Self Help

Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling

by Wayne W. Dyer

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""Inspiration flowing through us is a messenger from the realm of our nonphysical self, from where we were before we entered this visible world of form. We have the ability to return to that formlessness right now, in our body, without experiencing physical death. - From the book

Renowned lecturer and author Dr. Wayne Dyer has dedicated his newest book to in-Spirited living. Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling contains methods for finding your way to an inspired life, absorbing the inspiration of others, becoming an inspiration, and transcending commonplace uninspiring energy.

According to Dyer, inspiration is the opposite of motivation. Motivation is "grabbing an idea and carrying it through to an acceptable conclusion", but inspiration is the reverse-allowing ourselves to be moved by a Force greater than ourselves. While motivation pushes us towards goals, inspiration is a relaxed flow, enabling us to enjoy where we are on the way to where we're going. By remembering our constant connection to Source energy, we tap into peace, ease, and abundance.

Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling teaches some brilliant principles that I've discovered in my own life, and found to be a guiding source for inspiration and on-purpose living-such as the power of giving, gratitude, and following curiosity. Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:

"Remember: We're already connected to everything that we think is missing from our life. Below and above the ranges that our eyes and ears perceive, the entire activity of creation remains invisible and inaccessible-but when we shift from sensory searching to trusting what we know, we discover the folly of chasing after anything in order to feel inspired."

"...you'll never find light by analyzing the darkness..."

"Having an interest in something is the clue to a thought that's connected to our calling-that thought is a vibration of energy in this vast Universe."

"Ego nags us to compete and insists that we've failed when others defeat us or have more than we do."

"Lecturing or demanding others live peacefully is one of the least effective ways to inspire them; however, when we simply demonstrate that we're living peacefully, we offer other people a large dose of inspiration by our mere presence."

"...we must make a conscious choice to say no to anything that takes us away from an inspired life...We can start by turning down requests that involve actions that don't correspond with our inner knowing about why we're here".

While Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling is replete with sage, universal wisdom, some of Dyer's recommendations are contradictory and counterproductive. Throughout the book, he asserts that we are not our body-that we are spirits having a human experience. When we forget this truth and associate with ego ("edging God out"), we aren't living "in Spirit". Then Dyer relates a story about Ram Dass, whom one day was pondering what it would be like to be old and infirm--mere seconds before his incapacitating stroke.

Dyer tries to connect metaphysical dots by saying that Dass attracted his stroke and illness based on what he was thinking at the time. Towards the end of the book, he says that if you've attained victim status, experienced natural devastation, sickness, etc. it's "not your fault". However, in the next breath-and echoed throughout the book-he stresses, "Since fear is a vibration, you were a vibrational match to whatever entered you life at the moment of its arrival". In effect, he's saying, "Yes, sickness and disease IS actually your fault, because you were in fear and attracted it." Earlier in the book, Dyer mentions that we've come from a great "wave" before incarnating as a "particle" and that we were an integral part of devising our soul's curriculum on the Earth. If this is true, then Dass included his stroke into his "sacred contract" or life chart. Jesus was once asked by religious folks why a man was infirm ("Did he sin? Did his parents sin?") and Jesus replied, "No one sinned-it was to declare the glory of God."

What Dyer is forgetting (or doesn't realize) is that if we're not our body, then we sure as heck aren't our thoughts! Yet, he advocates aggressively policing our thoughts, attempting to destroy the ego, and affirming health through negative affirmations. For example, in Chapter 13, he recommends that individuals should say provocative affirmations (his words) aloud, such as "I'll never allow myself to feel old, feeble or frail" and "I refuse to allow Alzheimer's, cancer, or any other infirmity in my life". Any student of Hypnosis 101 knows that the brain doesn't "hear" negatives. That is, what the brain will actually receive is "I allow Alzheimer's, cancer..." etc. He sprinkles these kinds of negative affirmations throughout the book.

This focus on laboring to eradicate "negative" thoughts (and people and circumstances) contradicts not one, but two of the principles listed in his book:

1. "The ego says `your thoughts are very important' but the Holy Spirit insists `Only thoughts you think with God are real-nothing else matters'"

2. "The ego says `There's good and bad' but the Holy Spirit maintains `There's nothing to judge because it isn't real in the first place'".

I get the feeling that Dyer is enraptured by the recent popular teachings of Quantum Physics, A Course in Miracles and the Law of Attraction, without actually understanding or embodying the principles. (He's not the first to do this with an idea. Many teachers get excited about new theories and then run out to teach them on the fly. In fact, I suspect that he does this quite often because he states in the book that the "best way to learn something is to teach it".) As a result, some of his writing is rambling and vague. One of the universal laws of spirit is "where attention goes, energy flows". If you're focused on illness and fear-even in the name of banishing or preventing these undesired experiences-you're still focused on them!

Why not, instead, focus on health, peace, and joy-as well as emotions that make you feel good? Dyer has failed to mention the crux of the Law of Attraction: the elevation and association of "feel good" emotions. Or, as author Michael Losier says, "blowing your fan". That is, your *emotional* state while thinking certain thoughts is more important than the thoughts themselves!

Dyer also points out that we need to live in the Now, yet his negative affirmations encourages projection into the future, e.g., "I won't attract further illness into my life".

In line with classic Dyer teachings, there are some wonderful insights in Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling-ones that can truly be life changing. I just wish he hadn't muddied the clear waters of inspiration and in-spirited living with some armchair ambiguity about Quantum Physics and the Law of Attraction--most of which he borrowed from other authors. These disconnected, contradictory ramblings could very likely discourage and confuse seekers trying to improve their lives or remember their continuous connection to the loving, constant Presence of All That Is."

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Love, Freedom, Aloneness: The Koan of Relationships

by Osho

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"The book is beautiful, read it and delight in it. Don't take it seriously, rather drink it up. It is in prose (it is all transcribed talks), but leaves a distinct aftertaste of fine poetry. Besides, whatever Osho was, he was a genious in his knowledge of human psychology, and a master with words. It shows. $5 say anyone with a little attention will stumble across something eye-opening in this book.Speaking of who Osho was, it pays to do research (I'm aiming at the editorial reviews here, naturally). He didn't flee the US - he got deported on fabricated INS charges, and there were no orgies at Rajneeshpuram. However, libel sticks. This story (a thoroughly fascinating one - how the Reigan administration got so afraid of a little Indian man that they broke a couple dozen of American laws trying to shut him down and force him out) is still awaiting an unbiased teller.Osho belonged to the venerable tradition that says: human beings are basically consciousness. Everything else, including our bodies, and our lives, is minute circumstance. The only purpose is to help the consciousness become aware of itself (aka enlightenment), the only path there - meditation. Anything else is only used to help the people meditate, as needed. Osho spent the majority of his life promoting the cause, and certainly sacrificed lifetime for it - he died prematurely even considering his rather ill health (he was asthmatic, diabetic, and had back problems, but granted the very high level of care afforded him, the above shouldn't have killed a 59-old man).For everything else, read the man himself. This lovely book is as good a place to start as any."

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin | More reviews: amazon.com

The Law of Attraction, Plain and Simple: Create the Extraordinary Life That You Deserve

by Sonia Ricotti

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""The Law of Attraction is working at all times, regardless of your beliefs or your awareness of its presence. We are constantly attracting into our lives (whether deliberately or by default) what we are emitting into the universe." - From the book

From What the Bleep!? to The Secret, Jack Canfield to Abraham, teachings on the Law of Attraction now permeates our modern culture. Thanks to TV hosts like Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, and Larry King, the Law of Attraction is receiving media attention like never before.

With the exception of authors like Michael Losier (Law of Attraction), it seems many teachers make the Law of Attraction more difficult (and outlandish) than it really is. Thankfully, Sonia Ricotti has written an accessible, sensible and practical guide to this universal law that works hand-in-hand with our soul contracts in her book The Law of Attraction Plain and Simple.

Living up to its name, The Law of Attraction Plain and Simple is a 125-page hardcover book simplifying concepts of negative energy, positive energy, allowing, and shifting thoughts to attract your "greatest life".

Take a page from Tony Robbins' decades-long approach, as well as Lynn Grabhorn and other teachers, Ricotti shares the eleven central steps to consciously activating the Law of Attraction including:

* Deciding what you want
* Removing meaning
* Forgiveness
* Gratitude

Written in language that even a grade school student could grasp, The Law of Attraction Plan and Simple is an excellent introduction to this oft-hyped concept, bringing it down to the ground while at the same time encouraging readers to reach for the stars.

I've used these principles in my own life and I KNOW they work, especially as you edit the meaning attached to events (and expectations), and go for a state of being/feeling rather than specific objects (although they may also be a part of your "greatest life"). I also love that Ricotti, a first time author, has the wisdom to emphasize the importance of personal VALUES in terms of the Law of Attraction.

The important idea of personal values influencing what we decide to attract, and what we determine we want to allow, is often overlooked in books on the LofA (except for Peggy McColl's books), but not in this one. In fact, Ricotti provides SIX pages of two-column lists offering a variety of core values to choose from.

For example, what I may value you may not and vice versa. I may value privacy and quietude while you may value community and teamwork. I may value risk-taking and creativity, while you value security and diligence. Thus, the Law of Attraction may be universal in how it's applied, but it's unique in manifestation based on ascertaining our values (so many don't even KNOW what they value!), making decisions, allowing, and our soul lessons (something not covered by Ricotti, but discussed in Transforming Fate into Destiny by Robert Ohotto).

If you or someone you know would like to discover what your core values are, as well as learn what this "law of attraction stuff" is all about, The Law of Attraction Plain and Simple by Sonia Ricotti is a fine first step to get you on your way to creating deliberately and designing your own best life.

(Note: to delve deeper into the truths shared by Ricotti, I recommend the two books Your Destiny Switch and 21 Distinction of Wealth, both by Peggy McColl. To know more about how pre-incarnation soul contracts factor into the Law of Attraction--including the LoA's limitations--read Transforming Fate into Destiny by Robert Ohotto.)

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book"

Publisher: Hampton Roads Pub Co | More reviews: amazon.com

Life's Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest

by Christina Baldwin

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"My copy of this book is dog-eared and worn, highlighted in pink and feathered with little yellow stickies. I recommend it as one of the best introductory journal writing books around. The format is unique. On the left hand page there are quotes, poems and insights. On the right hand page is the actual book, which combines literary, spiritual and psychological insights. I've been journaling for almost 10 years now and I still go back to this book for more inspiration."

Publisher: Bantam | More reviews: amazon.com

Superbeings

by John Randolph Price

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"There are a lot of people who believe in God. If I remember it right, it's something like 70-72% of Americans believe in God. That's good...that's very good. But I wonder how many people from that percentage "know" God? Now before you answer that, I want you to really ask yourself, "Do I know God or do I know a lot of things that other people have told me about God? Do I know a lot of dogmas, creeds, and rites that I just kind of accepted because I felt like it was something one did?"

I asked myself that question about 20 some years ago and the truth was I didn't know God...oh, I believed in God...but I didn't know God...I didn't feel God...I didn't allow myself to get still long enough to feel that Eternal Presence all around me and all within me because the bottom line was I was afraid. I was scared that I might be "entertaining" the devil. How many of you reading this review has heard that? Oh, don't meditate...don't quiet your mind...you have to vigilant...you have to live in fear...you have to always be alert because if you're not, the devil is gonna get you!

Nonsense.

We must allow ourselves to go within and be still. We must allow ourselves to get quiet, centered and open ourselves to something much more than this world of form can provide and this book can be a guide to doing that.

Of course, you must be ready...you must be willing to become 100%responsible for your life and to too many people, that's just plain scary. "Oh, no, I can't be responsible for my life...I need other people to tell me how to live...what to believe...how to think...what to do!" Giving up your power and letting someone else influence the way you live, the way you vote, the way you think is trafficking with the "devil" more than meditation could ever be.

Jesus said, "The poor will be with you always..." He's right. They will be. The poor in Spirit, the poor in responsibility, the poor in knowing who and what they really are. We are gods in the making. Our life is 99.9% invisible. When you die, you leave behind the vehicle you used during this trip, but where the heck is the driver? Your True Being is Invisible...your True Being is God...You are God...I am God...Everything is God...could you imagine how incredible the world would be if everyone knew this on some level? Nobody would try and take advantage of others because we would really know that what we did to somebody else, we did to ourselves...the golden rule would be the only rule we would have to honor because all other rules would follow accordingly.

So if you're not ready for this book, don't buy it. If you like having everyone tell you how to think and how to believe DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK but then again, don't condemn others for not believing exactly the way you do, either, because there are people...like me...who takes the promises of God very seriously..."Be still and know I AM God..." The proimises of God are not written in a book, they're written on your heart, but one must become still enough to know this...not believe this...but KNOW THIS.

God is right where we are. Always has been. Always will be.

Time to live out this Truth. This book can be guide.

Are You ready?"

Publisher: Fawcett | More reviews: amazon.com

The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness

by Paramahansa Yogananda

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"If all the positive thinking self help books and books on success were to be condensed into one, it would probably be this one."

Publisher: Self-Realization Fellowship | More reviews: amazon.com

The Power of Infinite Love & Gratitude: An Evolutionary Journey to Awakening Your Spirit

by Darren R. Weissman

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"After reading about this book from another source, I decided to purchase it. It talks about Infinite Love and Gratitude, used in healing. It does not tell specifically how to do it. This book is more like a positive thinking seminar. I ended up returning it, since it's not what I expected."

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

The Missing Secret: How to Use the Law of Attraction to Easily Attract What You Want...Every Time

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Make the Mysterious Law of Attraction work for you automatically and consistentlyThe phenomenal popularity of The Secret has put widespread attention on the age-old universal force known as the Law of Attraction. As one of the stars of The Secret, few people are more familiar with the true impact of this phenomenon than bestselling author Joe Vitale. According to Joe, it's one thing to know what the Law of Attraction is, but you must understand the "Missing Secret" if you want to put the power of this incredible force to work for you. He reveals the easily remedied reasons why the Law of Attraction doesn't always work the way it is "supposed to" - why bad things happen to good people - and why you sometimes seem to attract the exact opposite of what you consciously want. In The Missing Secret you'll discover how to:• Turn ANY desire into reality, using the proven 5-step Attractor Factor Process• Stop attracting what you don't want• Remove all your limitations and start living and achieving at a level you never imagined possible• Begin to instantaneously heal injury, illness, disconnects, and more, using 4 simple phrases• Attract positive outcomes into the lives of others - no matter how far away they are or how difficult their challenges may be...and so much more!The Missing Secret is the key to the Law of Attraction you've been waiting for. Once you have it, you'll have everything you need to attract and enjoy anything you want -- for yourself and for the people you love -- for the rest of your life.

Publisher: Nightingale-Conant | More reviews: amazon.com

The Law of Attraction CD Collection

by Esther Hicks

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"I was very disappointed in listening to the Law of Attraction speed-read in monotone by Jerry Hicks. This is important work and really needs to be delivered by Esther Hicks/Abraham. I got so tired of trying to keep up with Jerry's speed-reading and trying to maintain interest in the monotonous way in which it was read that I finally gave up. I will not buy anything else by Abraham unless it is delivered by/read by Esther/Abraham. Sorry. Please, Jerry, for the sake of the work, step aside or, possibly you could ask Abraham for help/guidance with this.
Thank you and blessings."

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Coloring Mandalas 3: Circles of the Sacred Feminine

by Susanne F. Fincher

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"I have utilized the first two books in this Mandala series for meditative reflection as I colored with pencils. The third one has images that are not as condusive to meditation and are somewhat disconcerting. I am attracted to repetitive designs reminiscent of Rose stained glass windows. Some of these images were just odd. Some were ugly. There are many other books out there with better designs for contemplation."

Publisher: Shambhala | More reviews: amazon.com