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.

3 comments about Dios usa lapiz labial: God Wears Lipstick.

1. este libro es en definitiva DEMASIADO BUENO! de verdad que Karen es una extraordinaria maestra, sabe expresar de manera clara y puntual todas las ideas y conceptos que desea impartir a sus lectoras. la influencia de sus escritos es positiva y aprovecho para recomendarles tambien los libros de sus hijos y su esposo que tambien son fantasticos
   
   pienso que sea que quien lea tenga o no devocion mistica-espiritual, este libro igual le sera de gran ayuda porque recordemos que todos estamos en la misma busqueda y vivimos en el mismo barco llamado PLANETA TIERRA. es tiempo de mejorarnos a nosotros mismos si queremos que el mundo tambien mejore porque el cambio viene de adentro hacia afuera y no al contrario
   
   gracias a la familia Berg por compartir la kabala con el mundo y que Dios los bendiga siempre con todo lo que sus corazones deseen y necesiten



2. lE RECXOMIENDO ESTE LIBRO ES EXCELENTE, ADEMAS QUE TE DA TANTAS HERRAMIENTAS PARA LA VIDA..DEBES TENERLO.



3. How can i could explain what Karen means to me? Is a wisdom her self. Thanks for do this instead of still being in the confort zone.

5 comments about If God Hears Me, I Want an Answer!.

1. Another truly wonderful book by ""Barbara". This book gives such a clear message. I recommend to anyone looking for the right answers to a more productive and calmer life style.



2. I've had a hard time getting out of my own head - or so I thought. Reading this book made me realize that those first thoughts are the answers I am asking for - its all the other stuff that I think behind it that get me in trouble! Anyway, free form writing has always been a good source of information to me. Applying it to specific questions has helped me gain clarity in numerous situations. This is now on my list of recommended reading to those who really wish to know themselves and God.



3. I feel this book has an amazing content of truly amzing words, described as being "Gods Words" in my full faith of having read this book, these words are set out to enlighten people of how it actually is to become your true-self, rather then a fabricated person whom thinks, and feels from their outer-self - there egotistiscal-self.



4. Don't be fooled by the easy read of this powerful book. The exercises in this book really do help you understand that which is deep in your soul.
   I have enjoyed the book so much I have gifted others with the copy.
   They too have had great results from reading and doing the exercises in the book.
   I believe you will not be disappointed in purchasing a copy.
   Enjoy



5. Imagine someone telling you how you can get ANY question answered from God/Higher Source/Divine Intelligence. It works! It is so simple and easy to use. I just cannot say enough wonderful things about it! Thank you Barbara Rose!!!

1 comments about Choose to Live Peacefully.

1. Susan Smith Jones is well thought of as a health and fitness expert, and this tape certainly presents her at her inspirational best. The purpose of the program on this tape is to help you reflect and renew, spend quality time in solitude and silence, simplify and rediscover your relationship with God, and ultimately make peace your constant compantion. These three cassettes contain 40 messages and affirmations. Some benefit most by listening to them all at once and others will find playing one message each day of most benefit. You may find suggestions that don't seem appropriate for your situation. For instance, a vegetarian diet might not be right for you. This shouldn't spoil the value of the total program though. This program is so good for your mind, your body, your soul.

5 comments about How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life: Opening Your Heart to Confidence, Intimacy, and Joy.

1. I very much appreciate the views Susan shares in her great little book. I'm halfway into it and have already received much more than many large books have presented to readers. Good job. Honest sharing of personal experiences and the perspectives born of them. I would buy any of her books in the future! Much appreciated.



2. I could not have found Susan's very excellent book at a better time. At the time, I was living the dream of a 30 year old New Yorker in post break-up hell. Ahhh, good times.
   
   Susan's wise, direct and oftentimes funny advice on finding some space in-between the panic attacks of our everyday life gave me the space I needed to heal and move on. I've incorporated many of these practices in my daily and have found them to be of enormous benefit. Meditation need not be an insane spiritual awakening with crazy lights and sounds. It can just be a little quiet time to heal and find some comfort in your NYC apartment.
   
   For a girl who may in fact love "Project Runway" more than her friends and family, it's nice to find a book that shows you how to be "spiritual" in the everyday modern world.



3. This is very easy reading. Everything she talks about is unpretencious and easy going. She gives good examples of how her life was stuck in fear and how to over come that with meditation. There is a seven day plan that I can't wait to start! If you are open to making a change in your life then you will enjoy her suggestions.



4. I first got acquainted with Susan Piver via the internet and her articles for the Shambhala Sun. I am new to the practice of meditation and am just beginning to study Buddhism, and this book was perfect for me. She writes in a humorous, straightforward, jargon-free way to clearly explain how you can train your mind to open itself up to an easier, happier way of life. I loved it. I am in the process of reading everything of hers I can get my hands on. She manages to take what can be complex, esoteric topics and makes them totally accessible. And she seems like she would be a great friend and teacher. Thanks, Susan.



5. How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life by Susan Piver is for anyone actively seeking to make a change. Based on years of study on meditation and Buddhism - and her own experiences - Piver helps make meditation an easy tool to integrate into day-to-day living. Part self-help book, part self-discovery mentor, and part Buddhist guide, this book is 100% valuable, applicable, and relevant. Piver goes far beyond the "big picture" of meditation as she delves into the everyday aspects of Buddhism and healthy living. She provides the tools that can make a life centered on meditation and Buddhist teachings possible.
   
   How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life contains everything a person needs to improve their state of mind and well-being, and to accept the aspects of their lives and themselves that they can't change. Piver argues that no one need wait for the "right time" to make a positive change in their life. As a result, this book is an extremely accessible guide for almost anyone ready to embark on an inner journey of incorporating meditation and Buddhist living into everyday life.
   
   The most valuable feature of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life is the "Try This" tips scattered throughout the book. These are practical, relevant, and easy tips that aim to integrate mediation into everyday situations. The book culminates with Piver's detailed guide to creating a personal meditation retreat - no expensive classes or exotic destinations are required. The reader is empowered in making an immediate and profound change through the power of self-reflection and self-discovery. Everything thing you need is within yourself, and Piver shows you how to access your own personal wealth of knowledge. Piver's sense of humor is refreshing and revitalizing. Not only is this book an invaluable tool for teaching and reference, it's also an absolute joy to read.

1 comments about The 7 Steps of Spiritual Intelligence: The Practical Pursuit of Purpose, Success and Happiness.

1. The 7 Steps Of Spiritual Intelligence: The Practical Pursuit Of Purpose, Success And Happiness by Richard A. Bowell (founder of SQ Training and lecturer on spiritual intelligence for more than twenty years) walks the reader through the seven steps of spiritual intelligence: Awareness, Meaning, Evaluation, Being Centered, Vision, Projection, and Mission. Each step of the journey is described and explained through positive psychology and brain science, as well as made tangible through real-life case studies. Simple black-and-white diagrams illustrate the principles behind honing one's mind and spirit. Development exercises to foster better comprehension and shed unconscious prejudices, such as standing with one's head a little back when looking at a problematic individual in order to better see them as part of the world about them, round out this clearly worded self-help and self-improvement guide.

No comments about Creator and Me: A Lightworker's Prayers for Meditation and Healing.

No comments about Emociones que matan: Entienda la conexion mente-cuerpo-espiritu que puede sanarle o destruirle.

2 comments about BrilliantDay: 7 Quick Solutions to Turn Your Day Around.

1. I love this book. After just a few minutes each day of reading
   this book, I feel clear, directed, and happy. I love the "I can
   do this right now" actions. Lori Yenser, Pilates student



2. If you wake up "needing a reason to live", this is a great book to grab first thing. In these inspirational and beautiful pages, Sue Frederick delivers practical steps to take that will move you from clinging to the walls of ruin and despair, toward standing alive,strong and happy ready to move into each day with power and purpose.

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.