2 comments about Back From the Brink: Coping with Stress.

1. The name 'Nick Leeson' evokes strong emotions in financial circles. The man who was made the primary 'whipping boy' behind the well publicised and record breaking financial scandal leading to the fall of Barings Bank has been ruthlessly reviled and hounded by both the press and the establishment alike. In his first book on the Barings affair, 'Rogue Trader', Nick Leeson gives his own version of the issue, why he acted as he did, and the impulses that drove him to do so. In this book, presented in a conversational format with his psychiatrist and co author Ivan Tyrell, he gives an account of the skills and strategies he developed on the way to deal with the tremendous challenges that he had to face, the grim travails of life behind bars, first in Germany, then in Singapore, the gruelling heat there, his divorce, his colon cancer and of course, being mired in debt.
   
   Reading this book gave me a poignant picture of the fickleness of the values that govern the lives of the high flying financial circles today. We love rags to riches stories, stories of people coming up in life from seemingly unremarkable beginnings, where being a 'regular guy taking a few pegs at the pub' is the done thing to do, irrespective of whether the regular guy drinks too much. However, when the same 'regular guy' fails to deliver, and fails egregiously, then, well that is when all the chickens scatter and come home to roost, leaving the 'fall guy' to face the consequences.
   
   This is exactly what happened to Nick Leeson when he was faced with financial devastation, a crisis of such proportions, that his whole life was turned, upside down and inside out, sparing not one area of his consciousness and spaced out over several years. He faced his momentous loss of control with almost brutal self-honesty and unflappable courage, taking each impulse, each moment of self-destruction, one moment at a time. Not once in this book, not even while acknowledging his and other people's mistakes, does he attempt to justify his own actions at the bank, or discredit those who brought him to his port of incarceration at Tanah Mera in Singapore. This is why his account of the state of affairs at the time of his indictment, is very credible.
   
   During his first confinement in Frankfurt, Germany, he wrote his first book 'Rogue Trader'. While in Singapore, he devoted a lot of time to physical exercise, reading and writing, regularly setting up progressively large targets and keeping them. As mentioned earlier, he lived every moment consciously, choosing life over death when confronted, as is usual in such a place, by strong urges of suicide. Though this book devotes a long portion to the period he lived behind bars, how he coped there, is not the main message of the book. What Nick Leeson intends to convey is that the most daunting odds in Life, the worst stress situations can be handled by honesty and a steadfast faith in one's own capacity to overcome it. The outcome of facing such galling circumstances and coming out of them successfully, gears one to face the oncoming challenges presented by Life with a much greater sang froid. And of course, his story closes with the proverbial happy ending, when he meets the love of his life, Leona and she gives birth to their son, soon afterwards.
   
   Considering the fact that stress situations are endemic in modern society, especially in the business world, dealing with stress and stress related problems is an urgent issue today. Nick Leeson presents his own solution in 'Back from the Brink'.
   
   Incidentally, most of the contents of this book had been written in Singapore, under incarceration. On his departure, Leeson was forced to surrender his writings, which were systematically shredded in what was 'the most galling incident of my life'. That work, was reconstructed as a conversation between Nick Leeson and his psychiatrist, Ivan Tyrell in the pages of this book



2. It's a great book on stress management. I appreciate Nick's frankness shown throughout the book.

3 comments about Meditations.

1. I bought these cassettes expecting guided meditations from a woman who is considered to be a "master" in the field of meditation. During the first listening of the first tape, I had to wait while Shakti talked for nearly fifteen minutes about meditation, and nothing she said during this introduction was very earth-shaking. I don't have time to listen to the same lengthy introduction every day, so I have to fast-forward through it, which is inconvenient. She has a nice voice, but I found several things distracting. First, it's apparent that she was working without a script (I never expected this from a writer!). She hesitated often, indicating that she was trying to think of the next thing to say. Second, she was apparently nervous because I could detect her voice shaking a bit and her mouth was dry. I understand nervousness very well, but hearing it definitely strained my meditation! Her tone of voice was not focused; sometimes it had a "sing-song" quality that undermined the importance of what she was saying. And, throughout the tapes, I can hear her swallowing between phrases, and I can hear what I can only describe as "mouth noises"; it seems she had the microphone much too close to her mouth. These surely cannot be the best meditation tapes available. (As a side note, I am enjoying reading Shakti Gawain's book, "Creative Visualization".)



2. This inspirational CD provides four different guided meditations to help the listener focus on a self-healing and develop a stronger outlook and more balanced perspective on life. The author provides step-by-step encouragement for nurturing the healing process from within. Shakti Gawain is probably best known for her book on creative visualization.



3. The meditations are fine, but I suppose I've heard better in the past. Her discussions are less than stellar, though, in particular leading into the "Find your inner male/female"... which is a place where "male" and female" just aren't the right words to use. If you're a woman you may dig it because it SOUNDS LIKE "women are in tune with the universe and men are just the muscle necessary to get things done". Sure, people do have those aspects within themselves: that part which is the decision-maker and is in tune with your surroundings, and that other aspect that has the drive and desire to get things done. But why call one "female" and one "male"? Gawain herself goes to great pains to make the listener comprehend that she doesn't REALLY mean male and female... but she then continues to draw EXACTLY that parallel with the world we live in. I think she should remake this and some other terms (e.g. "Yin" and "Yang", "feeler" and "doer", "id" and "ego"... whatever), which essentially mean the same stuff, but wouldn't hit you with a non-stop barrage of, essentially, "females should be in charge".
   
   The other two meditations are very nearly worth the price of the CD package though: I imagine I will continue using those ones for meditation for quite some time. But, as one other reviewer suggests, her voice isn't as smooth as it could be. Sooner or later I'll look for something better, but if she would release a "2nd edition" where she cleans things up a bit, both in her discussions and in the overall smooth delivery during the meditations, I'd consider getting that even though I already have this.

4 comments about Reduce Stress & Anxiety (Success World Self-Hypnosis Series).

1. I found this tape stashed away in a relatives closet, when we were cleaning. It was mixed with some other tapes made by Dr. David Illig, but it was well worn. She gave it to me, and I've been using it since. It works great! I was hoping to get another, because this one is so worn out, but its not being manufactured anymore. I hope it makes a comeback, along with some of the other tapes I would like to order from Dr. Illig.



2. Dr. Illig addresses self image and guides the listener to relases excess worries. He is careful to note that certain amouts or types of stress are useful and that the listerner is in control. I haven't finished the 30 day cycle but can say that I do envision contnuing with the CD. When I find myself stressed I do use the audio program and have started to examine current and past circumstances and am avoiding traps that have caused stress in the past.If you are stressed out while others around you are not try this cd.



3. This is a very useful tool for anyone who is under stress. If it is used regularly, you can train yourself to recognize the signs of stress and use the breathing techniques to relax and lower stress levels. I have used this program for several years and have found it to be very helpful.



4. I LIKE THE FACT THAT I FEEL RELAX EVEYTHING TIME I HEAR THE CD THAT I FALL AS SLEEP, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT IT DOESN'T HELP ME MUCH AS ADVERTISED. I HAD A BETTER SUBLIMINAL CASSETTE I WISH I CAN FIND IT TO RE-SELL THIS ONE ...

1 comments about Behind with the Laundry and Living Off Chocolate: Life Changing Strategies for Busy Women.

1. There are plenty of useful suggestions as to how to make a busy life more manageable, in this self-help book. The chapters are easily digestible, and it's good to read about people who have already turned their lives around by putting some of Lynette Allen's ideas into practice.
   
   Mind you, sometimes I couldn't quite relate to the examples. I CANNOT imagine myself in a different job, earning much more money. Not in my profession! All the visualising in the world won't turn a librarian into a high-earner.
   
   Nonetheless, when one can't afford a real, true life-coach of one's own, then this is a great handbook to keep by the bedside table for self-encouragement.

5 comments about Health Journeys: A Meditation to Help You Improve Self-Confidence and Reach Peak Performance.

1. Naparstek did an amazing job when she created this CD. Not just with the words she chose but also with the music. By listening to the CD, you are meditating upon words that are enhanced with the music. I believe this gives the CD a more powerful impact. I never really thought about listenting to a motivational CD. I really didn't think I needed it. But i'm very glad that I took a friend's advice because this CD has really helped me with my self-confidence. and not just with that but also I feel that i can focus better. I also haven't felt any anxiety since i started to listen to it. I started off listening to it every night before I went to bed. Now i probably just listen to it once a week. It's a great CD I hope you try it!



2. I have found this CD to improve my overall daily state of mind. I find that I am less stressed on a daily basis and my ability to make quick and reliable decisions has also improved. Simply put; I feel more serene.



3. This meditation and guided imagery session is extremely helpful for reducing anxiety and particularly performance anxiety. True to its title, it also helps to improve self-confidence. I find it useful to listen at night, as I am falling asleep. Just as Belleruth suggests, I find the thoughts repeating in my mind as I go through my day, calming and encouraging me. I have several of Belleruth's products (e.g., Grief, and Wellness) and I highly recommend all of them.



4. This is great tool to help you bild calm, happy state of mind. I highly recomend this! Very talanted and inspiring work. Charlie.



5. The only thing I can say about this CD is that it is annoying. Don't waste your money. There are far better materials out there.

1 comments about Road Sage: Mindfulness Techniques for Drivers.

1. Sylvia Boorstein is a Buddhist mindfulness teacher who uses humorous anecdotes and gentle wisdom to educate drivers on the importance of paying attention. You'll find yourself applying her philosophy to numerous other daily tasks, as well. This fun and engaging audiotape may transform your whole approach to life!

No comments about Guided Meditation Faith: Discover the Miracle of Trust.

1 comments about Acute Stress Disorder: A Handbook of Theory, Assessment, and Treatment.

1. Bryant and Harvey who are well known in the field of Acute Stress Disorder and Post traumatic Stress Disorder are authors of this excellent book.The content is suitable for those who work with traumatised individuals and provides a balanced account of research to date in this area while highlighting areas as yet to be researched.This book gives a useful account of methods used in the treatment of ASD and PTSD and tends to focus on cognitive behavioural methods mostly ( in particular- Prolonged Exposure),unfortunately it does not really address biological theories and treatments available.Examples of clients traumas are given and methods of addressing these in a safe manner in every day practise situations .The background theories of Acute Stress Disorder are dealt with in three chapters ,two chapters deal with assessment and the remaining deal with management.Included in the appendix are the Acute Stress Disorder Interview and Acute Stress Disorder Scale which may be helpful to anyone involved in research.In addition to the tools listed in the appendix other assesment tools are also discussed . Overall however an excellent book which I am pleased to say was an easy read and most informative.

2 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beating Stress (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. I feel better already. What is different about this guide to managing stress is that it acknowledges that each of us is different and that what works to relax one person might not be the most effective strategy for another. The author approaches stress management from every angle -- from cognition to nutrition; from meditation and spirituality to aerobic exercise, laughter, and healthy "play." If you're into yoga, that works, but if you're not so inclined you will be glad to find out you might get just as relaxed by renting DVDs of your favorite comedies on a regular basis. The last part of the book is a workbook-based customizable program that will help you achieve a greater sense of control over your life and a more optimistic outlook in about a month. Start today!



2. One of the most talked about health subjects today pertains to stress and how it affects us psychologically and physically.
   
   Although it is still not clear exactly what stress is all about, we do know that how we perceive a stress-provoking event and how we react to it determines its impact on our health.
   
   Arlene Matthews Uhl, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Beating Stress states in her introductory letter to her readers that "feeling stressed, and not knowing quite what to do about it, hardly makes you an idiot. On the contrary, it makes you a busy, productive, involved, and responsible human being caught up in the frenetic pace and multiple pressures of the twenty-first century."
   
   Employing a well-rounded picture to the subject matter of stress, Uhl tells us that it is not an impossible task to control stress as long as you understand how to manage your reaction to it.
   
   The Complete Idiot's Guide To Beating Stress divides itself into six parts: twenty-first-century stress: stress-free mind makeover: restoration through love and work: bodywork: anti-stress self-care: and stress-beating workbook.
   
   Commencing with a general overview of stress, Uhl reminds us that stress can be among the most dangerous threats to our emotional and physical well-being.
   
   She then goes on to explore how negative and positive impact of stress play a pivotal role in our everyday activities and how beating stress must involve both body and mind.
   
   Uhl provides us with a description of the sources of stress as how we respond to disaster, stressful life transitions, stress toll of daily frustrations and dealing with reoccurring stress cycles. From here we learn about the downside of stress and how it affects our physical health as its impact on aging, our immune system, heart health, and our immunity system. However, we are reminded there is an upside to stress and Uhl examines the good kind of stress and how it can help us. We are also introduced to various stress styles and the Type A and Type B personalities.
   
   Once we have an idea as to what stress is all about, Uhl provides us with a map as to how to cultivate a stress-beating attitude with optimism, laughter and altruism. We also have a peek at the effects of meditation, visualization, and personal spirituality.
   
   Other parts of the book delve into the matter of how we can restore ourselves to a calmer lifestyle by recognizing and cultivating the most positive aspects of love and work. Included in this section are importance of family ties and friends, workplace stresses, benefits of physical exercise as well as yoga and t'ai chi, process of play, anti-stress foods, importance of sleep, and getaways.
   The concluding chapters provide us with crafting a personal plan, as well as a five-week stress-beater and how to hold on to new habits.
   
   There is no shortage of books offering advice as to how to cope with stress, but this one may prove to be one of the best.
   Occupying each section is a wealth of information that is well-organized and informative. At the end of each chapter there is even a short resumé of the important principles we should retain. The book also includes resources for further reading, at-home retreat resources, anti-stress destinations, and a comprehensive glossary and index.
   
   Uhl is a former psychotherapist who has written eleven books on a variety of popular self-help topics. She has appeared on national media, including Oprah and Good Morning. She also lectures on developmental psychology at the university level.
   
   Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

1 comments about Health Journeys: A Mediation to Help Relieve Headaches (Two Tape Set) (For People Coping with Headaches).

1. The cassettes use guided imagery on one side and deliver positive affirmations on the other side. Background music is used throughout the tape. Mrs. Naparstek employs images that I found helpful. My favourite one: "imagine that your blood vessels return to their normal size, like a well-used rubber band...".

   The two tapes of this set are almost identical, with the exception that one of them includes physical exercises that might help prevent headaches. I have not used that one, so for me an "abridged" edition might have sufficed. I will mostly use the cassette when I feel a headache coming or after taking medication to support the effect.

   The induction is rather short. Therefore I decided to use a longer induction from one of Janet Decker's CDs in conjunction with this tape and was quite satisfied with the result. No miracles, but definitely some relief.