No comments about One Year to an Organized Work Life: From Your Desk to Your Deadlines, the Week-by-Week Guide to Eliminating Office Stress for Good.

4 comments about The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life.

1. This is a great book for anyone who has heard about the many benefits of the Alexander Technique and would like to find out what it is. The Alexander Technique is often described in very mysterious terms when, in fact, it's quite a simple and practical process. And a very powerful process of self-transformation. Brennan's book is particularly valuable for the newcommer because of its great photographs. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this is certainly true for explaining the ideas of the Alexander Technique. The book also shows how the Alexander Technique can help with various specific activities. It also has some very interesting case histories. If you have an interest in learning more about the Alexander Technique, I'd get this book. Two other good introductions are "Body Learning" by Michael Gelb and "Fitness Without Stress - A Guide to the Alexander Technique" by Robert Rickover.



2. This book was a big disappointment. From the title and the other customer's review, I assume that it really was a step-by-step guide to achieving at home the good breathing and posture habits that one learns in private lessons. I have taken many lessons from a wonderful teacher, and thought this would help supplement my lessons through home maintenance.

   Well, this book is nothing more than a very basic intro to which areas of life Alexander can be applied. It says the same thing over and over - how great poise and good breathing can be for sitting, standing, golf, dance, singing, pool. I would think that your average person who has puchased this book would have already made up their mind that Alexander was a good thing and wouldn't need a glorified, extended promotional pamphlet to confirm this.

   There are about 8 pages in the whole thing that give you some tips on self-evaluation and positioning, but other than that, it is really not of much practical use. Yes, there are many photos of people "before and after" alexander in particular positions, but that wasn't enough for my $13.

   If you are looking to see how alexander can be applied to your life, maybe then this book would provide some value, but in truth, the Gelb book does a better job doing that anyway.




3. This is one of the best Alexander Technique books I have seen in the 30 years I have been interested in the technique. The author is an Irish Alexander teacher and trainer of other Alexander teachers.
   
   I have put into immediate use some of the exercises in the book and it has helped me dramatically.
   
   I very highly recommend this book!



4. Any who struggle with posture issues will find THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE MANUAL: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR POSTURE AND YOUR LIFE goes beyond the usual admonitions and shows how to release muscular tension, learn new ways of sitting, standing and moving, and relieve common aches. Large color photos show how individuals can achieve their own chiropractic-type adjustments, increase sensitivity to movement choices, and learn new techniques. Both health libraries and general-interest collections will find this invaluable.

5 comments about Living Everyday Zen.

1. I read "Everyday Zen" 6 months ago, and loved every insight it provided. Full of practical, intelligent ideas that i immediately used in my everyday life.
   I was hoping for the same practical, clear discussions on this CD. But i didn't get that. Instead, Joko presents a series of talks to her students, that stress the importance of "constant sitting". Over and over again she stresses the need to 'keep sitting', and 'you may feel you have made some progress, but you have barely begun.' Then, she gets into a mystical discussion of the 'nemonal' and 'phenomenal' world. Ugh. That metaphysics is so abstract as to be beyond proof. The listener is forced to either believe or not believe, rather than to hear, consider, and then accept or refute.
   
   I have deep respect for Joko Beck, based on her earlier texts. But this one did not help me in any way.



2. The compassion and clear message found in Nothing Special & Everyday Zen comes through in these CDs. There are differences. The books are organized into themes. The CDs are a set of talks with some Q&A, so you can hear her think and how she interacts with her students without editing. The books have more metaphors, like ice cubes and containers. The talks are more direct.
   
   There are three and a half-hours of talks and Q&A. The questions were hard to hear in a car, but she is always easy to hear. Section titles:
   
   CD 1. Concentration, Reactive emotion-thought, Core beliefs, False emotion and true emotion, Being zero, Elegance is refusal, Radiance, Our changing perception of radiance
   
   CD 2. The simplicity of practice, The necessity of persistence, Life as beautiful and fierce, The no-self, Living in stillness, The important questions, The absolute and relative, True practice never stops, The importance of the vow, Patience
   
   CD 3. Being in the box, Getting out of the box, Rapidly moving out of the box, Life as it is, Embracing failure, Developing steadiness, Being in practice for a lifetime, The three easy steps of practice, The key to freedom.



3. If you have a practice or are trying to start one, don't pass this up.
   The first 10 minutes of the first talk provides all the instruction you need for at least your first few years of practice.
   Thank you Joko, you're a gift!



4. This is another insightful gem by one of the most poetically frank teachers America has to offer. If you are looking for a "feel good" alternative to your life's problems, this is not for you. If you are looking to "fix" your life, this is not for you.
   
   If you are open to understanding your daily struggles, facing them with brutal honesty moment by moment and willing to sit with them, not run from them, this might be a good start. One reviewer below mentioned she read a book by her six months ago and wanted more of that here. This is exactly what you should NOT expect when approaching Joko Beck and this CD. In fact, it's that "expectation" that contradicts her entire teachings! The idea here is to open yourself to insight. Insight into life as we struggle upstream.
   
   After reading and listening to Joko's work we slowly unfold (if also sitting) and we discover that we no longer need to "struggle" against the stream. We can open up to it now, as it washes over us and experience what lessons it has to offer. That is what you will get a glimpse of with this CD and her other books. But, only a glimpse. As Joko explains in all of her work, you must practice every day in order to truly experience what life has to offer us, moment by moment.
   
   Joko's work is a beautiful reminder and invitation to open yourself to life. I for one have humbly accepted her offer and owe her my deepest gratitude. Give this CD a whirl and do not forget to pick up her two quintessential books on practice, Nothing Special & Everyday Zen.



5. Ms. Beck is simply the most practical and helpful Zen author for the average reader seeking to find pragmatic help in their life from the study and application of Zen teachings. You don't have to go to Zen meetings or wear a robe to get a wealth of help in your life from either of Ms. Beck's two books or this audio book. I have read many of the Zen texts and sampled dozens of Zen writers over the past forty years. She is the most readable, the best.

5 comments about Bedtime Stories: A Unique Guided Relaxation Program for Falling Asleep and Entering the World of Dreams.

1. Soothing bedtime stories - what a great idea! I was looking forward to listening to this CD, especially considering all the great reviews. Unfortunately, I found most of the tracks are Dr. Estes *talking about* stories rather than telling stories. There are 10 tracks on this CD. I did not expect the 38-second introduction to be a story. However, of the other nine tracks only four, in my opinion, are actually Dr. Estes telling stories. Those four are "The Sleeping Beauty", "The Lion and the Mouse Fable", "The Jumping Mouse Tale", and "Winken, Blinken and Nod". Also, listening to these stories, or at least the style in which she tells them, did not help me relax or fall asleep. For me, when I go to bed I basically want to relax and "turn off" my mind. These stories did not help me do that.
   
   If you really want a CD that will help you relax and fall asleep, I recommend "Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace" by Susie Mantell, or "Journey into Deep Relaxation" by Doreen Blumenfeld. Those two worked for me.



2. This was not what I expected. The good reviews led me to believe it would be great. Unfortunately, it does not do justice to the hype. Some stories are very long and are read too slowly.



3. I am pretty sure that,if the cd was working, it is very good, but mine starts on the story number 9. It does not matter where I try playing the cd , it always starts on number 9 and there are only 10 stories. I need another cd.



4. I enjoyed this CD very much. I felt like I had really slept the night through and woke up refresshed at more at peace. I highly recommend this to anyone especially moms that need to relax and energize at the same time.



5. What more could an insomiac ask than having someone with a great voice read you a story at bedtime?
   
   Most suitable for women and teens, Pinkola Estes tells soothing, empowering stories that seamlessly glide from one to the next. The stories, based on fairy and folk tales, are fascinating. Pinkola Estes paints scenes so vividly, that the troubles of the day fall away and you find yourself comforted, relaxed, and primed for sleep.
   
   This is a CD you will use over and over. My only complaint is that there isn't a vol. 2, 3, and 4 so they can be rotated.

5 comments about The Fear Book: Facing Fear Once and for All.

1. While The Fear Book and The Depression Book might be amongst the best books in their class, they are still complete nonsense, which doesn't say much for this class of book. I regret wasting my money. I'd sell them on but I think people, particularly suffering people, need protection from this author



2. Cheri Huber's books are like treasures to me. No matter how I feel, I can always pick on up and read starting at any page. Sometimes that is all I have to start finding my center when I am lost in chaos.
   
   Her books are simple. The longest one I think is about 230 pages (There Is Nothing Wrong With You) to some much shorter. Many times Cheri tells us that the practice is very simple, and we can throw away 99% of all books written about it.
   
   However, it isn't easy. Being still isn't easy. Facing yourself, or just watching yourself isn't easy. Think that is foolish? Try it.
   
   Pay attention.



3. It is important to understand that this book is based on Zen Buddhism and not really a beginners book. Zen can appear to make no sense or seem overly simple to someone never exposed to it - I suspect this is what caused some reviewers here to take back there books or claim it to be 'junk'.
   
   This is a wonderful guide, but for the Zen uninitiated not a good first step. Try 'Hard core Zen' (for younger crowd) or the book that got me started 'Nothing Special : Living Zen' and, 'Buddhism Plain and Simple'. Give it six months or so of 'Zen practice' (or meditation) and come back to this book and other Cheri Huber titles.
   
   Hope this helps.



4. For the past few years I have known I have fears I cannot identify. I also knew they were affecting - directing - my behavior and relationships. But I did not know how to address them. My fear was preventing me from addressing my fear. This book, in an encouraging and uplifting way, lets you know how to identify and address your fears. Essentially, you befriend your fear. I think to completely 'get' the book's instructional message, you already have to be on the path toward what it says. I don't know if someone who denied they had fear would 'get' the book. But if you are truly committed to addressing your fears, you should read this book. It's not a religious book, though it does believe the way to fearlessness is through, what I imagine is, largely a Zen approach to fear. One of my favorite quotes from the book: "The same eyes with which I see God, God sees me." I recommend this book without reservation.



5. A friend loaned me her copy of this book because my fears were preventing me from exploring new experiences in my life. It helped me so much that I bought a copy to use as a reminder when I needed it. I thought my fear was real. After I read this book, I started to see through my fears which allows me to pursue activities and experiences that I desire. Her teaching is simple and understandable. If fear is stopping you from something you desire, read this book.

5 comments about The Simplicity Survival Handbook: 32 Ways To Do Less And Accomplish More.

1. With a title like this, Jensen's book should be flying off the shelf. I know it caught my eye when I first saw it. We all want to "do" less and "accomplish" more and there are some excellent ideas in this book to help you do just that.

   Nothing in this book is easy, though. Someone as inclined to follow the rules like myself will find it difficult, if not impossible, to implement the more demanding recommendations. This is a shame, as these people are those who would probably benefit the most.

   Even if you don't think of yourself as a rabble-rouser, you should still read this book and take heart that there are some possible methods of extracting yourself from business situations that leave you feeling busy, but not very productive. There are ways of escaping the bureaucracy and yet keep your job.

   The cutest, yet still effective, idea in the book is the "Less-O-Meter" associated with each chapter. These graphical gauges give you an "at a glance" reading on how much Courage you will need to put this tip in place, how difficult it can be and the possible yield to your productivity and happiness.

   You may be ready to take on your whole company and engage in full-scale "pushback", but implementing even one idea from this book could do a world of good for you, your job and your career, while helping your company, as well.




2. What I like about this biz book:
   
   1) Its fun and challenging "If your boss doesn't get it, and has a high likelihood of never getting it... time to say "goodbye". Pretty simple right?
   
   2) Attitude of "You don't have to be a victim of corporate crap"... reminds me of a refrain I have heard from my husband when he talks about his day job "They can't even run their own life, I will be damned it they run mine"
   
   3) Respect yourself more. Your time is valuable. Push back.
   
   4) The complexity starts from within. From within my own company, within myself.
   
   The How To Section(s)
   Email
   Scan incoming subject and author, if not relevant hit "delete"
   Scan email for 1) action to take 2) deadline date.
   
   In sending messages use the 3"x5" space constaint.
   
   If it is simplier it is more likely to be done. Make it easy.
   
   Remember the key: what do you want them to know, feel and do!
   
   Presentations:
   Turn the one point you want people to know into a question. Provoke conversations. Give everyone handouts. Use of Stories is a good thing.
   1 hour presentation = 20 slides MAX!
   
   Meetings Big Idea!! When you agree to chair a meeting approachit as if you have just been handed a portion of someones life. Because you have. Run a meeting like one that you wish you had been invited for.
   
   Helpful hints 1) get only the important people 2) get the right people 3) define what success looks like 4) Mentally see the successful meeting 5) Put the objective of the meeting up front
   6) Be passionate about the people and reason of the meeting.



3. Bill Jensen's ideas and tactics have crystallized my ability to be effective. I read "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" before reading Jensen's original "Simplicity", and for me, "Simplicity" is superior because (1) it explains the rationale behind Jensen's ideas and (2) offers invaluable guidance on effective presentations. "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" 's examples were not as helpful to me as the initial wisdom and suggestions in "Simplicity". Read them both!



4. This is a must read for anyone who uses a computer for their work. The book suggests the reader skip to the summary in the back and save even more time by not reading the book - great idea. Since what Bill Jensen has to say can be said in so few words because he know what he wants to say, how he feels about it and what he wants the read to do.
   Read it or at least the summary; then just hand it to a co-worked, family member or anyone you just want to help out.
   I have deleted more e-mails without opening them then ever in my life. Since I read this book it has handed back hours a day to me that I was wasting on work and e-mails.



5. Millions of employees walk out of staff meetings every day muttering, "What a bunch of garbage" or "I can't believe we wasted an hour on that." Then they return to their desks, and to the harsh reality of having too much work to do and not enough time. Bill Jensen's dead-on-target observations about the typical workplace will have you nodding in agreement. His irreverent approach is entertaining and informative. He explains the differences between meaningful work and all the pointless "baloney" that inevitably comes your way. More importantly, the author offers terrific suggestions for how to deal with oppressive bosses, insensitive co-workers and institutional silliness. getAbstract recommends Jensen's fun book if you want an entirely new perspective on your work.

No comments about Your Breathing Body Volume 1:.

2 comments about The End of Your World: Uncensored Straight Talk on the Nature of Enlightenment (Sounds True Audio Learning Course).

1. In his usual intelligent and no nonsense manner, Adyashanti warns the spiritual seeker that they just might find what they are looking for! This is straight talk about the nature of enlightenment and outlines the pitfalls of the spiritual awakening process.
   
   With penetrating insight, Adya navigates beyond the common traps which include the sense of meaningless, the ego's attempt to co-opt spiritual awakening for its own purposes, the sense of superiority that may accompany profound breakthroughs, and grasping the intoxicating bliss.
   
   This is an honest investigation into the truth of who you really are and offers direction in how to live this truth once it has been discovered. In addition, the six cd set also offers teaching stories and an interview with Adyashanti.
   
   He frankly shares that awakening does not offer a "new version of you," but rather no version at all. The wisdom of this collection points to the profound spiritual realization that lies beyond "you and your thoughts," "you and your emotion" and "you and your personal will."
   
   Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment



2. I have listened to and read a great many spiritual teachers. A very few living teachers stand out as Great Vessels: Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Ramesh Balsekar and Adyashanti are four who come to mind immediately.
   
   This series, which I am listening to for the second time, is the best thing I've heard in five years. Without being coy with the wording, let me say that if you've had an awakening experience you owe it to yourself to listen to this series. It's so beautifully informative and helpful. I am blown away by the depth of Adyashanti's enlightenment, by his integrity and by his clarity as a teacher. He is a wonder and a gift.
   
   Adya, I am deeply grateful. Thank you so much.
   
   
   Peace to you,
   
   Fred

5 comments about Total Relaxation: Healing Practices for Body, Mind & Spirit 1 CD.

1. I've had this book forever . My therapist loved it and she thought it was a great tool. She started to recommend it to her other patience. I'm diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder. So I dont know how to relax and I'm always up-tight. This book is so easy to follow and it makes so much since. You will notice a difference as soon as you start the medatations. I just love it! I wish Dr. John R. Harvey had a web site.



2. "Total Relaxation" by John R. Harvey, PhD, is one of the most comprehensive yet concise books on the subject of tension and relaxation. Harvey takes the reader on a journey through every system of the body in which tension can occur. He goes into great detail about the possible causes of tension in each system, and helps the readers assess for themselves where and why their own tension resides. Most importantly, Harvey provides detailed instructions for how to release that tension.
   
   The layout of the book is brilliant. Each system of the body -- or "level" of tension, as Harvey describes it -- has its own chapter, and the following chapter contains the relaxation techniques associated with that system, or "level." This format makes the book highly accessible for a variety of readers. A reader who is interested in learning about all the possible causes and places of tension can read the book from start to finish, gain a wealth of knowledge about how the body works with regard to producing tension, and learn how to achieve the deepest states of relaxation. Conversely, someone who already knows where his or her tension lies can go directly to the chapter containing techniques that apply to that type of tension and learn to start relaxing immediately.
   
   The book comes with an audio CD containing four guided relaxation techniques that are also described within the text. This added bonus definitely makes the book worth the purchase. The step-by-step instructions on the CD, with relaxing music in the background, teach the techniques beautifully and effectively. They are easy to follow and a joy to practice.
   
   There are so many books about relaxation available now. If you are looking for one book that will serve as a complete reference guide as well as an instruction manual, John Harvey's "Total Relaxation" is that book.



3. The service for this product was excellent. But not, I'm afraid, for the most recent product ordered: High Times, Hard Times. I paid $9 for two day delivery and a month later I still don't have the book. I called and got the delivery charge reduced because of the delay. The book in question is obviously hard to get and I understand that, but I should have been called and given this courtesy without having to track it down myself.
   
   Daryl Warner



4. I originally found out about this book in a Listmania that I liked, so I went ahead and bought it.
   Well... I can say that the title is well chosen. The book presents diverse aspects of relaxation (probably all of them), and an integrated and balanced - even relaxing :) - approach to relaxation, with many techniques both modern and ancient, both Eastern and Western.
   Moreover, it comes with a CD with 4 guided relaxation sessions - 4 techniques out of the dozen(s) in the book. The voice on the CD is relaxing, the background music is well chosen, and it is just fine. The only complaint I have is that some sessions are too basic for me, but I had been practicing relaxation before and I don't need that much guidance and the breathing in that session is too fast for my taste - I trained to breathe slower than that and thus be more relaxed, but yes, I can see there are many many beginners who need EXACTLY that type of instruction.
   Harvey shows that tension manifests on 5 interconnected levels: muscular, autonomic system, emotional, mental and spiritual, and tension in one level affects the others. The levels are hierarchical, and the deepest relaxation is at the top level, but on the other hand it is harder to reach there, at least in the beginning, so people usually need to relax the lower levels first and work their way up to the top. To quote him, learning to relax properly is a lifelong activity, and should be the priority of everyone.
   The book has an opening chapter (talking about tension in general, benefits of relaxing and the levels) and an ending chapter (with advices on how to pick techniques and integrate relaxation in daily life).
   What's between opening and ending is a set of ten chapters dedicated to the five levels of relaxation - two chapters per level: one presents the effects of tension and relaxation on that level, the other is filled with relaxation techniques applying to that level. Where appropriate, he provides both direct (relaxing directly at that level) and indirect methods of relaxing (doing something that somehow relaxes at that level). For example, at the muscular level an indirect technique is exercising, which, although is tensing in nature, leads to a muscular relaxation deeper than before doing it. A direct technique at mental level is meditation, or at spiritual level is prayer. There is everything for everyone.
   When I read the book I liked it. Then I started practicing and of course settled on a technique or two, planning to move to another once I'm proficient with them. Well, after a few weeks I thought that the book was simplistic. Anyway, I read it again, finished it half an hour ago, I already forgot a lot of its content. - I came back to the previous feeling - that this is a great book with clear explanations, comprehensive (covers all levels) and techniques. It covers all the levels, but of course not all the techniques for each level - that would be impossible and not useful anyway - one technique done well is enough.
   I achieved some benefits with the techniques I adopted (more clarity, less sleep), and the best has yet to come. After all, this is a lifelong "hobby".
   So, if you want to learn to be more relaxed and are actually willing to do something about for 21 consecutive days (it takes that long to make a long-term habit), then pick up this book!



5. WE SENT IT BACK BUT HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. VERY UNHAPPY. WANTED RELAXATION TAPES TO GO TO SLEEP BY. DISSAPPOINTED

5 comments about Self-Nurture: Learning to Care for Yourself As Effectively As You Care for Everyone Else.

1. I am really enjoying this book. I chose to read it because I find myself giving too much to others and leaving nothing for myself. The book has a short introduction section and is divided up into seasons so you don't read it all at once, but is a journey to be taken over a course of a year. I found that to be a comfort because I wasn't sure how a book was going to teach me to change myself overnight. It also encourages you to read only relative topics, which is great to really personalize and focus in on your own needs.



2. This is one of the best books - if not THE best "self-help" type book I have ever read (and I've read a lot of them)! I bought the book and the audio tapes and fear I may wear them out from listening to them so often. Dr Domar provides the tools for learning how to overcome the stress so many women endure due to the many roles they must function in as mom, sister, daughter, wife... I found her suggested methods of writing and relaxation helped me identify and change the way I interact with many of the people in my life - mostly family members. She teaches women how to relate to others without taking on all the responsibility for making each relationship work whether that be a mother-daughter relationship or a relationship with coworkers. This book should be recommended reading for all women regardless of their age or marital status!



3. This book is accessible and helpful. Domar's insights are wonderful to me.



4. A friend lent me this book and I liked it so much, I had to buy my own copy so I could go through it and highlight information. My favorite thing about this book is the way she presents the information...by season. We are all cyclical and our cycles are in tune nature, so why not our emotions or the things we focus on?
   
   I also appreciate the way she presents certain aspects of life and how to work with them in a nurturing way. A great read, even if you already think you nurture yourself.



5. The safety instructions given on every airline flight advise you to put on your own oxygen mask before attempting to help others with theirs. Similarly, the overriding message of Alice Domar's book is that you can only be of help to others once you have nurtured yourself. With real-life examples, cognitive restructuring techniques, mind/body exercises, writing assignments, and poignant insight, Alice provides inspiration and instruction for essential self care. Encompassing the realms of relationships, work, and play, Alice's book serves as a metaphorical oxygen mask for helping women breathe mindfully in all areas of their lives.