5 comments about Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You.

1. There were definitely some positive aspects to this book. I should acknolwedge that I've purchased many other Joyce Meyer books such as Battlefield of the Mind, Beauty for Ashes, The Battle Belongs to the Lord, In Pursuit of Peace etc. so sometimes in this book a few sections appear repetitive in accordance with her other works. I believe she copy/pasted from a few other books in some sections.
   
   I was somewhat hesitant to purchase this book after already purchasing Beauty for Ashes which I believe is her best book that she has written. What swayed me in the direction of buying this book was because I saw chapters entitled "Codependency" and "Healing the Child Within" which I was kind of shocked to see in a Christian book. Those are typically secular psychology concepts. I knew she would present those topics in a balanced, scriptural way so I was kind of interested to see how she would approach it. She talked about codependency being dependent on people, behaviors, or things (which is the tradition definition) rather than being dependent on God alone. I did not like anything with regard to codependency because I just viewed it as addictions or idolatry of the Bible. And I came to a realization that it was just not being dependent on God alone like we should, which I was happy to see Joyce agreed with. And "Healing the Child Within" I thought is a dangerous topic because it so conflicts with scripture, but I was surprised in the way she dealt with it. She talked about "becoming as little children" like Jesus said in the Bible. And she talked about all the good attrtibutes of children we should strive after as adults in a very organized way.
   
   These two chapters I don't think taught me anything new however. So, having Beauty for Ashes already (which I would highly recommend) I probably would not prefer to have bought it. Don't get me wrong, if you've never bought a Joyce Meyer book before, this could prove to be a very excellent book as she does cover many topics like in Beauty for Ashes and if it's all unique material for you, this book may be one of the best ones you've bought (besides the Bible). But I believe Beauty for Ashes is more complete and more applicable to my situation.
   
   I think Joyce's two most important works are Battle Belongs to the Lord which discusses the importance of worship and praising God for who He is, and the second one is Beauty for Ashes which talks about abuse and how to deal with negative things others do to you. Battlefield of the Mind is her most popular book, and I think that is quite good to, and should be had more as a reference for times when you find yourself slipping into certain thinking habits.
   
   Sometimes Joyce releases too many books in my opinion (smile) so it's hard for her to find fresh material. Very balanced unique books which I've read so far are Beauty for Ashes, Battlefield of the Mind, and The Battle Belongs to the Lord. They each have unique content which she worked hard on. I'm curious why she felt she wanted to release "Managing Your Emotions" when she already had "Beauty for Ashes" out. I felt if there was a topic unique to Managing Your Emotions which wasn't in Beauty for Ashes, then she should've thought about yet a nother new release revision and added those unique chapters to Beauty for Ashes. Her big thing in this book however was not being led by your emotions in making decisions, but rather by faith and God's input. I acknolwedge that is a unique concept. But her chapters on healing broken emotions and shame and forgiving yourself and others are very similar to Beauty for Ashes, and basically she is simply elaborating and emphasizing Jesus's teaching on the mount! Jesus is the one who revealed this, but I like how she emphasizes it. Hope this helps.



2. And this is exactly what you learn how to do in this book. I found it to be extremely practical and helpful, as is Joyce Meyers way of communicating. I did not realize how much I was allowing my emotions to control me rather than the other way around, which I found to be where a majority of my problems stemmed from. This is foundational information.



3. i bought this for my daughter for christmas. she's 24, very sensitive and emotional. along with prayer, it's helping her gain a new perspective on coping with her emotions and dealing with life issues.



4. I just started reading this book and I am very pleased. My husband and I are starting a new church and I think everyone should read this book even if you think you're not an emotional person. This gives you very good insight on both points of views and I believe it will be beneficial to anyone that reads this book.



5. This book is an interesting read, chock full of practical advice and fresh insight. More than helpful in building skills to overcome negative mindsets and emotions. Thanks, Joyce.

5 comments about Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Work.

1. I have read this book several times...it is engaging, fun and rejuvinating. I have given copies to my sons,my son's friends, friends, family and co-workers.
   
   If you have the opportunity....buy this books, share it, give it as a gift!



2. I loved this book which is cleverly illustrated. It put a big smile on my face! Certainly inspirational in a very light but profound way Kevin Carroll takes us through his journey with the Red Rubber Ball (pages have colorful drawings and excellent design) and how he has found inspiration to shine in his life while making a difference in the world and going for his dreams. With his seven simple rules he has accomplished a lot (along with well-being), Carroll is an athlete, one of the first afro-american NBA's trainers, speaker and has a leadership position at Nike. All because he followed his passion for the Red Rubber Ball... He talks about every day being a chance to look for something unexpected and about making life our playground to have fun in whatever we are passionate about. I say that is a pretty miraculous way to go through life and reminds me of the work of Ariel and Shya Kane. They are catalysts for having a brilliant life regardless of the circumstances, their books Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, How To Create a Magical Relationship and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment as well as their 3 Principles of Transformation are excellent guides to live a fun fresh life full of opportunities, right here right now no need to wait for the future. If you're interested in having your life be magical and fun, creating opportunities and living to the fullest, I highly recommend checking out both Carroll and the Kanes.



3. I picked this book up in the lobby after one of Mr. Carroll's presentations. After the speech, the Q&A, and speaking with him in person I was thrilled to finally sit down and read through the book. With that kind of inspiration, the text is incredible - you can really feel the emotion behind his words!
   
   Unfortunately, that seems to be lost on anyone not already familiar with Carroll's work. To them, the shortness of the book (particularly in comparison with its price) is a serious negative. Looking back at the book after a year, though, I have to agree. It's short, not much content, and if the deeper meaning behind the book layout and message isn't fresh in your mind it's difficult to pay attention to.
   
   All in all, it's a phenomenal piece of work and a priceless vessel of inspiration. I can't give it a full 5 stars, though, because it isn't quite as exciting the second time around.



4. This book was smaller than I realized, but it is a really cool book with a lot of great illustrations and a unique format!



5. I heard the author Kevin Carroll speak at a conference I was at in July.
   He was so inspiring and after his speech stood and signed copies for the students and teachers who heard him for hrs. We ran out of books for him to sign. I purchased this book to give to a family member as a christmas present.

5 comments about The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music.

1. What an amazing book! I bought it for my husband, a bassist, but after seeing Victor (the author) in concert and seeing hearing him playing so incredibly easy and relaxed but yet at the same time 'killing' everyone with what he was able to do, I thought that reading this book would give me some insight on how he got to where he was musically.
   And I think it definitely does. it's a beautiful music lesson that he has decided to share and it helps us all perceive and recieve music from a complete other dimension.
   It's written in an easy style, but the message is deep and not to be forgotten if you are a musician yourself.
   I was reading only a chapter a day to digest and store the information well, because I have never read anything anywhere like this book!



2. I will state first that my spiritual beliefs are liberal, so I am not giving this book a poor review because it goes against any "dogma" I may have. I agreed with everyone's review who mentioned how great a bass player Victor is.
   So why one star? Because this is rehashed, 101, 1960 new age type philosophy (I hate to use the term as this is so elemental a book on music and spiritually). What we need is a complex discussion of the two, and there are examples do a google or Amazon search, of books, thesis and Research studies in the fields of Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, and even in books which discuss practicing an instrument.
   I brought this book without really looking at it, since I assumethat Victor's writing would be as interesting and informative as his playing. Wrong.
   
   My recommendation: Read someone else on this topic.



3. This book is a "must-have" for every serious musician. I keep buying copies for my good friends and students.



4. This book is truly worth the value. There are other comments about this book being "warmed over new age cliche", but Victor Wooten is a bassist and not a philosopher. This book is clearly intended for a wide range of people with varied backgrounds and belief systems.
   
   This book is an easy read for anyone, high school kids, adults, musicians, virtuosos, fans, and so on.
   
   I was very pleasantly surprised to find that Victor Wooten and I share many of the same spiritual values, but he also gives some valuable insight about musicianship.
   
   For example, within the book you find the very reason why so many of us practice, practice and practice certain techniques for years and years but never really master them.
   
   You'll discover the most important elements of Music that Music Theory leaves out and you'll learn the crucial elements to making any musician successful that is not taught in any school of music.
   
   Victor also explains how some mediocre musicians are so successful and able to move the crowds. I've always thought that if I just learned to be the baddest player I would instantly be successful. That's not the case.
   
   Don't let the simplicity of this book fool you, there are some very deep insights within the book that only come from many years of experience.
   
   The book doesn't necessarily talk about anything new, but it does take you in another direction and can give you a new way of looking at things that you may not have had before. It can help you make those breakthroughs in your playing, practicing and performance.
   
   It can even help you make breakthroughs in other areas of your life, because in reality, this whole universe is nothing but a symphonic of vibrations = Music.
   
   Regards,
   Enigma Valdez



5. This book is a must read for the musician-old and new alike. Mr. Wooten has given musicians, not bass players, away of accessing something that many of us seemingly take for granted. The power of music is formidable! I, for one, thank him for writing the text.

5 comments about The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict.

1. Books with lots of blurbs
   but no sample of the writing
   make me suspicious
   I want to see a chapter or two
   and the Table of Contents



2. This book along with its companion book "Leadership and Self Deception" have altered my life. The concepts discussed, while simple in concept are fundamental in terms of human nature



3. An excellent book for self-improvement, self-analysis, and self-awareness. Helps you to recognize where you make your decisions from and the affect it has on yourself and the people in your life. I'm eagerly looking forward to more books from the Arbinger Institute!



4. I have purchased and given away many copies of this incredible book. I am re-reading it again with my young son and have given a copy to my ex-husband along with a sincere apology for so much of my behavior and attitude towards him since we began to pull apart. The companion book 'Leadership and Self-Deception' is also amazing. Both should be required reading in schools and in every other organization.



5. The 'box' is a wonderful toy to help us view our common ways of getting into and out of negative perspectives. Simple awareness and identification of a way of being allows us the choice to move on.
   
   Thank you Arbinger.

5 comments about Having an Affair?: A Handbook for the "Other Woman".

1. Regardless if whether you are thinking about doing it, in the middle of doing it or have ended one... you need to read this book. Ms Symonds uses wit, humor, common sense and an extremely tender heart to counsel those of us who have been through the roller coaster of being the other woman. She uses a no judgement approach to illustrate the pros and cons of this type of relationship. For anyone who is going through this - you'll feel better after reading this book!!



2. I would recommend this book to not only the intended audience (the other women/mistresses) but to married men (MM). They should get a clear picture of the treachery and manipulations that "other women" will stoop to, the same women who say they are happy with the few crumbs they receive from their MM, but in truth want what almost every woman wants- a committed relationship, where her needs and his needs are met exclusively.
   
   I also think that every wife should read this book, so that they can apply some of the tips and tricks for mistresses in this book to their own marriage in order to keep things exciting. Some helpful mistress tips that could easily become marital tips are- Always look your best, when you call him always ask "can you talk", don't just start "yabbering," greet him at the door in sexy outfits. All good ideas for a better marriage, right?
   
   I thought Sarah was harsh in her description of wives in general; generalizing that all wives are indifferent, uncaring, money hungry people (was the author projecting?) and her description of being married (she has never been) which seemed akin to living in a dungeon in some mid-evil castle.
   
   What I did like was a glimpse into a world that shows you how many-a-mistress thinks. How they justify their actions and absolve themselves from any blame or guilt associated with the affair.
   
   Finally, a spreadsheet of deceit that lists Sarah's perceived pros and cons of having sexual relations with a married man, a few top pros? "Feeling completely relaxed in your ancient ugly pajamas (which you never let you MM see)." "Not having to have sex if you don't feel like it." Is that really true? I suppose a mistress will just tell her MM - I have a headache? So book contradictions aside - get this book and read it, hopefully it will save you pain, but regardless it will teach you a lot about people!



3. The author did make many good points about a woman's involvement with married men. However, it is clear she is under the impression women only use men for money and gifts. Not all women involved with a married man expect to be spoiled with gifts. If I wanted to have sex for money, I would simply be a prostitute, which is more or less what the other women this book would really relate to are! Some "other women" or having affairs because they are using the man for sex, or simply enjoy his company and do not expect to be financially compensated for sharing themselves with their "MM."



4. What about 2 individuals, both married risking the same thing? Both with children, both with spouses they love but in need of something more. 2 people who want to feel alive again and who have spouses who no longer want intimacy. This book is mainly for single woman and married men.



5. I loved this book. I really learned alot. I finally realized what really goes on when their is an affair going on. All women should read this book even if they never had an affair. Great Book!

5 comments about Man and His Symbols.

1. I picked up a copy of this book in Mendocino, CA just after I graduated from college and was trying to figure out what to do with my life. For those of you who are somewhat introverted, academic, or artistic, you may find that his book changes your view and helps begin the process of what Jung (and now other therapists) call the "individuation" process, or normal unfolding of human life. I ended following my bliss and doing all kinds of things that have made me a very happy, very satisfied and yet unendingly curious person. I am now studying to be a therapist, and whether or not I graduate is not the point. The journey and the dream images and meaning we assign to them are the whole point. Life became a meaningful joy for me and (no kidding) this book was the ONLY source of that inspiration.
   
   I have the coffetable version of this book, which is much larger and in color, but the smaller paperback will also do...I'm sure the pictures are good enough. It is the words, not the pictures, that change your life. Who knew that western individualistic humanism was such a powerful and compelling force of psychology?
   
   This book changed my life for the better permanently. Read it.



2. I purchased this in a batch of books which I had wanted to read for a while, including Richard Dawkin's The Selfish Gene.
   
   To be honest, this book is quite a disappointment to me. As noted in other reviews, Jung actually wrote only 1/5th of this book, serving as editor for the rest of the pieces. And it is exactly Jung's own writing which I find disappointing.
   
   Jung's style is sloppy and unfocussed, possibly because this is evidently the first time he writes 'for the layman'. Compared to Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, which I read alternatingly with this book, Man and his Symbols reads like a sloppy collection of personal opinion. It's hard to see from this introduction how Jung is considered to be such an important thinker.



3. This is a book that everybody should own, in my opinion. Karl Jung is a must have.



4. This is a classic must read for any counselor, psychologist, therapist, Etc. or someone just interested in interesting thought. Some truth some fantasy some bewildering mind scapes. C'mon why just read about how the original masters thought, why not read their own words!



5. This book was a catalyst in my development as an individual at 17 years of age. To this day many years later, it has provided me with so much insight about myself and humanity. The realizations of self ultimately give an understanding of others and their tribulations.
   
   I have purchased another copy (because mine was not returned by friends twice) and a Carl Jung "action figure" for my five-year-old son. While I understand he will not be able to read and comprehend it now, I know it will provide a great outline regarding the inner world that so many are lacking in this day and age.
   
   For anyone who is cerebral, this book stands the test of time. The concepts and images will make a direct correlation with your personal life.

5 comments about 10 Simple Solutions to Adult ADD: How to Overcome Chronic Distraction & Accomplish Your Goals (10 Simple Solutions).

1. I wouldn't even give this book one star. It read like the author copied every basic article he could find on ADD and put it into this book. It didn't offer answers to anything. It was a waste of my time and money.



2. This is a book I wish I'd owned years and years ago. It would have changed my life back then. This book understands the goings-on in the mind of a person with ADD. It cuts to the chase giving advice that can be put into play on the spot. Great handbook.



3. This book was a quick, simple read - just what the ADD need! It's not going to solve your ADD problem 100%, but it certainly provides a great start to improving your current situation.



4. I love this book.It arrived quickly, and in great condition. If I didn't have ADD, I would have already left a review. Sorry, working on that.



5. I purchased this book for a book review I had to do in my graduate class. Not only did I end up loving the book but while reading it I called up many friends and family members to share information with them. I suspect I could have slight ADD after this book, but I did get through the whole thing in one sitting! It was a fun read, and it provides great examples and how to's! Even if you do not have ADD I highly recommend this book, it is very helpful for life with tips on organization, managing finances, etc. It is not dragged out with theories and lingo you can not understand, it is straightforward and speaks the truth! Two thumbs up for this book, a great read and a wonderful book to keep in your personal library, if not for you personally, it is extremely helpful to help you work with people who have ADD! :)

5 comments about Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life: A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life.

1. Larry wastes the millions he gets from his books on tons of cowboy boots he doesn't need. Nice way to set an example. He sells useless things like bobblehead dolls of himself on his website. Ask yourself: would a guy who really cared about helping you out of finacial trouble sell you things you don't need? If he's so rich he can wsate tons on silly cowboy boots, he's the one laughing his way to the bank....with your hard earned money!
   
   I thought this was supposed to be a self help book. Instead it's a stand-up comedy piece with lots of in your face ranting and raving about experiences this guy had. He's no expert, just an overconfident entertainer that wears funny clothes. If that's why you buy his books, fine. Don't expect to get actual answers and helpful advice.



2. I really like this book.After reaching the age of 54 & having read & listned to my share of"Self-Help" stuff this is refreshingly different.Larry doesn't try to fill your head with sunshine & you can do anything or metaphysical nonsense so popular lately.He's like the Uncle who wasn't afraid to tell you how things are.It's an easy read,but requires you to think & fill out forms to distill your values.I have a problem with some over simplified things though, like"You should forget hope & doubt & instead have faith & certainty & then step out boldly". Not an easy thing to do however in these trying times.



3. The first part of the book was good and kept you interested, but the second half was a sleeper. I have read all of Mr. Winget's books and this one doesn't meet their standards.



4. I enjoyed this book. You must be really objective to appreciate this. If you are willing to make the suggesred efforts to change your life, it will truly pay off. I feel that this approach to life is better than whining, complaining and blaming others for what is wrong with your life. I'm sure we all know at least one person like this.
   
   I also enjoyed Larry Winget's other two books "You are Broke Because You Want to Be" and "It's Called Work For A Reason"
   
   I would recommend this book for those who really want to change their lives, but it is not for everyone.



5. Real disappointment here. If you're looking for any kind of consistent reasoning or argument, don't bother with this book. On his blog, Winget describes himself as a "fiscal conservative" who voted for Obama and is OK with paying more taxes. In this book, he goes from bashing most of the motivational speaker/self-help crowd ("motivational mumbo-jumbo") to feeding the reader New Age claptrap ("God is the Presence of Good and the Action of Love"), while dumping on mainstream religion, in the space of about 30 pages. Add in a bunch of "power of positive thinking" rhetoric and some generic health and fitness advice and you have (according to the cover) a "National Bestseller". You've got to hand it to him when he says "Some of the best-selling books today are total garbage" (p.111). He's apparently talking about his own product. It's a $12 firestarter for my fireplace.

5 comments about Where's My Stuff?: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide.

1. I got my 12-year-old son to read this by assigning little parts of it that applied most to him. We talked about what he read, and it seemed to really be opening his eyes and giving him ideas. We were able to get right to what was hindering him, both in attitude and in his physical space. It's a simple book to read, very basic, but full of basic truths and fun ideas that work.



2. I am messy, theres no denying it. My mom is always on my case about my room or the kitchen or the living room and so on. But as a high school student I have so many more IMPORTANT things to do than to spend my time trying to clean up my house, only to have it get messy again. This book had so many good ideas about how to be organized, not only at home, but at school too! Now my mom doesnt yell at me anymore, and I have more time to focus of my life. This book rocks!



3. This book has helped me to the extreme. I used to be the kid that turns up in class with the math homework from last week when the teacher is asking for the essay on stonehenge. Which i forgot about becuase my planner gets washed off my hands every time i took a shower. This book outlines easy and practical strategies that allow you to take control of your backpack. Worth every penny.



4. The moment I put this book down, I wished that I had found it befor emy Senior year. "Where's My Stuff?" contains nearly every little bit of study and and organizational wisdom I've picked up throguh my high-school career, and it would have been helpful going into it with all that knowledge condensed in one book, whick I'm quite glad this book does. The practical, step-by-step instriuctions on how to organize class materials were incredibly helpful, and this book does a great job of preparing you to manage your time and your personla space. With its diagrams, charts, and overall utility, I would recommend "Where's My Stuff?" To anyone entering high-school. I'm definitely keeping it for college.



5. Purchased this to assist a very disorganized boy! It has a lot of helpful hints and guidelines for making your life easier and keeping track of your stuff!

5 comments about Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-first Century.

1. This is a very excellent book that brings the reader into a deeper spiritual connection with their sexuality; and I do mean spiritual connection, not to be confused with religious connections. The best thing about this book is its openness, it caters to no single ideology, philosophy, or way of life, it only seeks to help people heal all of the damage that sexual repression has wrought in the 20th Century by helping people to accept their passions without guilt. The activities and exercises in the book highlight the slow, rhythmic, energetic nature of tantric sex and include breathing exercises, visualisation techniques, and all sorts of creative sexual fun and games to play with a partner or by yourself. Happy healing!



2. The book is informative and the author is intelligent. She makes a compelling case for her arguments and her sense of humor is impossible to ignore. In fact, I religiously followed most of the exercises in the book and came to conclude she sure knows her turf.
   However, if you are planning on learning Tantra know that this is not the book you want to buy or read. She skews the message of Tantra to appeal to the sex-saturated. Hers was an effort to write a book that transgender people can relate with, she chose Tantra to do that. Keep in mind also that it is written by a prostitute for both normal people and prostitutes. The book has just enough metaphysical wisdom to make it attractive to the seeking mind and enough (spiritual)errors to make the unwary go astray. In this sense, it is a deadly mixture.
   The author has a great deal of disdain and animosity towards organized religion. She continually heaped the blame for our sexual problems on our puritanical heritage. She seemed to be intolerant of religious intolerance! Our country owes it greatness to the Puritans who founded it, if they have been f**king around like the author strongly advocates, we would be as backward as the nations where these religions originated from. If some of the ways to meditate and calm your spirit in the book doesn't work for you, I will suggest you grab a Bible and study any Psalm, I have had enough Psalm-gasms (bliss and ecstasy) by just reading these ancient poems.



3. It's true that Carrellas does not hold fast to any one Tantric lineage or tradition and situates Tantric practice emphatically in the realm of sacred sexuality. If you are looking for an in-depth exploration of traditional Tantric precepts and teachings, you may be disappointed by the book's expansive approach. However, if you're looking for a book that makes traditional Tantric principles accessible and applicable to transformative spiritual and sexual practices, look no further.
   
   This book is amazing. Carrellas conveys so much information; her words and exercises lead to the heart of the matter, revealing the connections between ecstasy and embodiment. Urban Tantra covers everything from breath and energy work to massage techniques, from Tantric approaches to SM to sexual magic, never forgetting that these practices ultimately lead to more holistic and holy ways of being in our bodies. Plus, it's accessible to people of all genders, sexualities, backgrounds, and physicalities-- this is not a book that assumes its audience is composed solely of white, middle-class, monogamous heterosexual couples.
   
   This is one of my all-time favorite books, hands down.



4. This is a wondeful book for those who want to take their lovemaking to a higher level. I especially loved the techniques that did not specifically focus on the body but on the goal of becoming one totally with your partner.



5. This is a book to savor, because the more the exercises sink in, the better life gets. I applaud the author on this work, because this compilation of techniques stretches over different practices (kundalini yoga, tai chi, tantra) to make one delicious way to approach every day. Read with an open mind, ready for good things to happen. This book has improved my life spiritually, emotionally, and sexually. I can't say enough good things about this book.