5 comments about The Awakened Life.

1. This book may epitomise Wayne Dyer's entertaining style of wrapping wisdom in anecdotes which are sometimes funny, sometimes moving and certainly compelling listening.

   I wanted to hear it right through in the one afternoon, and once again only days after the first playing, which is unusual for me. If it was a book, you would call it a "page turner".

   It hangs together well despite being a very varied collection of observations and stories, and it really transported me to a somewhat better place while I was listening to it. (Which was handy at the time!)

   As we say in Australia, a darn good yarn.




2. I have read and listened to quite a few of Dwayne's books and tapes and I have to say that this one is the best that I have gone through (I haven't read the "Erroneous Zones" though). But really, maybe it just hit me at this particular moment, but it started really speaking to me. Very good ideas, they are comforting in a way, yes, but also challenging, at least for all of you who have been driving your lives seeking the ultimate success and did not find it there at the top. Well, good job Dwayne!



3. I've listened to a great many self-help books from Louise Hay's classic "You can heal your life", to Caroline Myss, medical intuitive, to Deepak Chopra. This is by far the best. I loaned it from my local library and decided I had to have it to listen to again and again. Concepts and ideas to living the "purposeful" life and to solving life's so-called problems. I am ordering the cassette version of this book today! If you've ever wondered about your life's journey and how you are supposed to live, and what the meaning of life is, get this audio book! You will definitely enjoy Wayne's upbeat, excited, and personally motivating book. Also, his voice is comforting, soothing, friendly and never condescending.



4. I am! A Wayne Dyer fan, but I am only rating this 4 because I feel it is more a summary of all his general thinking, nothing new. But as alway a great product from Wayne Dyer.



5. Great for listening in the car. Feel it has had a positive impact on my everyday life.

1 comments about The Way of Transformation: Daily Life as Spiritual Practice.

1. While this book is in many ways something of a spiritual classic, it might be a little arcane for the non-scholarly reader. Durkheim, as one of the first wave of European scholar-practitioners of the Eastern martial and meditative arts, certainly had a much more profound grasp of the subjects than would arise from mere study, and speaks from the heart.
   
   However his terminology and the intellectual framework within which he develops his approach to what I suppose we can include in the 'Library of Perennial Philosophy' was so much his own that it is rather difficult to get on his wavelength. I wouldn't recommend it for the casual reader.

5 comments about Peak States of Consciousness: Theory and Applications, Volume 1: Breakthrough Techniques for Exceptional Quality of Life.

1. I've looked at many books on how to transform your life. Most focus on the old paradigm of "work at it until you get it" with regards to transformation.
   
   This book takes a novel approach - we have these peak states and capabilities inherent in us as our birthright and simply need to find ways to access them.
   
   This book is not for those who want to stay comfortable - it will expose you to theories and concepts which stretch your mind and beliefs. If you are willing to go on a exploration of the more exotic parts of life, then try out the work presented in this book.



2. I've purchased many books on the mind, spirit, human potential, etc. Finally, here is one that lays out a model and then tries to work from it to logical conclusions. The main author makes no claim to perfection - he strikes me a a guy who is doing the best he can and just wants something that works. Most others I've read were either wedded to their pet theory and would ignore reality if they clashed (most religious type practices) or else they were very general or personal without detailed working guides (such as some of the fascinating writings of Robert Anton Wilson).
   
   My interpretation of this work is that the techiniques aim to heal what their theory says are the traumas that block "optimal functioning" (my words) of the "self". I'll let the book speak for itself, but it is unique (in my experience) and refreshing.
   
   I didn't give it 5 stars only because it seems some of the core meat will be in Volumbe 2. Granted, this Volume 1 does have a number of techniques and does explicity state it is a book on both theory and applications. The techniques are user friendly and I am excited about Volume 2 whenever it will be issued.
   
   If you are serious about wanting to "upgrade" your "self" I strongly and highly recommend this work.



3. This is a very useful book if you want to create links with the various Types of techniques available and how to make them part of your life. I look forward to volumes 2 and 3



4. this is not the usual cock and bull book. i never rated a book before because they were not worth the effort.
   
   this is the product of a scientific approach and research on peak states of consciousness. It proposes an interesting realistic model for health and quality of life. this book is packed with knowledge derived from experiments and research.
   
   i lived in a peak state myself for a while and now thanks to this book i can see my life from a different perspective. at the time i though mine was a god-given experience and in the same way god did take it from me. NOPE. this book showed how actually i got into, it, how i lost is, and more importantly how i can claim it back, something that i have been trying to do all my life.
   
   you should definitely buy this book if you think you know waht a peak state or peak experience is. i actually recommend this book to anyone, even though i know it amy be difficult for people who do not know what they talk about unless they suspend their disbelief.
   
   basicly,
   well worth your bucks.



5. I'm a scientist who studies EEG (so called 'brain waves'), meditates, and is interested in reaching my potential. So I thought this book looked promising.
   
   It was a disappointment. I ended up giving it away. It mixes self-improvement techniques and spirituality with a lot of pseudo-science. Many of its techniques may well be useful, but I found the theory and claims too distracting.
   
   One example: the book suggests that we are influenced by traumatic experience that our parents' egg and sperm went through when they combined to make us.
   
   If you think that is laughable, then skip this book and find a book that is less new age and sticks more to consensus reality. I consider Daniel Gilbert's Stumbling on Happiness to be a nice book on the science of happiness. And there are many good practical books on improving your well-being, such as Mathieu Ricard's Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill. Not to mention all the great books on spirituality. Consider reading the classics by long dead scholars.
   
   If, on the other hand, you are excited to try out non-consensus reality and think Stan Grof didn't go far enough, maybe this book will work for you.

5 comments about Mind Science: Meditation Training for Practical People.

1. This excellent meditation guide book is written in the form of a one-day seminar that Charles Tart conducted for the University of Arizona's "Toward a Science of Consciousness" meeting in Tucson in 1998. While there are many books written on the subject of what meditation is and how to go about meditating, few can match the hands-on feeling of being in a meditation class that this book offers.

   Right from the beginning, this book grabbed my attention by describing the differences between scientism (the tendency to consider scientific theories to be "laws") and open-minded, objective science. By pointing out this as well as other common habitual thinking traps we often fall into, Tart's book helps the reader learn to recognize the way we can become aware of our mechanical, habitual thought patterns.

   Tart clearly describes concentrative meditation and opening-up meditation (aka "vipassana") techniques in a straightforward manner that is easy enough for beginners to put into immediate practice. I was glad to see that questions and answers that arose in the workshop were included in this book, because they often addressed the same concerns that were going through my mind as I tried out each meditative technique.

   As an extra bonus, Tart's book describes the range of states of consciousness we experience, and how we can awaken from the sleep of ordinary consciousness where we are primarily reacting to external stimuli. Tart has a real talent for illuminating the highlights in consciousness research, and sharing some of the most important findings in simple language. Tart's down-to-Earth practicality is his great gift as a writer -- he brings complex issues into clear focus without losing the main ideas along the way.

   If you've been waiting until an easy-to-understand yet comprehensive meditation book came along, you're in luck. This is it!




2. My favourite work by Charles Tart (I've read them all) is this book, which describes with wit and candor the one day metaphysical workshop he conducted in November 2000. It includes very simple to understand instructions as well as audience questions and answers. You read this book and feel like you were there!



3. Before reviewing the content of this book, I must state my dislike of meditation books. Through the years I've read a number of such books, both for professional as well as personal reasons, and was generally put off by the "devotional" aspects that many authors attach to meditation techniques.
   
   This is, in my opinion, a "five star" book because Dr. Tart has finally presented a "how to" book that I can recommend to both my patients, co-workers, and friends with no reservations whatsoever. Dr. Tart's book is based on a workshop he facilitated during a conference on consciousness studies and reads very easily. There are questions and answers from the participants that answer the questions many of us have related to these practices. Dr. Tart gives clear instructions on three meditation forms in a conversational style, making what could be difficult material easy to understand.
   
   What really seperates this book from so many others out there is that it lives up to it's title: Meditation Training for Practical People. Dr. Tart clearly knows not only the technique of the three forms of meditation he presents, but shares his own experience of the traps that we can fall into during the practice of same.
   
   In short, although I generally suggest people to learn meditation "mouth to ear" (from another person, not from a book), I can find nothing objectionable in this volume and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to meditate, or even those who already practice and would like some tips on deepening their practice. This is really the only book that comes close to actually being at a "how to" meditation seminar. Again, highly recommended.



4. I got this book thinking that it was primarily a meditation training book for practical, read scientific or logical, people. I found less than 20 out of a little over 200 pages focused on specifically meditation training.
   
   The rest of the book involves Tart's presentations at the one day conference with questions and answers. This is where I should have been more aware of the first two words of the title "mind science". The bulk of the book covers a wide range of consciousness studies. Some of the questions and answers were helpful. I agree that the reader can get the feeling that you were at the tutorial.
   
   I sort of get the feeling of one student who responds to Tart's question "what should we do, more practice or discussion?" - "More drill" was shouted out followed by about 10 more pages of discussion. Charles Tart is a self proclaimed "thoughtaholic" and I thought the book was a bit too long on discussion and no long enough on meditation training. If you are more interested in the discussion you might find this book more interesting.



5. While not way out there like some books on meditation, he still attempts to convince you that you should believe in an unexplainable spiritual world. I'm an engineer and I just don't buy this. However, the sell is not hard and the vast majority of the book is just guided meditation and mindfulness. It did help me to begin learning the techniques and I therefore recommend it.

5 comments about A Life in Balance: Nourishing the Four Roots of True Happiness.

1. Kathleen Hall found great success in her life but had yet to identify a real purpose and meaning to it: her survey of relationships between mind, body and spirit results in a guide which blends in teachings from the world's great spiritual thinkers with insights on health and lasting happiness. Chapters discuss how to create and foster calm and serenity in daily life, use exercise to restore health and energy, and understand the impact of food choices on mental and physical well-being.



2. As one would surmise from the title, this is a book about establishing and keeping balance in your life. One of the better self-help books that I have read, it includes sections on Happiness and Health, Seasons of Your Life, Focusing Inward for Happiness, Stress and Stress Busting, Poisons that Kill the Roots of Your Happiness (fear, anger, hate, pessimism, apathy, greed, etc.), Establishing Serenity, Exercise and it's Gift to Your Body and Spirit, Love and Intimacy, and Nourishment. It is all about living life intentionally with purpose and balance. A Life in Balance is a recommended read.



3. Author Kathleen A. Hall explains how to develop strength, mental and physical flexibility, focus and happiness by nourishing what she calls the "roots of self." She offers a well-reasoned, well-researched approach to creating a harmonious work-life balance. Drawing from a broad range of disciplines, she makes the findings of mind-body medicine easy to understand, and shows that small, incremental changes easily within your grasp may add up to significant life changes. Though her style can be a tad repetitive, we recommend this book to stressed-out, overwhelmed workers and managers as a reliable, one-volume compendium of diverse health and happiness advice.



4. Dr. Hall's book, "A Life in Balance", captured my attention within the first pages of the introduction.
   
   On the first page of the introduction the author states:
   "Our gas tanks are full, our bank accounts are full, and our closets are full, but we are running empty." I reflected on this statement, and with the exception of, "our bank accounts are full", I thought how true this statement resembled parts of my life and the lives of so many people I know.
   
   Another example of the author's comments that caught my attention was:
   "We have overstretched our personal boundaries and forgotten that true happiness comes from living an authentic life fueled with a sense of purpose and balance."
   
   Dr. Hall shares her personal life experiences, and the experiences of others allowing you to see actual examples of what she is describing. She draws analogies from the seasons of the year and shows how the seasons of life are similar. She is able to use the example of a tree in pointing out how our life can hold the same balance by giving us the four roots of S.E.L.F..
   
   We all know what stress is, but do we fully understand it? Dr. Hall explains stress, how stress affects our lives, and she provides suggestions for handling the stress in our lives.
   
   At the end of each chapter the Dr. Hall helps you internalize what you have just read by giving you:
   · Questions to ask yourself
   · Suggestions to tell yourself
   · Ideas to give yourself
   
   In addition to sharing her training, education and experiences, Dr. Hall also provides many excellent resources including website addresses, and book references, plus she offers her own 25 Tips to a Life in Balance.
   
   If you apply the techniques and practical suggestions found throughout the book, it will assist you in living "your life in balance of true happiness". I would recommend this book not only for people who feel their life is out of balance, but also for anyone who experiences stress in their day to day life. Truly an inspiring book on life!



5. The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

5 comments about Return to the Sea: Reflections on Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea.

1. Reading this book is like having a wonderful, personal conversation with the author. It is also a wonderful companion to Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift From The Sea. I'm always amazed when I read and re-read Gift From the Sea that Mrs. Lindbergh and I (a 41 yr old housewife) could have so many feelings and thoughts in common. Anne Johnson shows us that we are all connected in our thoughts and feelings. Through wonderful, common, everyday experiences Anne Johnson shows us that we can Return to the Sea and feel present in the moment. I know millions of women have read, loved and taken Gift From the Sea to heart, and I'm sure many will do the same with Return to the Sea.



2. Anne Johnson has given the reader a great gift. This book is an excellent companion for the journaling soul. Written with a warm, insightful and sensitive voice, not unlike Lindbergh's in Gift From the Sea.



3. This is a wonderful midlife (or early life) book for women! Is it available in French?



4. This attempt to extend a masterpiece of poetic philosophizing on matters a woman ponders at mid-life is a whiney and disappointing series of personal complaints in the self-congratulatory self-pity mode followed by trite self-help suggestions at the end of each chapter.



5. I just can't say enough how wonderful this book is.

5 comments about Appreciative Moments: Stories and Practices for Living and Working Appreciatively.

1. I just finished this extraordinary new book and want to recommend it to anyone who wants practical, easy-to-follow, suggestions on how to get more out of life, appreciatively. This book is organized in short, self-contained chapters with wonderful "Practices" illustrating each concept. You will never answer a telephone again without putting a smile on your face. You will learn how to let your childhood and adult heroes guide you through difficult situations. Try it, it really works! Most importantly, you will learn to savor so many moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. If you try some of the book's practices - they're easy - you will find that you can actually learn to appreciate the most stressful situations, from the corporate meeting to Thanksgiving with the relatives.
   
   Use this book as a guide to becoming a happier worker, a more appreciative partner, a better parent and friend. You will even learn to find more time for yourself - to appreciate yourself. Give yourself the gift of this book and start living your own "appreciative moments". I did!



2. "Why am I here today?" That's a quote from this book you need to have on your bedside table, in your briefcase, your car, your suitcase, anywhere you will be able to read it anytime you might need to be catapaulted into the precious positive parts of life. Written with humor, humaness and warmth, it will serve as your guide to traverse everyday stresses and unusual strains emerging from them not stressed out and discouraged but with positive feelings and productive outcomes. Try it - you will like it! Read it all in one sitting as an entree or,better yet, a chapter at a time as a treat.



3. This little book is a very readable and practical application of "Appreciative Inquiry" (AI) to real life - at home, at work, in relationships, for yourself. I learned about the AI point of view in my work as in interviewer/writer/coach, and immediately incorporated its elegantly simple approach. Simply put: the WAY in which you phrase a question helps define the answer. The WAY in which you address a problem defines the path to solve it in the most constructive and positive way.
   
   As I learned about AI, I learned what a big name Ed Jacobson is. What he has done in this book is to take everyday situations, and with humor and humility, demonstrate how a simple twist of point of view to the positive - and grateful - can make all the difference. The short chapters stand on their own, each addressing a common situation, followed by practical little pick-me-ups to apply immediately to change the course of your day.
   
   Susan Turnbull, author of The Wealth of Your Life; A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your Ethical Will



4. If you are too busy or too stressed to read a book, go get this one! To make the world a better place, start with yourself - with living and working appreciatively - and you will see how the world changes. Ed Jacobson brings his considerable speaking skills into the pages of this book. His easy style is woven into each stand-alone chapter with simple, practical application ideas. Appreciative Moments is an important book for every human being on the planet. I plan to give as Christmas gifts to friends and family alike.



5. Reading this book is like chatting with an old friend. First there's a discussion of perplexities that can confound our lives, then some talk about how these ideas apply to our lives right now, and finally time is spent creating and putting into practice strategies for solutions. That is what Ed Jacobson does in this book.
   
   He takes a topic as mundane as refrigerator magnets and imbues it with great meaning. His chapter about savoring our lives and experiences will change how you experience the smell of Thanksgiving dinner in the oven. His comments on the gift of feedback will enhance your appreciation of feedback you may receive as well as your ability to give feedback that is meaningful and "appreciative".
   
   In my counselor education classes as well as stress in education seminars I will use this book as a valuable reference/resource to reinforce lessons on attending skills, empathic listening, observings and meditation and minduflness.
   
   To this point I have not been a fan of "positive thinking"; feeling that it is a complex concept that is often oversimplified--most of the problems of living do not easily lend themselves to a "if life gives you lemons make lemonade" solution. That being said, Ed Jacobson has studied positive psychology in depth, assimilated it in all its complexity and made it readily accessible to everyone who read this book.
   
   I have read this book one chapter per day over the course of a month, and it has not only altered in apositive direction and lightened my perspective but also given me additional skills for dealing with the invevitable problems I may encounter.

5 comments about Spiriting Around: A Modern Guide to Finding Yourself.

1. Reviewed by Sarah Johnson (age 16) for Reader Views (6/07)
   
   "Spiriting Around" was a very strange book. I guessed as much from the title, but I couldn't quite get the full effect until I began to read. The ideas that Martin Tomback offers his audience are very vague and sketchy. Things like, "You are God...We all need to find the God that is in all of us." Yes Martin, I am sure we are all God! That's why we die and are stupid idiots. Either way, the book doesn't have much to offer to help in spiritual growth.
   
   I will agree Tomback does have a few good things to offer. His list on page 130, "Developing Friendships," is sensible and probably a smart choice to review if you want friends that will build you up, however, his other ideas are so off-kilter that I couldn't even read the entire book. Things like "You decide what's right for you." Alright - so if I steal something, but if it's right for me, I shouldn't have to go to jail? There aren't 50 billion ways to get to heaven and as long as you believe one it all works out. There's only one. It may seem harsh, but there is only one road. Not the religion that's "right" for you.
   
   All in all, "Spiriting Around" was very opposite to my belief system, and being so, I would recommend it to no one. It is misleading, although it does have some passages from the Bible entwined. This is wrong. In my opinion something is either right, or wrong, no gray areas and this is definitely wrong.



2. I enjoyed reading this delightful and inspiriational book. I would like my teenage children to read it and suggest it as a great gift for high school graduates starting out in life. The author does a great job exploring the topics of pursuing your passion, searching for God, managing money, and finding true love. Also in the chapter on conflicts and conterversies he explores every major topic that our young people will have to search their souls and form an opinion about like drugs, war, politics, charity, and many more.
   You will walk away with some great teachings from this book, here are some examples:
   "Things change but happiness is your goal, not any particular situation".
   "We sabotage ourselves when we choose the easy way instead of doing what's right".
   "Wherever you are you control your happiness".
   "While self doubts are only opinions, they are the most important opinions in the world".
   "Quality in living isn't about having the most. It's about having enough of what's important to you".
   "The seed of every moment holds your future".
   
   No greater wisdom has ever been written. Let this book help you along your path to happiness and spiritual fullfilment.



3. The first thing that immediately struck me while reading `Spiriting Around' was author Martin "Mark" Tomback's ability to access the issues, focus in on the appropriate bullet points and articulate his thesis with such amazing clarity. His approach to living life in the spirit is practical, easy to grasp and holistic, leaving little out in this fascinating blending of the sacred and the mudane as it applies to all facets of our existence on this planet.
   
   The author wastes no time in identifying his mission and how we can utilize the provided knowledge. As he says, "95% of life is common sense" so most of the answers already lay dormat within us.
   
   A Few of the Provided Ways to Begin Are:
   -Write a Mission Statement
   -Take a personal inventory
   -Identify your goals
   -Focus, move forward and exude positive energy
   -Define what is the truth?
   
   Tomback moves fluidly from personal concerns; wealth, love, divorce, weight control, on to more global issues; violence, animal rights, environmental concerns, abortion, genetic engineering, mercy killing, etc. Admittedly this vast array of topical issues discussed here are only touched upon briefly, but Tombeck does a masterful job at placing them all within a well-conceived framework that can be easily accessed and explored at a later date. He doesn't claim to have finished the job of finding ourselves, that's your responsibility. What he has done is provide a solid foundation from which to begin. To be completely honest I don't agree with everything the author has to say (do we ever, or should we ever?), but his line of reasoning is always coherent and consistent. It's difficult to find fault with his enthusiasm or thorough presentation.
   
   While I believe `Spiriting Around' target audience is primarily mid-teens on the verge of adulthood, the ideas presented within this 304 page paperback are something that would be beneficial for adults of all ages. After all reflection, assessment and honesty with ourselves are an essential to adulthood no matter what stage of life's journey we're on.



4. Many years ago, I went through it. Now I'm watching my children go through the same thing. As the end of high school nears, we are all suddenly faced with the reality that soon we'll be adults. Everyone wants to know what we are going to do with the rest of our lives. What job will you have? Where will you live? When will you find that special someone? Who are you going to be?
   
   Trying to figure out everything all at once is absolutely overwhelming. The possibilities are right there for the taking. The world is just waiting. All you have to do is make a decision, or two, or five, or a dozen.
   
   We all need a little help sometimes. Spiriting Around is designed to clarify some of those questions and alternatives so that you can find the right fit for you. It's straight forward, asking the tough questions and then giving you the resources to come to your own solution.



5. Spiriting Around is thorough. It covers topics from God to finances. The wording is simple. It is broken into quick sections. The font is large.
   This is a book for those trying to find themselves. I feel like I am too old or too grounded for the messages in the book. This may have been helpful in high school. Unfortunately, I am convinced a lot of adults still have not found themselves. This book will be advantageous for them. It gives practical guidance without the sugar-coating.
   For anyone just starting out or just living their lives in second gear, this book is necessary. Do that person a favor, quit giving handouts, Give This Book Instead.

1 comments about Awakening to Mindfulness: 10 Steps for Positive Change (Minestrone for the Mind).

1. The Wellness-Recovery Connection: Charting Your Pathway to Optimal Health While Recovering from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
   
   I recently attended a presentation by the author at a counseling skills conference, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book "Awakening to Mindfulness". Writing from the heart, Dr. Fields provides an insightful, easy to understand treatise on mindfulness and its applications in our day to day lives. I particularly enjoyed his discussion of basic Buddhist principles in the first section of the book. This book is a great read for anyone who wants to awaken to the now and learn more about the important topic of mindfulness.

5 comments about The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.

1. I really enjoyed the book. I am reading the book for the second time at the moment and I am also highlighting the important parts of the book because I know I will read it again. The book is put into very simple terms and the book will be easy to follow and understand.



2. I do believe people can benefit from focusing on the present moment more, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Duh. Did it need to be repeated ad nauseum for however many pages though?
   
   Also, what's up with this dude just "declaring" that he's all enlightened and s***? Says who?? Him?? Well gee, how convenient! And he just HAPPENS to want your money, too - what a coincidence! Don't you think if someone really was in such a state of peace and joy and love all the time, he would be doing this for free? OK, if focusing on the present moment works for him and he wants to write a book about it, cool - I respect that. But he makes a lot of declarations without telling us how he supposedly knows these things. He seems to be banking on the fact that people are just going to believe everything he says w/ out thinking critically about it. Unfortunately he seems to be right.
   
   He says "humanity is evolving", and this can be achieved only thru focusing on the present moment. I'm not saying this is false, it COULD be true, but how does HE know that? Did God tell him? Is he psychic? Does he "just know"? Well I could claim to "just know" something too, and write a book about it, would everyone just believe me too? Who the hell is this guy, anyway? He doesn't appear to have any qualifications. All I can gather is that he had a "spiritual awakening" in which he sat on a park bench for 2 years in a state of utter bliss and peace. Ummm, did it ever occur to anyone he could be mentally ill? I'm just saying that maybe we shouldn't accept everything this man says just because he says it.
   
   Also, I have yet to hear an explanation for how he was able to sit on that bench for 2 yr and still survive - did he live in a cardboard box? It sounds like he wasn't working. Was he independently wealthy? Oh, that's another thing, if he was that enlightened, why would he just sit there contributing nothing to society for that long? I would think he would be either out helping people, like Mother Teresa or Gandhi or somebody, or teaching people, like Jesus or the Buddha. How is sitting on a park bench helping anything? I'm not saying this dude is a fake, I'm just saying it sounds kinda suspicious.
   
   I think if a REAL spiritual leader ever comes along again, we will know it, b/c they will want NOTHING from us. Not 1 single penny. Why would they? Not saying this dude is ill-intentioned; maybe he means well. But until someone comes along w/ a message about spirituality who does NOT want my money, I take everything these people say w/ a grain of salt.
   
   OK, other issues: 1) He claims that if we are in the "now", we will not harm our environment. Well how do you figure? If we're only thinking about right now, then why would anyone recycle, conserve natural resources, etc.? It seems to me that the only reason people do these things is because they're concerned about the FUTURE of this planet, and the planet we will leave for our children. 2) I have a problem w/ his section on menstruation. I am a woman. As a man, I don't think Tolle really has any right to speak on this subject. Again, how does HE know all this? He just speaks on it as if he's the voice of authority we should all just believe w/ out questioning anything. Yeah okie dokie! Tell me where you're getting your information from first, then I will decide whether or not I believe you. 3) He warns us not to get "caught up" in our emotions. I've done and tried this many times, it only makes things a hell of a lot worse - the emotions are still there - if you don't allow yourself to feel them you're asking for problems. Speaking for myself, whenever I've tried to not feel what I'm feeling such as by focusing on "the present" and deluding myself into thinking I really have no problems, I either am literally unable to keep it up, or if I can, then the feelings just pop up later, often in the form of nightmares. So please don't tell me how to feel, Mr. Tolle, that doesn't sit well w/ me.
   
   Last but not least, if you're a fan of Oprah, remember that a) she promoted The Secret. BTW, if you want a really good laugh, pick up The Secret (don't buy it tho, just flip thru it in a bookstore or something). b) she's responsible for Dr. Phil and c) in her magazines she advertises things like skirts for $3,000, or a coat for your DOG for $1,900! Meanwhile people are starving in the streets. And you're gonna trust the people this woman gets her spiritual advice from?



3. The Guide to EnlightenmentThe Power of Now:spiritual If you have not heard of Ekhart Tolle's The Power of Now by now, you must have been living in a cave. The Power of Now which was promoted by Oprah has "it" all. Living in the present is where our "power" is to experience our lives in the ultimate fullness we were intended and designed to do and isn't that what we all want to be capable of achieving. The Power of Now reveals how to accomplish this goal presenting all the pitfalls that delude us into past or future thoughtforms. how to revise and change those thoughtforms. What many may think of as "power" is not power over others however the power of ourselves to experience our lives owning our own power which is the way of not only living our lives being self empowered and experiencing the divinity and peace that lies within all of us.



4. This is absolutly one of the best books I have read. It is a must read for all of us.



5. This is a wonderful book and a classic of spiritual wisdom.
   The teachings are non dogmatic, practical and wonderful.
   I recommend it to everyone.