4 comments about Una Nueva Tierra: un despertar al proposito de su vida.

1. We would truly have a New Earth if humanity would understand the transformation that is taking place as we evolve out of unconsciousnes. Eckhart Tolle does an excellent job to express in a clear, practical way what all this entails.



2. This is an outstanding book and easier to grasp than "The Power of Now". Its a desert Island keeper and has helped me immensly in understanding my mind/thought/emotion/pattern dance and how to create happier moments, a happier life. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.



3. Should be read slowly, savouring every line of it. This book will remain forever in the shelves of your own life.



4. Uno de los mejores libros que he tenido el placer de leer. Querido potential buyer, te deseo paz, harmonía y felicidad verdadera. Este libro posiblemente te ayude a conseguirlo, si estás preparado/a.

5 comments about Trapped in the Mirror.

1. What a mess of a book! How this poorly written book by this self-centered and offensive author ever found a publisher is a mystery. Elan's anger comes across loudly, clearly and uncomfortably. I imagine the author as tedious at a "cocktail party" given her penchant for probing and analyzing all her acquaintances and coming up, remarkably, with the same diagnosis each time. The book read like one unconnected or tenuously connected rant to another. Much of the language was ambiguous. I often read sentences and paragraphs over and over trying to comprehend just what Elan was attempting to convey. In some cases, the premise was so poorly constructed it evaded this reader entirely. Readers seeking to understand narcissism and equip themselves with survival tools are better served by author Sam Vaknin; Narcissistic Lovers by Zayn and Dibble and especially by Wizard of Ox and Other Narcissists.



2. This book was a life changer for me. Reading this and working with a councilor unlocked the cage I was in and help free me.
   
   Buy the book. Take your time and read it. It is worth the journey.



3. This book should be read by those struggling with the after effects of having been raised by narcissistic or controlling parents; but it should also be read with scrutiny if read alone without previous, or further research on the topic of narcissism. One should also keep in mind the more current school of modern psychology while reading this work, as some of the matter is dated, and certainly written to the author's own conclusions.



4. Once I started reading this book, I held onto it like I had tunnel vision. I was completely blown away at how my ex-husband of twelve years was there in front of me on the pages in how Dr. Golomb describes Narcissists. Every box was checked. I ordered this book to try to find a way to help my daughter overcome her self destructive behavior that began manifesting itself when she was seven (she is now thirteen). Getting her away from her father was only the first major hurdle...she has a lot more healing that needs to be accomplished and I thank Dr. Golomb for giving me much needed perspective and helping me to understand more of what actually goes on in the minds of those whose struggles lasted well into adulthood. I look forward to sharing these stories with my daughter to help her realize that the negativity directed at her was not her fault and hope she finds and acknowledges her own worth. An invaluable book for those who have lived with and survived the Narcissistic personality disorder...a MUST read.



5. *******
   "Really, it's a rant, a cathartic work aimed at healing her wounds... The objectivity of the author is zilch because she is personally invested in her own story and its presentation... At best, Golomb comes across as an egotist with a sharp tongue..."
   *******
   Those quoted above and others have written here that this book itself reflects negativity and self-absorption. Regarding the self-absorption, here is one example of a bit of the illness under discussion having been transmitted to the next generation (the author): she explains that inevitability. She shares the suffering she documents, and despite her PhD in psychology, the author still struggles, still has no perfect answers. Angry, subjective and cathartic as it may be, this book is a story of courage and generosity with the goal of wanting to connect, share, and support. No fair judgement of the author can possibly be made unless you have seen and are comparing her narcissism to the narcissism of the parents who were her role models. I'll bet she has come a long way.
   
   This is an area of psychology that invites much more investigation and therapeutic answers. All told, there are few enough competent books on the subject. Some forms of mental illness elude every remedy known to today's technology, and this may be one of them. I saw a PBS medical documentary covering a study of a man who years ago was in a rather mild automobile accident, striking his head on the steering wheel and dash. He was unconscious for about half an hour. He recovered perfect physical health, however, the man's entire basic personality changed. He suffers extreme depression, is no longer the loving father he was, acts without empathy. The narrator explained with illustrations showing the inside of the front part of the human head, how areas of the soft tissue of the brain relating to the seat of personality organization reside in an area just behind a very sharp jagged bony structure which surrounds and holds the eyes and how the personality part of the man's brain was permanently damaged in this collision.
   
   I would most strongly recommend this book if you have a parent who constantly demands attention and admiration and in turn demeans you, an indication your parent may be a "narcissist." Other books have been written which are directed at spouses of narcissists. Children in this situation have special additional burdens and this is one of the few books that addresses that point. Survivors of an upbringing similar to the author's will be thrilled to find the validation for their experiences that this book provides. However, I strongly recommend that if you are thinking of buying this book, also purchase "Children of the Self-Absorbed, A Grownup's Guide to Getting Over Narcissistic Parents" by Nina Brown, as a companion book. The latter offers many protective, coping, and empowering strategies and will help fill in the gaps left by the first. Despite all available practical advice and guidance, depending on your particular situation, your relationship with your narcisstic parent may present you with some lifelong challenges of the greatest magnitude.

1 comments about Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier.

1. In his latest book, "Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude can Make you Happier," Dr. Robert Emmons shares his expertise about the personal and interpersonal benefits of gratitude. While gratitude has a long history among philosophers and theologians, it was not until the turn of the 21st century that psychology finally began to give gratitude its deserved empirical homage. The individual largely responsible for the scientific advancement of gratitude is Dr. Emmons. In its simplest terms, gratitude is a positive response to a benefit. But its related outcomes reach well beyond those associated with being polite. Indeed, pioneering research conducted and reviewed by Dr. Emmons shows that gratitude improves emotional and physical health, as well as bolsters relationships and communities. "Thanks!" ends by providing readers with 10 practical strategies for becoming more grateful. Some strategies include keeping a gratitude journal, learning prayers of gratitude, and using visual reminders. Following the advice of Dr. Emmons, my screensaver now reads: "Life is a Gift--Thanks!" Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is tough. It is, according to Dr. Emmons, a "chosen attitude." We must be willing to recognize and acknowledge that we are the recipients of an unearned benefit. If we roll up our sleeves and commit ourselves to becoming grateful, we will see that with gratitude comes abundance. "Thanks!" is a highly readable, colorful, and downright fun book. Personal anecdotes and gratitude essays written by research participants bring to life Dr. Emmon's research program demonstrating the strong and enduring benefits of gratitude. So with patience and persistence, happiness, health, and stronger relationships await you. It just comes down to one simple, yet highly complex word--thanks!

5 comments about The Journey: A Practical Guide to Healing Your Life and Setting Yourself Free.

1. I have not read this book yet. It arrived on time and in good condition.



2. The main advertising for this book & 'The Journey' therapy keeps making out that she had cancer.
   
   She didn't have cancer, she had a tumor.
   What does that mean? A tumor is just a swelling or a lump of any kind, it doesn't have to be cancerous.
   Notice, she never states in the book she had cancer, because *she didn't*.
   In her case, it sounds like a Uterine Fibroids (go google it). If you really want to be technical, a Subserosal uterine fibroid given that it was growing into her belly. I've seen reports that 50% of women over 35 have these growths, but they're usually small.
   Brandon Bay on the other hand, was so in denial, so dismissive and rejecting of *standard* medical treatment, so sure that she was living a holistic life, so spiritually aware and positive and healthy, that she didn't do anything about it until it was apparently the size of a *basket-ball* (taking her word for it only here).
   And of course, so caught up in her self-image as a spiritual and health expert, that she didn't admit to anyone, not her friends, what was happening.
   I'm not so sure she's changed.
   
   To explain the tumor a little more - sometimes, growth of these is caused by excess estrogen. if that is causing it, then going off HRT, and not taking any say, estrogen-enhancing supplements etc (as are quite commonly used in new age circles) will cause them to shrink again. Also, one of the treatments for is ultrasound to break up the fibroid mass - so, massage would be slightly effective for this. And of course, they often just get smaller on their own.
   
   And now, she's presenting this 'new' healing method, that she should have been familiar with for years given the fields she was involved with, but instead, must somehow have been reeeaaally ineffective all those years, because she'd never had any emotional breakthroughs before, it only *worked* after having been really foolhardy with her own health, and now she uses this as example of transformation, while scarily and misleadingly presenting it in terms most people will think of as 'cancer', to present herself as an expert in spirituality and health - a guru.
   Hmmmmmm....
   
   Disclaimer: I'm not even a Doctor, I just know what Uterine Fibroids are. And the cancer thing really bugged me.



3. this is an amazing book!!!! it teaches you alot and brandon's story is really interesting and inspiring!



4. Interesting approach to self-healing. I actually went to Sedona to do journey work with two healers - very interesting and productive experience. I'm a bit of a skeptic on miracle cures, and I don't think this approach is miraculous, but if one is ready to change, and ready to do the work, and open to working with highly skilled spiritual guides - if one is READY for forgiveness and moving forward in life, this book/approach offers one viable venue.



5. This was stated as "like new". It looked like it was 10 years old with edges darker and the back pages had water damage. I emailed the seller and got a generic reply to go to questions asked. I was not going to pay to have it sent back to them..I have read most of the reviews and see that they have done this a lot..
   Linda B.

5 comments about Goodbye to Shy: 85 Shybusters That Work!.

1. I wasn't too impressed with this book. I did like her 92 secrets and felt this book just fell short. It's not a bad book; but not a really good read.



2. I bought "Goodbye to Shy' audiobook and listened in my car while driving. Listening to her was like being with a really nice friend who understands you and doesn't judge you and is always ready to laugh with you, not AT you and is the best at giving great advice. I wish I could give her a hug!
   She opened my eyes on a lot of things. e.g. I've heard before that people considered me conceited for avoiding them, and I was just shy...I had no idea they did not understand it. Now I do know that shy people are often mistaken for snobs. I am more outgoing now that I listened to Leil Lowndes' "Goodbye to Shy". I wish I had this book years ago.



3. This is an excellent step by step guide to getting over your shyness. Each chapter focuses on a particular step that shys can use. Then at the end of each chapter, it is summarized in a little gray box called a "Shy Buster." The book is very well written and will be especially helpful to people who are very shy.



4. I almost didn't buy this awesome book because the cover is so lame. It looks like some 1950's book I'd find in my mother's closet. But then I read the reviews and bought it anyway. I'm so glad I did. I can sincerely say it's the most helpful book I've ever read.
   
   Liel Lowndes gives 82 "Shy Busters" which are specific techniques to fight shyness. Her insights into shyness are incredible because she went through the same pain. Sometimes I felt like it was ME talking. It was so refreshing to read something that wasn't written by some "holier than thou" psychologist who thinks we're "sick." No matter how much they are trained, they can never REALLY understand how horrible it is to be shy. But this author does. I can feel her pain as I read the book because it's exactly what I'm going through.
   
   I am only halfway way through the book and have completed only about a dozen of the ShyBusters she used to gain confidence in dealing with people. But already I feel that horrible tension and nervousness shedding away. I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait to tackle the rest of the ShyBusters and say "Good-bye" to being shy.



5. I thought this book was good but not great. I liked a lot of her suggestions but I don't think it's necessary to do all of them since there were some that were not issues for me. The one I thought was most helpful was the one where you list in order from least fearful to most the kinds interactions with others that make you shy or scared to do. Then created mini-steps for each one to tackle them. After that the rest of the tips seem like suggestions for things to add to this list. If anything this is a good starting point.

5 comments about Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success.

1. c the world as a place of love, happiness, and peace. use positive energy to break down negative energy surround yourself only w/ people who r going to lift you higher. THere is something good in all seeming failures. You are not to see now. time will reveal it. be patient. when we do good in the world, we come to happiness. we r here to awaken from the illusion of separateness. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. You have to take it. Support what supports you back. "after feeling and seeing what is good accept it and live it.



2. This would have been absolutely great, something I would have shared with many many young people EXCEPT for the use of the F word and even the N word. Totally unnecessary, takes away from the positivity of the message. Young people should be the target of this message but the language makes it not suitable. It is a shame because other than that it is inspiring.



3. i enjoyed listening to his book. it did help me to realize some things, to become spiritually and emotionally stronger. and to believe that there is hope, as long as you put your mind body and sould and your believes into what you are doing. just hoping and playing is not enough, but fighting and trying and hoping and believing is what it takes. i mean people may say he is cheesy, but i just think he is real, spiritual. for those that ever think that its cheesy, learn to listen between the lines. at leas i didnt fall asleep listening to him, unlike other books lol. ok



4. ...and then got preachy, irrelevant and boring. Going on about how bad African immigrants are treated in France. Yes, we know how much better they were treated in the old country. Going on about "reparations." So write a check.



5. There are hundreds of books trying to sell a success formula out there, what makes this one stand out?
   
   Intrigued by the background of the author, I picked up the book expecting, if anything, a different perspective on what it takes to climb the ladder of success. But going through the chapters, I was pleasantly surprised to find all the familiar concepts we've heard of in the past, albeit with different and very hands on examples from Russell Simmons' life and upbringing.
   
   The book is written in a conversational and easy to read tone, there are a few repeating and prolonged passages on religion, yoga, and vegetarianism that may not agree with everyone, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. A small warning: watch out for the language in a few places.

5 comments about Your Inner Awakening: The Work of Byron Katie: Four Questions That Will Transform Your Life.

1. I got taken in by Byron Katie's "work", used to think it was great. It seemed to "work" in the beginning. Over time I started finding holes in it. Bigger and bigger holes. Then I did some internet research and learned that people have been reporting big problems with Byron Katie and her method. I've come to agree that she's full of it.
   
   Under NO circumstances do I recommend taking a seminar with this woman. I urge you to do a search for "Byron Katie" and "cult" and evaluate the info that's been coming out about her.
   
   As an alternative source of self-help, I recommend "Authentic Happiness" by Martin Seligman. I've found it incredibly helpful and completely without harmful side-effects, unlike what I ended up experiencing with Byron Katie and her bogus "work".



2. The product was in grand shape and the price was right plus it came when they said it would be here!



3. Another great book by Byron Katie. I love her and Tolle the best. Very insightful stuff.



4. Thank you Byron Katie. We've all been there. The tools you have given all those who have read your book are invaluable! From one who has read and studied.



5. I highly recommend this CD set for everyone at any level of growth. Katie not only provides a thorough explanation of the work, she takes you right into The School with inquiries from young and old. This is an amazing process of unraveling the "I Know" mind, leaving one in a state of grace. Your Inner Awakening introduces a powerful tool that can be done anywhere, anytime, all it takes is willingness, the rest will just undo itself. I personally believe it is the most genuine way to come home to love. The Work works if you work it.

5 comments about Quantum Success: The Astounding Science of Wealth and Happiness.

1. 
   Urghh - yet another wannabe leaping onto the bandwagon of the so-called Laws of: attraction, magnetism, letting go, etc, etc! The front cover alleges it's about "the astounding science of wealth and happiness" but the book barely refers to a single piece of scientific research. I'm fed up with this sort of pseudo-science, which wasted so much of my time and money till I got wiser to it all.
   
   If you really want to know about happiness and success, read "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want" by Sonja Lyubomirsky - someone who has spent decades researching happiness and studying the literature on happiness research. Also "The Intention Experiment" by Lynne McTaggart is totally based on research. Every suggestion they offer is proven to work.



2. "Quantum Success" promises a formula for living a truly abundant and blissful life. But does it deliver?
   
   You will find in this book powerful strategies for attracting wealth and happiness into your life. I found the message that you are ultimately in control of "your destiny" VERY self-empowering. If you feel stuck or want to be inspired to change, then get a copy of this book.
   
   Also you need to get a copy of "Nexus: A Neo Novel." It's a must read for anyone looking to further expand their understanding.



3. I once read somewhere that life is not only stranger than we think, life is stranger than we can think and that comment rang true for me. I have had so many experiences that left me in a quandry as to how those things happened. I could make a "blanket statement" as to why those things happened and say that thoughts do become things and even though I feel that in many ways that is a very true statement, it really doesn't begin to touch upon the truth that we live in a universe that is strangely and wonderfully accomodating.
   
   I've been wanting to get this book for some time now. And for awhile there, that is all that was happening...just a want...and how many of us stay in that wanting phase? But I made a decision that I was going to get this book as soon as I got paid for a session I did for a client. Well, guess what? As soon as made that decision, this book came to me as an unexpected gift.
   
   People say, "Oh, well...that's a coincidence..." Do people even understand what they are saying when they are saying that something is a coincidence? Do they even understand that the root of that particular word is coincide. I've got three definitions for that word and they are as follows:
   
   1. to occupy the same place in space, the same point or period in time, or the same relative position
   
   2. to correspond exactly, as in nature, character, etc.
   
   3. to agree or concur, as in thought or opinion
   
   The next time somebody tells you that something is merely a coincidence, remember these definitions. Things don't happen by luck or chance, things happen because there is something taking place at a deeper level. You think you are reading this review by accident or by chance?
   
   Maybe...
   Possibly...
   No way...
   
   This book really hit me in a deep place. Lately, I have noticed that there is a very tangible feeling in the air...have you felt it? It's almost as if things around us are collapsing and dying all around us. This is a very unique time in history and it's time for you to consciously and deliberately play the role you were created to play as a conscious and deliberate creator.
   
   This book will show you how to get out of the realm of just thinking of creating a greater life experience and into the actual process of letting things unfold in your experience. As a society, we have for a long time "made" things happen. Some of those things we have made happen may not have been for the best interests of all concerned, but when we come at our desires with a willingness to "let things happen" and that "this (our desire) or something even better" is now coming forth and blessing not only me but everyone, we are changing the overall consciousness from one of lack and scarcity to one of overall abundance.
   
   Our choices do not only affect us, our choices affect everyone not only now but in generations to come. I believe that the world we are living in is soon to be no more, but a new world is coming forth. Yes, we will always have our challenges and our difficulties and our struggles but we will look within our minds, our hearts, and our souls for the answers instead of blaming "others".
   
   We will be the change we want to see in the world.
   
   I love this book and I know that you will love it, too, unless, of course you don't.
   
   Thanks for stopping by and regardless of your decision to purchase this book, I bless you with Love, Light and Laughter.
   
   Happy Creating!
   john, 'the Light Coach'



4. I read The Secret and got the tape. Results: Zero
   I read Dr. Wayne's books. Results: Zero
   Bush must be reading these books since the economy is down the toilet.
   
   The only results that these authors and others of their ilk have are promising a whole lot...prosperity, happiness, love if you read their book, listen to their audio tape, watch their DVD...and delivering: Zero
   
   I'm sure the authors of these kind of books are very happy with the money they've made from selling them to people in need of money, love, and happiness.



5. I just finished reading one of the author's other books, "Secrets of Attaction" and I loved it! I couldn't put it down and read it in record time. I was so excited, I then purchased this book. Well, it is a lot like her, "Secrets of Attaction" book, only more drawn out. I found the book to be extemely duplicitive of her previous book. It seemed to be the same material, just sliced and diced a different way. Which I guess is OK. But if you already read the "Secrets..." book, I don't really think you'll need to read this one too. Same principles apply; like attracts like, what you think about, you bring about, etc. Whether we are trying to attract more love, wealth or success in our lives, the same principles will apply. The Universal Laws are the Universal Laws... regardless to what we apply them to. Gabish?!

5 comments about Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life.

1. 
   This book has helped me to make an important decision. After five years of living with a narcissistic boyfriend and dealing with a lot of emotional pain and a number of physical stress symptoms, I knew that I had to change my life. After seeing an excellent therapist and reading this book, I knew it was past time to leave my demanding, manipulative boyfriend. Six months later, my life is very different. I feel calmer, more secure within myself and less on edge. My physical symptoms are gone and I feel great relief and freedom. A friend of mine who helped see me through the break-up crisis recommended this book. I am very grateful. The author has a deep understanding of the narcissistic personality---the childhood origins, the core chacteristics, their relationship style, their total lack of empathy. The book is highly informative with many clear examples. I felt like the author was speaking to me directly as I read. She placed many tools and effective strategies in my hands for dealing with the narcissists in my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is living with a narcissist.



2. If there is a narcissist in your life this is the book for you! This book is great at explaining the make-up & character of a narcissist. It's amazing to read after having lived with someone like this for years & very helpful at understanding all the craziness you may have endured. The best part is understanding that the craziness is not your own but that caused by the narcissist! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they may have been living with a narcissit (or may still be). It is a huge help in healing the "wounds" inflicted by someone like this.



3. Compelling, engaging, informative book in which the narcissist comes to life in his or her full glory. Highly accessible to the reader. I now know how to identify the narcissist, understand what makes him tick and what drives him/her. Case studies are fascinating and informative. Powerful strategies for handling narcissists with confidence, poise and first rate knowledge.



4. I got this book to get a better understanding how to heal from the narcissist I was dating for years. This book has a lot of stories, but really is not very helpful. It is very hard to read it does not flow. I would not recommend this book.



5. This book has been a great resource for me as I move through the tremendous challenges of divorcing a narcissist. I have been married to this guy for twenty years. You could ask:"What took you so long?" It took me a long time to realize that my soon to be ex-husband is a narcissist. Yes, he is a charming, take charge guy who has been successful in the world. He is full of confidence but also completely self-absorbed and superior. When things went wrong or mistakes were made, he always blamed me. I came to think that it was my fault. This man has a forceful personality and can be very persuasive. I have spent the last year in therapy. My therapist is helping me work through this painful process and to reclaim my own identity. I have recently read this clear, well written book which she recommended. I have learned a great deal about the narcissist as a result: what makes them tick, how they manipulate and deceive others to get their goals met, their total lack of empathy. The book provided me with a number of effective strategies for handling narcissists successfully. I am well informed now and feel more empowered, facing the divorce after reading this book.

5 comments about How to Meditate with Pema Chodron: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind.

1. This is a set of five instruction cds on the process of meditation, not a meditation cd. Contains five one hour (approximate)sessions, each building on the last, with a short meditation time included. For those looking not for guided mediation but for instruction on "fully awake" meditation, this is perfect. As is everything that Pema Chodron does. Great value for the money.



2. I am new to meditation and thought that a CD set with a title of "How to Meditate" would be a good choice to learn. Not with this set. This was recorded at a 5 week retreat, so most people there would know something about meditation. And this knowledge shows in how the teacher speaks. There are postures and other terms used that a new person, like myself, would not know. Some are described, but "like this" does not help when listening to a CD. If you know how to meditate this maybe good to further your meditations. But if you are new, start somewhere else.



3. In this 5 CD set, Pema Chodron expands on her prior works (but see Pure Meditation), honing in on Buddhist Shamatha (tranquil or calm abiding) meditation. This is a basic, eyes-open, being-fully-present technique (akin to mindfulness practice). It differs greatly from transcendental types as well as from Vipashyana (insight) meditation. Total time=5:52:48 in 46 tracks (CD1=65:18/9 tracks; CD2=63:29/10 tracks; CD3=69:54/9 tracks; CD4=74:53/9 tracks; CD5=79:14/tracks). Her presentation is comprehensive, including: Physical--much detail on 6 points of posture (seat, legs, torso, hands, eyes, & mouth); Emotional--being fully present, attention to tension, observing your pain/stress; Mental/Psychological--generosity, patience, sense of humor; & Spiritual/Mystical--(per Trungpa Rinpoche) "Mixing mind and space." Each CD includes a meditation experience & practices for the ensuing week.
   
   Ani Chodron explains the basic Tibetan Buddhist/Vajrayana approach of transforming poisons (kleshas or afflictions) into medicine (wisdom/enlightenment). This is similar to judo (vs. karate) & to transcendental alchemy (The Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life) with kleshas being the prima materia. Tibetans differentiate between pain and suffering; the latter being more psychological than physical--reaction to pain vs. pain itself. She, thus explores Shenpa, the process of getting hooked--see Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions. Pema also briefly discusses Tonglen (exchanging oneself for others), a highly empathetic technique--see Tonglen, the Path of Transformation or Good Medicine: How to Turn Pain into Compassion with Tonglen Meditation; & includes some more advanced Mahamudra meditation, which I find particularly helpful, quoting a poet: "Thoughts are like clouds in the sky; they shimmer when they fly." Her use of sounds, sights, touch over the body is reminiscent of both the Western allover (or overall) exercise (Wisdom of the Mystic Masters) & the Dhyani Buddha families (The Mandala of the Enlightened Feminine). Overall, Pema's voice & presentation are extremely peaceful & meditative--quite conducive to these practices, though she aims at you becoming "your own meditation instructor." To have a more complete appreciation of Pema, see her Good Medicine video. This set is valuable for newbies (though some of the terminology may be unfamiliar) as well as those who have practiced meditation before. It is also a nice refresher.



4. Pema Chodron is a wonderful teacher, of whom I have the greatest respect. This is another example of her down-to-earth, humorous and loving teaching style. For me, it was an excellent choice. However, just so you are not disappointed, be aware this is a specific type of meditation. She is teaching Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques, which are a little different from other styles. In this style your eyes remain partly open to maintain a level of awareness. It is not the type you use to generate a trance state.
   
   If you are unfamiliar with meditation and this is your first exploration, you may want to look at "The Art of Meditation by Daniel Goleman". It is an excellent first step.
   
   Pema's training can take you to a deeper level of understanding, but may be a little too deep for your first attempt. Also, the fact her CD is speaking to those who have a background in Buddhism does'nt mean you won't learn from this CD. Buddhist are experts at meditation because it is part of their belief. The techniques taught can apply to any faith.
   
   Pema's Chodron is an excellent speaker and this is another excellent example of her work. With the understanding that I would not advise this as the first meditation book I would read/listen to, I believe it is a valuable resource for those interested in this style of meditation.
   
   Namaste



5. While there are valuable ideas and suggestions in Pema Chodron's CD series, it is decidedly from a Buddhist perspective and seems to assume the listener is an active or aspiring Buddhist as well. A great series if that is one's desire. If not, there are decidedly better resources available.