3 comments about Decoding Potential: The Science of Achievement: Pathways to Understanding (Decoding Potential).

1. As I read Decoding Potential by Dr. Robert J. Flower, I realized that my first response was an internal, "At Last!" Then I began to "Yes . . . But..." This was followed closely by my ongoing internal response related to my own long-term administrative career formulated against what was being said. Dr. Flower has answers that are badly needed in today's world. It is this reviewer's hope that he is successful in finding acceptance and methods by which his revolutionary system can become the "norm" for both the individual and our country's organizations.
   
   The first book provides an in-depth comparative analysis of present and past-day thinking on Potential together with a definition and overview of what he defines as our innate natural thinking and intelligences (NATI) which provides the pathways to understanding.
   
   From the first page in the Introduction, with the question, "When you die, God will ask just one question: `What did you do with what I gave you?'" Dr. Flower challenges us to think in new ways. He points out that we have not even begun to grasp the notion of "unlimited potential."
   
   In the traditional sense of academic study, the "problem" is quickly defined. For whatever reasons, members of today's society use shortcuts and bypass the rules; that is, they fall out of their state of natural goodness and virtue and into a state of non-compliance and duplicity, inventing their own standards of value. We've all seen that order breaks down, chaos reigns and there is, in general, a real and dangerous "disconnection" between various members of society. Further, "people make rules but then position themselves so that the rules do not apply to them." (p. 18).
   
   Dr. Flower quickly provides the answer: redirect our focus and our concepts to utilize the development of potential as our major life purpose. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, let's consider the following features of this holistic system:
   
   · Its understanding of polarity
   
   · Its non-judgmental approach
   
   · Its sense of systems
   
   · The significance of virtue
   
   · Nature as a behavioral and thinking system (pps. 18-19)
   
   Using a basic matrix of his thirteen intelligences, Flower takes us through a major research review. The research is directly relevant, the documentation substantial, and the examples realistic. Indeed, including well-known historical figures such as Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, and even the legendary Mr. Spock from Star Trek, he provides excellent examples of what is possible through the application of our innate intelligences.
   
   To me, the most significant contribution of this book lies with the author's express belief that we are in a "fine mess" here in the United States. Pointing out that we see non-productive unhealthy aspects of human personality surrounding us, Dr. Flower highlights that the "next step in mankind's evolution is neither fight nor flight. It is a willingness to face issues in order to grow and develop. By reaching for greater potential, man can create a new paradigm capable of regulating all of his customs and institutions." P. 43.
   
   Having worked within a university environment for nearly 40 years, it was natural for me to visualize Decoding Potential as a university text. Indeed, I was pleased to learn that Dr. Flower's next book, Decoding Potential-A Revolution in Understanding-is about 60% completed, and will take us to the next step with more real-life examples and clear applications of decoding our own potential. As a long-time student in self-development, I have often found that self-actualization, the development of our fullest potential, cannot be fully accomplished without a more universal acceptance. That is, we can move forward to decode our potential, but unless we as a society can move toward universal acceptance of such a system, we still face that "fine mess" now seen in America.
   
   Walk through the Decoding Potential web site Buy the first book and look for the next book. Check the site for the various programs. This is not just a "must-read" book to sit on your bookshelf; it is a commitment to yourself. Get Decoding Potential, study it, and be prepared for the "Revolution" that just might move across the nation!



2. In "Decoding Potential: Pathways To Understanding, Robert J. Flower has provided unusually insightful and occasionally non-intuitive responses to the stresses that we are all subject to in this so-called "modern" world. More than just offering the reader a litany of social and personal problems, Flower has devised practical, effective, holistic, and thoroughly "user friendly" methods by which a rather revolutionary system for self-help and self-improvement can be realized on a personal, organizational, community, and even national basis. Decoding Potential offers an in-depth cognitive and comparative analysis of what is meant by "potential", along with a definition and an overview human innate natural thinking processes and biologically based discernable intelligences by which we can come to a new and quite promising understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our world. Flower has developed a basic matrix of what he has termed "thirteen intelligences", based upon meticulous research enhanced with accessible illustrations and examples. Scholarly, erudite, thoughtful and thought-provoking, Decoding Potential is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to the self-help study lists of non-specialist general readers, as well as an intellectually stimulating contribution to academic discussions, and socio- psychological collegiate library reference collections.



3. Mind-blowing! Decoding Potential expertly weaves together the works of: Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Newton, Einstein; science and mysticism. The teachings of Lao Tzu, Buddha, and Christ blend and coalesce into a comprehensive pattern explainable by science, a pattern that can be used to turn one's potential into a greater reality.
   
   Using ancient theory, modern sociology and the world's religions in conjunction with science (particularly Quantum Physics), Dr. Flower creates and explains a system that all humans can access and utilize for higher functioning. On page 54 Dr. Flower states, 'NATI' (the system outlined in Decoding Potential) seeks to help the entire species move toward a destiny that some might consider to be the province of science fiction. Each and every act performed by an individual, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is capable of merging human experience with divine consciousness.ö Consider your own spiritual background for a moment. Isn't it true that all major spiritual systems encourage us to act honorably, or virtuously? Would not all societies benefit if the individuals (or parts) of the great collective lived virtuously? Therefore, unlike most self-help books on the market, the premises explained by Flower appeal to humanity as a whole, rather than in its parts because it crosses human boundaries by finding synthesis in duality; essentially eliminating barriers (in a non-judgmental manner) that the human ego has erected.
   
   Decoding Potential, like all great books of knowledge and spirituality, requires a high level of functioning to comprehend. The language and subject matter presented and discussed will likely lose the average layperson unwilling to tough it out and focus on the larger picture. I firmly believe though, that with a little bit of patience and fortitude the layperson can succeed in both, reading and applying NATI, if they are willing to: Focus and read the data as presented, synthesize what is provided and utilize the information appropriately. (Incidentally, focus and developing an understanding of a holistic system are key principles in the NATI system.)
   
   Flower's work is positively fantastic and groundbreaking. He doesn't try to re-invent the proverbial "wheel", instead he builds the entire vehicle (an environmentally sensitive one at that) and places the reader in the driver's seat. Dr. Flower takes every single: self-help book, philosophy text, spiritual tenet, and all of the great scientific theories that shape our world; and fashions them into one comprehensive text that truly provides the key to the universe. If you are fascinated with religion and philosophy, if you are in search of meaning and purpose in life, Decoding Potential needs to be at the top of your reading list. However, just be prepared and willing to focus on the presented data, and actively synthesize and apply it in a concrete fashion.

3 comments about Doorway to the Soul.

1. This is a gem...in fact, I have all of Ron Scolastico's books. This one is wonderful and inspiring information for the sophisticated seeker who is looking for the next step. I highly recommend it.



2. I have shared this book with both my son and my father. It transcends religion and presents the concept of attunement in an easy to follow format. It also helpful information about healing emotion.



3. Before I compliment this book, let me state that I didn't buy everything in it, particularly when Mr. Scolastico indicates that he believes in past lives. Nonetheless, this book is filled with depth and brilliant insights into human emotion. Many of these insights are not particularly obvious and are explained in ways that we can really relate to. A sense of calm came over me while reading this book and I firmly believe there is a tremendous amount of wisdom within its pages. Before reading this book I was doubtful that I would get anything out of the book (it was recommended to me). Boy was I wrong. I learned more about the true relationship between stress and sadness from this book than any psychology book I have ever read. I highly recommend it for people that want a fresh perspective on life and death, even for those of you that are agnostics or atheists.

3 comments about Sarah Laughed.

1. Vanessa Ochs has written a lovely book in which she fleshes out the stories of Old Testament women - stories that, very often, are short on detail and leave us with more questions than answers. In the process of filling in the gaps with imaginative and meditative narratives, Ochs supplies ideas on how modern women may use the lessons of our Old Testament forebearers to ease our souls, bodies and minds.
   
   The book is divided into six sections, each addressing one aspect of modern womanhood - Being a Friend, Being a Parent, Living in a Woman's Body, and so on. Each section contains several chapters, each of which focuses on a single biblical woman. The opening chapter, in a section entitled Being Wise, focuses on Eve. The imaginative retelling of Eve's story (from Eve's perspective) following a modern-English version of a portion of the bible dealing with Eve, puts an interesting spin on the story and adds layers to what we assume we understood about the oft-blamed and misunderstood woman. A short essay (I'm tempted to call it a sermon) suggests ways in which we may hear echoes of Eve's story in our own lives - the ways in which we are misunderstood and blamed for the consequences of being too inquisitive, too adventurous and ignoring our own developing wisdom. Finally, we are invited to "Embrace the Gift of Eve" and Ochs offers suggestions for making the most of our abilities to explore and learn under our own volition and without apology. She recommends additional readings, rituals and even a recipe for apple cake to celebrate our existence as learning beings.
   
   Other biblical woman receive similar nuanced tratement. Miriam, "The [Unnamed] Woman of Valor", Esther, the titular Sarah and even Job's wife are among those whose stories gain new relevance and interest under Och's able scholarship. No longer do women seem to hold a lesser place in the bible for Ochs fills in the blanks in their narratives and offers us valuable lessons for today and helps us learn their lessons - not just with our eyes and ears, but with our hearts.



2. Most of the stories in this book are about women being strong and independent. Eve, Miriam, even the Woman of Valor, the impossibly perfect woman. Then I got to the story of Esther. Instead of telling how she hid her identity and saved her people from destruction, Ochs has chosen to tell the tale of how she became the queen because of her beauty. I get that her point was that Esther had the ability to reflect the beauty of others, which is an admirable trait. But if Ochs wanted to depict a strong woman, she should have chosen a better part of Esther's tale. Instead, we're shown how beauty can get you everywhere. How about a trip to 2005, Ms. Ochs?



3. I really enjoyed the characters in Sarah Laughed and some of these women are real characters! I like the format of each chapter beginning with the scripture reference, followed by a partially hypothetical story, then a personal account by the author and finally suggestions for real life. These womens' situations in life are not that different from our own. Very enjoyable and informative reading. As ususal Ms. Ochs has managed to bring reality to our spirituality.

5 comments about There Is A Spiritual Solution to Every Problem.

1. I have actually been through a long period of spiritual chaos. I have owned this book in the past. I also owned many other books that are of this kind. I thought that this book would be helpful because it was written by a psychologist. This book is actually useless. The best thing to do in times of turmoil is to keep things SIMPLY. That is the best solution. Think in a positive way but not to the extreme end that is advocated in all these self improvement books which are actually self DESTRUCTION books.
   For those who question my opinion, I have been severely depressed for over 6 years. I stop being depressed back in 2003. I am currently a psychology major. REAL psychology books are VERY different from these SHAM books.
   I hope my review have helped someone. If you have books like this, you should throw them away.



2. I bought this as a gift knowing that it will enhance the life of my friend tremendously. Dr. Dyer is always "right on". I have been one of his "disciples" for many years.



3. All this one is a bit older than some others that I have listened to recently but I think I have enjoyed it more. This one I believe was put out in 2000. He reveals in the beginning of this CD that he had already written this book when he experienced a heart attack. Which was a piece of information that despite all the information that I have listened to and read from him he had never mentioned. The first part of the CD is dedicated to Patañjali who was some kind of yoga master, I am not sure I get that but this portion of the CD but is deep and spiritual.
   
   Yet my favorite part of this program is the second. It explains the prayer of Saint Francis, Could not nothing be better?
   
   let me be an instrument of your peace.............



4. After 4 or 5 ex-wives '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 raw simple truths (like the Dalai Lama, Thich Nan, Tao, etc) instead of promoting this shyster. His ex-wives could tell you he's a bossy abusive pr*ck. Sorry if this is a disillusion, but as most 'gurus' are fake... this guy happens to be a TOTAL fake. So Sorry :(



5. very good audio tape. I have listened to over and over. Some new agey stuff- but very helpful ideas and practical aprlications!

No comments about Footprints of Eternity: Ancient Wisdom Applied to Modern Psychology.

5 comments about Noble Heart: A Self-Guided Retreat on Befriending Your Obstacles.

1. the most enabling book on spiritual life-not clutching on in usual addictive style prevalent in american media life-but really letting go and being ungrounded-this book saved my soul in a critical moment-we can live without clutching and grasping-let the universe supply without grabbingi just showed it to two therapists-one a director of a group of therapists-they were amazed at the profundity and helpfulness-and in line with more enlightened therapeutic practice-not advice -lots of support -see where this new way leads you



2. Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition. Noble Heart: A Self-guided Retreat On Befriending Your Obstacles is a profound audiobook narration in which Pema Chodron guides her listeners into an awakening their compassion, an appreciation for the beauty of vulnerability as a spiritual resource, the realization of strength that comes only through embracing the pain of experience, the treasured teachings of the six paramitas that offer the Buddha's own guide to the journey of enlightenment, and so much more. Noble Heart is an dedicated and recommended contribution to contemporary Buddhist Studies collections and offers students of Buddhism and practitioners of Buddhist philosophies and lifestyles a transforming and profound exploration of an enduring Buddhist spirituality for a new generation.



3. After having enjoyed Pema Chodron's wonderful video set "Good Medicine" (6305642842), Her "Noble Heart" set of 6 cassettes was greatly enhanced. I could picture her orchestrating this retreat at her Monastery in Eastern Canada. That is exactly how this tape set is arranged. She provides an enjoyable, enthusiastic lecture with examples, stories, personal experiences, input from her Master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, etc. For each of the 12 segments (sides of cassettes) she also includes meditations and visualizations as appropriate. Topics include:
   1. Bodhichitta Practice--ego, 3 noble principles, etc.
   2. cultivating friendliness through meditation--posture, calm abiding (shamatha), working with thoughts, non-grasping mind...
   3. developing inner strength/trust--experiencing reality, the 4 limitless ones (loving kindness, compassion, joy, & equanimity, materialism...
   4. The Practice of Maitri (loving kindness)--the roots of suffering and happiness, ignorance, etc. Great presentation on Maitri practice!
   5. Compassion practice--your "soft spot," ego's weaknesses, addiction and obsession, dualistic thinking, far & near enemies of practice, pity/overwhelm/forgiveness
   6. Unlimited joy & equanimity--stages of practice, openness, melting practice, big sky mind, etc.
   7. Tonglen (sending & receiving)--shunyata--openness of being, awakening Bodhichitta, stages of tonglen practice, dissolving the armor of self-protection, etc.
   8. Meditation & wisdom--post-meditation, purity, categories of meditation, prajna (wisdom/understanding), etc.
   9. Generosity, discipline, & patience--categories of them, undoing deep-seated patterns, antidote to aggression, etc.
   10. Joyful exertion--the nondual paramitas, contemplation, exertion, nonduality, etc.
   11. Shunyata Meditation--groundlessness, nature of mind, opening mind, contemplating equanimity, nongrasping, etc.
   12. Bodhichitta to the world--connectedness, limitless compassion, dissolving barriers, the Dharmic habit, Bodhichitta slogans (only touched on here--see her "Start Where You Are" for this).
   Overall, it's almost like being there. A wonderful experience. She covers lots of ground in her easygoing, warm, and wise style that balances theory with practice. A gem.



4. One of my teachers, my husband and I listen to this book over and over again while we work. It is an amazing teaching, but then, all her tapes are -- and it is delightful to hear the charming and funny way she ahs of reaching in and making her point! There are two other good reviews on this tape -- I agree with them.



5. I've been a buddhist for 30 years and I only in recent times really felt I was really touching something deeper, previously I guess I liked the ritual, meditation, the spirit and the sense of order I got from it, but when I came across Pema Chodron it was like tuning into a clearer frequency. These cds are a retreat which runs over 12 days for you to do at home. it has all of her trademark insight, simplicity whilst talking about the big stuff, and humour.. it is a brilliant set.
   
   the only draw back is I live in UK where this is not available, and UK customs decided to charge me a $26 levy for importing it on top of the cost of the item and postage, which really was not welcome... so watch out if you are buying this for use in UK..

1 comments about A Cup of Comfort for Sisters: Stories that Celebrate the Special Bonds of Sisterhood (Cup of Comfort).

1. I just love this series, but this book is one of the best. Made me cry several times. After reading it, I sent it straight to my sister to read too :) Great book about the special bond that can only be shared by sisters.

2 comments about Through The Fire: Spiritual Resoration For Adult Victims Of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

1. "Meyer shows how the cross can be a significant emblem for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse--their source of courage, comfort, and transformation. He relates how Jesus becomes an experienced guide who can and will assist them in their journey toward renewal. As a pastoral counselor, the author has helped survivors of abuse discover the path to spiritual renewal and healing. At first, many see God as having failed to protect them. Yet, as they begin to see how Jesus was rejected and tormented, they come to understand that only a God who knows pain and death can provide regeneration and fullness of life. Using case study examples, Meyer demonstrates effective methods of assisting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to experience deep spiritual healing."



2. It is more than a bit upsetting to find one of the only books that, with it's title, claims to offer a melding of sexual abuse healing and spiritual restoration, yet instead is mired in religious exclusivity. Christianity, of course - should I be even a bit surprised? JC was a great man/prophet/godling/*insert favored belief here*, but the last time I checked, "spirituality" does not mean Christian exclusivity. It's sad, really, that the author chose to use the very misleading words, "through the fire" and "spirituality," when more accurate phrasing might have been "bearing the cross" and "religious." Many survivors of sexual and ritual abuse are constantly questioning their worthiness to even exist on this planet with those that have not been "spoiled." (The hurtful voices within would use that word; the truth would not.) Those of us that are also dealing with the prejudices of a society that favors one religion over all others and views anyone with differing beliefs as "misled" will never find restoration, spiritual or otherwise, in a book such as this.

1 comments about El guerrero espiritual: El arte de vivir con espiritualidad.

1. It's more than just an Spiritual Book. It's a very practical guideline to LIVE BY. I have been keen reader of most of John-Roger's books, and this one sumarizes all the basic tools and guidelines that only through years of experience you could ever gather in a single life time. When reading his titles, I have always wonder what's next to experience, since each one of them has left me with a sense of wholeness that seems there is nothing more to search for, but then again, there always IS.

No comments about Getting Real.