5 comments about The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You.

1. Great and useful book overall. It has some interesting and unique perspectives on dealing with the toxic worry (generalized anxiety).
   
   Dr. Leahy, the worry specialist, who is a well-respected writer of many professional books, fills pages with numerous ways to attack this stubborn anxiety from many disciplines (philosophy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy and so on).
   
   The information is very useful, especially, if you wish to move beyond just "basic" monitoring of your cognitive distortions, and address some "deeper level" issues such as core beliefs about yourself and the world, the meaning of a threat, uncertainty, and rumination.
   
   As I read this book, I could not help thinking that someone who is chronically anxious for decades, and is seriously bogged down by procrastination and avoidance, will surely have difficulties facing up to own anxiety. The moment one starts, you will be faced with a monster. This anxiety protects itself violently and tries to survive by putting out many obstacles. So, I am saying the next sentence with great caution as I don't want to discourage anyone from this helpful book. However, I got a bit overwhelmed by this book's abundance of material and its deep daring level. If you dare to venture into this on your own, I wish you courage; however, I think this endevour is better suited for someone who has already started dealing with his/her anxieties and has achieved some degree of success, rather than a newbie. Maybe someone who has a support of a therapist and is super-motivated - although I don't know anyone like this. It helps to be very psychologically-minded and curious.
   
   Having said this, if self-help books is your drug of choice, please know the book's usefulness and its broad scope surpasses many other books on the subject, and could be of immense benefit to a sufferer.
   
   If like me, you will find it all to be too much, please check out two great primers that are easier to do with "baby steps": Anxiety Workbook by Edmund Bourne, and the second, Mind over Mood, by Podesky. Once the system is in place, everyone would benefit from this book, which has lots to add to move you further to the worry cure (provided it exists:-)
   
   Finally, what helped me enormously, is finding a true conginitive therapist who is supportive, and consistent. In my case, the constant worrying subsided enormously, in 6 months. This is from someone who tried for years, to do it on my own. Books such as this one, suddenly start making sense only after therapy. The way to find a therapist is through Aaron Beck (father of cognitive therapy) institute in PA.



2. 
   Worry is not only ubiquitous to the anxiety
   disorders, but brief, less severe manifestations
   of this cognitive phenomena are pervasive throughout
   the general population. Who amongst us has not
   worried at one time or another? Moreover the deleterious
   effects of chronic and severe worry are not confined
   to a specific disorder like generalized anxiety
   disorder but instead are a major symptom feature of
   some of the most common mental health problems in
   our society such as major depression, social phobia,
   and substance abuse. In the daily routine of a clinical
   practice, therapists repeatedly face patients who
   feel defeated by a crippling state of worry. And yet,
   it is surprising that worry was practically ignored by
   clinical researchers until the last 10-15 years. Until
   recently the empirical literature had little to offer the
   treatment of worry and even less was available for
   the general public in the form of scientifically based
   self-help books.
   All that has changed with the publication
   of Robert Leahy's book entitled "The Worry Cure".
   Written in a systematic, instructive, and well-illustrated
   manner, Dr. Leahy explains the nature, etiology,
   persistence and treatment of pathological worry
   in a style that is readily comprehensible to the general
   public. Although the book is rooted in a cognitive
   behavioral perspective, it is not dogmatic in its theoretical
   orientation. Findings from mindfulness cognitive
   therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy,
   and emotion-focused therapy are discussed in terms
   of their relevance for the treatment of chronic worry.
   Throughout the book Dr. Leahy remains true to the
   empirical traditional by ensuring that his insights into
   the nature of worry and its alleviation are anchored in
   the latest empirical research on worry. When recommending
   this book for their patients, clinicians can
   be confident that the guidance offered in its pages is
   based on the latest findings in the research literature.
   illustrations.
   The chapters are full of rating forms and
   other clinical aids to help individuals implement
   the recommended changes in their thinking and
   behavior. What is particularly innovative in these
   chapters is the focus on generic interventions
   that can be adapted to any type of worry content.
   Chapters 11 through 15 deal with worry associated
   with specific issues such as concern about negative
   evaluation and acceptance of others, abandonment
   and rejection, health, finances and work or achievement.
   These chapters deal with topics so common
   in clinical practice that it is difficult to think of
   patient who would not benefit from reading at least
   selected chapters.
   In many respects the title of this book, The
   Worry Cure, is a little misleading. Although this
   definitely a self-help book on worry, it's contribution
   is so much greater. Even if you did not suffer
   with worry, there is much to be gained by reading
   The Worry Cure. For example the chapter on dealing
   with failure is probably the best clinical advice we
   have seen on the topic. As well the chapter on financial
   worries provides creative insights into a pervasive
   problem in our society that rarely receives
   the attention of clinical writers. In short, The Worry
   Cure is an authoritative, clinically rich, and practical
   handbook for dealing with worry in all of its
   various manifestations. The therapist will find this
   a valuable bibliotherapy tool when treating anxiety
   and depression. It is also an indispensable source
   of psychological knowledge on worry and its treatment
   for all mental health practitioners. It should
   be required reading for any student of psychotherapy.
   If I could choose only 10 clinical texts for my
   library, The Worry Cure would be one of them!.
   The Clinical Psychologist
   Division 12 American Psychological Association
   Fall 2007
   VOL 60 - No 3 - FALL 2007 17



3. Dr. Robert Leahy's most recent book, The Worry Cure, is not just a timely publication that teaches individuals from all paths of life how to reduce the often crippling effects of pathological anxiety. It is also a well-needed and vital manual for coping with many of the uncertainties that we face in our complex and uncertain lives. Written in a down to earth, practical style, The Worry Cure is based on the very best that cutting edge empirical science has to teach us about the mind-body-spirit connections in the psychology of anxiety. It also teaches the various methods that people can use to place anxiety in the background and bring inner peace and joy to the foreground every day. What is particularly helpful about this publication is that Dr. Leahy not only informs the reader about techniques and skills that can be used to cope with anxiety, but he explains how anxiety works, and how to balance one's life so that anxiety is put into its proper perspective. Not only have I enthusiastically recommended it to all of my clients, but I find myself going back to it time and again for periodic refreshers.
   
   Dr. Leahy's special gift is that he does not espouse his ideas in a preachy or dogmatic manner. Rather, he has integrated the very best that the cognitive-behavioral therapy revolution has to offer with other psychological theories and understandings that help people to make sense of their suffering in very humanistic and realistic ways. Consequently, he has crafted a manual that is deceptive in its practicality for the average person, yet it is grounded in some of the most reliable and valid findings that psychological science has to offer at this time.
   
   The Worry Cure is such an easy read, the consumer should be cautioned to slow down and carefully absorb the wisdom in each page, despite being tempted to fly through it from cover to cover like a skier on a powdery downhill slope. It is not a book that is to be read and put back on a shelf or in a library. Instead, The Worry Cure is a book whose ideas must be read, re-read, pondered, savored, carefully digested, absorbed, and applied through daily practice, over and over, in order to make real changes in one's daily life. With that perspective, The Worry Cure is such an important book, it might be considered to be an essential manual for living in modern times from which everyone could profit, whether or not they are suffering from difficulties associated with anxiety.
   
   Despite its appearance as a popular self-help book, The Worry Cure, is also a comprehensive treatment manual that mental health professionals will find quite helpful to use with their clients. As a core faculty member in the doctoral program in clinical psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, we utilize several of Dr. Leahy's scholarly books, including Treatment Plans and Interventions for Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Cognitive Therapy Techniques: A Practitioner's Guide, and Overcoming Resistance in Cognitive Therapy in our practicum seminar courses as an important component in our students' clinical training. I am certain that The Worry Cure will take its rightful place alongside other classic self-help books, as well as treatment manuals that both early-career clinicians and experienced mental health providers will come to rely on in their clinical practice as one of their most valued tools of the trade. It is truly a classic!
   
   Bruce S. Zahn, Ed.D., ABPP
   Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
   Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training
   Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
   Philadelphia, PA



4. Very well written with full coverage on the subject. I just wish it was condensed more as it is a lot to read on one subject that could easily be edited down.



5. There are some simple things in the course of life that change the way you view things. They are often referred to as an 'epiphany'. I would regard this book as providing me with one that will help me for years to come.
   
   There are parts of this book that are a cure in themselves "Productive versus unproductive worry" for example. Such a concise philosophy, beautiful in its simplicity. This alone makes this book priceless to myself.
   
   However, the style Mr Leahy writes in, the non-patronising tone, the clarity of thought and logic make this book something profound.
   
   I am 35 years old and have 'ramped up' my worrying over the last 3 years. This 'habit' began with a very stressful job where I struggled to keep perspective. Worry become the norm. And it is a norm that is destructive, energy sapping and ultimately incredibly dangerous.
   
   I laughed out loud during the first chapter as I recognized aspects of myself in what he was writing of. It was fantastic to see it in writing and understand that I was not alone. There were numerous times in the introduction alone that I recognized myself.
   
   Needless to say, he elaborates on his ideas brilliantly. He builds his concepts with honesty and understanding of those he is writing for. Utlimately the effect, in my opinion at least, is profound.
   
   I would like to thank Dr Leahy for writing this great bit of logic. I feel like a different person and am already catching those 'unproductive thoughts' to tackle at either a better time, or for that matter, not at all.
   
   Work through this book if 'worry' is your 'worry' (sorry, didn't quite know how to term this differently!). Dwell on the points. Recongnize yourself. Take those nuggets of wisdom and run with them.
   
   If you are like me, you will not regret it.
   
   An easy 5 stars.

5 comments about On Life After Death.

1. This tiny book (only 82 pages) offers the kind of hope all those who have been devastated by the loss of a loved one so often seek and seldom find. It should, of course, be read as an adjunct to Kubler-Ross' later book On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss It is the seventeenth (17th) book about grief and grieving that I have read since my father left this world for the next almost six months ago. I have found it to be the most moving. The author, now deceased herself, was a physician who worked for years with dying adults and children, not only believed but was CONVINCED that there IS life after death and there ARE people awaiting us "who died before you, who loved and treasured you a lot". This theme has been repeated in a number of works about grief including Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life, Don Piper, himself a Bapist minister who actually reportedly died for 90 minutes and came back to life convinced of the existence of a beautiful afterlife.
   A University of Michigan educated Masters level social worker (MSW) for 29 years I STRONGLY recommend this book for all those who grieve and for the mental health and pastoral professionals who work to help them.
   The book concludes with the words "Death is but a transition from this life to another existence where there is no more pain and anguish." This is linked with the author's previous reference to "the death of a human body...identical to what happens when the butterfly emerges from a cocoon....Dying is only moving from one house into a more beautiful one....As soon as the cocoon in an irreparable condition--be it from suicide, murder, heart attack or chronic disease, it doesn't matter how it happened--it will release the butterfly, your soul so to speak....when you die...the connection between the cocoon and the butterfly...will be severed. After this, it is not possible to return to the earthly body. But you wouldn't want to return to it anyway, for after seeing the light nobody wants to go back...Here there is understanding without judging, and here you experience unconditional love....God is unconditional love."



2. On Life After Death
   
   This book was very helpful for me to anticipate and go through the death of my mother. I had read it long ago when my first husband died and had often thought about it since. It was good to have it more clearly in mind to answer skeptics who claimed that what was viewed as the spirit leaves the body was just from a lack of oxygen to the brain, therefore hallucinations. Several interviews in the book absolutely squash that idea.



3. This is a slightly different book on NDE's from some of the others. It's short and has a softer tone in my opinion. And it's from a doctor's perspective. I really enjoyed it. The author had her own experiences and spent many years working with the dying. So she is less a researcher and more of an experiencer, not that either way is better or worse, but they give different perspectives. Don't miss Lessons from the Light by Kenneth Ring. That's my favorite overall, along with this one.



4. An amazing book for those of us who have lost loved ones, and for those of us who wonder what death my be like. This is a great follow up to her book, On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss. While a shorter book, it is more pointed in the message that the death of ourselves and our loved ones is merely a transition into another form of existance. Like her book on Grief and Grieving, I find myself in tears as I read this book with the lovely stories told in these pages.
   
   This book is not written from any specific religion slant, it is written from a more basic human side. She has collected many years worth of personal experience in spending time with those who are dying, and has walked away many points that would help anyone dealing with loved ones who have died, or may be dying. I would encourage anyone to read this book that has open questions about what is it like to die, is death painful, do you die alone, are there near death experiences, and so much more. It is a must read.



5. I lost my husband this past year and have searched for reading material that helps me find my "new normal." I found this book to be most helpful.

5 comments about For Every Dog an Angel.

1. I was told about this book when I was in a group for dog lovers whose animals had cushings disease which is a serious disease that can be ultimately fatal. Many of the dog owners told of the way it was written so simply and yet stated the obvious that if you love your dog or any animal that you want to know you will see them again in the next life and that they will be watched over by an angel till that time. That is what I was concerned about that my beloved dog Rags would be alone and scared but then again when they go to dog heaven as I call it and not the rainbow bridge I believe that they are well again and having fun with all the other animals that have preceeded them in death. This book makes you feel better if that is possible and I recommend it for anyone. I have a copy and when my friends dog died recently I sent a copy to her and she loved it. Cried but loved it.. So buy the book and keep a copy for any other animal lovers you are close to. It is not a depressing book but one that will give you hope at a time that you might not think there is hope. In my case my dog was truly a mommys boy and so I missed him far more then my husband did and so this book was the comfort to me that I needed and I read it time and again. So try it and see...!!!!



2. I purchased this book for a friend who had just lost her beloved dog. I took the opportunity to read it before sending it to her and instantly fell in love with it. What a wonderful, comforting book for anyone whether they be a child or adult. It gives us all hope that there really is a special place for our pets after they have passed on.



3. maybe this would make you feel better. In my case, nothing really helped when I lost my dog. This book didn't really do it for me.
   
   I wouldn't really be able to give it as a gift to someone either, just don't like the religous overtones.



4. This is the sweetest heartfelt little book. It made me smile and cry. I recently lost my "Forever Dog" of 11 years. Worth buying.



5. Her dog had just passed away and she was grieving. I sent her this book and a few days later she called me to say it made a big difference in her life.

5 comments about The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke.

1. I love this book, full of great info.
   I have a copy and bought this as a gift for friends/family



2. Great book, answered so many questions, and has great explanations that are easy to understand. I have recommended this to all my 20-something-year-old friends!



3. I just graduated college and started a new job, and this book is helping me know exactly to handle my money!



4. I purchased the book for my niece who is entering her freshman year in college and she thinks it's a great book, but of course I think that everything that Suze Orman writes is fabulous.
   c jones



5. This book gives you the ins and outs of personal finance. Things you think are common knowledge but you actually always overlook.
   
   If you are going to college or a recent college graduate this book is perfect for you. It gives you the information needed to stay out of financial trouble and how to fix trouble that you have made; and if you're not in trouble it will help you better your situation.
   
   To me the most valuable parts are knowing your credit score, how to save money, how to pay down your debt, and everything you need to know about student loans.
   
   Lastly this isn't a drab or dry book. The book is written as if Suze is talking to you. Her humor takes the edge off of these sometimes dry topics.
   
   I highly recommend this book. I'll be referencing mine for many years.

5 comments about Messages: The Communication Skills Book.

1. This book is a great look into the inner workings of the human mind and the relationship humans have with communication and with each other. The book is divided into six sections, Basic Skills, Advanced Skills, Conflict Skills, Social Skills, Family Skills, and Public Skills. Each section has subsections on each aspect of those broad topics. The book was a very good representation of good communication. The author effectively made his points without boring me. Also, he did a great job of highlighting all the most common problem areas of communication for the average person. I feel like a better communicator after reading this book.



2. I been working through the book in steps, it has helped my communication skills in my personal life as well as my professional one.



3. The only thing I don't like about this book is not having read it before.
   
   The authors explain clearly how to structure you communication in an effective way so you can accomplish your objectives without hurting other people feelings.
   
   I strongly recommend this book.



4. As a counselor I often use this book to help clients understand and develop communication skills. Messages provides a comprehensive overview and is well written. Lack of depth at times leaves the reader wishing for more, but that is a virtue in introductory surveys.



5. This is an exceelent book regarding communicating with others and is easy to read. I was at first worried that it would be to clinical but it is in layman's terms that is easy to understand and relate to on so many different levels. I highly reccomend it.

1 comments about Love Matters.

1. For years I've occasionally helped pass the time on a long drive or train ride by discovering Delilah's soothing voice as I surfed the car radio or my Walkman for some entertainment to help me stay awake. Since I only seem to hear her shows in the dark of the night and she has a name of one of the most infamous temptresses in history and her voice seems to personify the song of the fabled sirens of myth, I began to wonder if she was some kind of "reformed vampire of love." To me vampirism has always seemed a romantic incarnation of eternal life and love. The bite of the vampire is the ultimate kiss that drives humans crazy.
   Naturally I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of this autobiographical work that I figured would confirm of dispel my various fantasies about this mesmerizing self-proclaimed after-dark "Queen of the Sappy Love Songs." Was she the beaconing temptress calling the love-sick to their death on the rocky coast of the "Sea of Love," or was she a mild-manner grandmother taking calls and broadcasting from some suburban home's basement? This book answers those questions and many others.
   First of all, Delilah informs the reader that this book is only the first in a series of her radio audience's stories that will be published by Harlequin. So those readers who enjoy this book can look forward to sequels. This book is also "a chick" book and since I'm a man, I probably don't appreciate the nuances of the tome as much as women will? This book consists mostly of stories shared by her radio show audiences. It's what most of us males would call a touchy-feely Oprah-Dr. Laura-Dr. Pill advice book tied together with brief transition segments about Delilah's own life experience. I was disappointed as I read the introduction because all of it is posted on Delilah's website or the book description at the beginning of her Amazon Book listing and I'd already read it. I was already wondering if I was going to learn much more in the way of biographical information?
   My original guess that the voice behind the radio mike might well be a grandmother living in a suburb was pretty close probably because I knew I'd been listening to her off and on for decades. Delilah is the single mother of ten children and five grandchildren. Three of the kids are her birth children and seven of them are adopted. One of the reason's the self-described "Queen of Sappy Love Songs" is so obviously sympathetic and empathic with her radio listeners is that she has personally been through a lot of unhappy personal dramas and marriages. Her belief in God has carried her through her many trials. She defines or describes the different types of love in her first two chapters
   "Love for Family and Friends" and "True Love." Her next three chapters and stories deal with "Lost and Found Love", "Second Chance at Love" and "Letting Love Go." A reoccurring theme with Delilah is that it's possible to love more than one person at a time and after you've truly loved one person, you will always love that person no matter what happens. That earlier love won't keep you from also truly loving others.
   Delilah is a very loving person and what you hear her say on the air is the real her.
   She not only has her own multi-racial family members, but she is the sponsor of her Point Hope Foundation whose main focus has been aiding a refugee camp at Buduburam, Ghana. She lives outside Seattle on "forty-five acres of gardens and farmland." More than eight million listeners a night on 250 plus stations hear her syndicated radio show across the United States and Canada. The limited information about Delilah didn't answer all the questions I'd had from only having listened to her show, but it was a start. I'm probably too cynical, clueless and not sappy enough to really get over-excited about this book, but I know many of my women friends and female relatives will be transfixed while reading it. And I did agree with many of the things she said about the various forms of love and even her very frequent Biblical references. Her constant reference to popular love songs didn't quite fit with all the Biblical references. That may work well on her show when she actually plays the music, but the juxtaposition seemed a little shallow when used in this tome. Again, I'm certain this book will be required reading for her millions of fans. She will also grab all the Oprah viewers. This is her radio show in print but with a little more biographical information about the host.

5 comments about Instant Self-Hypnosis: How to Hypnotize Yourself with Your Eyes Open.

1. Admittedly, I bought this book at a discount store. As the book is written well, I finished reading it in less than two days and started using the hypnotic scripts at once. I was a little timid going in because I wasn't sure what to expect. My first experience was positive. I actually felt lightly hypnotized. After three days, I already sense a subtle change in my own sense of confidence and personal power. Most of all, I'm completely convinced that I can be hypnotized with my eyes open, even while reading. This book includeds a section describing hypnosis, a section explaining how to use the book and then a compilation of 35 hypnotic scritps (everything from weight loss to improving your memory to building your confidence, and more). With practice and repitition, I believe almost anyone can use this book to induce a trance and make positive changes in their life over time.



2. I've been a "student" of self hypnosis for 10 years now so I was intrigued when I found this book title.
   
   Having read the book and tried out the techniques, I would have to say self hypnosis "eyes wide open" is great.
   
   The section that deals with creating your own sessions/suggestions is excellent.
   
   I now get into my "state" in less than 30 seconds and start doing powerful work.
   
   I still like to use these techniques, and combine reading other books/scripts while in my "state" with my eyes wide open - works great!
   
   This book is is a "must read" if you want to branch out and improve your self hypnosis skills.
   
   If your just starting out, I'd say give this book a try because self hypnosis with your eyes wide open is probably the best technique - so why not learn the best method first?



3. I am floored! I finally found a self help book that actually does "help". My only nit pick is that he could have axed the first three chapters and gone straight to the meat which was the self hypnosis. This is my first try and I have to say it works better then any meditation CD I have bought. And believe me, I own them all. So, bypass all of the others... this is the real deal. WOW!!!



4. i really learned alot from reading this book. this book has helped me feel better almost immediately after reading the scripts. i recommend this book for the person eager for immediate results and for the person who may be curious about pursuing self-hypnosis. Worth every penny.



5. I've used the script for Total Self Confidence from this book for the past week or two, on average about every other day, and see a complete difference in how I carry myself and how I interact with others. The idea is simple; letting your conscious mind relax and allow ideas to be entered into your subconscious. This is an amazing way to learn positive traits and flush out old, negative ways of thinking. It's not "messing with your mind", any more than working out at the gym "messes with your body". I must say, that if you do this, you have to be open-minded and believe it will work. Set all skepticism aside.
   
   I can't wait to try some of the other scripts! This is the best $10 I've ever spent.

5 comments about 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace.

1. If you are one of those that flips to any page in a book every now & then for a little insight & inspiration, on days when you need a little extra dose of "truth", then this is a perfect book for you. The pages are decorative glossy, and the chapters are full of analogies. It's worth the money!!



2. This book is truly inspirational if you need a little pick me up. It will make you a little more happier and a little more nicer. It has a lot of good things to think about, about forgiveness and letting go of your past- which I had a lot of problems with and thanks to Wayne Dyer I've considered some of these teachings and activated them within my life.



3. he's a bit religious but it doesnt get in the way of his screts for inner peace. also, he has a soothing voice.



4. Well, after 4 or 5 wives who were pretty much 'enslaved' by Wayne Dyer, I know the 'spin' he expounds for the $$$,$$$... SOOOOO sad that he twists the truths of the universe (whatever those are) to his slimey advantage. Better to return to simple truths (like the Dalai Lama, Thich Nan, etc) instead of promoting this shyster. His wives could tell you he's a pr*ck. Sorry if this is dissolusing, but as most 'gurus' are fake...



5. This book is very easy to read and inspiring. The book elaborates on 10 basic ideas. I shared this book with friends.

5 comments about Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind.

1. Hi folks. I've met Joe a few times over the past years & I just wanted to extend my thanks to him. He's been very helpful & hopeful to myself and many others. I've bought his big book, Evolve your Brain, and although I may not understand it all as well as Joe does I certainly found it practical & inspiring, like Joe is. Nice book. Thanks again Joe. Sincerely, Harrison Hicks



2. While this book is well-written and packed with technical information about the brain, it is not at all about "evolving your brain". A better title for this book would be "How the Brain Works". I was on page 320 when I realized this book wasn't going in the direction I hoped it would. Detail after detail about the way a brain works. Quite the opposite of what I hoped.



3. After reading several books of quantum physic, I new that we are responsible for our own reality. This book reenforce the concept through a different perspective, how the brain work, how the mind and matter are linked.
   From now on, it will be one of my favorite books, I fully recommend it.
   
   I only hope next time, Dr. Joe Dispenza writes a new book linking more the mind and the matter topic.



4. If you already have basic knowledge of the nervous system, this book is elementary and tiresome. The story is intriguing, but is wrapped up in the first couple of chapters, followed by long winded explanations of very basic concepts. I feel like it may be beneficial to those who have no previous knowledge of the brain, its function and anatomy, and are interested in learning about it in a little more detail than the average person. Definately not for those who have taken even a basic neurophysiology course, though.



5. Dr. Joe Dispenza is a very eloquent writer and puts scientific research together with anatomy and physiology in very informative and enjoyable book. I recommend it highly to anyone who likes to learn about details and wants their own thoughts to work for them.

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.