5 comments about A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life: Self Expression and Spiritual Practice for Those Who Have Time for Neither.

1. Nina Wise subtitles her wonderful book, "Self-expression and spritual practice
   for those who have time for neither." And she could have added, for those who
   don't habitually shop at the Self-Improvement section of the store. I had my
   qualms but I had first heard the author's name from an impeccable source so I
   carried on and bought it. I quickly realised this wasn't Buddhism Lite or
   Self-Realization in Five Minutes a Day. Nina Wise has spent thirty years
   performing and leading workshops in improvisation. She brings decades of
   experience in an art whose principal act is a requirement, as she describes it
   elsewhere, to "(find) words for the story the body wants to tell" and where
   "nothing in the psyche feels prepared, ready, secure-the stroll from backstage
   to centerstage is an act of faith." It is a scary description and her courage
   and commitment are everywhere evident. In this brilliant book we get the
   benefits of that commitment as she offers dozens of ten-minute "practices"
   drawn from every area of the arts -- singing, drawing, writing, role-playing,
   dancing --- wonderful hints that invite us to play: to play with the senses;
   play with our sense of self, with our life-history; play with friends, with
   lovers, with strangers; play with pain and sickness and bereavement, with loss
   and disappointment, anger and frustration, play with happiness. They remind
   us to take ten minutes NOW to play, but to play with attention, as adults, to
   wake up. She shows that unlocking creativity and self-expression has the
   widest consequences: "We are not who we think we are --- we are not what we
   do, we are not our age ... our gender or sexual preference ... where we live
   ... or what religion we were born into or went on to practice ... not our skin
   color .. not our bodies ... not our thoughts." Many people have said this but
   not many have offered such creative, witty, down-to-earth help to discovering
   it for ourselves. And in between we are treated to illustrations from her own
   life as daughter, lover, teacher, performer: at home by her dying mother or
   wrapped in a "Tantric embrace" round her suitcase on an overnight train trip
   in India, the range is enormous. She is deadly serious, serious but never
   solemn. "All the great sages I have had the fortune to meet have had a
   twinkle in their eyes ... their lightness of being is contagious. In their
   presence I too break into a smile that would glow in the dark." Well, that
   smile glows all over the page here. This is anything but a ponderous tome and
   the opposite of some self-indulgent, feel-good exercise. It is sad, funny,
   tough, moving, uproarious, witty, lyrical, passionately articulate and, yes
   (I'm not the first to say it) wise. Go ahead, do yourself a favour: sing to
   the cat, make art in the yard, throw a hat party, read this book.



2. As a teenager, I once took out a couple of library books that purportedly tested your creativity. According to them, I failed miserably because I didn't come up with the "right" answers, and it was years before I realized that I'd actually been TOO creative for the tests! But their approach is typical of how narrowly our educational system defines creativity: if you have a gift for (say) drawing or singing, you can become a professional in the arts, but otherwise creativity is irrelevant to most people's daily lives. And, anyway, even if you feel that you'd enjoy taking a pottery class or an acting workshop, you have more important things to do with your time and money. Nina Wise shows us how to circumvent both of these obstacles and bring creative expression into our lives. The crucial factor is awareness, both of ourselves and of the world around us. Her exercises give us the opportunity to know ourselves as complex beings, with bodies as well as minds and spirits, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of even the most mundane aspects of our surroundings. Becoming more aware isn't necessarily easy, or fun, or reassuring, but it can enrich anyone's life immensely. I heartily recommend this book to everyone -- especially those who think "I'm not creative" or "I have nothing to say": you are, and you do, and this is how you find out.



3. This book is great to read however one pleases: first page to last; here and there; last page to first; etc. There are many helpful tips to creating moments of peace in life. Wise is neither pedantic nor obtuse. She offers a great deal of tools for those who would like more out of life, more joy, more excitement.



4. I was very skeptical of this book (how can you not be with a name like that), but it ended up proving to be a meaningful read. It's not profound in it's concept: the author simply gives you inner "permission" to act on your impulses and emotions. These suggestions are constuctive and sneak into your thinking throughout your day. It's the kind of book that is not jaw dropping when your done, it's meaning trickles slowly and frees you a little.
   The author did make you feel great but my only concern is that it made her feel greater. Some passages bordered on bragging but still made you feel as though you also had something to contribute. This book proved me wrong, all in all, and is worth giving a shot.



5. What a delight this book is! Profound? Maybe yes, maybe no - but if your bones are settling into a rigid mold, this may be the one to break you loose again. And loose simply FEELS so much better....
   
   Most self-help books take you down serious paths of introspection: Wise bushwacks you into self-knowledge by teaching you to play again, and letting that play reveal new vistas.
   
   Loads of simple, fascinating and just plain fun things to do that will break loose your creativity, your freedom, and your happiness - and will even give you ideas for outrageously fun parties at the same time.

5 comments about Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness.

1. This lovely book shares the wisdom of a teacher of silent meditation and Dharma Dialogues on awakened awareness. It is truly food for the soul.
   
   Catherine Ingram describes her personal experiences in seeking and finding peace in the Now. While mindfulness meditation was a major path, a spiritual teacher catalyzed major shifts in her consciousness. Ingram now teaches mindfulness, through silence, through shared lessons, and (even through the pages of this book) through her personal centeredness.
   
   Seven topics are highlighted: Silence, Tenderness, Embodiment, Genuineness, Discernment, Delight and Wonder. Each is illustrated with lovely stories of Ingram and other seekers on the Path.
   
   Particularly helpful for healing are suggestions for acknowledging the presence of an inner observer who is detached even in the midst of crisis and suffering; for treasuring each present moment rather than living in the past or future; and for accepting that we need not torture ourselves with guilt and remorse because each of us has a lifetime of lessons to learn - and each experience offers us opportunities to develop deeper compassion for others who have their own lessons and make mistakes that may impact negatively on us. We can fester in negative reactions to life that is past or in our anxieties about our future life - or we might just let go of the negativity and move on to the ever-present Now.
   
   I was surprised to discover this book was immediately helpful in finding a stronger connection with my own center of quiet awareness.
   
   There is also a pleasant current of practical advice.
   
   I warmly recommend this book for a good read and re-read.



2. After reading Passionate Presence, I realized that living in the past & future was such a waste of energy! Catherine's straight-forward advise is something so obvious, but something most of us miss....live in the present. You can't go back and change the past and you spend needless time worrying about the future and what might or might not be instead of enjoying what is right in front of us. I do know that I will spend less time worrying and more time enjoying what this wonderful world has to offer and not take things for granted. Thank you Catherine for providing such a simple but honest eye-opener.



3. I am now reading Passionate Presence for the second time, savouring the language, the feeling and the freshness of the author's approach. I strongly recommend this book to all who agree in principle about living in the 'now' but for whom the experience is elusive at best. This is authentic, well crafted and a joy to read.



4. Having just complete the Eckhart Tolle book, The New Earth, this book is exactly what I needed. It provides the practical application I felt Tolle missed, and it brought back the presence of the heart, which I didn't seem to find with Tolle. Perhaps it's just a cultural difference, but for me he is a bit too focused on the intellectual concepts.



5. There are few books about presence that I have found were accessible reading, as well as profound teachings that apply to daily life for everyday people. This book is the fabric of presence brought into form, and reaches me no matter when I pick it up to refresh my own life.

3 comments about Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence (Diamond Body).

1. Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/06)
   
   "Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence" is one of a series of books written about the Diamond Approach. This spiritual-based teaching focuses on its own direct understanding and view of reality. It is believed that most of our human potential exists outside of our consciousness. The Diamond Approach prepares the soul to "experience, perceive, and appreciate" this intelligence. It teaches us to be open and vulnerable to our own true nature.
   
   The Diamond Approach has a strong message: "When we learn how to invite our own true nature to reveal itself, it will guide us toward realizing our spiritual growth, and at the same time, actualize our potential in all walks of life." Brilliancy is the source of intelligence that gives us a brilliant presence in our consciousness. Brilliancy is the same as intelligence. Brilliancy feels like true bliss.
   
   The Diamond Approach can be taught to one student by a teacher, or to a group of students, by several teachers. The teacher guides the student through self-exploration. In addition to explaining what Brilliancy is and its importance, Almaas also teaches us about the method used and how it works. A large part of "Brilliancy" is written in dialogue form taken from trainings in Colorado. This is where we see how the processing works and, through the eight trainings involved, we can see the evolution of the process. The people in this program learn about their relationships to others. A big part of it focuses on our relationships with our fathers. Unresolved issues need to be dealt with and resolved. The Diamond Approach works with this.
   
   "Brilliancy" is fascinating. The idea that our intelligence comes from a source outside of us and not just from our brains is very interesting. It also makes a lot of sense to me. It points to how we are all one. When I was reading this, I felt like I was connecting with something huge. The desire to achieve this level of personal growth and to reach out and be a part of something like this is huge. I loved reading the dialogues about what people are experiencing as they go through this beautiful program. "Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence" is a must read for people who truly want positive change in their lives and that are willing to work for it.



2. Almaas brings his unique perspective and clarity to the subject of real intelligence. A bit heady but brilliant.



3. I was very disappointed with this book. It was boring and did not have anything substantial to offer. Compared to Almas previous works like the Diamond approach series, this book seemed way off track and did not live up to the title. I will not recommend this to anyone. In fact I am trying to give mine away.

2 comments about Happiness and the Human Spirit: The Spirituality of Becoming the Best You Can Be.

1. This is a good book for people who are looking to add spirituality to find happiness in their lives. I was expecting it to help psychotherapists who want to add spirituality into their treatment, but found it somewaht lacking in this area.



2. I love Dr and Rabbi Twerski, however this book is really just fluff. You can breeze through it in a few hours and read some nice stories, but it didn't give me a great picture on "Being the best you can be". I was expecting something more detailed and directed towards strategies on becoming more spiritual and happy. You don't get much of that here. I was also expecting him to draw on the wealth of jewish sources on spirituality, ethics, happiness etc. I guess this book is directed to a broader audience and hence he might have wanted (unfortunately) to avoid making it a "jewish book".

5 comments about Paths beyond Ego (New Consciousness Reader).

1. This book is a wonderful series of essays for those of us interested in transpersonal experiences. It was very inspiring and helped me experientially get closer to transcendence. The richness in content comes from many people discussing the transpersonal experience from many different perspectives. I'd highly recommend this book. Another book on transpersonal psychology I'd recommend is "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. It is the best book that explains what transcendence really means! It explains these things in a way that everyone can understand! Both books are excellent!



2. This book is touted as linking "us to the timeless wisdom of the ages." Its wisdom is about the equivalent of a cow patty splatting on a flat rock. Seriously, it's highly academic and seems to me designed to be read by phd types who are researching a thesis. Anyway, I couldn't finish it. I wanted how-to and got endless "erudite" discussion of well, something like the old theme of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. But no methodology for "doing" anything but sputter.
   Robert



3. I was so relieved and pleasantly surprised when I opened up and began to read "Paths Beyond Ego." As this was a required text for my university class of Transpersonal Psychology, and just one of many text books I have to read, this wonderfully written book makes study time a joy. So often school text is very dry and technical so as to require the use of a dictionary every paragraph, just to get the idea of what point the author is trying to relay. Roger Walsh and Frances Vaughan use brilliant examples and metaphors in the form of stories and poems that keep your interest and explain difficult concepts in the simplest ways. This is a wonderful addition to any library that focuses on transpersonal issues.



4. My first reading in transperosnal psychology. The range of texts, the editing, the relevance and the selection itself make this the best introduction to transpersonal psychology. A typically American product of the highest quality. Highly recommended.



5. Great book wiht a variety of views from Grof, Wilber, Jung, etc. For those wanting to expand themselves in the transpersonal.

5 comments about Transforming Trauma: EMDR: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Freeing the Mind, Clearing the Body, and Opening the Heart.

1. This book provides a wealth of clinical examples of EMDR, but doesn't provide any information about what EMDR is or any understanding about how it works. The author admits that she is "not trained as a cognitive-behaviorist" and thus rationalizes her lack of explanation of the theory of EMDR. The author is also an EMDR trainer, which calls into question her choice of case studies. EMDR is a patented method (as the little "r's in a circle" keep reminding us) and it would seem that the author thus has a conflict of interest in selecting which case histories are described. The cases are presented in a gee whiz style that undercuts any sense of objectivity, and as a consequence, the books ends up sounding like a long info-mercial. Too bad, because EMDR is an interesting therapy, but may benefit from a more objective approach than what is given here.



2. This book was just what I needed to learn about EMDR. She brought everything to a level very easy to comprehend. Many case studies. Just an all around excellent read!



3. Easy to read and helpful for understanding the process of EMDR. I would have to agree with the previous reviewer Laura M that PEACEFUL HEART : A Woman's Journey to Healing is a must-read. Aimee Jo Martin's story clearly illustrates and details her journey with successful EMDR treatments. Quite powerful if you want to really see how effective EMDR can be.



4. I read several books on this topic and found this to be the most scientific and includes a lot more references. Other books tended to have more personal, anecdotal stories.



5. Transforming Trauma: EMDR: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Freeing the Mind, Clearing the Body, and Opening the Heart
   I was able to gain an understanding of EMDR with easy to understand, not too hard or simple language.This book is a quick read with all of the information I need.

5 comments about Peaceful Living: Daily Meditations for Living with Love, Healing, and Compassion.

1. Ms. Mackenzie's book brings focus and connection
   whenever I need to have calm and presence in my life. Each page shows her vulnerability and courage as she shares her knowledge and experience of Compassionate Communication.
   
   I suggest this book to all participants of my workshops as it delves into the basics and advance practices of Nonviolent Communication. There is also an excellent index to quickly find topics that the reader would enjoy more clarity on.
   
   A perfect book and excellent gift for the beginner or experienced Compassionate Communication Practicioner.
   
   Rick Goodfriend
   [...]



2. I have been using this book for a few months now as part of my daily reading and reflection. It makes my daily practice easier because I look forward to reading each daily portion. I like the combination of principle and practical example in each meditation.
   
   Using this book helps me remember and renew my intention to live compassionately and joyfully, based on the principles of Nonviolent Communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg.



3. I've never been one for affirmations or daily meditations, but this book is very useful if you want to change the way you communicate and move through the world, especially if you experience social stress and frustration. It's designed like a perennial calendar, you can start on today's date and keep using the book year 'round, and start again. The format is based on the idea that you begin again each day with new opportunities to make changes, and acknowledges that change is hard, requiring daily practice. The small daily reminders take the big ideas and put them into small bite size pieces that aren't overwhelming. I am reassured that I can work on one small piece at a time, and that over time adjustments will come.



4. I want peace as much as the next person, and maybe more however this book missed the mark for me. I was looking for a daily meditation book but after a few weeks I just didn't get it. I know that peace begins with me. I felt it was a negitive book.



5. Mary Mackenzie's book opened my eyes to the importance of changing the way I communicate with people so that I can truly connect with them. I am working on giving up my judgments and criticisms in favor of focusing on the underlying feelings and needs. This book introduced a process through which I can grow and change and improve my relationships. I highly recommend it!

1 comments about Chicken Soup for Every Mom's Soul: 101 New Stories of Love and Inspiration for Moms of all Ages (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. I guess I have to give this book a great review, as I have a story in it. I bought quite a number of this book! Seriously, there are a lot of nice stories inside and lots of good reading.

5 comments about Ano Ano: The Seed--The Classic Trilogy.

1. This book is an inspiration for anyone who has questions about life in general. It offers simple answers and comfort thoughts for those experiencing difficult times.
   
   Simple and concise. Wonderfully illustrated. Highly recommended!



2. I love this book. It answers a lot of questions that we might have as seekers of solutions. A lot of times, I just have my friends open to a page and read to see if it answers a question on their mind. It reads like poetry and always inspires. The aloha spirit and love of life shines through.



3. This is the most amazing book I have ever read - it offers incredible wisdom on every page. I only just found it after my Dad was given a poem out of it about four years ago after he was treated badly by someone and the poem began with "and they were taught the laws of life...that their treatment of others would return at last upon themselves...we get what we give and to the same degree...but not always from those with whom we've dealt." So I looked it up on Amazon and yay I managed to find it!! You will find comfort on every page especially if you are going through a hard time and no matter what your religion - you realise it's about the bigger picture. Feelings are just visitors - that's all they are - they come and they go. You can change your world by the way you think. We choose to take offence - yes it is a choice. Any friend who is going through a hard time I will ask them to open a page and see what wisdom they see there. Probably my best book purchase yet.



4. If I could only have one book, it would be this one. Pages 9 and 10 tell us everything we need to know to MANIFEST - beautifully and succinctly.



5. I am only a dozen or so pages into The Fire Lily and I have to admit I am rather surprised as to how (a) how quick this is to read, (b) how poetic it is in its writing (reminds me of the Tao te Ching in its flow) and (c) how truth resonates no matter who writes it. I am new to the whole Hawaiian philosophic/religious/mystical tradition, so I cannot say this is a good or bad introduction to said tradition. It is, however, a good eye-opener to how we should live our lives. We've all grown up learning these "rules", but sometimes we forget them. It also offers new ideas on how to approach this thing we call life.
   I highly recommend one read this, if for no other reason than to pick up a new perspective on old teachings and a new perspective on perhaps a different way to look at things.
   It does not ask you to believe its truth or that you follow it, only that you read it and decide for yourself if this truth will work for you.

5 comments about Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel.

1. OK, first of all, let me tell you HOW I gave this book two stars. It's actually an average. I gave it 1 star for the story and 4 for intent. Since I can't give halves, it gets a 2. I'll explain story / intent below.
   
   I was at a business seminar getting ideas for my business when Brendon jumped on stage and said some funny, mildly informative, and (a few) thought provoking things. Nothing spectacular here, on stage or in the book. It's really all been done and said before. But what propels people to the top is marketing and push, push, push. There's a lot of mediocre product out there that "makes it." Well, at least temporarily. Only time wil tell.
   
   The book is rather contrived with a-man-goes-to-carnival instead of heaven theme (The Five People You Meet in Heaven) to discover truths about his life. But some serious detractors were the appearance of such characters as a wizard, a guy named Harsh, and other obvious labeling. I'm sorry, this was almost Mary-Higgins-Clark-forecasting bad. Like I said, nothing spectacular. But let me tell you what's going on here.
   
   This guy teaches how to get your stuff into the public's hands. You do so by contacting for-profit and non-profit companies. He did so. You can see by the CEO's who wrote blurbs for his book. Well, they didn't--CEO's are too busy--they probably picked from a list of blurbs. And a good point of note here is that's how it's usually done. Either people who like you or benefit from association with you (a certain percentage of the proceeds go to the companies Burchard partnered with)give you a blurb for your book.
   
   Also what's interesting is the people on Amazon who felt duped into having to read this book. Maybe the companies he partnered with made their employees read / buy it. Don't know. But just like email blasts on Amazon that shoots a book to number one based on who you know (joint ventures), this book will eventually fly or die on its own. With all his promoting, expert blurbs [even Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul guys), and James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy)] it's still only doing OK on Amazon. #653,392 to my 801,353 (my Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe), which actually got as high as 17,000 WITHOUT CORPORATE SPONSORS. Go figure.
   
   But he is making thousands if not millions training people to change and such, so he's used his book as an in to his profession. But in this day-n-age of the master marketer, people can shoot to the top with a book without much substance or content. So buyer beware!
   
   Oh, as far as intent is concerned, Brendon's heart is in the right place and he does give a percentage to charity. However, he is digging the TONS of cash piling up because of his second chance, his Golden Ticket given for another chance. So learn from Brendon how to make change as he takes your change, and then some, to the bank.



2. Life's Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard is a pleasant, satisfying, enjoyable read that is, above all, accessible to all audiences. The priceless lessons and teachings in this book are valuable for anyone at any stage of life. From the first page to the last, this fast-paced story is completely absorbing, engrossing, and enthralling. In short, it is a very hard book to put down.
   
   Burchard is clearly an experienced and accomplished writer. The cadence, pace, and rhythm of his writing is lulling and relaxing. He takes the reader on an effortless journey. He meticulously crafts a thoroughly detailed story, and takes great care to never leave a loose end or un-answered question. His careful attention to detail allows the reader to become completely immersed in the characters and the story. Beyond this entertaining tale is a vast reservoir of knowledge. Throughout this book, Burchard carefully weaves a plethora of valuable insights and lessons.
   
   While Burchard's wisdom and advice are priceless lessons for any reader, each of his teachings on self-realization are made abundantly clear. While this certainly eliminates confusion on the part of the reader, it leaves no room for interpretation or exploration beyond the obvious. If the reader can manage to overlook the predictability and formulaic redundancy of Life's Golden Ticket, they will discover and enjoyable and pleasant read that is brimming with valuable knowledge and insight.



3. I bought this book last week and read it in one sitting. The characters may have been a bit trite, but the overall message is profound. The lessons in each chapter can have a profound impact on your life if you implement all of them. From the message that you need to follow your life purpose to experience life fully to the message that your dreams matter and you'll live a slow death if you don't live into them.
   
   How we sometimes make decisions and choices and live other people's lives instead of our own - which is a big mistake. Peppered all through the book are nuggets of inspiration like this.
   
   I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for some inspirational/personal development info wrapped up in a touching story.



4. Despite having many important things to do I have just finished reading the book - having read it straight through in a single sitting. It held my attention totally and while it is a simple story, simply told, the lessons within are the most important, and the story inspiring.



5. For something meant to be an inspirational novel, I didn't feel inspired at all. It was one of the books I had actually looked forward to reading - I'm a fan of inspirational novels, especially when they are original and provide a new way to look at things. Not so with this book. On every page I encountered exaggeration, cliches, and dialogue and scenes so corny I had to cringe. There was nothing motivating or new about this book. I don't recommend it.