Spiritual Living

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

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

by Wayne W. Dyer

Average Rating:

"We're all so busy these days. And distracted. Who has time to pause and ponder on much of anything beyond what we're grabbing for dinner after school or work? That is, if we even have time for dinner. So at first glance this almost-400 page book with its obvious philosophical leanings appears a little daunting. But dig in and you'll quickly see that it is not a book to be read in one concentrated time period, but rather taken a step at a time as a meditative process.

Each chapter is based on one of the 81 verses of the ancient Chinese wisdom and philosophy of the Tao Te Ching and beckons the reader to stop and think before moving on with his/her busy life. Dr. Dyer studied numerous translations of the Tao, meditated on his own interpretations, and observed how each verse influenced his thinking (and life) for the day. Each chapter begins with the actual verse from the Tao, followed by a title which summarizes the chief learning, followed by Dr. Dyer's comments and interpretations. Each chapter ends with a short instruction on a way to "Do the Tao Now." The instructions are deceptively simple ranging from thoughts to hold in your mind to actions you can take. Some actions can take all day (such as a suggested fast for a day); others can be done in minutes, such as expressing kindness toward another.

The notion that changing your thinking can change your life is found in almost all cultures and writings since early civilizations. This philosophy is at the heart of the most successful psychological treatments for depression, anxiety, and other disorders. The Tao provides one more example of this powerful philosophy, and Dr. Dyer nicely walks us through it.

If I had to summarize this book in one word it would be "peace." There is something about the writing which demands that you slow down, focus for a moment on the present, and take just a few minutes to detach from the chaos of your life into a true "moment of Zen." Keep it by your bed, read a chapter before going to sleep or when you first wake up and notice what begins to change in your life.

REVIEW UPDATE: As I continue to spend time with this book, I continue to be impressed. Because each chapter is only 4-6 pages long, my initial impression was that one could read a chapter a night. And you can- but the thoughts in each chapter are so intriguing and interesting that I find I wanted to linger over them for several days. This book deserves to be savored. There's also an interesting mystery in the epilogue. Dr. Dyer closes with a brief discussion of a personal incident that very much challenged his beliefs and work with the Tao. He writes, "I was presented with the greatest personal challenge of my life." He goes on to describe his great hurt and pain. I assume he had his reasons for not explaining the event in greater detail, but it leaves the reader wanting to know more- and specifically how he applied to Tao to overcome his feelings. Perhaps he will enlighten us in a future book or CD.
"

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Power, Freedom, and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness

by Deepak Chopra

Average Rating:

"I'm somewhat of a penny-pincher, so I buy almost all of my books online. However, while taking lunch a local bookstore, I saw POWER, FREEDOM AND GRACE, by Deepak Chopra on the new release shelf and it caught my eye. I had a little time, so sat down with the book and a cup of coffee and read the first chapter. I was so impressed with some of the profound statements I read in the first chapter that I decided to forego my usual method of finding a book I like then coming home to find the best price. After just one chapter, I deemed this work worthy of full price. Imagine my chagrin to find later that this book goes quickly downhill after the first chapter.

This is somewhat of an introduction to the ancient philosophy of Vedanta, which, from my understanding, holds similarity to Zen. From that standpoint, this book is a fair introduction. Although I don't totally agree with the philosophy, it does have certain merit and I strongly believe to condemn something without knowledge is a condemnation based on ignorance, so from that aspect, the book was money well spent.

My disappointment in Chopra's work lies in the agonizing repetition and philosophical statements without basis. For many, this might indeed be an enjoyable read, but don't expect some great epiphany to alter your life. In places, Chopra reminded me of decades ago and hearing someone incoherently describes their experiences coming down off an acid trip.

Don't get me wrong, the first chapter is well worth reading. There are indeed, some profound statements regarding happiness and the source thereof. My suggestion, however, is to go to your local bookstore, grab a cup of coffee, read the first chapter and save your money. "

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

Neale Donald Walsch on Relationships

by Neale Donald Walsch

Average Rating:

"Walsch's little book on Relationships is amazing. This is a quick read - you will probably finish it in two hours or less, but it is packed with insight, honesty, humor, and its wisdom will touch your soul. Walsh starts out by telling the reader that: "Relationship is the most important experience in our lives. Without it, we are nothing. Literally." Since we engage in so many different kinds of relationships, Walsch gently points out that, "Being in a relationship has everything to do with what you choose to put into it, not what you can get out of it." Walsch has the reader looking at relationships from a higher perspective, and not a selfish one, and one will really stop and ponder, when reading and absorbing his words. Walsch explains how relationships are sacred, as is our experiences of being in a relationship. He says, "Love is a decision, not a reaction." After the infatuation wears off, what does one have left - A genuine relationship, or an empty example of instant gratification?After finishing the book, I came away with saying, "Yes! - This is how it should be!" Walsch makes several references to his relationship with his wife Nancy and how their relationship, empowers, builds, and creates, and does not limit, tear down or hurt the other person. He asks the reader, " What can we empower? What can we create?" The reader has no choice, but to ask her/himself those very questions. Is your relationship empowering you and allowing you to create the whole, possible you? I really loved this quote, "Relationships that are based in real love - a love that is true - are relationships that are totally and completely free. Freedom is the essence of love. When we love another, we never seek to limit or restrict them in any why whatsoever. Love does not limit, does not own, does not hold in, but expands, lets go, and releases, the grandest part of who all of us are."This book will open up your heart, your mind and your soul. The words are pure and simple, but they aim right for your heart. Your perspective will change, as will your desire for what your soul is seeking in a true relationship. Walsch, in a subtle way, imparts to the reader, that one does not have to settle for second or third best. The heart knows - one just has to listen, and one has to be secure in themselves, to not settle, and to only accept the highest calling of the heart. For as Walsch says, "Relationship is the only experience in life that brings you an experience of yourself in life. Not only do I know myself out of my relationship with you, but I literally define myself as well. I can only see in me what I see in you".Pretty powerful words - pretty powerful, heart-felt book. I highly recommend this book for those who are seeking and for those that know, that there is something more powerful, sacred, and meaningful in a relationship and nothing else will do."

Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Road Trip Guide to the Soul: A 9-Step Guide to Reaching Your Inner Self and Revolutionizing Your Life

by Sadie Nardini

Average Rating:

"Sadie has the gift for teaching. Together with hard-earned, lived wisdom, her gift comes through on these pages, as it does in the yoga studio. Her lessons are specific, practical, and rooted in the teachings of ancient wisdom traditions. Using examples from her own life blended with the road trip metaphor, Sadie offers compelling, memorable, and empowering guidance. A key teaching that runs throughout is how self-reliance combines with generosity and compassion. She shows you how being intelligently and courageously generous with yourself benefits both you and others. Anyone who has taken a class with Sadie can see the integrity and discipline in her work. She brings these same qualities to this book. Her writing is both conversational and authoritative. You would be hard pressed to find a more engaging guide to life's rich journey. And you don't need to be a yogi to benefit from reading it. You only need to be alive with a commitment to living at full throttle!"

Publisher: Wiley | More reviews: amazon.com

Awareness: The Key to Living in Balance (Osho, Insights for a New Way of Living)

by Osho

Average Rating:

"Osho has a very good logical sensibility and makes many wonderful and helpful points about developing awareness. Some of his points are simply those that have been repeated in many books on meditation and mindfulness, but others are helpful in their unique insight. I found his points on "Centering" and "Tension and Relaxation" to be very helpful, and enjoyed many of the thoughts scattered throughout the book, such as a beautiful passage on "rising in love" as opposed to "falling in love."However, one of Osho's biggest character flaws was his sense of superiority, and the book's all-knowing and magnanimous tone can be grating, especially when Osho says things that are inaccurate and just plain false. Osho's knowledge about politics was fatally flawed; later in his life he expressed admiration for authoritarianism, even praising Hitler. A passage on how Russia and India would make more responsible decisions about nuclear weapons than America in this book is particularly absurd and calls to mind the man's very flawed political views.Osho's constant harping about the East's superiority to the West is irritating as well, particularly because it adds no extra insight and really is not a necessary part of the text. Further, it contradicts Osho's encouragement for readers to learn to overcome the mind's need to evaluate and compare. Osho devalues the analytical and logical accomplishments of the West even as he utilizes such approaches throughout his book. "Witnessing" is not the cure to everything, as Osho's life so aptly demonstrated. Some of his authoritative pronouncements could be harmful to those who would not challenge Osho's stance on something like therapy, the process of which could actually help a person with problems of repression of past trauma move more toward a state of awareness.Osho's knowledge of science is almost nonexistent, and yet he speaks of science with the same authoritative tone he uses in speaking of everything else. His inaccuracies on all of these topics would only be a minor irritation if he did not use inaccurate statements as the basis for many of his arguments about awareness. This book would have been much better if the editors had left out some of Osho's wildly false observations and edited out some of the parts where he repeats himself endlessly for pages. Osho was a flawed human being, but also had a deep knowledge of inner development. This book reflects that dichotomy.I would not argue against reading or buying it, but would encourage readers to be aware as they read the book so that they can separate the wheat of Osho's insights about becoming more aware from the chaff of his flawed egotistical pronouncements, divisive statements, and inaccurate claims."

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

Emotional Clearing: An East / West Guide to Releasing Negative Feelings and Awakening Unconditional Happiness

by John Ruskan

Average Rating:

"I have used the focusing technique that John Ruskan so eloquently describes in his book. Be aware that it does take some effort, commitment and time. But I agree with the other people who have reviewed John Ruskan's book and say that his technique will change your life. I know that sounds like a paid advertisement, but try the technique over a period of time and see if you don't agree. Not only will you no longer feel like a victim but you will realize that you have everything you need to change and heal inside of yourself. I have recently started using a similar technique, General Sensate Focusing, which I now prefer. The complete book is located on several websites maintained by Dr. Ilan Shalif. Everything I have said about John Ruskan's book applies equally to the technique taught by Dr. Shalif. It is just a matter of preference and convenience as you can print Dr. Shalif's book off one of his websites."

Publisher: R. Wyler & Co | More reviews: amazon.com

Neale Donald Walsch on Holistic Living

by Neale Donald Walsch

Average Rating:

"If you are familiar with Mr. Walsch's other works, you already know something of the remarkable dialogue that he presents which are just tremendously insightful and uplifting. I have to honestly say that his books have made a very tangible and profound difference in my life for which I shall always be very grateful.This book on holistic living presents a kind of mini-overview of some of the themes that were presented in his Conversations with God trilogy. Although it is brief and simple, it is nonetheless a beautiful summary of one of the core messages found in his other books having to do with discovering how the enjoyment of creating changes in one's life can have an overall positive effect on oneself, others, and the world at large. I wouldn't be put off by it's size or simplicity. If you enjoyed his other books, you will definitely find the same profound wisdom unfusing this edition. Enjoy."

Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing | More reviews: amazon.com

Life Magic: The Reknowned Psychic Healer Shares the 7 Keys to Finding Your Power and Living Your Purpose

by Laura Bushnell

Average Rating:

"Clairvoyant Bushnell has spent many years perfecting her craft, and always she has lived by the words of the magical realist director, Fellini, who advises us never to give up on the childlish gift of enthusiasm we are all born with. Bushnell provides a heady reading list, with everybody on it from Dan Brown (THE DA VINCI CODE) to ultra healer Shakti Gawain to Dr. Wayne Dyer. Thus, she's not married to any one approach, rather she plunges in with both arms up to the elbow in a wide variety of healing practices and wisdom, though never forgetting her basic gift, psychic ability. She can see into you, see your wishes, whether you're a Hollywood star or just a nobody like me.

Though, as she teaches, none of us are nobodies and all of us are like shining stars. Everyone who reads her book is a magus. If you don't know what a "magus" is, this book will teach you, or you could crack THE MAGUS by John Fowles. But perhaps the simplest explanation is the three Wise Men who went to visit Jesus in the manger, were called, the MAGI (Latin plural for more than one "Magus.") So it's the time of the season for LIFE MAGIC, even if you're not a religious person, or even if you don't believe in Christ, you might still pick up a copy of this book and gain some profit for your eternal soul. As Laura recalls, one time the Holy Mother spoke to her in a vision and ordered her to give away everything she owned that wouldn't fit into a single suitcase . . .

Ask yourself, what would your own response be if a figure in a vision appeared to you and commanded you to do that?

I'd freak out, but Bushnell, who has been there and done that, advises us to be calm no matter how extreme our visions become. Usually the psychic self is crying out to be allowed to heal some hurt within. Whether it is anger release, or sitting at the bedside of a six year old leukemia victim, Laura Bushnell has been there, and she's not judgmental about response. You can go to her with nearly any old problem and she will heal, with the help of common herbs such as honey, water, frankincense, musk, cinnamon and most of all, the precious gift of time.

Buy this for your troubled friends, and you will be casting bread upon the waters."

Publisher: Miramax | More reviews: amazon.com

Sacred Practices for Conscious Living

by Nancy J. Napier

Average Rating:

"I am truly blessed to get to work with Nancy in person. However, I have read this book and given it to friends who've had nothing but the highest praise for it. One friend in particular announced that upon meeting a potential therapist, he would insist on having the doctor read it. The exercises within the book have helped me tremendously. I think so many of us are trying to be more aware of the grace within day to day life, Nancy's book is a beautiful tool for anyone on this path."

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company | More reviews: amazon.com