5 comments about The Impersonal Life.

1. I have lots of books that I have studied on spirituality and was asking for some guidance about a week ago and suddenly found myself choosing this little book stuck up in my closet. I have trouble putting it down. It is so wonderful in the guidance I was seeking. I cannot say enough good about it. It came at a time when I needed it and I have not been the same since. It certainly was an answer to prayer.



2. This book is for people who wish to open up their thinking, and subsequently change their material conditions.This is not for people who believe in some literal, anthropomorphic "God." But rather, it uses Xian teachings as a metaphor to reveal universal ideas.This type of material long preceeded titles like "The Secret."It's age-old wisdom.But don't get it if you're a literal-minded Bible thumper who subscribes to a supernaturalist cosmology.It probably isn't for you.



3. I was given a copy of The Impersonal Life many years ago, and although I've read scores of spiritual books over the years, I keep coming back to this little book. It answers the "meaning of life" questions that other spiritual books sidestep. It clearly stands above all the rest.
   
   Is is hard on the ego? Maybe. But when you really think about (meditate on) what's said (and not just do a quick read and make a judgment), these are the answers that hold up. Although the language is simple and concise, the meaning and implications run deep.



4. I am still only 3/4 of my way through this book. The books i read before this were Ervin Seale's classics on the metaphysical translation of the bible. I am not a 'Christian', but even so they made a lot of sense to me. They also provided a 'soft start' to this brutally honest book.
   
   Why is honesty always described as 'brutal' though...I do wonder at that?!! Perhaps a reflection on our ego-self, that lies to us and makes us soft and weak in our ability to deal with the truth.
   
   Maybe thats why the 'God' described here sounds so uncompromising. This book is all about understanding 'tough love', the kind of love and understanding that really changes you and informs you because it loves you. That does not hold out false promises. You need to be either ready to really liberate yourself or you can go back to the la-la land of a 'sunday - only religion' and business as usual on the rest of the days.
   
   I find it interesting that the 'bible reading christians' are so opposed to this book in the reviews ...in many ways the bible speaks the same truths, or for that matter so does the Quran, Gita or what have you. How deep are we prepared to read in these books? Or do we just use them to further the ego's demands?
   
   Only read this book if you are ready for some in depth introspection with an open mind. it will change your life if you get out of your way. Cannot be measured in terms of star ratings, but i give it the max available here.



5. This is about your true spiritual self not what your earth-bound body makes you think you are. I first came across this book in 1985 and was astounded as to its' revelation of truth.
   A must for every human being!!!

3 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul The Book of Christmas Virtues: Inspirational Stories to Warm the Heart (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. Touching, inspiring stories, including "The Right Touch" which is from another heartwarming holiday bestseller, A Christmas Dozen: Christmas Stories to Warm the Heart. What a pre-Christmas feast. Best served starting with the Thanksgiving weekend. Why wait for Christmas morning to enjoy these feel-good stories that will put you in the mood for Christmas?



2. Okay, I'm a sucker for a good sob story that pulls at the heartstrings. Unfortunately, this didn't do it. I own many of the Chicken Soup books and this one in particular had the potential for hitting the zenith of Chicken-Soup-ish-ness. But the stories seemed fake, not particularly heartwarming, and contrived.



3. Having enjoyed several other "Chicken Soup" books my daughter & I were disappointed in this volume. Not all of the entries are personal anecdotes from people. The ones that are, are not that interesting. I would not recommend this particular volume to anyone.

3 comments about The Art of Joyful Living.

1. This book can be understood by anyone, not just those interested in esoteric, spiritual practices. It's full of true wisdom that can be applied to daily life. It gives very sensible advice.



2. This book can be read over a hundred times! There is always something new turn learn from it. A book for everyone seeking peace and thoughtfulness.



3. The more I read Swami Rama the more I have to recognize the power of simplicity and its richness. I am one of those who like to intellectualize a bit, but when I get confused enough all there is to do is go back to this very simple book. This book does not requiered any esoteric knowledge of yoga but just openess and sincerity from the reader. If you haven't read it, I almost envy you for the sweet pleasure waiting for you. Once you will have tasted Swami Rama's teachings I suggest you visit www.swamij.com , a treasure chest of informations and guidance by one of (if not the) closest disciple of Swami Rama.

5 comments about Let Go, Let Miracles Happen: The Art of Spiritual Surrender.

1. I am no stranger to self-help books, the power of positive thinking types, especially. I used to believe, more than I do now, that you can simply visualize and set goals and make great things happen in your life, simply by believing that they will -- sending it out to the universe, and all that.
   
   Those fairly innocent beliefs, and a lot of hard work, on top of personal drive and ambition, went a long way toward making things happen and a great deal of success in my life; but in all my naive optimism, I was ill-prepared for trouble and hard times, when they came.
   
   Although I was raised in a highly-organized religious environment, I no longer consider myself religious, so much as spiritual, which to me is more all-encompassing, and reassuring. I believe in God, if that's what we want to call it -- the universal power, or force that exists within everything and everybody. Phew. Going deep here, and I didn't mean to. I'm simply trying to explain that I recognize, and certainly appreciate, in a very spiritual way, that things happen for a reason.
   
   So, stuff was happening in my life, some bad stuff, and out of the blue (?), something else came along (this book), something good, that helped me a great deal. As sometimes happens, I ignored the help for a long time, from April, when I first received the book, to June, when I found it again, at one of those crucial moments in life, and read it. It was not what I expected it to be, and, honest to God, it saved my life, because it was what I needed -- at the right time, in the right place.
   
   This is not a preachy, born-again, evangelical kind of book. Perhaps it is as simple as "misery loves company," but I believe more likely that when faced with seemingly-insurmountable challenges and crises in our lives, it helps to know other people have been there, and they have survived to live, love, and laugh again.
   
   -- Sherri Caldwell, Humor Columnist & Reviewer at [...]
   Co-Author, The Rebel Housewife Rules: To Heck With Domestic Bliss!



2. Why? Because you have released to God and left it in his care as you do your part in earnest. If you can get past the references to A Course in Miracles, Kathy Cordova's book is a must read for those who can't surrender because of a number of reasons. Kathy's guidance can walk you through the thought process required to gently learn this practice and reap the benefits. Remember ... Moses stammered and tended sheep ... and before the burning bush encounter on Mount Sinai probably didn't even conceive of his role in the scheme of things. God, however, had other ideas and while Moses was a shepherd and Pharoah the most powerful man on Earth at the time ... Moses succeeded and the Hebrews were released from bondage.
   
   Whether you are religious or not .... there are some gleanings you can take from the following lesson from Watton on the Web.
   
   The word surrender in the dictionary means, "To give or hand over voluntarily."
   
   Gethsemane For Jesus Mark 14:32-46 (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46)
   
   Gethsemane
   
   It is interesting to note that Gethsemane means 'the place of the olive press.' Olives were harvested when they were ripe and crushed completely between two stones, so that the rich, green olive oil, that spoke of provision, sustenance, and healing on a physical level could be produced. That same oil was used for anointing in the Old Testament of the Kings and the Priests. Isaiah 53:5 prophesying about Jesus says, "He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Like the olives Jesus was 'crushed' at Calvary, so that the oil and the anointing of the Holy Spirit could be poured out at Pentecost on those first believers. That same anointing is available for Christians today.
   
   Gethsemane For Us
   Romans 12:1&2
   
   1. Knowing the One we are surrendering to
   If we are to put our complete trust in God, and surrender to Him, it is important that we 'know' Him. In Romans 10:9 Paul has told us how we can come to know Him through salvation, by believing and confessing "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." In preceding chapters of Romans, he also speaks of God's mercy to us, how we can know victory over our sin, how we can live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit, and of His incredible love for each one of us, that nothing can separate us from. It is possible to have a religious system, but never be changed on the inside. Salvation can never be through a system of rules, but only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who became our Passover lamb, and shed His blood at the cross, so that our sins could be completely forgiven. It is a free gift of God, not just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge, that is willing to give Him first place in our lives.
   
   2. We empty ourselves of our own will
   Today we live in a world that is geared to self-fulfilment, a generation where men and women put themselves first, above God, and above their fellow men. So how can we empty ourselves of our own will? How can we discern what God's will for our lives is? The answer is found in the first verse of Romans chapter twelve. "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship." Paul then goes on in verse two to tell the Christians in Rome what that means practically "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will." To be able to discern God's will for our lives and surrender to Him we have to get rid of the worldly thoughts and attitudes that have been programmed into our minds. The emptying of self is a continuous process, and we have to be willing to open ourselves up to God and allow Him to reveal areas in our lives where we are allowing worldly attitudes to rule. As He shines His light into certain areas, we have a choice, do we hold on to them or repent of them and surrender them to God to work in those areas? Can we like Jesus be willing to say "Yet not what I will, but what you will." Jesus won the victory for you over your self will, in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Garden, God saw the struggle that Jesus was going through and sent an angel to strengthen Him. In the same way He knows our struggle, but He Himself will come to strengthen us.



3. Thank you, Kathy Cordova for writing this book! This book mirrors all the abundance of love we can receive if we turn failures or so called mistakes into positive learning lessons, and let go of the drama of a bad dream. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, the examples in the book are taken from the real life, and theyre really true, and outcomes are unexpected happiness, always when the case writer let go of something first.
   
   Now this book Let Go and let miracles happen has already taught me many inspirational lessons about letting go.
   
   Who hasnt been in hopeless love - to be dumped by someone - well let go of the hatred - and let something good come into your life - from an unexpected place.
   
   I can read it in the morning when I go to work, there are small chapters full of wisdom stories from the real life. Thats also part of the secret of letting go: to live your life here and now. SO let go and let your miracles happen!
   
   
   Heart Against Rock



4. I recognized so much of myself in Kathy's story, in learning to let go and trust. I, too, am the consummate overachiever, who believes that if I only just apply myself (and read the right motivational/inspiration/self-help book/tapes) and think positive thoughts (oh, yes, The Secret!) I can achieve all my dreams. I literally burst into tears as I continued to absorb Kathy's story: oh, how did I get to be so controlling? Why was I so afraid to let go of my high expectations? Why was I so afraid to trust? How had I become so distanced from God: so committed to my own will?
   
   My husband found me ten minutes later, sobbing in my bed, scribbling a list in my journal of all the things I was trying to control, all the things I needed to surrender. At the time, I was navigating about 10 different major life transitions. Let Go brought me incredible peace. I realized that I didn't have to have all the answers. That I didn't have to control everything. That most of my fears, worries, anxieties and problems stemmed from one common problem: my inability to trust. I had lost my faith. I was trying to do it all myself. I was trying to force my will on every area of our lives (after all, high overachiever that I am, I like to believe that I know what's best.) Could I let go, and trust that God holds me in the palm of his hand? That he has a better plan for me than the one I'm trying to make for myself?
   
   These are the kinds of questions that Kathy answers in her book, through her story, as well as through the stories of other contributors.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone who's studied the law of attraction, and yet feels that there is something more.



5. This book grabbed me with the first chapter! This book will change lives! BUY IT AND READ IT!!!

2 comments about The Six Archetypes of Love: From Innocent to Magician.

1. I know I will go back to read parts of this book again. Allan Hunter offers the reader so many insights and words of wisdom about the developmental stages of love, that the pages of my copy of The Six Archetypes of Love are dotted with post-it-notes and colored with highlighted phrases.
   Allan's book is about an absorbing and especially important question during these difficult times - How do we grow in love?
   Using the archetypes, the author explores how our concept and practice of love evolves as we mature spiritually. In the Warrior-Lover, Monarch Pair and Magician chapters, he shows us what love could look like in our relationships and in our society.
   He certainly gives the reader a worthy goal to strive towards!



2. How I wish there had been a book like this when I entered adulthood! The Six Archetypes of Love is short and concise but packed with valuable tools for seeing our lives and our love lives as a spiritual journey through six archetypal stages. It gives us a way to put our lives and relationships into perspective, to see where we are, where we can go and how we might get to where we want to go. By showing how we are always transitioning through the six archetypes of growth evident in all the major literature of the last 3,000 years Allan Hunter shows us ways to be conscious creators of our lives and to grow in love. A truly helpful guide for all who puzzle over love's many dimensions. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about 365 Yoga.

1. As a student new to yoga, I found this book fantastically helpful. I really enjoyed the quotations which I thought well chosen and a good introduction to the philosophy behind the exercises. The book is well laid out and easily digestible, something important to me as a beginner and I was impressed by the author's own writings and her obvious love for her subject. I'm sure this book will appeal to both newcomer and old hand, I thought it a wonderful read and it has certainly inspired me to look deeper into the practice.



2. This book is a great inspiration and resource for yoga practitioners. I enjoyed randomly opening up to a section, then using what I read to help inspire my practice. It also works well as a one-a-day reading. Highly recommended for yoga practitioners and those seeking to ground their physical practice in the spiritual and poetic.



3. I have found Julie Rappaport's book 365 Yoga: Daily Meditations to be an insightful look into the world of yoga. This book steps beyond the usual yoga pose instruction into the deeper meanings and questions that face a modern practioner of yoga. As a yoga teacher, I find the quotes helpful sometimes for my own practice and at other times to read aloud in class.



4. Julie Rappaport has compiled a book that is chock full of insights and revelations. Even though there are the expected gems from such classic yoga texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras, Rappaport has also included tidbits from modern yoga masters such as Erich Schiffman. But that's not all! There are descriptions of poses, quotations from Jung and other philosophers, poetry and Rappaport's own musings on yoga.
   
   You may decide to go through this book, a quote a day - or just pick one at random. It is a book that any yoga pracitioner will turn to time and time again. I love it!



5. This book would make a great little gift for the yoga lovers in your life. Each chapter is short and readable in mere minutes. Yet, each chapter is insightful and will give you something to think about. Beautiful too. Highly recommended!

5 comments about The Women's Book of Empowerment.

1. Many books of affirmations speak to creating the life you want - but few address the issues women face like The Woman's Book of Empowerment.
   Written by author Charlene Proctor, the book's meditations reinforce seven spiritual lessons introduced in Proctor's Let Your Goddess Grow!, also newly released. Written in present tense and with a brightly positive sense of completion, the affirmations describe what we intend - rather than what is. The idea, Proctor writes, is to focus on living consciously and powerfully, co-creating the future with our Higher Power.
   "A positive, affirmative statement is a declaration to the universe that you choose to take the upper hand and never accept anything less than what you deserve," Proctor writes in her introduction. "Affirmations are always made in the present tense, and they train the mind to stay in the present moment. They help you arrest the impulse to self-doubt and give you more energy to focus your attention on a life filled with prosperity, love, good health, and happiness."
   Affirmations cover virtually every aspect of life, from simple boredom and laziness to "legal action against me" and a variety of workplace crises, many specific to women. Proctor also reiterates that every challenge comes with the opportunity to gain wisdom and insight.



2. Every day we have an opportunity to choose our attitude and focus our intentions in the present moment. Because of this choice, our own personal lives and all that we see in this world originate within the mind...Changing our perception of worldly experiences is he only way to separate the concept of failure from our vocabulary and substitute a language of success and learning. ~Charlene M. Proctor
   
   Charlene M. Proctor has created a tiny book with a lot of powerful affirmations. The main topics include:
   
   Insight
   Balance
   Resiliency
   Your Authentic Self
   Abundance
   Corporate Soul/Work
   The Goddess in You
   
   Within this beautiful little book you will find solutions for everything from boredom and loneliness to facing destructive patterns in your life. You can find affirmations to manage the daily complexity of your life or create an entire new future by finding out who you truly are and stepping into a new environment.
   
   Example of affirmation: "Repeating Same Patterns"
   
   I keep experiencing the same events in my life because I have not learned a lesson at the deep level of the soul. I am committed to changing my behavior, attitude, and negative belief systems. I learn from past mistakes. Life is a self-educational process and I am a perceptive individual. I watch others as they model what I need to learn . I love all my talents as well as my imperfections because that is what makes me the beloved person I am.
   
   Most of the affirmations encourage you to look at life in a more positive way and encourage a change in your thinking patterns so you can eventually start to move out of negative patterns of behavior.
   
   Lots of the affirmations solve life problems like a crying baby, unemployment, exercise hurdles, lost pets, regrets, insomnia and taking care of aging parents.
   
   As you look through this book you will realize how much you have survived in your short time on this earth and that alone can be empowering.
   
   Probably the most useful way to use this book is to buy two books. One to keep on your bookshelf for when you want to look up topics and one for cutting out affirmations and posting them around in places where you can read them daily. This book would be perfect as a set of cards. I hope the author will consider that option in the near future. You can make your own cards or laminate various topics. I think some of these affirmations can change your life. It can take years to start thinking differently and sometimes life can be a slow walk out of disempowering situations all while you have your eyes on heaven.
   
   If you are looking forward to a more peaceful and positive lifestyle, then this book can help you achieve those dreams. Sometimes it is about taking control of your life, but sometimes it is just letting go of the past.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



3. The book wasn't quite what I expected. It was nice but I wanted it to be a bit more specific on helping me for the day not quite so dreamy or wistful.



4. Very motivational and interesting book, I would have liked a bit more on the affirmations (as to explain more deeply) but overall a good book to have.



5. Great inspiration in this small book. Read a quote each day on life in all areas.

1 comments about The Art Of Changing: Your Path To A Better Life.

1. I never realized how important it was to think and behave differently if I want my life to get better. I guess I was just in denial or something. When I started reading this book I had a light bulb moment and then couldn't put it down. I applaud Ms. Peabody for being so honest about her own transformation. I bought 4 copies for my friends and they loved it too. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Small Pleasures: Finding Grace in a Chaotic World.

1. This is an extraordinary collection of essays,which will enhance and enlighten your daily life.Justine Toms draws upon a rich treasure trove of life experience that includes spending time with literally hundreds of the world's leading social architects,creative artists, scientists and spiritual teachers.
   M.A.



2. I am familiar with the voice of Justine Toms as the sensitive, insightful, intelligent interviewer on New Dimensions Radio. Getting to read her words at a very sweet slow pace, just as I need to hear them or before I go to sleep at night, is such a treat. It is a HUGE pleasure to read Justine's varied reflections of a life well lived on a spiritual path.
   
   Linda Merryman



3. Justine has a wonderful ability to share her insights of whatever moment she's experiencing with the full expression of a true storyteller. So heartfelt and genuine.
   
   In Small Pleasures, because of Justine's wide ranging experiences on the spiritual quest, we are treated to a satisfying assortment of thoughts on life that has something for everyone. Did I mention that she's an optimist?



4. Knowing Justine Toms for over 20 years I've always been struck by her ability to create snapshots from my own memories as she relates a new learning she has experienced. To have her now doing the same "in print" is a blessing I am now able to easily share with others; I have at least a dozen friends who will love Small Pleasures as much as I do. I'm getting out my Christmas gift list right away and will let Amazon.com handle the shipping.



5. What a beautiful book! Enjoy a little bit each day - like a sweet morsel you set aside for a lovely treat.
   A gem of a gift for special friends, too!

5 comments about Freedom Is: Liberating Your Boundless Potential.

1. Brandon Bays' bestseller THE JOURNEY has received much attention, and her latest spiritual growth guide FREEDOM IS: LIBERATING YOUR BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL promises the same, providing an overview of freedom as it relates to daily living. Unlike most titles on the topic it's not about freedom - it's about experiencing the feeling. Chapters provide case histories of master/student interactions and examples and plenty of first-person reflections from the author's own seminars and experiences.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. This wonderful book will not provide a quick fix or easy answers. It is a book meant to be read slowly, tasted and savoured - and, if you want to get the most out of it, roll up your sleeves and be prepared to follow the guidance given to discover the things that are really holding you back. Keep it next to your bed. This book gives you the tools (for only whatever you pay for it) that otherwise you'll pay thousands for at Journey Seminars (that said, the Seminars are priceless). If you are not ready to face who you really are (and you're great!) then don't buy this book.



3. ASIN:1577316002 Freedom Is: Liberating Your Boundless Potential
   This book can truly set you free. Read a chapter at a time, doing the exercise at the end of the chaper, and you will see amazing results. If there was a ten star rating, thats how I would rate it. It is a must own book! Peggy Cashman, Canton, NY



4. Many of spend our whole lives searching. Perhaps, we are trying to find that something that will make us good enough, perfect, or worthy of love. Still, it seems that the more effort we put into the search, the less we actually seem to find.
   
   What if we already had everything we needed to be whole? What if the entire time we had been searching for just that right job, the perfect spouse, that right dogma, or the ultimate therapist we had already had all the tools we needed. What if we found out that all that energy we spent running away from our feelings, our natural inclinations, and our flaws was actually making our journey more difficult? What if we found out that we could make a change right here and now and for the rest of our lives?
   
   Freedom Is explores these and many other life changing notions. Based upon the popular Journeywork, the author explores effortless being; nonattachment; present-moment awareness, honoring and reverence; emotions, gratitude, love, forgiveness, and enlightenment.
   
   I thought the material in Freedom Is was well presented and approachable. I felt extremely safe in the hands of the author as I began to explore some very personal, deeply hidden, and potentially scary issues. Moreover, after completing the book, I felt strong enough to carry what I had learned into my real life. One thing I do suggest though is that you also purchase the CD that accompanies this book. It will make the meditations and exercises a whole lot easier to accomplish without having to try to create your own.



5. This is a very inspiration work which helps bring the highly paradoxical and often incomprehensible philosophy of nondualism or Advaita Vedanta down to every day life. Nondual religions like Zen or Hindu Advaita or Dzogchen are perhaps the highest expressions of human religious intelligence, but the teaching that "everything is consciousness" or "any effort to get it takes your further away," or "there is nothing to achieve," can leave the average person (I count myself as one) a bit lost--- especially if you don't have the good fortune to be around a realized nondualist teacher. That's where the book comes in-- in a market flooded with New Age books which often boil down to how use the universe to satisfy your ego wants, this a book that points the way to true satisfaction. It gives good, "practical," if I may use that word, guidance to achieving a state of non-achieving. It's a nice "how to" book for the path in which there is no "how to." It points us to that paradoxical space wherein we must make a total committment to allow things to happen without making any effort. The personal anecdotes sometimes go on a bit too long to make their points, but the author's life and healing are impressive enough to make her approach credible,...actually incredible (in the positive sense of that word, meaning miraculous).