Self Help

The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits

by Gregg Braden

Average Rating:

"The first half of this book offers little to distinguish itself from other metaphysical literature on mind-body healing or the power of positive thinking and healthy beliefs. It covers David Bohm's theory that the universe is a holographic computer (although Bohm is only mentioned in one brief paragraph at the very end of the book--p.190), the relationship between the conscious and subconscious minds, and the maleability of reality as described by quantum mechanics. These summaries are tedious and offer few insights that can't be found in dozens of other books.

THE SPONTANEOUS HEALING OF BELIEF does contain a solid chapter on how our minds are unconsciously programmed at an early age and how such negative programming produces the frustration, fear, anger, depression, and pain that can sabatoge our beliefs and the ability to lead healthy lives. Braden's examples are relevant and specific, and this is the strongest part of the book.

The middle of the book is muddled, however, and veers radically off course. According to the author, the prerequisite for healing our beliefs is that light and darkness, good and evil must not be judged but rather accepted as equal and necessary forces by the subconscious mind (pp. 116-124). A battle is allegedly raging within our bodily cells because we were taught as young children that evil and darkness are bad. This conclusion, Braden tells us, was the result of recurring dreams through which he learned to embrace darkness and light as equals. (Okay, Luke, the dark side isn't so bad after all.) Following the description of these dreams, we learn in a poorly explained section that the author, as a result of his dream revelations, lost all friendships, both positive and negative, as he experienced a rather zen-like "nothingness." There is no real clarification as to what he means by this other than that a kind of metaphysical "glue" had "dissolved" in his life (p. 126), a glue formed by mistakenly judging relationships in terms of light and darkness (whatever that might mean) and by evaluating people in terms of their "honesty, integrity, and trust" (p. 125). He concludes that when our own relationships, difficult or not, begin to fade, then the "glue" has been healed. But wait--does the glue "dissolve" or become "healed"? Braden's terminology and prose are hopelessly vague. Is seeking honesty, integrity, and trust in people wrong? And why would we want to risk losing perfectly normal, healthy relationships?

This would be all well and good if the reader can accept a few tenets of Taoism--the "yin and yang"--but the entire principle of polar opposites and its Taoist origins is never explained even though Braden's entire argument rests on this single concept. It is a glaring omission of staggering proportions. The paradigm shift the book seeks to precipitate, therefore, is simply not possible in the Western tradition, a posture that is naive and limiting since it excludes so many other spiritual approaches to the laws of attraction and manifestation. Although Braden takes no doctrinal position, his beliefs are implicit, as when he says that the battle between good and evil, a battle that must NOT be won by either side, is "at least 2000 years old." This is a clear reference to the Common Era (A.D.) since good and evil are spoken of as irreconcilable opposites by the Christian gospels. The truth is that the metaphysics of belief and manifestation can be found in numerous traditions, both east and west, nor is it necessarily confined to any organized tradition at all.

Mr. Braden's fuzzy dream epiphany that yokes together good and evil ignores the considerable metaphysical, philosophical, and religious literature that draws heavily upon Western tradition, calling for a repudiation of evil, darkness, and negativity before one may manifest a desired reality. The most notable example is Dr. Joseph Murphy's landmark THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND, as well as studies and books by Dr. Larry Dossey, Dr. Melvin Morse, Dr. Bernie Segal, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, all of whom maintain a belief in the power of positive thinking within Jewish, Christian, and non-denominational traditions in order to manifest miracles and strengthen belief.

Braden uses the brief discussion of opposites to bolster the premise that the universe is a computer simulation. Computers use a binary language: 1 and 0, yes and no, on and off. Ay, there's the rub! The only necessary discussion of an "opposite" in this context is the on-off nature of the atom, which can exist as a wave or a particle (determined by the observer according to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle), and yet this is oddly given short shrift in the book. Wave-particle duality (or any part of quantum mechanics) does not dictate that we accept good and evil as a single unified force to choose between what Braden terms "love chemistry" or "fear chemistry." Most metaphysical writers, in fact, believe that it is precisely our decision to choose light over darkness (that which is positive and loving) that allows us to embrace a new paradigm capable of breaking toxic habits and relationships--the old programming.

The book's final chapters seek to implement the actual healing of beliefs with mental "software patches" consisting of 1) the use of irrefutable logic to convince the mind of its false programming, and 2) miracles themsleves. If the first method was an easy fix, we could dispense with psychotherapy or books like this one and simply give ourselves a good talking to, for as the author himself reiterates numerous times, old internal tapes are extremely hard to destroy. Method one is therefore anything but "spontaneous." The second method is a classic Catch-22. To experience a miracle, one must actually first experience a miracle in order to get beyond classic scientific thinking. (Huh?) The ways to "heal belief" according to Braden, therefore, are as follows: 1) embrace good and evil as one force; 2) use logic; or 3) experience a miracle. It's worth noting that in the entire book, only four examples are used to demonstrate Braden's thesis. As for Braden's "31 Belief Codes," they are merely paragraph summaries scattered throughout the book. They are "factoids" that can be found in almost any book on mind-body healing or metaphysics and do not represent any kind of organized "system" of healing.

While the book makes some valid scientific points, its central thesis hinges on a biased and egocentric view of reality resulting from Braden's dreams. His conclusions about healing are likely to turn off readers who cannot accept evil and darkness as necessary creative forces in their lives. Perhaps he merely means, as Jung stated, that we must accept our limitations and darker sides--our humanity--but this bit of solid psychology does not tally with what Braden is suggesting. Nowhere in the book does Braden tell us how our "relationship with polarity" (p. 128) heals our beliefs. Chapter five promises to apply this all-important concept, but polarity is never mentioned again as Braden resumes his discussion of life as computer simulation.

Competent editing of this book might have gone a long way in clarifying some of the author's more esoteric, ill-defined points. The rambling chapter on polarities and Braden's dreams seems detached from the rest of the book, which desperately needs what is known in publishing as "developmental editing." There is no flow or continuity to the chapters in what is a wandering, now-familiar discussion of manifestation and the laws of attraction and belief.

Gregg Braden has been called "a modern-day prophet," a scientist who is bridging the gap between science and spirituality. Braden, however, is a former computer programmer, not a scientist, and the methodology, research, and conclusions in his books have been sharply criticized for years by legitimate scientists as well as reviewers in the mainstream press. "

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

The Law of Success In Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill (Complete, Unabridged)

by Napoleon Hill

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"If you liked or love Think & Grow Rich like I do, then you'll love The Law of Success by Napolean Hill. Warning: get ready for a lot of reading. This two volume set includes the 16 lessons and goes a lot deeper than Think & Grow Rich. None the less, I found the reading enjoyable and profitable. The law of success is actually a series of lectures that Hill did many years ago. As such, I believe that this book is even more valuable than Think & Grow Rich. Much more meat--and I liked Think and Grow Rich.Add the Law of Success to your success library. It can change your life."

Publisher: BN Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Living in the Heart: How to Enter into the Sacred Space Within the Heart

by Drunvalo Melchizedek

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"I was drawn to Drunvalo's Flower of Life teachings after being approached by a complete stranger who introduced me to them via his website. I found those volumes to be enjoyable but quite intense. On the other hand, Living in the Heart is a simple and easy book to read almost in one sitting. Yet it holds some powerful and simple observations and experiences about our world. The heart is where feelings are made manifest in our physical world, and it's our feelings that speak to the Mind of God, or the hidden field of intelligence as described by Gregg Braden (God Code, Isaiah Effect) and Lynne McTaggart (The Field). Our feelings communicate with the 99% of the energy in our world which is invisible to our eyes and ears. Following the heart reminds me of Stalking the Spirit, or following heart and gut feelings which can be an incredibly exciting journey. The times I have done it I've found myself surrounded by events and open doors my rational mind is unable to explain. If we want to change our world we must first become the feeling through prayer, rather than "thinking for" something, and then trust our creative essence.

Drunvalo explains some complex and deep concepts with simplicity and focus. His introduction of the Unity breath ties in elegantly with the principle of universality of feeling. Globally we may have different languages, symbols, philosophies, values, hopes and desires, but the one thing that unifies all of us, is our feelings. We can all recognise feelings of happiness, sadness, anger etc. no matter what our race, colour, religion, or material well-being. We are separate, yet we are not.

Buy the book, take a chance, do the meditation and have some fun!

Regards
Daniel John Hancock"

Publisher: Light Technology Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship: A Toltec Wisdom Book

by Miguel Ruiz

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"I particularly like what the the aurhor says about unconditional love. I think we have to understand the God loves us unconditionally before we can practice this concept. I learned about God unconditional love in the book and the Book An Encounter With a Prophet which removed all of the support for the negative concepts I had about God. I highly recommend both books."

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

The Seeker's Guide (previously published as The New American Spirituality)

by Elizabeth Lesser

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"Institutions of religion and learning take note: Elizabeth Lesser's "Seeker's Guide" is proof positive that personal experience is equal to tradition and scholarship as a pathway to truth. Elizabeth's life of seeking, organizing, promoting and teaching spirituality is disclosed beautifully in this multifaceted work. She shows by her own story, by her inspiring writing, and by her practical guidelines for meditation how ordinary mortals can create the sacred space for spiritual fulfillment in their own lives. Readers will find scripts for specific spiritual objectives, pearls of wisdom for the refrigerator, models for parenting, friendship, and marriage, holistic prescriptions for mental and physical health, deep prayers, profound wisdom, and the best bumper-sticker slogans in the universe. Her use of resources is erudite without pedantry or scholasticism. The book is at once a spiritual autobiography, a systematic theology of spiritual formation, and a useful handbook for spiritual practice. Personalities of some of our greatest spiritual leaders come to life as real people in the mix. If Elizabeth had only shared with us what she has learned from her years at Omega Institute, that would have been plenty, but she has also added her own powerful voice to the rising chorus of teachers and leaders of the New American Spirituality. Seekers who pick up her book will turn every page to the end and say, give us more, Elizabeth!"

Publisher: Villard | More reviews: amazon.com

The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel

by Charles F. Haanel

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"Charles F. Haanel was a successful business man who discovered that spiritual life is a key to success in everything you do. He proved that what is happening outside is in a direct relation to what is taking place in your consciousness.When the Master Key was published, it was one of those books that successful business men wanted out of the market. They didn't want people to read this book as its truths would help anyone to overcome limitations.The rumor is that when Bill Gates was just a student, he read this book and utilized its truths. Rest is history. I have read this book - it is divided in chapters that have introductions and numbered paragraphs to study. It starts from understanding the principles of your conscious mind and its power and advances to utilizing these principles.As you put in use what the author explains in this volume, you will start seeing substantial changes in your reality. In many ways, Charles was so much ahead of his time. Even today most profilic business coaches such as Antohony Robbins etc. do not admit the fact that your life is in your control 100%. We are taught that we are at the mercy of externals, but it ain't so.In many ways, Charles F. Haanel is the most outstanding business coach there has ever been. Way before current business coaches who incorporate spiritual life and business, he did it. If you are an owner of major company -- have every employee of your company to read this book and utilize it in their daily routines. Your company will become the new success story. That is for sure.Why am I giving just 4 stars for such an outstanding book? Well that is because the volume is rather long. I think the central message of this book could have been condensed into 60 pages -- but instead the author goes on and on for several hundred pages. On the other hand -- this does ensure that everyone grasps the principles involved in creating success.Does it work? Yes it does. Why do some people fail? Well, they just read this book but don't put in use its truths. For some it is difficult to understand or believe that your life is just a mirror that is telling you what you are in your consciousness. Think you have a problem, and one will surface. Think you have a solution and it is as well yours. Fair game."

Publisher: BN Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Notes from the Universe: New Perspectives from an Old Friend

by Mike Dooley

Average Rating:

"I've been a huge fan of Mike Dooley since I discovered his website and started receiving daily "Notes from the Universe." I recently shared that discovery with my sister and gave her this book so she could get "caught up."

This is a perfect book to dip into every day to remind you of life's universal truths -- and make you laugh! Also a terrific gift..."

Publisher: Atria Books/Beyond Words | More reviews: amazon.com

Mystical Traveler: How to Advance to a Higher Level of Spirituality

by Sylvia Browne

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"Sylvia Browne is the ultimate guide to "advancing to a higher level of spirituality." You should totally buy this book and all of her other titles, too. She needs the cash. Really. Do it now. Just suspend disbelief and stop asking those silly questions. Logic and rationality are so overrated. Westerners just want proof and proof and still more proof. Proof is a need of the spiritually immature. Let Sylvia guide you all the way. She's on "Montel," isn't she? "

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of Allowing

by Esther Hicks

Average Rating:

"I gotta say, I like their stuff. It's entertaining, and at the very least the message is positive.

This Abraham character, that Esther "channels," sounds more like Zsa Zsa Gabor than what I'd expect a highly evolved transdemensional being to sound like, but hey, it makes the message more fun. I won't get hung up on my feelings about channeling; because a wise man once taught me that it's not so much the messenger, but the message that counts.

The message that I got from Esther's entity is basically this: Going about trying to change your world by running amok fixing everything outside of you is bass ackwards. Instead, fix your inner world with feelings like joy and that's what you'll create.

I think Jesus said it this way in Mark 11:22-24. "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Hey, if the Red Sox could use the power of belief to win the World Series after 80 years of disappointment, then this stuff must work.

You may also want to check out "The DaVinci Method" for the secrets to overcoming your inner barriers to positive creating.

Believe!"

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Getting Unstuck

by Pema Chodron

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"Pema Chodron offers some sound, beautiful ideas on how to cope with not only addictive behavior, but basically anything in life that you just plain don't like. Her lovely, grounded voice is a pleasure to listen to, she's damned funny, and I've found myself listening to the ideas on this CD over and over as I make my way through the often hostile streets of Manhattan. It's like a primer in how to stay clear and calm and grounded in life, no matter how lousy (or terrific) your circumstances may be."

Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated | More reviews: amazon.com