5 comments about An Enemy Called Average.

1. The book is laid out in nice, easy to digest nuggets with scripture references. Mr. Mason's emphasis on God's will for us to be unique is a nice touch. Overall, anyone who has ever wrestled with low self-esteem, lack of confidence or faith, will benefit greatly from the book.



2. A close friend recommended this book to me. I ordered it thinking it would be a book to just skim and think about. It is far more than that. With potent quotes, applicable scriptures,and readibility, this book is perfect for anyone who needs a 'pick me up' in life or to give to someone you know who is having difficulties in life. It has changed me, I now give it as a gift and people love it!



3. I found this book to be encouraging and challenges you to look beyond being a "regular guy." Examine your God given talents and put them to work to become extraordinary.



4. Most books of this caliber are fat little paperbacks with tiny print; this book was easily readable in a few hours of one day, and it gave me the most modivation ever. John Mason gives biblical examples, short personal examples, strong insparation, and invaluable advice for each nugget - each no longer than a page (front and back). After reading my friend's copy, I ordered my own and highlighted all the parts that gave special sparks in my soul. It's short, to the point, wonderfully put together, and makes you see many things inside yourself in many different lights. I recommend this for anyone who wants to brighten their lives and get into positive thinking =D



5. Well-written, concise, and most importantly, rings with the Spirit of Truth. Questions and doubts that have bugged me for years--and kept me immobilized--have been answered by John Mason's teaching of Scripture. Simply a great book. Holy Spirit inspired. I can't believe I haven't come across this man before. God bless him.

5 comments about Way to Be!: 9 ways to be happy and make something of your life.

1. This is a great book for today's young people. The book is filled
   with interesting and inspiring stories, examples, and wisdom. I
   personally found the book motivating and inspiring.



2. My wife bought this book several years ago for our teenage boys, and even put up a plaque listing the 9 "Be's". I finally got around to reading it and was very impressed with the power of the ideas presented in this book. They are all concepts that are universally accepted as good things to apply in one's life. President Hinckley presents the ideas very concisely using stories from his own life that most of us could relate to. For those who are LDS, many of his stories will be familiar since he has shared many of them in conference and other addresses, but hearing them repeated in this context is still helpful.
   
   These are principles that will make one happy and should be emphasized by parents rearing their children, and practiced by themselves as an example. My two oldest boys have already read this book and I intend to have my youngest boy read it next. I strongly recommend this book for all youth and parents. It is a quick read and a nice way to be reminded of these basic principles.



3. This book has some great advice that will improve one's life if followed. Gordon B. Hinckley is a wise man who has good things to say. I highly recommend this book.



4. This is a small, handy book with some inspirational thoughts from the Prophet. It's a nice little volume a great gift for youth and grown ups alike. It never hurts to be reminded of the basics. In fact it's the basic things we often seem to struggle most with.



5. Based on Hinckley's famous talk about his modern-day beatitudes, this handy little book rediscusses each of the nine virtues in detail with plenty of spirituality and wisdom. It's uplifting and simply written, easy to grab and flip through for some heart-felt advice. Folks, these are wonderful and necessary virtues for the world in which we live, and this is a great way to keep them altogether with words from a prophet.

5 comments about Cut Cords of Attachment: Heal Yourself and Others with Energy Spirituality.

1. Self-help guru Rosetree is the founder of ... Energy Spirituality and the author of numerous books.
   
   In Cut Cords of Attachment, she argues for liberating personal relationships from the limitations of old patterns.
   
   Are your interactions with your brother dominated by memories of sibling bullying? Does your college roommate always bring you down with her anger at men? Do you find yourself defending your life choices to your mom?
   
   Whatever the pattern, Rosetree says, you can preserve the relationship while cutting the cord that binds, freeing you to interact in new ways. The book includes a "12-Step" program for severing such ties.
   
   Note to Amazon readers, the original review appears in the Spring Issue 2008 of Brandeis University magazine. No stars are given in these reviews. The five-star treatment is extrapolated. Unfortunately, the Amazon listing process does not allow for more than three reviews posted in the review section.



2. As soon as I started reading this book I knew it had come to me at an opportune time in my life. I devoured the pages with interest and delight. The instruction in "Cut Cords of Attachment" is unconventionally and powerfully presented. I felt as if Rose stood beside me teaching her techniques for cutting cords throughout the entire book.
   
   If you want to learn how to reclaim the power in your life, make better choices and live more fully and authentically, please read this book.



3. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting and delightful to read. The instruction in "Cut Cords of Attachment" was easy to follow and insightful. I highly recommend this book.



4. I have had the opportunity to go to Rose's Cord cutting Intensives- and it was so great to have this book as a back up to what i already learned. It helps put more "spiritual tools" in your tool belt!



5. As a transpersonal therapist, I have witnessed hundreds of spiritual transformations by patients brave enough to reach beyond the mere psychological approach within their therapy sessions. In her book, "Cut Cords of Attachment" Rose underscores one such methodology which uses a unique form of metaphysical detachment of energy fields which may bind one to their woundedness. Rose's dedication to completing an at-length, detailed account of her work and findings in this area is admirable. Her book is a good read with fascinating techniques to further build a healer's "bag-of-tricks" when dealing with past pain and trauma.
   Barbara Sinor, Ph.D., Author
   Gifts From The Child Within: Self-discovery and Self-recovery Through Re-Creation Therapy, 2nd Edition and
   An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul
   Website: www.DrSinor.com

5 comments about Your Soul's Compass: What Is Spiritual Guidance?.

1. Your Soul's Compass is one of those rare books that causes one to think. Unlike some many self-help books that say you can can change your life in so many steps, Joan and Gordon use an informal group of Sages across many traditions as a sounding board. The result is a solid cross cultural understanding of finding ones soul. The Sages, Joan, and Gordon, provide practical time tested ideas for finding spiritual guidance which will result in positive changes in your life. I have read many books on soul work but this is by far the most accessible in terms of language and substance. Still do not skim or try to read this book in one setting. Read and pause between chapters even paragraphs. This book has kept me thinking for a few weeks. As a former pastor I encourage anyone who is seeking to connect to God but uncomfortable with traditional expressions of religion to buy Your Soul's Compass.
   
   Frank
   
   The Soulcoach



2. Worth every penny, filled with great ideas and info... buy it if you are open to discovery.



3. Don't bother with this one, it isn't worth the money. I buy and read a lot of books, but i just couldn't keep myself interested in this one. The writers are uninteresting and i kept thinking I'd find the gem and it never showed up.



4. For more than 20 years, I have been greatly intrigued by the concept of divine guidance, and how spiritual discernment can help us live more effortless and fulfilling lives. This book, "Your Soul's Compass," is a great expansion on the principles that I teach in my own book on this topic. Tuning into divine wisdom is a very subtle art, and "Your Soul's Compass" presents an extremely thorough study of this subject by calling on the expertise of spiritual sages around the world, from Buddhists and Quakers to Jewish mystics and Sufis. I highly recommend this thoughtful work.
   
   Steven Lane Taylor, author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow



5. I've been searching for a "larger purpose" and I found this book to be an interesting read. I was excited after the 1st chapter (I consider it a positive when books use the BCE/CE notation) but I wasn't that impressed with the rest of the book.
   
   Personally, the idea of ego attempting to get in the way of spiritual fulfillment doesn't sit well with me. I do agree with the statements of oneness that are discussed through out the book. Again, personally, I don't like the idea of having/needing a (human) Spiritual director. I like to use nature and my own internal compass as a guide. I was also a little put off by the heavy references to the organized religions, especially Judeo-Christian theology; nor did I appreciate a small dig at the "New Age" movement present although I am not a "New Age" practitioner. I feel that acceptance of any spiritual belief system that give a person hope and a sense of purpose (without requiring conversion of others) is a good belief system.
   
   Overall an interesting read that did make me think and put a little more definition to my own spiritual feelings although I didn't not agree with the entirety of the book. I would give it a 3.5 but that's not an option.

No comments about El tercer Jésus: El Cristo que no podemos ignorar (Vintage Espanol).

5 comments about Awakened Instincts: Seven Keys for Enhancing Every Aspect of Your Life.

1. Awakened Instincts is a staple book that everyone should have as part of their personal library. Simply put, this book is an easy read that will have you turning the pages in anticipation of how you can elevate your senses on every single level. It's enlightening; it's simply Mary O!
   
   Mary O is the real deal all around. She has a unique style that sets her apart from all the rest. Tune into her radio show on Sirius 102 and hear for yourself. I can guarantee you that, after listening once, you will be hooked! Mary O is a truly talented and gifted woman and I can honestly say that I feel blessed that she is here and sharing her gift with the world.



2. This book is very inlighting and educational. If everyone carried this book around and followed it, we would all get along alot more cordigally and feel great about how we feel as individuals and couples (our relationships with others). There would be less disaggrements and couples divorcing and more communication going on. The chihuahua chapter is one to read over and over. Mary has figured it out for us and you will too by reading this book. You won't leave home without it!
   Great Job Mary Thank You -
   Wendy + William NH



3. This book is awesome!!!! This very imformative. Take the keys and open up your life!!!!
   I listen to her on the sirrius 102 starz radio.
   from
   Cindy in Va



4. This is the best book to help you realize your potential and gain direction in life. You don't even have to have any problems to gain insight from Mary's direct, common sense approach to enhancing your life. This is a guide that you will want to read over again a couple of times a year if you want help reconnecting with your purpose. It will help you realize all of the great things about yourself that we tend to forget about with our busy lives. If you have been saying that you need to read more and play on the computer less, then this book will inspire you to start reading again!



5. I have read all of Mary's books and have enjoyed them all. I loved when Mary gave the advise to say I LOVE YOU to seven people each day. I started saying it to people I wouldn't normally say it to, but felt love for, and it felt so good to say it out loud. Mary gives her love and advice so freely and easily she is a good example to follow for so many. I know I am a better person from taking her advice. Enjoy and spread the LOVE!

4 comments about 101 Exercises for the Soul: Divine Workout Plan for Body, Mind, and Spirit.

1. You can open this book to any page and find a motivating and soul refreshing exercise that is simple to do and fulfilling to accomplish. Thank you Dr. Siegel for this helpful and heart-touching book.



2. Amazing, amazing, amazing. This book is simultaneously simple and profound. A recommended read for anyone who wants to be inspired. Dr. Siegel helps his readers see the "big picture."



3. Great little book that holds enormous wisdom and suggestions to enrich and strengthen your life.



4. 101 Exercises for the Soul: "A Divine Workout Plan for Body, Mind, and Spirit" By Dr. Bernie Siegel
   is another excellent book by this award-winning, best-selling author. Siegel reminds us that exercising our soul is as important as exercising our bodies, yet most of us forget or don't know how to do this. It does not require meditating on top of a mountain, or going on a silent retreat, or even attending church, but it does require attention and regular mindfulness. And exercising your soul yields tremendous rewards of living and loving with enthusiasm and joy. In simple exercises Dr. Siegel suggest things you may never have thought to be nurturing your soul and increasing your deep happiness. Such things as keeping your baby picture nearby to admire and appreciate, adopting a pet and playing with it every day, keeping a dream journal, creating a personal altar in your home, facing the fear that has always hindered you and experiencing and embracing it (even doing a daring sport), taking fun or beautiful photographs, or breaking out of your daily rut and doing something fun and unusual. These are some of the simple but joyful things Siegel suggests and then tells how you are nurturing your soul and exercising it in doing these. This is a little book which can be opened to any page and savored, trying the things that appeal to you and leaving the others for someone else. We highly recommend keeping this book by your bed and savoring it like chocolate for your soul by trying one exercise each day.

5 comments about No More Letting Go: The Spirituality of Taking Action Against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction.

1. I only wish that I'd found this book years ago as I started the journey of addiction with a family member. This book was my turning point. Clear, concise. I finally GOT alcoholism. It sank in and I thank this author from the depths of my heart for putting wisdom to pen to paper.



2. This is a great book that tells it like it is about a terrible disease and the people affected by it. More help and information here that in any Al-anon literature I have ever read.



3. I bought this book based on the reviews and the description on the website. I have to say I am somewhat disappointed. She initially talks about how the idea of detachment, loved one's detaching themselves from the addict and living their own lives, is incredibly difficult if not impossible to achieve. I am in total agreement with her there. However, she then kept referring to this idea and after a while I got the feeling she was trying to prove something, but I'm not sure to whom. As a reader I felt that I had purchased her book, I was willing to be open to her ideas, so why beat the same drum over and over again? Was she writing for the wider audience of, perhaps, other addiction specialists out there? Anyway, it went on for too long.
   
   The other criticism I have is that her discussion of an intervention supposes that we all have large families and a wide network of friends to draw from in staging one. I find this view a bit limited and naive. From my own experience, I can say that my husband comes from a family of substance abusers(not ideal candidates for an intervention)and that his network of friends includes, guess who?, a wide network of users. So, the book did not give me the answers I was looking for. I will have to search elsewhere. She alludes to working with a professional if you can't build up a large team, but I think she could have put a little more into this alternative.
   
   That said, I do think this book is worth reading. Her descriptions of interventions are good and offer hope to those of us struggling against the disease of alcoholism/addiction.
   
   Keep strength.



4. Excellent book.Allowed myself to change my position on Let it go and let God. The main point in this book is to acept that our love ones are sick and that they can't make decision on their own. We need to help them in the wright way.



5. I have used this book in my capacity as a therapist as well as recommending it to friends who are dealing with addiction issues. I recently bought 3 copies so I could loan some out and still have one for myself.
   The premise is that it's not necessary to let the family be destroyed while waiting for the addict to "be ready" for recovery. With drug and alcohol use starting at early ages, families are dealing with the crisis more and more and this book is invaluable in discussing how to set boundaries and get the person into treatment whether they think they're ready or not and if that's not possible families can see how important it is to not sacrifice every member of the family to the addiction.

5 comments about How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life.

1. An all around good read for anyone looking for some self introspect or not committed to any one particular religion.



2. A very helpful and thought provoking book. A pleasant read that leaves you wanting to learn more. Not overly term-laden. Just enough to help educate you as to the terminorlogy of Buddhism, without being incomprehensible. The wisdom and goodness of the Dalai Lama comes through in every chapter. I feel as if this book is a good starting point for embracing the Buddhist way.



3. I have been studying and practicing Buddhism for over 4o years - I still do not understand it. For Non Tibetans (this excludes most Asians too) - forget about tantras and mantras and all the hocus-pocus! We will never be able to understand it. We may imitate it but we will not live it inside out. It will be best to stick to some simple western (rational!) method of meditation and stick to a good, moral life. It IS that simple. No need to look to the Himalayas for enlightenment - it is right inside you.
   DO not waste time (and life) reading about meditation: Just do it! PRACTICE.



4. www.fpmt.org The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition has home study courses set up with DVDs, books, transcripts and MP3s of lectures given by true Buddhist teachers. It starts with the basics and takes you step by step through such topics as the Mind, Meditation, Death, etc. Each topic is a correspondence course type setup with no obligation to go on, no registration fees, etc. You see the list of what is recommended you buy for each lesson, and you order what you want. Not simply intellectual teaching, this program is also experiential. You PRACTICE Buddhism, from the ground up. Although buying random books in search of information is what most of us do, there is another way. There is this Buddhism for Beginners section, and a formal university setting (or correspondence course) for those who are more advanced in their practice. Go to the website and browse their selection of books, look at the programs offered, and decide for yourself.



5. Very nice and meaningful book, which might help you with day to day inner conflicts and teach you how to find a way out to cope with stress of life.
   The delivery by amazon was right on time as expected.

5 comments about Infinite Life: Awakening to Bliss Within.

1. In this work author Robert Thurman takes the reader through steps to help rid themselves of negative effects in their lives and lead them to the positive. He talks on such subjects as, Wisdom, Generosity, Patience, and explains their meaning and the effect they have on your life, which runs much deeper than you imagine. He shows the importance of releasing such emotions as anger and the damage it does to us personally.
   You will be surprised to find out how much your negative emotions are only hurting yourself.
   I have to say that all the principals that he offers would certainly better mankind if they were followed and we would indeed live a much more peaceful existence with one another. He challenges the reader to do a self-examination of their life, and take a good hard look at where they are going and how they are getting there.
   I do not agree with some of his beliefs such as reincarnation, however I do applaud his deep conviction of the same.
   The work is very readable and easy to understand and would be a great work for any Buddhist to help them in their walk and for those wishing to understand this belief . It would also be a plus for those who want to overhaul their lives and come forth a better human being



2. For folks interested in meditation, or who might need just a little boost in self-confidence, I heartily recommend this book. I've been interested in meditation and Buddhism for six years and have read many, many books on these subjects, but I've found few as inspiring as this one.
   
   Professor Thurman combines aspects of the Tibetan Buddhist Mentor Devotion meditation centered around his seven virtues, with a kind of selfless, secular approach to daily life and what you get is an energizing take on spiritual practice. He makes it clear one doesn't have to be a Buddhist to be able to do these meditations. So, no matter what your "beliefs" are, have a look at this one! This is a great book!



3. What if everything you did actually had eternal and infinite repercussions? Of course there are some very negative possibilities, but there are infinite positive possibilities as well, and it's just a matter of training ourselves to develop the necessary virtues and characteristics (such as patience and generosity). If we are willing and able to do this, then we can cause our infinite lives to resonate with compassion for all beings.
   
   For me, I was very encouraged by this book. It reassured me that working to develop such virtues as patience and generosity is not a vain, quixotic mission, but actually has a profound and eternal effect on our world and the larger universe. In essence, what we do actually matters. This is either horrifying or thrilling, depending on how much work you're willing to put into the outcome. Professor Thurman asks his readers to take a "leap of faith" early on in this book and imagine that our lives are not finite and limited in space and time, but that our lives and values resonate infinitely. If you're an old school "show me" materialist, this requested leap of faith may turn you off out of the gate. However, if you have experienced intimations of some value to your life beyond the weekly paycheck and the car payment, then this book may help you to frame a long-term perspective on the true value of your life.
   
   Professor Thurman was one of the West's first Tibetan Buddhist monks, and is a prolific writer. He definitely has a political POV (so if you are an ardent advocate of gas-guzzling vehicles, for example, you may not take to his world-view), and assumes that his readers are in agreement with his "take" on modern Western consumerism as a vapid and unrewarding way of life. I happen to agree with this POV, so it wasn't hard for me to get behind his worldview. However, if you enjoy brawling and hunting woodland creatures for pleasure, you may find Professor Thurman's POV a bit too liberal for your taste.



4. Robert Thurmans book Infinite Life is a wonderful introduction to the Buddhist philosophy of enlightenment. It is filled with insightful criticisms of the modern world and spiritual insights for self liberation. He opens the door to awakening to your true reality as an infinite spiritual being interconnected with all other life. He presents wonderful meditative techniques to help you overcome selfishness and delusion and open yourself up as a great light to all other beings. The book is really about living your life for the happiness of others because others happiness is really your happiness due to the inter-connection of all life. As the Buddha said, to live morally you must live your life for others. The happiness of others and not ones own petty cravings and desires should be the ultimate goal of a human being. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. It's about concern for others and being mindful of how all your actions, thoughts, and deeds affect others. It's about being mindful of others suffering and working to alleviate this suffering through your love and compassion for all other beings. Most of all it's about opening up to the selfless nature of life and letting go of all attachments so as to live a life of unbounded infinite goodness.



5. I wanted to like this book, but Thurman made it hard for me. He's a knowledgeable and astute writer, but I found his message a bit, well, evangelical for my taste, which is ironic considering this is a book about Buddhism. His obvious and strident dislike of America and capitalism is a big turn off. I guess if you agree with this politics, or can ignore his constant, tiresome references to what's wrong with America, blah, blah, you can learn a great deal about Buddhism from this book.
   It would have been nice to have a little less preaching, ego, and more teaching.