5 comments about Sacred Ceremony: How to Create Ceremonies for Healing, Transitions, and Celebrations.

1. Steven Farmer invites you into the conscious sacred space of ceremonies with an easy and gentle presence. He has done his research and practice and now invites you into his collective wisdom. The grace is that everyone can find an abundance of useful ideas and practices for themselves and others in these celebrations of the sacred. Use it as a foundation and then improvise for all the sacred ceremonies that living and dying has to offer. Steven invites you into his journey of sacred space so that you might learn how to more fully enter your own with others. This book is a gift and blessing. I look forward to reading more of his writings.



2. Steven has written the ultimate "how to" book for creating ceremonies. I appreciated his clear, easy-to-follow suggestions and examples. This book (the only one you'll ever need on this subject) excites the imagination to create a ceremony for every important event along life's path. As you can tell, I love this book and if I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!



3. *****
   This is a great book on all aspects of ceremonies---design, planning, facilitation, and practicalities. It also includes many examples of various types of ceremonies chock full of great ideas and inspiration. I read this book all in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute of it.
   
   If you are planning a ceremony, this book will be invaluable. Or if you are a minister or facilitator of ceremonies, it will also be invaluable.
   
   Note that although typical Christian ceremonies are referred to, this book primarily deals with ceremonies that are creative or different from standard cultural celebrations. It doesn't focus on any one alternative tradition, but includes all---for example, Native American, Celtic, secular, etc. It would primarily appeal to the person who is wanting to design a meaningful and memorable ceremony of their own from any or no religious tradition.
   
   I loved this book---it is definitely a reference book, but also a very enjoyable read. When you're done, you'll definitely understand how to plan and why you'd plan most any ceremony!
   
   *****



4. This book arrived in mint condition. I have used it already in planning a service; it could have been more helpful if it had more ready made ceremonies in it, but I am happy with it.



5. Dr. Farmer establishes a great repore in teaching the various cerimonies for healing, transitions, and celebrations. He guides you into creating your own ceremony. Easy to read and very informative. I look forward to other books he has written.

5 comments about There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem.

1. All of these spiritual self help books can be helpful to some and not, to others. I have always regarded Wayne Dyer as a populizer. I have not heard much that is original from him but he has a good nose for digging out gems of wisdom from other sources and bringing them to the general public in a way that most people can relate to. This is a true service.
   I admit, here, that I have not read many of his later books, read some of the early ones and have seen him many times on public tv.
   
   I picked this up in the library and found a lot that was genuinely useful to me. Much of it was a rehash of what I'd heard elsewhere but put in a new way that stuck me differently. I like all of the illustrations of how he and others have put these principles to work.
   
   At times, though, I felt he was just grinding out another book, cuz that's what he does. Maybe he just needs a better editor or maybe he's so popular now that they let him write whatever he wants to. I thought that he made some of the statements too blithely--like making things seem too easy. Like "affirm your faith over your doubt" "give up fighting your problems" "you cannot have God and have faith too." As one who has tried for a lifetime to live by such principles, I don't find it always that easy.



2. This is a very good book, very helpful. Have read other books by Wayne Dyer and enjoyed them also.



3. First two chapters were very good, third chapter OK, the rest of the book
   was just painfull to read. Author gives you irrelevant info about whom he knows and places he went to. His EGO is all over the place. On the top of it, he suggests you to actually "Replace" negative thoughts with positive ones. While reading this book, you just know that it is not it without thinking about it, if you know what I mean....



4. None of Dr. Dyer's books have let me down. This easy to read (like he's talking to you) book opens doors of hope and positive energy. If you or someone you know is searching for some personal relief, get this book; read, re-read, reference and treasure.



5. This book gives the reader hope to uncovering the solutions of the mind. I picked this book up to see what perspective Dyer would give me to help me feel at ease as I tackled those difficult times in life, and I felt so good as I read things I knew were true.
   
   Constantly working on keeping myself in a higher vibration is one way I am working on the prevention of life's challenges, but when they do hit me, I know that I just cannot give them energy. Practicing Dyers theories, has been time well spent, as I am well on my way to a more peaceful life, which is precisely why I picked up this book in the first place.
   
   Andrea Samadi, author of The Secret for Teens Revealed: How Parents, Teachers, and Teenagers Can Inspire Leadership and Transform Lives

5 comments about The 12 Step Prayer Book: A Collection of Favorite 12 Step Prayers and Inspirational Readings.

1. This book was purchased for a gift to a recovering alcoholic. He does a lot of reading and meditation and was extremely pleased with the book. I feel this was a gift, well-chosen. Short reads and thoughts for meditation.



2. I spend the last minutes of my day in meditation. This book is a nice addition to my routine.



3. Great book for anyone, expecially if you are in a 12 step program. I give this book away for "anniversaries."



4. This is a very inspiring book. It's small....but great things always come in small packages.



5. I really enjoy this book. I read from it every day. Highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent 4-CD: Part I: Living the Art of Allowing (Pt. 1).

1. I just finished reading this book. I really got a lot out of it.
   
   I must say I was a bit leary at first about Abraham and the authors. I still can't quite buy into the idea that everything I ask for is given to me, or that the authors are so confident in their healthy emotions they cancelled their medical insurance or that every disastor victim attracted their misfortunes with "bad vibs."
   
   Having said that, it is truly a wonderful study in positive thinking and really simple, but effective techniques to improve your emotions and outlook on life. That part really does work! All and all I got a lot out of the book and am thankful I read it. Do I beleive every work as it is written, let's say I have my doubts. Read it with an open mind and take for it what works for you.



2. We used this book for several classes at the Hollywood Center for Positive Living in Florida and it was really well recieved. If you liked "Ask and it is givin" You will like this too. If channeled material bothers you and you can set that asside I think there is much here to appreciate. As always the Universe is saying "Yes" to you so "Living the Art of ALLOWING" Good and creating deliberately with intention can be a great assist to anyone wanting to change their life experience for the better.



3. This is really really great follow up to Ask and it is Given. The book has many great practical applications of the concepts laid out in Ask and it is Given.
   You will really like it.



4. this lays it out for you in a way you can understand that you always always always get the essence of what you think about. there are no exceptions. learn to see, think, and vibrate differently about every area of your life: home, relationships, career, money, health, government etc....and so attract the experiences you really want.
   
   really really great book with more insightful ideas made easily available for you to create the life you want!
   
   you are powerful. live your power with deliberate intent ~



5. Esther is clearly an evolved channel. As a child I recall seeing my great- grandmother as a channel - her experience was like Esthers was initially. I remember seeing her shaking uncontrolably and drawing visitors from the village. I 100% believe everything Esther has to say and offer. Her words are indeed devine and have answered all my unanswered questions. Evry thing kind of falls in place - no human could possibly have all that information with no ocntradictions!
   I practised what she advises and have a calm sense of serenity ever since. The Stock market decline doesn't bother me anymore..I know all the fianncial mess the US finds itself in will be ok in 2009!

5 comments about You Gotta Keep Dancin': In the Midst of Life's Hurts, You Can Choose Joy!.

1. I keep this book at all times to give to friends who have had surgery or any kind of physical "ailment." It is very inspiring; and I recommend it even to those who are well!



2. Tim's story is amazing. He is an unbelievable man who has persevered through many trials. I liked the beginning of the book better than the latter parts. The part where he focuses on his story is much more interesting and captivating. A good, easy read.



3. I read this book after being in a wheelchair for a year. Even though I had to spend another year in that chair, my outlook on life changed completely! I am now buying copies for others who are in the same circumstances. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from depression or discouragement due to a debilitating injury or illness! Life is not over! A new chapter has just begun!



4. I have read Tims book a number of times. I am amazed with his comment (Pain is inevitable misery is optional). WOW what a perspective. I have bought and given many copies of the book ans seen it help many people.
   
   al



5. I picked this book up on a whim on a used book table, and could not put it down until I finished it. What a wonderful, encouraging storyteller. We all face pain in one way or another, and are afraid we might have pain in the future. This book takes away all fear of pain and helps to show how to find joy in the midst of anything. Very powerful, a must-read for everyone.

5 comments about Secrets About Life Every Woman Should Know: Ten Principles for Total Emotional and Spiritual Fulfillment.

1. When I first read this book, I had purchased it by mistake. I thought I was buying "Secrets about Men Every Woman Should Know", which I read many years earlier after seeing Barbara DeAngelis on Oprah. I so enjoyed "Secrets about Men..." that when I saw it in a window, I snagged it quickly. To my surprise, I bought an even better book this time, "Secrets about Life...". I gave that copy to my mother who also thoroughly enjoyed it, and then bought a new copy from Amazon to share with another friend.
   The author writes from her own experiences using a very personal perspective that I find easy to relate to.



2. This book came as a life-saver for me during the time when I was under tremendous stress from juggling the problems and obstacles in my life. I was so stressful that time until my health was deterioriating. Thanks to the book, coz without it, I would not have become a happier and freer person which I am now. I can almost instantly feel my perspective towards life change as I was reading this book.
   
   If you are feeling very stressful with the problems/obstacles in your life, please get this book and read it. It will change your life instantly!



3. You know that saying "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear?" Well, Barbara had been here for some time and whenever I cleared out the old or "never going to read" books, she held on. Now that I needed her, she kind of called out to me from the bookshelf. I read the book in one sitting. I cried, I laughed, I found clarity and I am so thankful. This book can be lifechanging and she'll wait until you're ready.



4. This is an affectionate self-help book, written with love in a very friendly tone. It is motivational, spiritual, devoted to improve your self-esteem. Unlike the other self-help books that merely tell you what do to and give examples, this title helps you to change your beliefs, values and to set the new goals in your life. These goals are aimed to make you happy, strong and self-confident. All of the advises throughout the book are gender-neutral. They can be equally applied for both men and women without any change. Why then the author has called the book "Secrets ... Every Woman Should Know"? Because, as she considers, when women teach each other, something spiritual, magical happens, and the author would be happy to be a teacher as a woman, since most of her teachers were men. The author writes with great amount of love, and the love transmits to the reader. I had great pleasure and inspiration reading the book. What I would have suggested to this book is the index, references and further reading section, although this is somewhat atypical for self-help books.



5. THIS BOOK WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE IF YOU LET IT!!!! IT IS VERY EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND YET VERY POWERFUL AT THE SAME TIME!!!! SHE IS AN AMAZING AUTHOR!!!

5 comments about The Faithful Gardener: A Wise Tale About That Which Can Never Die.

1. The stories are like layers of an onion where each depends on the one before it to exist. The horrors of war are only hinted at by the author's uncle but the reader easily draws parallels between the transitions in life with a fallow field, a fir tree covered with decorations and the emergence of new life and promise from a piece of fallow ground. The book is easily read in an hour and I blinked away tears as I finished. Since the first reading, my front lawn has been returning to Nature, just as the author's did, and every season of watching new life emerge reminds me of the story and that good things are always beginning.



2. I listened to the tape and read the book. If you want to know the true nature of survival - especially in times like these - this is the book for you. Full of hope and evidence of the ability of humans to survive, thrive and love - no matter what. I was sorry the book was over. I am every time I read it.



3. I listened to the tape and read the book. If you want to know the true nature of survival - especially in times like these - this is the book for you. Full of hope and evidence of the ability of humans to survive, thrive and love - no matter what. I was sorry the book was over. I am every time I read it.



4. A beautiful story that reminds us that the changes we fight against the most are the ones that take us where we want to go.



5. As usual, Clarissa Pin Estes writes with tremendous insight. Her use of personal history brings the book's content and (atypically) short length to life. I think it would be wonderful as a gift to share with one's loved-ones.

5 comments about The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond.

1. I thought I had ordered the book but it seems the CD was ordered instead. Fortunately the author was kind enough to refund my money but I was very disappointed. After researching what had been the communication problem, the person who was circulating the CD as part of her lecture series was advertising the CD under the book title then stating she was replacing the book with the CD. I personally feel that is an inappropriate way to advertise her product and it should be done separately. I may reorder the book at a later date obviously through a different Amazon distributor.



2. Thought-provoking, comprehensive, and chock full of pertinent information, Pamela Blair's book is an invaluable guide for the woman crossing over to midlife.
   The reader can explore every aspect of what lies ahead for her as an older woman in 150 short essays that range from cultural attitudes and myths about aging women to such practical matters as health, finances, and relationships.
   The author poses questions at the end of each essay to which the reader can respond to by journaling right in the book, making it a highly personal experience.
   As an added bonus, a study guide is provided at the end of the book for women who wish to meet in discussion groups using The Next Fifty Years.
   This book is the perfect companion for the woman who wants to better understand and enter in celebratory fashion midlife and beyond.
   
   - Chloe Jon Paul



3. I liked this workbook. It is comprehensive and divided into four sections: Thoughts, Cultural Attitudes and Myths about Women Aging; Who we are, Who and What We Live With; and Looking Forward. In her introduction, Blair suggests that we skip sections which do not apply to us. All of her short essays are followed by space in which to respond to questions such as "how does this feel?" or, more specifically, asking for a response to the issue addressed.
   
   There were sections which did not pique my curiosity and I did read through those quickly. However, on a whole, the issues addressed are those which we, as women in the second half of life, should be thinking about. Her style gives us an opportunity for reflection, but does not ask us to spend hours thinking and writing. One could work through a section or even a few pages, put it down, pick it up and still follow the flow of the concepts.
   
   Blair's book is intended to be used as a personal journal but could be used in a discussion/writing group following the study guide in the back or any other format deemed fitting for a group of women. It is well written researched and easy to follow.
   
   The titles of her essays are enough to entice one to read. For example: Myths to Not Live By, Changing Tempo, Aging Can Be Fun? Ages and Stages and An Attitude of Gratitude. There is a long bibliography and a study guide. Her writing is pleasing and her flashes of humor and mini-stories about herself keep The Next Fifty Years from being a dry workbook. Blair feels that "we have an assignment to make clear our role in society: to inscribe the possibilities of age on the guideposts to the future."
   
   by Judith Helburn
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



4. This is a fantastic book and a great reference to help you get through some of the challenging times as we age (most of the challenges are in our head).
   The Next Fifty Years gives you some grounding, puts your life into perspective. I love it.



5. Moving into and passing through the unknown stages of "aging," is frightening. None of the previous stages of my life have been filled with such uncertainty. Perhaps this is because I never thought of them as the LAST stage. There was always the FUTURE. In searching for meaning as I explore aging, I found The Next Fifty Years. The chapters and sections as well as the opportunities for reflective commemtary are helping me regain both my perspective and my courage as I work to make these "senior" years my best and most rewarding.

5 comments about Unattended Sorrow: Recovering from Loss and Reviving the Heart.

1. I'm a new widow having lost my love after almost 40 years. Went through service, thank you notes, legal stuff, but why didn't I feel better? Unattended Sorrow came to my rescue revealing how to deal with the horrible black hole in my heart, what to do with the feelings, how to go on. It is a spiritual how-to book showing a path for the feelings. Widow to Widow is the book to read afterwards that deals with the practical aspects of moving forward. But, Unattended Sorrow MUST come first! I keep a copy to send to newly widowed friends.



2. After the recent, too-early loss of my youngest sister, I searched for insight to help me and my parents through our grieving. This book addresses the accumulation of sorrow due to death, loss of love, disappointment, disillusionment, rejection, betrayal and the many injuries over the years that scars our hearts and drags down our lives.
   The aim of the book is to help "process the grief" so we aren't overwhelmed by the anxiety, fear or anger that unresolved sorrow can bring. I feel the need to reread the book later when my mind and emotions are clearer. When grief is too fresh, it is hard to concentrate on the important concepts this book contains.
   Here's what is covered in the 40 chapters:
   Chapter 1: Unattended Sorrow
   Chapter 2: Every Day We Lose Something
   Chapter 3: The Heart of Loss
   Chapter 4: Softening the Belly of Sorrow
   Chapter 5: The Reservoir of Sorrow
   Chapter 6: Loss of Trust in Life
   Chapter 7: The Meaning of Life
   Chapter 8: In the Absence of God
   Chapter 9: When the Mirror of the Heart Is Broken
   Chapter 10: A Bad Dream
   Chapter 11: Opening the Heart in Hell
   Chapter 12: The Trauma of Survival
   Chapter 13: Connection
   Chapter 14: Making Peace with Our Sorrow
   Chapter 15: What Is the Body Pattern of Grief?
   Chapter 16: Reentering the Body
   Chapter 17: Attending the Mindset of Loss
   Chapter 18: A Day of Walking
   Chapter 19: Heart Breath
   Chapter 20: Tapping the Resources of the Heart
   Chapter 21: Loving Kindness
   Chapter 22: A Day in the Heart of Pain
   Chapter 23: Making Peace with Our Pain
   Chapter 24: Mindfulness: An invitation to Liberation
   Chapter 25: A Day of Silence
   Chapter 26: Breaking the Isolation of Fear
   Chapter 27: Forgiveness
   Chapter 28: A Day of Forgiveness
   Chapter 29: Our Most Ordinary Existential Grief, Our Very Human Architecture
   Chapter 30: Overcoming Perfection
   Chapter 31: The Ten Thousand Sorrows
   Chapter 32: A Day of Singing
   Chapter 33: Our Life Is "Just This Much"
   Chapter 34: The Map of Our Lives
   Chapter 35: Who Are We When We Are Not Who We Thought We Were?
   Chapter 36: A Day of Compassion
   Chapter 37: A Day As If It Were Our Last
   Chapter 38: A Heart Revived into a New Life
   Chapter 39: Day in a Life of Love
   Chapter 40: Gratitude



3. This book is very different from most other books. Rather than explaining the grieving process and approaching it from the head, it is an invitation to opening up the heart and letting our sorrow and unmourned material come to the surface and speak to us. In Western societies, the expression of grief or sadness is often swept under the rug. This book treats it more like a messenger from the soul and invites the reader to let the sorrow drive you inward. As such, it is written in more of a poetical and lyrical manner. The analogies and insights are powerful and the book is filled with pearls of wisdom.
   
   If you are looking to understand the grief process from the inside and to gain a fresh perspective on grief, this book will be very helpful. I am a personal growth coach and I recommend this to certain clients, particularly ones who have difficulty surrendering to tender emotions or sadness. There are many tips in here on how to open up to the grieving process in a mindful way and move through it without sweeping it under the rug.
   
   If you like a very linear and logical approach, most likely this book is not for you. However, if you are feeling scared, alone, confused and need to sort out complicated feelings, this may be just what you need.



4. I read the review that said this book is repetitive, etc. . . . and I felt I needed to share my experiences with this book.
   
   Sorrow can run deep. Especially when a pattern of grief and sorrow is laid down when you are a child; it can persistently sap your energy, your joy.
   
   What is lovely about this book is that, recognizing the persistent nature of this malaise, it gently speaks to you of other alternatives. When I was in pain, I really appreciated the slow pace; the way it is written with such kindness, and compassion; the gentleness with which the materials are presented. This book is more about helping you find your peace within your sorrow than about expressing tools and techniques; although the tools and techniques are there.
   
   It is a lovely book, and it can be very, very helpful in working through those old patterns. I highly recommend it.



5. I am a big fan of Stephen Levine's work and this was an excellent addition. There are short stories that really hit home in several areas of grief and loss.
   
   As a professional who helps caretakers find a balance between caring for their loved one and also taking care of their own needs, I read constantly about bereavement. Many of the clients I serve are actually bereaved at some point as the one they loved has died either some time ago or recently.
   
   This book has helped me to help my clients understand their feelings and move forward in a way that works for them.

3 comments about Messages from Spirit 4-CD: Exploring Your Connection to Divine Guidance.

1. i had bought Messages From Spirit the book and thought this might be the audio version. Instead I found an engaging romp into the world of divine guidance and the many forms it can be received ! the CD is in essentially 2 parts. CDs 1 and 3 are devoted to Colette Baron-Reid's engaging teaching style. I learned so much ! THe best part about this audio program is the meditation exercises. CD 2 and 4 are completely devoted to 2 hours of original guided vision journeys ( meditations). She has an incredible soothing style of delivering these visualizations and I was instantly transported to make some extraordinary connections ! if you are at all interested in allowing and developing a personal connection to divine guidance, this audio program is for you ! Timeless wisdom and a unique modern approach to some ancient techniques. I HIghly recommend it !!!!



2. I found the message in the CDs very enlightening. I enjoyed the meditations very much and listen to them quite often before going to sleep. Colette Baron-Reid has a very soothing and pleasant voice. I would highly recommend the CD collection.



3. I love these CD's and Colette Baron-Reid's books. She explains thing so you can understand and gives you specifics. Visit her web site also for more free downloads.