5 comments about Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul : Finding Peace, Passion, & Purpose (Tickle Your Soul Series).

1. I was a little disappointed in this book. I had expected something original and different. It seemed to be a summary of books I had already read. The ideas were good and there was nothing wrong with the book but it was nothing new. I really didn't find one idea that wasn't similar to something I had heard or read before.



2. A dear friend of mine gave me this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dr. Zoglio does an excellent job of describing the keys to happiness. Long ago, I independently arrived at many of the same conclusions about happiness, but I have never been able to articulate them as clearly and simply as Dr. Zoglio does in her book. While reading it, I found myself underlining text and writing notes on almost every page. I have subsequently bought my friend her own copy and also bought copies for my two grown-up children with the hope that the book will "tickle" them, too.



3. Her book is magic! Best of all, she is an author who genuinely cares about her readers! An amazingly kind and knowledgable person. Do yourself (and Suzanne)a favor and buy this book. You will absolutlely love it. I am a real fan of hers: you will be also if you read her books.



4. As I read the case studies in this book, I recognized many of my peers who are in need of the resources that the author provides for developing a renewed personal passion for life. Anyone trying to energize the search for personal direction for the next life stage will appreciate the specific suggestions and examples. I have read this book twice already. Another book that I recommend is" The Five People You Meet in Heaven", and "He Never Called Again."



5. I have read a lot of self help books over the years (I'm over 50) and this is the best one to come out in a long time. If you are at all unhappy with any aspect of your life or ready to make change for whatever reason, this book is a "must read". =)

3 comments about The Spiritual Self: Reflections on Recovery and God.

1. Twerski has a very interesting background and training. He was a son of a rabbi, but went to medical school instead and now runs a substance abuse center. This makes him very qualified to talk on the subject of spirituality in recovery, which he does brilliantly in The Spiritual Self. A short book, I consider it a must read for anyone in a 12-step spiritual recovery program (as I am). We always wonder what people mean by saying 'I want to get more spiritual'. Well, the answer is explained eloquently and simply in Twerski's book.



2. After accidentally ordering "Addictive Thinking" I remembered that there is no such a thing as "accidentally; I finished the book in few hours and started reading it all over again and right away decided to order two more books by Twerski. Coming from academic philosophy, it was refreshing to find a positive and un-complicated yet so thought-provoking writing about an issue so deep. Empowered by Twerski's "Life is too Short," I found new courage in me, and decided to begin working on a non-academic, practical writing on the subject myself. Yes, his words are THAT powerful.
   One restrain thought: as a practicing Jew, though I could understand the rationale not to touch G-d from a religious perspective in his other books, I was a bit disappointed not to find anything "Jewish" about the Spiritual Self and G-d.



3. Abraham Twerski has been a giant in the field of recovery for decades. This book may be one of his best. What's not to like?

5 comments about Blessings of the Cosmos: Benedictions from the Aramaic Words of Jesus.

1. I very much enjoyed this book. Language is a reflection of how a group of people think and interact and this book brings out additional nuances to Jesus' teachings that led me to a deeper understanding -- always a good thing, to my way of thinking! If you like digging deeper into the meaning of things, you'll like this book, too.



2. Outstanding scholarship packaged in a stimulating and readable format. The added body-prayer work is repeatedly useful.



3. This book reads like poetry. The meaning behind the words that Jesus spoke and are quoted in the Bible come to life when you hear them from his native tongue. With wonderful textual notes so that you get the full meaning of each word, these verses come to life with a whole new meaning.
   
   When I read this book I knew that this was the Jesus I knew in my heart. It just made so much more sense and touched my heart so deeply it was like the love song I have been waiting to hear.
   This book is a must for anyone wishing to hear the Truth of what Jesus was saying to us.
   An absolutely masterpiece!!



4. I always return to this book to be inspired, amazed, and when I need to remind myself of my own humility, insignificance, and connection to the cosmos. Neil's poetic verse captures something substantial and solid. These waters are pristine, so drink deep. This wisdom may transport you somewhere else, it may transform the way you view the world. Klotz is one of the few men on the planet who I admire - not only for his creative insight - but for his far reaching authenticity. His words are visionary and meaningful interpretations of the Aramaic prayers of Jesus. You cannot go wrong with this book, my friends. It is a spiritual guide in times of darkness. Moreover, it awakens the imagination (a portal if you will) and throws you out of dogmatic sleep and binding chains into another place where surprise captures what is essentially human and unique in each of us.



5. when I sat down with Hidden gospel, I was like, I know he can improve on this, but how.. well juimney Christmas.. he dunfangly did it. since reading Hidden.. my path has found yoga and meditation.. and cosmic is like da bomb.. i'm in the works at this point actually of integrating an aramaic/sanskrit kreya, or actually a few of them, based upon some of the ghems in here... why haven't you bought this already.. it's freakin amazin i tell ya.. (and no, i'm not a relative of Neil's)

5 comments about Wisdom of Listening.

1. Wisdom of Listening is a real jewel of a book! Presenting proven techniques used by practitioners in the fields of psychology, clergy, and healthcare, this book offers many gold nuggets of advice the reader can use for better communication with others. I would recommend reading only one chapter at a time, then reflecting on its contents for a few days before reading more. Don't rush this book - the contents are too rich to race through.

   We all have ears and they allow us to hear. This book goes far beyond the practical mechanisms of hearing and helps the reader to recognize the huge difference between 'hearing' and 'listening.' It guides the reader through various goals and results of listening well. The contributing authors describe techniques with simplicity and clarity. Those who begin to practice the skills outlined in this book can look forward to improved, more rewarding, and more meaningful communication with everyone in their lives. Thank you, Dr. Brady!




2. What happens when someone listens deeply to us? How does being heard heal us?

   This collection of essays offers inspired, practical ideas for increasing our listening capacity. Learning to listen with presence, awareness, and love takes begins with the cultivation of listening with our "whole being".

   The Wisdom of Listening brings reflection on the profound practice of listening from the wise voices of Ram Dass, Joan Halifax, Fran Peavey, Kathleen Singh, Anne Simpkinson, and many others.

   I am using the book in my holistic health college classes--it's proving invaluable for students from all majors, from business to nursing.

   Brady has assembled a timely collection, encouraging us to learn to learn the art of hearing with the "ears of the heart."




3. Each essay in this new book takes a new look at skillful Listening.

   Perhaps you want to improve your ability to listen to yourself, others, or the earth? This collection reminds us to bring our awareness into the present moment and to attend to our own internal experiences. It's wonderful compliment to deepening one's meditation practice. Or as a guide to being in the natural world in with a new way of perceiving.

   Brady has pulled together essays from some incredible writers, teachers, and thinkers. But their words are not hollow or dry--they vibrate with practical advice and inspiration to deepen our Listening abilities. It's listening wisdom that asks us to not only use our ears, but all of our senses.

   Listening doesn't come naturally for some of us...we actually need to learn to do it. When my husband gave me the book, I was defensive at first. "What, you don't think I listen well?" But it's opened up my eyes (and ears! and heart!) and a lot of dialogue between us.

   I've recommended the book at work, and plan on giving some for the holidays to family! It can only help us all to tune in more, feel less isolated, and enrich our relationships.




4. Listening well is hard work. There is no immediate reward for doing it. In fact, the problem of listening well is that we will hear things we don't want to hear. Which is why we don't listen well in the first place. It may even be harder than dieting and exercising.

   When we think of listening well, we think of listening to others. But how easy is it to apply those great listening skills to ourselves? I don't know about you, but when I embark on a challenging path of personal growth, I like to be inspired, enlightened, and informed. If I'm really lucky, I'll get all three in the same book. I hit the jack-pot with the Wisdom of Listening.

   Because I have been specializing in couples therapy for 20 years, I think I know quite a bit about listening and communication. And then I got a little humbled when reading Mark Brady's thought-provoking book. Now I listen a little better and almost automatically begin to ask better questions. With better questions comes the potential for a better life. Not bad for an investment that costs less than two tickets to a bad movie.




5. Listening meditation is an all too often overlooked approach to our Buddhist practices. It is so much more than merely an exercise in recreation. Mark Brady presents us with a brilliant book with skilled techniques on just how to master this unnoticed art form. This book goes far beyond some superficial act of just having the capacity to hear. This book is about being truly present in life, about living in love. When the mind settles into meditation, here the sense of self and conceptual mind evaporates. There is a space between thinking. Here is where true listening is rooted. Listening like that connects us to other people, and allows us to actually become who we have always been. Having no ideas, we are free to understand with our very being what another might need. That might be they don't need anything at all. Listening like this let's us see our own life as that of the Buddha Shakyamuni. For further reading on the practice of listening, I recommend another wonderful book published this time by the Tuttle Library of Enlightenment dubbed "Going Beyond Buddha: The Awakening Practice of Listening" by Zen master Dae Gak. The Wisdom of Listening seldom ever gets a break at my house, it's is one of those books I constantly read for insightful sound bites when I feel I might need some pointers. So buy this book, and find your ears of Avalokistvara bodhisattva. Enjoy.

3 comments about All We Have Is All We Need: Daily Steps Toward a Peaceful Life.

1. Karen Casey, author of Each Day a New Beginning (and 16 others), has crated a nice little pick up/put down book of daily steps to a peaceful life.
   
   In our hectic lives, we do have daily opportunities to experience joy and create peace. It's our decision to act from a place of love to others. We are neither helpless nor hopeless.
   
   The book can be "baby steps" toward that perfect presence in living with others. It is divided into 6 parts:
   
   1. On the Path with Others: Relationships, Forgiveness and Amends
   2. When Walking Away Is Wise: Letting Go, Acceptance, Powerlessness, Surrender
   3. The Choices We Make: Fear, Choice, Acting As If
   4. What We See Changes Us: Lesson, Change, Perspective
   5. Day by Day: Peace, Moment, Kindness
   6. We're Not Alone: Love, Wisdom, Prayer, God and Listening
   
   After each chapter's introduction, the following pages have three short thoughts/steps.
   
   For example, in the chapter on Choices-Choose Joy, my favorite is: "The thought that God is with us this minute, as we read these words, is powerful, isn't it. Well, God is powerful. Let yourself be at peace at this awareness today."
   
   Armchair Interviews says: This is carry-along book for those quick read as you wait for someone or something--peaceful yet powerful and thought-provoking steps toward a peaceful life.



2. "Let's not shy away from our responsibility. Instead, let's be grateful for the many opportunities to express more peace-filled lives that come our way everyday. It's through our example that others will be inspired. Then and only then will we see...change..." - From the book
   
   Author Karen Casey has designed her book All We Have is All We Need to encourage small steps towards more peaceful lives. Featuring mostly one and two-sentence statements, Ms. Casey intends to lead readers away from turmoil and chaos, showing individuals how they can apply basic ideas for creating harmony.
   
   "We get the partners we need for the lessons we have requested. There are no accidents in the way our lives are unfolding. If I can appreciate this today, I will be free from anxiety."
   
   "We had a hand in selecting the lessons we are experiencing today. Remembering this takes the sting out of the hard ones, doesn't it?"
   
   "Detaching from the difficulties of others may appear unkind, particularly if their circumstances trouble us, but we must focus on our own journey, not one else's. Today will allow me to practice this."
   
   "Nobody ever really wins an argument. Feelings are always hurt. I will refrain from hurting anyone's feelings today."
   
   "No disagreement requires resolution. Ever. Accepting our differences is the way to peaceful lives."
   
   "Not having to win an argument is huge. Why not experience this today?"
   
   "Deciding to be peaceful feeds one's soul. Arguing one's position doesn't. Which will I choose today?"
   
   "As you ponder any thought or action, try to discern what God would have you think or do. Will you adhere to this suggestion today?"
   
   Although the author is well intentioned, I find her tone preachy and condescending. Many of her statements assume a "right" answer, and almost scold, "Which will YOU choose today?" Not only that, some of her statements are contradictory. For example, we're supposed to "detach from others", but then she recommends that we refrain from hurting anyone's feelings. Since when are we responsible for the feelings of others, especially after she's already told us that feelings are "choices that can be released"?
   
   In addition, some of her questions-I suppose they're intended to be thought provoking-are yes/no questions. This does not promote self-examination or exploration, but rather corners readers into following her logic and her conclusions about the matter. She also prods us to be "examples" to one another, as if that's our main reason for existence.
   
   Some of her bite-sized statements are repetitive and many beg for further explanation. For example, taking a rather smug tone, she writes, "We had a hand in selecting the lessons we are experiencing today. Remembering this takes the sting out of the hard ones, doesn't it?"
   
   She doesn't explain the spiritual truth that causes her to believe this way, so why-and indeed, how-can readers just swallow these kind of statements? If she would share, for example, that prominent past life regressionists and licensed hypnotherapists chronicle reports from patients of creating a curriculum with our guides before incarnating (such as that found in the book Journey of Souls by Dr. Michael Newton), then individuals could at least follow her perspective.
   
   I enjoyed the passages on "do no harm", but if we're ultimately responsible for only ourselves (as the author teaches), then how can we know that acts of self-care wouldn't "harm" another? Going through life trying not step on proverbial ants (i.e. trying to protect people from discomfort)-not to mention always trying to be an example to others-is downright burdensome. How is this conducive to peace?
   
   With continual urging to walk away from arguments and conflicts, there is a vibe of cool detachment and "let's stick our head in the sand" pervading much of this book.
   
   All We Have Is All We Need is an attractive title for a book, but unfortunately, the contents are rather shallow. If you'd like information on spiritual surrender or accepting life as it is, you'd be better off getting the book Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Two other good books-authored by fellow Conari Press writers-are There Are No Mistakes by Eleanor Wiley or Let Go, Let Miracles Happen by Kathy Cordova.



3. It is so incredibly easy to get lost within the drama of everyday life. Suddenly each person who sees the world differently, questions something about our life, or disagrees with us creates an angry fearful reaction. We want nothing more than to teach that person a lesson and nothing less than being in the right.
   
   All We Have is All We Need reminds us that every person we come into contact with and every experience that we have is meant as a cosmic lesson. In our lives, we are both teacher and student, simultaneously. Fighting against these roles and circumstances simply causes more opportunities to deal with these experiences. Thus, the best way to deal with conflict or situations that cause you anxiety and angry is to be open to the lesson and allow awareness to permeate through your being.
   
   Along with discussion of these and other concepts, each chapter of this book contains a several pages of thoughts and questions. These short notes ask the reader to look deeper within themselves, to let go of judgements, and to act with kindness and compassion. The reader is free to choose one thought to focus on per day or to post several of these little gems around his or her home or office. Each reader will likely find several comments that resonate within them and become almost mantra-like.

No comments about Relax Rx: A Self-Hypnosis Program for Health and Well-Being.

5 comments about The Dieter's Prayer Book: Spiritual Power and Daily Encouragement.

1. I have owned this book for a few years now, pull it out on occasion to use as a daily read. I recently gave a copy to my step-daughter, and she loves it too.



2. I bought this for myself. I only have 10 lbs to lose, but I figure I need all the help I can get. This is an awesome book. It has a lesson and a prayer for 100 days. I use it in my morning devotions (while I am eating breakfast...haha) I have since bought a copy for all 4 ladies in my Bible Study to go along with Faithfully Fit (which I bought for all of them also). Even if you are not on a diet it gives you a great way to look at 'God's food' and our consumption of it. Buy it! You'll love it!



3. This is an uplifting read. I read it each morning and try to think of what I have read throughout the day. I am glad guilt was left out.
   I did not give 5 stars because the spacing on the prayers is distracting.



4. I liked this book. Has a prayer for everyday. Helps you on the journey of your "diet"



5. I love this book. I would not call myself a Christian, but that doesn't mean I don't get so much out of this wonderful book. Pray and connect with God - this helps me to start the day without food on the brain; with love and empowerment on my mind instead.

1 comments about 10 Secretos Para Conseguir El Exito Y La Paz Interior.

1. AS THE TRANSLATOR OF THIS BOOK, I CAN ONLY SAY, IT HELPED ME SO MUCH THAT IT IS A LITTLE JEWEL TO ME. I LOVE IT!

1 comments about Healing from Despair: Choosing Wholeness in a Broken World.

1. All three members of our family have read this book, which packs an extremely poignant and emotional wallop. The advice and insight of this book make it valuable reading for any family that has had to deal with the problems of depression. It gives hope to anyone who has given up on life, or who lives in despair for a loved one. It can also be of great benefit to anyone suffering from depression who is looking for a vision of a brighter future.

5 comments about Awakening: A Sufi Experience.

1. When "The Awakening" arrived, it took me 2 weeks before I sat down and turned to page one. I tried to scan through like a "good" student, but somehow this book is not a typical Sufi book that teaches you through steps without wisdom. You have to be "awaken" or to "have died before death", in order to embrace every word, and comprehend the underlying structures and words chosen to convey the message therein. I would recommend "The Awakening" only to serious seekers. If you are a self-labelled religionist {Muslim, Jew, or Christian} and a staunch one at that you might find yourself against a brick wall.

   "The Awakening" is a book that teaches you to take the time to heal your heart, in the wake, will then open you to your "Reality". The religion of the heart is most important here. If you're devoid of that, taking the path written therein can be an awesome task. "The Awakening" is one of the best Sufi manual I've read and understood without recoursing to references. A must-have in your collection, if you're seriously contemplating returning "home" sanely.




2. I don't know what else to add to what has already been said, but one thing which I must say is that this book changed my life. If you are looking for a bit of help in trying to get inside yourself and then to look at the world through a greater perspective, read this book.



3. I had this from the library and now I want a copy, so I can go slowly through the meditative practices described. I particularly liked the "light" meditations.
   
   One of the book's best features is the focus on bringing back into everyday life what you have gained by stepping out of everyday life. This is an important perspective often missing from contemplative works.
   
   Khan quotes freely, and knowledgeably, from Hindu, Buddhist and Christian ideas as well as giving a good introduction to his Sufi tradition. The only flaw I noted is that his grasp of physics, even for metaphorical purposes, is extremely poor, but you can ignore that and just enjoy the spiritual wisdom.



4. Loved this book. I have read it again and again.Many wonderful comments are posted here about this book.I loved when Anayat Khan describes connection between physical existance and cosmic existance. Knowing other spiritual figures like Mohammed(s) and Jesus, Abrahim in a different way. Their existance was not merely a physical existance on earth but Cosmic existance. Loved this concept of interconnectedness of humans with universe,space and higher realism.



5. Thanks to Amazon, this book was on my desk in no time. Amazon, you've done it again...