rest and just concentrating on changing the reactions by creating new habits. Personally, I see that this approach has some merit but from my experiences I wouldn't discount completely the idea of digging out the original problem and dealing with it, as that original wound will have many multi faceted parts to it that affect us in many different and subtle ways....clearly changing each one by forming new habits is time consuming and unnecessary if the original cause is removed. But like I said that doesn't detract from the many positive and helpful suggestions for getting in the flow of your subconscious power.



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R24JLX6BIPLE7J I was looking at reviews of self-help books because I wanted to reference one of the concepts of Psycho-Cybernetics on my own web site. To place the book itself in context within the self-help genre I wanted to point out that some self-help book reader reviews are such psycho-babble they might make you shy from the whole genre, and that such reviews did not necessarily reflect on the value of the book itself and especially not on the whole genre. I found plenty of examples for other books, but all the reviews for Psycho-Cybernetics seem well thought out and to be written by people seeking to work rationally towards making positive changes rather than some magic way of thinking that will solve all their problems. I was also surprised to find the original 1960 version still in print, let alone so popular.
   
   The lowest reviewer rating was a three because the reviewer thought it was all about expectations and self-evident. He's right and maybe that's enough for him. I believe for most people there's a profound difference between knowing something "intellectually" and knowing it "viscerally", or as I call it, internalizing the knowledge. Psycho-Cybernetics shows you how to internalize the concept of a "helmsman" of the mind that automatically seeks goals. This concept resonated and stuck with me, and it's the one I wanted to talk about on my site.
   
   Psycho-Cybernetics teaches you how to go about consciously instructing the helmsman to seek goals you select. Most of the instruction or 'programming' of the helmsman on how to do routine tasks is accomplished through trial and error, such as a baby learning to pick up objects. Thinking about a particular problem in detail programs the helmsman to direct the mind towards solving the problem after you give up for the day. An answer you hadn't even considered may just pop into your mind while you're brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Psycho-Cybernetics shows you how to consciously program your mind to target selected goals in addition to the automatic programming that allows it to walk your body around and solve logic problems.
   
   My site, Quest For Endorphins, is dedicated to applying the same principles to physical activity. It was only when I went back to look at Psycho-Cybernetics that I realized how much my ideas were influenced in addition to the "helmsman" concept that was the original reason I wanted to reference the book. Now, after thumbing through it and looking at some of my old notes, and realizing how much it's influenced my life and ideas I realize I've been trying to come up with ways to express ideas that Maltz already expressed better 48 years ago. So of course I'll be recommending the book instead of just referencing it.
   
   As I said in the video, I wanted to review it from the perspective of 30+ years rather than read it again first. Based on memory, the one thing I would emphasize more is acting along with visualization.
   
   Words to live by:
   "Faith without works is dead"
   "The Lord helps those who help themselves"
   "I'm sure the Lord wants to keep your son safe in the ring, Mrs. Johnson, but he really needs to work on keeping his left up".
   
   A related idea that's been teasing my mind recently is almost any goal can be achieved with almost any plan. Find a goal, find a way to advance towards that goal in some small way, I don't care how small. That's your plan. Work on implementing your plan every day, even if it's to sit down for five minutes and write down ideas, or just think for five minutes. Just make sure it's every day. Obviously if you keep spending only five minutes, you won't get anywhere, but if it's really a goal you care about, spending time every day will cause your helmsman to pull you into it so you'll have trouble restraining the amount of time you spend. Correct your plan as necessary depending on the results. You may find your goals change as you go along. But you have to start, and you have to persist for that to happen. If your goals are too grand, you may find yourself too intimidated to start. If so, find a nearer goal on the way. If you keep working and keep correcting your course, your subconscious will do the same.
   
   I used to think "Do something, even if it's wrong" was a joke. It's just a very simple plan. Seriously, just make your plans flexible enough to change and simple enough to start as soon as you can. Focus on what you want and put yourself out there every day trying to make it happen and your helmsman/computer will do the rest.
   
   If you're trying to lose weight or just eat better, an ideal companion book that I also recommend on my site is The Vice-Busting Diet: A 12-Week Plan to Break Your Worst Food Habits and Change Your Life Forever. Julia Griggs Havey addresses the psychological aspects of eating and offers a realistic plan for gradually improving your diet and your outlook. Use it as input for your helmsman.
   
   If you want to take a look at my site, "Quest For Endorphins", it can be reached through the 'my web page' link in my profile. There's nothing for sale; I'm trying to raise my visibility so I can promote the same principles of "Energy Focused Exercise" on a larger scale.
   
   "Energy Focused Exercise", everything else is dread, drudgery, quitting and guilt, unless you're one of those freaks that likes it for its own sake. And I mean freak in the best sense of the word, so please don't find me and hurt me. I'm old and bruise easily.



3. This book is a must read for everyone who would like to get a better understanding of their emotional, intellectual and a little about spiritual self. It is very interesting for a 40-50 years old book to be that GOOD.
   Read it!. You will not regret the time and money spent on this book!.



4. This is the first book of it's kind I ever read and it is still a truly inspiring and very informative work today.
   
   Best wishes,
   Donald Ryles PhD, CH
   Author of Hidden Secrets of "Many, But One



5. I first read this book about 25 years ago. It was insightful then and even more so again this time. Not a book to read for pleasure but a lot of good information that needs to be digested.

5 comments about My Grandfathers Blessings : Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging.

1. What a wonderful thing it would be if we all had a grandfather like Rachel Naomi Remen had. Since we don't, the next best thing might be to learn the lessons and experience the blessings by having her share her stories about him with us. She does so in a beautiful, almost under stated way that is never intrusive and leaves us with a feeling of deep appreciation. These are very human and moving parable like stories that enrich our connection to each other in almost imperceptible ways. Although this is definitely not a how to book, the stories may effect how we live our lives. Thank you to Dr. Remen.



2. I happened upon this book by chance, and it is quite possibly the best book I've ever read. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and give you a positive outlook on life, this is it. It is incredibly refreshing and easy to read. Rather than one long story, it is a bunch of short stories, which makes it great for reading a little bit at a time. It has really helped me remember what is important in life. After reading this book, I can't wait to read other books by this author.



3. This is one of the best inspirational books I've read in a long time. I love it so much I'm buying it for friends! It is so full of wisdom...rich, rich, rich.



4. The author shares some inspirational stories of the lessons her grandfather, a Rabbi taught her as a child that served as building blocks for the rest of her life, as a Dr. and then a counselor. Whether you read this from cover to cover, because it is delightful and insightful, or take it story at a time over a period of time, it is a wonderful book. There are important life lessons for us all. Some will make you laugh, others cry, and others to say, "Oh wow!"



5. Real life wisdom for living life in balance and with heart.
   Rachel tells her stories openly, with compassion and great warmth.
   I have given this book to friends and family and carry its lessons in my own life. A lovely read, not at all preachy. Each chapter is worth savoring.

5 comments about Being In Balance: 9 Principles for Creating Habits to Match Your Desires.

1. This is an awesome book. I have read it many times and it has had a profound effect on my life and wellbeing. I have given it as a gift to many friends and they all say "Bravo" also.



2. I set this on the coffee table and pick it up periodically to read a chapter. It is short and to the point. Wish I had this a year ago.It helps me daily. Thanks you Dr. Dyer!



3. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason! This book fell into my lap through an incredible offer from a television home shopping network - one which whom I never pay any mind to. However, after reading and loving "The Power of Intention", which was my first real exposure to Dr Dyer, the message that he would be featured on the show piqued my interest and got me to tune in.
   
   It doesn't end there though. I didn't dive in to the book immediately upon receipt - was I not ready for it yet? Hmmm...
   
   So a few weeks went by and in the meantime I happened to see the recently released movie "The Secret". One word to describe it, "WOW"! I was and continue to be blown away!
   
   So out of the 10 or so books that I had on deck to read, this book "Being in Balance" kind of jumped off my shelf at me - Why? I didn't know, but I pick it up and started reading it.
   
   One by one thoughts and concepts passed on by the author just seemed to resonate with me - Do you know that `popping' sound when something just clicks with you?
   
   This was the quintessential "right book at the right time" for me. It not only solidified some concepts that I just picked up from "The Secret" but it simplified and expanded my understanding of them.
   
   It became even more evident to me that Dr. Dyer is simply tuned in! I'm about to embark on another book by him called "Inspiration" and I'm just thrilled with anticipation!



4. After 20 years, it shouldn't be hard for him to come up with this stuff, but nonetheless, this little gem is got all the right principles, in an easy to read and delicious to feel little book. Almost a mini-reference manual. I recommend it.



5. Wayne Dyer again presents us with another piece of inspired writing that helps lift your soul from the shadows of darkness to the light of day. This book, Being in Balance is a tool needed for many to get their mind and attitude right. It empowers you to cleanse the negative and self-doubting thoughts that consistently prevent you from achieving your dreams and aspirations. In chapter six,"You can't discover light by analyzing the darkness", reinforces the dilemmas and barriers we place in front of us that prevent us from achieving prosperity, whether monetarily or spiritually.
   If you are lost and looking for direction this book is a great guide to bring your life back into balance.

5 comments about Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally.

1. Patti Digh has done a marvelous job translating her 37days blog (already a brilliant work-in-the-making, as she posts regularly) into hard copy with all the benefits a printed book can provide. To her publisher's credit, they went all out to make this book beautiful, and it is, and it matches the complexity and simplicity, at turns, her words offer.
   
   There will be lots of reviewers who comment on Patti's amazing talent for getting to the heart of the matter, and thus, to our hearts. What I find just as fascinating about Patti is her sense of humor, one which operates at all levels.
   
   Her ability to offer her joy in addition to her passion for her subject matter is what has hooked me since I first discovered her blog.
   
   Life is a Verb is an in-the-moment perfect snapshot of three years of Patti's wisdom, pain, insight, and sighing admission of shortfalls.
   
   Buy this book. I promise you will be thanking Patti that you did!



2. This book should be required reading in every college, high school and jr. high to teach kids how to become authentic, compassionate, caring adults. I've read Patti Digh's blog from the get-go and it has enriched and completely altered my life and my way of thinking. I want to be her!!!!! This book is a gold mine, pure and simple.
   
   When I'm feeling blue, she cheers me up.
   When I'm feeling invisible, she rearranges the molecules of my thinking.
   When I'm down, she lifts me up.
   When I'm sad, she makes me happy to be alive. . . all with her luminous, fabulous, magical essays. Thank you, Patti, for this gift you've given the world. This tattooed grammy loves you fiercely!!!
   
   If you need a book that will enrich your life every single day, then buy this one. And get several copies because you will most definitely want to share with your friends and loved ones.



3. It makes you think about how to live your life better - not necessarily more organized or efficient or more anything, unless the "more" is some part of your own personal "better". The writing exercises are excellent, bite-sized, and spur you to much deeper consideration of the topics. And the writing itself is funny, real, down-to-earth and extremely moving. I've bought one copy and will buy several more as gifts.



4. To have Patti Digh's "37 Days' in BOOK form is to have the most amazing sourcebook for soul sustenance I have ever run across - and I read A LOT! Patti is clearly both gardener and chef; from the seeds she plants to the manna she provides. If your life is lacking color and depth (and humor, ah yes!), if you're missing that feeling of being connected and necessary, or losing your sense of direction or self - this book's for you.
   Being a devoted fan of Patti's "37 Days" blog for the past several years, I was anxious to have the book, but didn't expect the additional impact that "Patti in print" would have for me. I lift my head reluctantly from the pages; but need to break and savor all the different sensory stirrings as I read her words. Cerebrally and soulfully nourished as I am by all that this book contains, I'm craving more, and look forward to filling my shelves with the next editions (additions?) of her unique diet of life lessons, personal musings or anything else she might choose to cook up! Bon appetit!



5. Inspired by the death of her step-father (and informed by the death of her father), Patti Digh's book offers advice, nudges, and insistence toward joy and responsibility (not quite the word I want), in equal measure.
   
   With essays like "Dance in Your Car," "Follow Your Desire Lines," and "Always Rent the Red Convertible," Digh urges us to loosen up, take chances, take hold of this "one wild and precious life" (as she quotes Mary Oliver).
   
   But she assumes a life of joy will be a life touched and shaped by other people, and she includes their care in her instruction manual. "Save Face for Someone Else," and "Wear Pink Glasses" offer models of graceful ways of being with, seeing, and upholding other people. "Love Unloveable People" gently offers each of us a daunting challenge: to respond to what is good in everyone.
   
   Digh doesn't overlook the challenges of relationship, including our relationship to self. From "Choose Your Seatmates Wisely," to "Burn those Jeans," "Don't Sell Your Red Shoes" and "Say Wow When You See a Bus," she offers fresh perspectives on familiar situations and straight-jackets of "propriety," inviting each of us to find a way to be a little more authentic.
   
   The essays alone would be engaging and provocative, as Digh has proven in her blog, 37days. In the book a precious few are arranged to illustrate her six-point guide to a life marked by Intensity, Inclusion, Integrity, Intimacy, Intuition, and Intention. Each is followed by a short exercise to help the reader respond to and integrate the example, and a longer "movement" exercise that readers are invited to take up for 37 days: be alone for 30 minutes every day, write ten letters (in longhand) over the course of 37 days, ask yourself at lunch (for 37 days) "Am I becoming someone I respect?"
   
   Digh suggests we take on that last question at lunch, so that we have the afternoon to save ourselves, if we are failing. It is just this kind of gentle wisdom, this confidence in all of us, that leads me to embrace this book.

5 comments about Preparing for Marriage: A Complete Guide to Help You Discover God's Plan for a Lifetime of Love.

1. My fiance' and I are very pleased with this product. We are looking forward to applying what we've learned being engaged and married.



2. So far this is a great book. It keeps my Fiance and I interested. And it's a workbook!



3. While there are areas that really don't apply if you are middle-aged and getting married, we just skimmed those. The rest is very well thought out and creates a real atmosphere of learning about one another (that is, as long as you are truthful with your answers).
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to prepare for marriage and to know if they really are sure. Obviously, it must be taken seriously to really help at all.



4. My husband and I used this book as part of an 8 week Premarital Counseling course. We both found the book to bring up good topics for discussion though most of them we had discussed before. I would not describe myself as a very religious person but more of a spiritual person with strong Christian beliefs. That said, I found some "opinions" in the book to be narrow minded and that some of the bible passages were taken out of context. I do think that it was a good tool as part of our sessions but don't depend completely on this book for your premarital counseling. We also looked at The 5 Love Languages and Dave Ramsey's book Financial Peace Revisited. Those books as well as the insight from our counselors made all the difference.



5. Great Book!!!!!! My husband and I read through this when we started to consider marriage and absolutely loved it. We really enjoyed the interaction and activity oriented tasks as we were challenged to dig deeper and to prepare for marriage! Wonderful for couples that haven't been married before, opens the lines of communication as well as shedding light any assumptions each may be carrying about marriage. Great Christian book with a God honoring but realistic message. -mrs. hodawanus (: