Spirituality Books

ILLUMINATIONS is truly a MUST. This book is perfect for those of us who are looking for beauty, understanding, and spiritual richness in life. It is filled with magnificent art work, photographs, drawings and the myriad of various texts just left me astounded. I have given this book to a dozen friends and have received nothing but kudos for doing so! I have referred to ILLUMINATIONS several times during the past year and inevitably receive the inspiration therein.

A book to slowly taste--word by word. Bask in glorious graphics; savor the thick paper; turn only a page a day to make it last!

I gave this book to all my good friends for Christmas. Every one of them, and they are an eclectic group, loves it. This is a book to be savoured like a fine wine. Each time you pick it up, you discover something new and wonderful. I find a favorite poem or photograph or essay or quotation every time I look at it. There are so many jewels here, so much accumulated talent. The editiors, Jennifer McMahon and Mark Tompkins, have truly given all of us who are lucky enough to encounter this book a gift to be treasured for many years. If you haven't been lucky enough to have been given this book, buy one for yourself today. You will love it!

This book is a real treasure. It's a wonderful compilation of art and personal stories from people who are looking for greater spiritual meaning in their lives. Rather than preaching, it has people share their experiences from around the globe about their spiritual journey. It reminded me how alike we all are and validated some of my own inner reflections. I highly recommend this book.

I was delighted and fortunate to discover "Illuminations" through the publication
of one of my poems. It is a gem of a collection, encompassing all faiths and beliefs,
very spiritual and uplifting, filled with beautiful and inspiring pictures, a work of art
in itself. It is at the same time meditation, essay, poetry, and will even spur
your creativity. I was blessed to be part of it and recommend it as an opportunity
for communion with the self.
Helene Cardona, author of The Astonished Universe

Every Christmas I buy multiple copies of the best book I've read all year long and give a copy to everyone on my gift list. There is no contest this year! Impressions in Clay is the winner (and it's only August). Everyone will enjoy AND learn from this little book filled with fascinating facts, quotes, Scripture, stories, and profound truths. Wendy Lawton reveals fascinating details about her life, her art, and her own Creator--in a way that challenges me to understand the heat of trials and to look with hope to what God is shaping out of my life day by day. Any adult--even teens and seniors--will find great encouragement in this small, easy-to-read treasure!

This beautiful book is a feast to read. I loved Wendy's insights into the process of becoming a vessel God can use, for our good and his glory. As she writes about being an artist fashioning clay, I found myself on a delicious journey into her world. And for me, the reminder to view the Potter's work through the perspective of time was just what I needed to hear in this season of life.

Wendy's expertise as a sculptor lays a solid foundation for this powerful little book and the spiritual truths it teaches. Its anecdotes, Scriptures, quotes, and prayers enhance the underlying theme -- that God is the Potter, we are His clay, and He is transforming us into vessels fit for His highest purpose. Perfect for gift-giving!

Just as a useless slab of clay becomes a face of beauty in the hands of master sculptor, Wendy Lawton, she convinced me that I, too, can become a woman of beauty when I submit to the loving hands of the Master Potter. Impressions in Clay deepened my desire to become a vessel of worth as Wendy molded my thoughts through poignant stories and powerful imagery. The authoritative chronicle of the sculpting process left my heart yearning to become all that I was created to be. Thank you, Wendy, for calling me to the Potter's wheel.
Jill Rigby-Author of Manners of the Heart

Just when I thought there couldn't be another metaphor on the potter and the clay, Wendy Lawton pens a book that proves me absolutely incorrect. This mighty little book is one you'll go back to again and again. If you want to give a wonderful gift to someone you love, I highly recommend you give this book! Your friends and family will thank you.

I loved this book. The women of my church used this book for a 12 week bible study following each chapter and our hearts and minds were transformed. Every woman should read this book. This book is better than any twelve step program out there and it speaks directly to the mind and soul of a woman, there is no way you can read it and still think the same way about the Samaritan woman or any woman for that matter. Give it a shot, you won't regret it!!

This is a must read for every woman. Bishop McKenzie takes you on a strategic journey that brings you to a place of awareness of all that God has deposited in you. She weaves the Biblical story into our lives and brings clarity of God's divine work in us. An excellent tool for a small group study!

Bishop McKenzie writes in the most wonderful conversational style. Reading her book made me feel as though she and I were conversing. The book evoked deep emotion and introspection in my spiritual life. Highly recommended.

This book was a christmas gift from my sister. Journey to the well helped me travel down a well worn road. You have already thought about the things that she has written about your spiritual journey, but with how much perspective. Vashti's book helped me to reflect on my image in the well. Looking at myself objectively in the well, I can change things I dont want to see.

I have been enriched by reading this book by Bishop McKenzie. It came to my attention as a recommended reading posted at my school, Trinity College of D.C. Not aware of Bishop McKenzie, I was intrigued by the summary of this book and decided to read it. What a tremendous blessing. As I read it, I realized that so many women travel often to the well in our daily lives. Just trying our best, no matter how painful, to do what we can until things get better. Like the Samarian woman at the well, we yearned for something different in our lives that would free us from many of the cultural, societal, and spiritual bonds that bind us. Dr. Mckenzie reminds us systematically through the additional Biblical references, exercises, and journal assignments that support this blessed encounter that we are waiting for our opportunity to meet Jesus at the well. Pausing to answer this blessed stranger's questions and boldly asking questions of Him healed her. Reading this book, we are also healed. I encourage women from all walks of life, age or religion to read this book. Like the Samarian woman who met Jesus at the well, you, too will find your voice. through His grace be healed to go forth and tell everyone of the man you just met who knew everything about you and loves you dearly. Peace

This is one of the most inspirational books I've had the privelage to read. I find that it has applications in my daily life and plan to re-read on a continuing basis. Spectacular!! We have given away 12 copies to friends and family and all of their appreciation and gratitude speaks highly for the book.

This is a wondrous wee book that gives one pause to think about the way we look at challenges and adversities and how we can learn from all of them. Extremely readable, the Grandfather is eloquent and portrayed so that the reader can actually visualize the events happening and the discussions.

As a college history instructor, I have found the secret called Joseph Marshall III. I have read several of his works and they are all astounding. I just recently listened to the audio version of "Keep Going; The Art of Perseverance" for the second time. It is a moving piece and truly a pleasant surprise listening to Mr. Marshall's insight. This is an amazing insight into a self-effacing and humble elder and what he has to share. I personally thank Mr. Marshall for sharing his wisdom with me and countless others. One cannot go wrong in reading any of his works. He is an excellent writer and more importantly, he is a definitive and in-depth thinker.

this is nice fast read book of truths so simple we forget or complicate to much...........enjoyed ...............it is on my coffee table

In this parable, a young man grieving over the death of his father turns to his grandfather, Old Hawk, for answers. Old Hawk attempts to answer his grandson's questions regarding life's hardships and challenges through stories culled from the Lakota tradition and his own rich experiences. The book unfolds in his voice as he explains that, without grief and sadness, you cannot truly embrace joy - that is the natural give and take of life. Ultimately, your perseverance and will - the fortitude to take one more step when that step feels overwhelming - will get you through. This simple, spiritual text by Native American Joseph M. Marshall III is rhythmic and soothing in its prose, and inspiring in its content. It is a balm and a comfort. We suggest it to anyone seeking answers to life's big questions and the wherewithal to "keep going."

Explores the spiritual formation of King David from his earliest experiences with Goliath to his time in the desert running from Saul to the death of his son Absalom and his eventual death. Makes a great adult study in a small group or Sunday school context.

I found a copy of this book in my in-law's attic. I looked through the contents and decided to read the chapter on Friendship - David and Jonathan. Peterson is profound in this chapter. His comments on friendship as an expression of spirituality were so insightful that I am viewing my relationships with others in a new way already. I was even convicted that my friendship with my wife was not sufficient by God's standard. Wow, what a difference one chapter can make. I can hardly wait to buy this book and read the all of Peterson's reflections on the life of David. I like this "earthy spirituality." Give it a try, you might like it too.

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is the Bible passe, or is it still relevant for today? Does Christianity mean the triumphalstic life? What is the end goal of being a Christian? How can I live an authentic Christian life?

Eugene Peterson (the author of The Message) reflects on the life of David in this book and looks at what we can learn. Every chapter contains important lessons to being a Christian, and areas that we are to reflect on, and how we interact with God in our relationship with Him. The life of David becomes a platform for us to learn about our spirituality and relationship with God.

The following are some facts about David:
- The David story is the most extensively narrated single story in the Bible. We know more about David than any other person in the Bible.
- The life of David showed the humanity of this man after God's heart, and there are many themes that run through the life of David, e.g. parents, relationships, danger, murder, temptation, adultery, pride, humiliation, children, wives, rejection, sickness, justice, fear, peace, death...
- David did not perform any miracles.
- David sinned more than Saul, yet he was known as a person after God's own heart.
- David was known as a man served God's purposes in his generation (Acts 13:36).

The story of David is simultaneously earthy and godly. It shows us that we are never more alive than when we are dealing with God. David was an unfortunate parent, an unfaithful husband, and if we look at him from a purely historical perspective, he was a barbaric chieftain with a talent for poetry. But David's importance isn't in his morality or his military prowess but in his experience and witness to God. Every event in David's life was a confrontation with God.

Spirituality and humanity cannot be separated. We can't grow spiritually without understanding our humanness. We can't grow humanly without understanding our spirituality. David shows us that we can't be human without God. Understanding all this gives hope to many Christians that God looks at the heart, and it is about having a relationship with God. There are many lessons to learn, one of the most impactful to me was David's years in the wilderness.

It seems that all of God's leaders will at sometime go through a wilderness experience at least once. The wilderness experience is not something that any flesh likes, but it is an experience that can sanctify and consecrate the flesh. "Wilderness is the place of testing, the place of tempting" (pp. 75). In David's wilderness experience, he was being set apart, made holy, for God's use. The more he dealt with God, the more human he became (pp. 75). The wilderness was an attack on the flesh and a thrust towards dependence on God. In fact, David seemed most "spiritual" in his days in the wilderness.

Wilderness spirituality also includes being with the company of people we would not ordinarily choose to be with, and who would not ordinarily choose to be with us. (pp. 96). God uses others to point us to Him. If we see that the wilderness is filled with people we do not want to be with, we would have missed God. But if we see the wilderness being filled with God, we would not miss the people in it. "The wilderness taught David to see beauty everywhere. The wilderness was David's school in the preciousness of life; through wilderness testing David learned to see God in places and things he would never have thought to look previously. The wilderness immersed David in beauties so profound that a cheap revenge was unthinkable. The wilderness trained David in loyalties so binding that a broken oath was impossible. The wilderness exposed David to the presence of God in the most barren piece of rock so that no thing, and certainly no man, could ever be treated with scorn or contempt." (pp. 77-8) We cannot be naïve about the wilderness; it is a dangerous place. But we must never avoid the wilderness; for it is a wonderful place (pp. 80). "Hardship brings out the best in David. Suffering can, if we let it, make us better instead of worse" (pp. 198).

If you have ever felt discouraged by your own imperfections in your Christian walk, read this book! David is about as earthy and real as a person gets. As another reviewer wrote, the chapter on the friendship between David and Jonathan is also insightful and valuable. Eugene Petersen explores the reality of David's life situations and choices, and how his relationship with God was affected by them. In so doing, he highlights how God grows us and walks beside us throughout all of the trials of life, even those we bring upon ourselves. Ultimately, despite everything, David remained "A man after God's own heart" proving the existence and endurance of God's grace and acceptance, and that there's hope for us all!

A fantastic life-giving work in the middle of an insipid age. This book about David is a book about real and bold living. A great encouragement and a call to live the Kingdom life now... today. One of the most significant books I have ever read, this belongs alongside the Narnia Chronicles and Robinson Crusoe as a standard bearer book for living bold and free in God's realm.

a Must Read!
One of those type of books that become your friend. and is referred back to often!

This is a delightful little volume of letters written by Francois de Salignac de La Mothe Fenelon, a 17th Century Archbishop of Cambrai. The letters have been updated from previous translations and are presented in a small volume that can handily be tucked into bag or basket for ease of use. Having read some of Fenelon's writings in an earlier collection of meditations, Let Go helps the reader draw closer to this spiritual guide whose teachings are timeless and whose thoughts are such an inspiration.

You can't hold on to God if your hands are full of something else. This book has a simple message. Many of my struggles in life are internal. The book provies a simple, yet powerful answer...simple obedence as we follow after Christ.

This book met all my expectations. My husband and I both drew alot from it.

The book was to the point and very clear as too what was being said.

What can i say about this book?

Well for starters, it "takes you there". It strips the fat of excess materialism from your consciousness and takes you to a place of truth and peace that is our natural inheritance as children of GOD.

Im not really sure from whence these letters emanate but they come from a source very far and yet in our very breath. Reading an essay with utter devotion, will take you to your center from which we are meant to live anyway.

Its a permanent fixture on my bedside table

I was given Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood many years ago as a gift. My copy was recently misplaced and I was able to order another copy from Amazon. I refer to the letters daily and I find it fascinating that I just happen to turn to a page that contains a message I need to receive that day. The letters speak directly to my spirit and the words always guide me in a very loving way. Approached with an open mind and an open heart, "Letters" is invaluable!

These epistles were printed in a religious weekly from 1934 to 1948, then they were gathered and published in book form. Many of them were written in the difficult days of World War two. The letters have been interpolated with quotations
from the great company scattered the world over who have found faith to walk in immortality now. The letters, we are told, are not written by one person, yet the likeness of terminology and viewpoint make them appear to be from one mind. One thing is certain these letters come from a higher register. Mary Holbrook Wilson Strong arranged the letters and gathered the quotes in this wonderful spiritual resource of a book.

I first found Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood as a discard on a religious book rack. It was an old, out of print hardcover edition, and I came to treasure it. Unfortunately, one day I left it on a bench, and didn't find it when I went back. I have grown to believe that someone who needed it more than I at that moment found it. That seems to be the way it came to me. I have since replaced it with the newer, paperback version, and I still value it greatly. It is a book you can open to any spot, at any time, in any need, and find something to speak to you. Truly timeless and inspired.

The Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood is the best book I have ever owned. I bought it many times at used book stores to give to friends since I found my own copy in the early 1980s. I am so glad to see that it was reprinted in 1991. Now I just order it from Amazon. This is a book that I have never read from the front to the back. I have always just closed my eyes for a moment then opened it. It is ALWAYS on the right page. Not magic, just real. 5 stars plus a heart. Buy this book. Your answers are in it too. Then listen.

I have been so focused on only the financial aspect of retirement, neglecting the more important aspects of wealth. This book offered a refreshing new approach to working toward financial freedom, while continually growing as a person. Well done!

This book really hits me where I live: using resources wisely and being a thoughtful consumer. It's so disheartening to see people get zapped by the $100 Target fairy then wonder why they're in their current financial and emotional situations. As Americans, aren't we entitled to buy what we want? That may be how some folks interpret the American dream. But it's time to rethink. When we're blessed with resources, we have choices. And we have the responsibility to use those choices wisely. This book shows us how we can support our families well and be able to give to others.

Lisa helps us realize the really important things in life -- love of God, ourselves and family. These are the things which make us truly blessed in our lives. Once we are clear on these priorities everything else falls into place -- including financial well-being. I encourage everyone to buy the book and spend a few hours mapping out their true path in life.

Living a Blessed life inspires you to truly appreciate what you do have. We are all caught up in this instant gratification society as the author points out, that we forget what is really important in life. Mrs. Horuczi-Markus has many good points regarding media and what massages it is sending out especially to the women both young and old. Journals are very helpful and makes you think what you really want out of life. This book is well written easy to read and understand full of good advice for our financial needs.

If you've been turned off, as I have, by self-righteous religious leaders who believe that they are rewarded with the nicest cars and the nicest houses and material riches in this life because they have won God's favor (implying that somehow all the poor and unfortunate among us are less worthy or blessed), you might be hesitant to pick up this book. But I urge you --DO pick up this book. It's incredibly refreshing to find a book that reapproaches wealth from a truly Christ-like perspective. Horuczi Markus's authentic and graceful prose remind us that the greatest wealth comes from finding self-respect and personal fulfillment through a relationship with God, which enables us to live more modestly, give more freely, save more for our own and our family's future, and truly make the world a better place while we're in it. This is an inspiring and engaging read that will remind you what it really means to live a truly blessed life.

This book speaks to the deep need of our times to turn within, wake-up to that inner wisdom, and most importantly, live from that place of Truth we discover through whatever authentic means connects us with that Truth.

In my work as a spiritual counselor in hospice, I have seen that so many people have left organized religion, but have thrown the baby out with the bathwater so to speak - in terms of not recognizing that one can still have a deeply spiritual life even if one chooses to not attend formal religious services. This book addresses the need many people have to find their own authentic, lived-spirituality.

A great hope for our times is that more and more people will join this inner revolution of transformation and that we will in turn become a kinder, more loving, respectful people - who live and act from that reverence for the sacred in everyone and everything.

Living Deeply is an inspiring book for those interested in the process of transformation and for anyone interested in living a deeply meaningful life.

I thought the scientific approach of trying to analyze spirituality takes the punch out of it. I do give much credit for the research and detail given. What I did very much enjoy were all the personal accounts given by the many, many spiritual teachers and mentors. Those statements of sharing were the gems hidden in the research.

The approach to consciousness transformation laid out in this book is well researched and many of the spiritual truths presented will resonate with people from all backgrounds. I would most recommend this work for individuals who have some exposure to the study of comparative religion since it is a fresh approach but the reader will be familiar with the faiths and concepts being discussed. That being said, if this book is your first introduction to a variety of spiritual traditions perhaps it will encourage you to explore them more deeply!
Some of the exercises at the end of each chapter seem repetitive so the reader may wish to pick and choose which exercises s/he finds most relevant or exciting to participate in upon their first reading. All in all this is an excellent resource to assist you in building a strong personal spiritual practice.

An Awesome Study & Timely Book by
Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Ph.D. and associates

Reviewed by: M. Joyce McMenamin,

THIS IS A STUDY VERY WELL DONE AND PRESENTED IN A MANNER THAT IS EASILY READ AND ABSORBED.

WHILE READING THIS BOOK, I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE AUTHORS AND PUBLISHER HAD FAILED TO INCLUDE AN INDEX. THEN I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT A CROSS-REFERENCED INDEX, TO A BOOK OF THIS SCOPE, WOULD POTENTIALLY BE AS LARGE (OR LARGER) THAN THE SUM OF THE TEXT ITSELF. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MOMENT. THAT STATEMENT, IN AND OF ITSELF, PROPOSES THAT THIS BOOK IS A CULMINATION OF PERSPECTIVES ON A MASSIVE SCALE. YES, IT IS.

THE MAJOR THEME THAT BRINGS IT TOGETHER IS THE PRACTICE OF SELF TRANSFORMATION AND THE WISDOM OF THOSE, FROM VARIOUS CULTURES, TRADITIONS AND RELIGIONS, WHO HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY RECOGNIZED FOR, OR WHO FEEL THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THEIR OWN TRANSFORMATION A VERY DEEP LEVEL. THOSE WHO ONE MIGHT SAY: LIVE DEEPLY.

IN A WORLD THAT HAS COME TO FOCUS MERELY ON THE "INTENTION" SIDE OF LIFE, THE AUTHORS HAVE REMINDED US THAT THE KEY ELEMENTS TO ANY TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS ARE AS FOLLOWS: INTENTION, ATTENTION, REPITITION & GUIDANCE. NOW, LET ME TELL YOU THAT I HAVE NEVER READ A BOOK THAT DIDN'T COME TO ME AT THE RIGHT TIME BEARING THE SEED OF PERSPECTIVE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT, OF COURSE - BUT THAT IS, SIMPLY: MY TRUTH. SHORTLY BEFORE THIS BOOK WAS DELIVERED TO ME, I HAD BEEN DEVELOPING A NEW PROGRAM FOR CONSULTANTS, COACHES, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS & CORPORATE FACILITATORS, THROUGH MY SENSITIVE PIE PRODUCTIONS DIVISION AND I HAD SPECIFICALLY OUTLINED THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF ANY TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS IN A SIMILAR LIGHT, BUT IN A DIFFERENT "ORDER". TRUE TO MY OWN VERY DEEP, VERY PERSONAL & CONSTANTLY EVOLVING TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES, THIS BOOK CAME TO ME AT THE RIGHT TIME - TO HELP (PERHAPS) VALIDATE MY OWN INSTINCTIVE DIRECTION. THAT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE. I SHARE THIS ONLY TO HELP MY READER UNDERSTAND THAT MY ROLE, IN REVIEWING THIS BOOK, IS JUST A SMALL PART OF WHAT LIVING DEEPLY IS ALL ABOUT.

THE INSTITUTE OF NOETIC SCIENCES PERFORMED A DECADE LONG STUDY TO BRING THIS INFORMATION TO THE MASSES. I CAN ONLY SENSE THAT, IN DOING THIS, WE HAVE COME TO A PLACE WHERE, IN ONE BOOK, ONE NOW HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN INSIGHT INTO A MAJORITY OF THE DOCUMENTED HISTORICAL PRACTICES OF THE PAST. PERHAPS THIS WILL HELP FREE INDIVIDUALS TO DEVELOP, OR VALIDATE, THEIR OWN UNIQUE & HIGHLY INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES. TRUE SELF-TRANSFORMATION, NEEDN'T RELY MERELY ON HISTORICAL PRACTICES - IN DOING SO, ONE WOULD BE CONSTRICTED TO HISTORY AND WOULD NEVER FIND THE FREEDOM TO ACTUALLY TRANSFORM AT A LEVEL THAT IS NEEDED FOR THE FUTURE.

WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE FEW PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN FROM AN EGO-BASED OR SURVIVAL-BASED DREAM. TO THIS END, I WOULD INVITE THE `WORLD AT LARGE' TO A CRAM COURSE IN SELF-TRANSFORMATION, WHICH CAN CERTAINLY BE OBTAINED IN A LITTLE MORE THAN THE TWO HUNDRED PAGES THAT ENCOMPASS THIS REMARKABLE AND COHESIVE STUDY OF EXISTING TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS WORK EVENTUALLY FELT, THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS, THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING MORE, SOMETHING YET UNDISCOVERED ON THE TRANSFORMATIVE SCALE. PERHAPS THIS BOOK WILL SERVE AS A CATALYST IN UNCOVERING THE NEXT LEVEL OF TRANSFORMATION. AT A MINIMUM, THIS BOOK IS AN EXCELLENT PRIMER FOR THE INDIVIDUAL.

AT NO OTHER TIME IN HISTORY HAVE WE BEEN AT PLACE THAT IS SO FREE AND YET SO VOLATILE. THE PROCESS OF SELF TRANSFORMATION, IN FACT, AS THIS BOOK REMINDS US - HAS LESS TO DO WITH EGO AND MUCH MORE TO DO WITH A GREATER GOOD. YET, TRANSFORMATION, ONE MIGHT SAY, BEGINS `AT HOME' -- AND THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME FOR INDIVIDUALS TO USE THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION AS A CATALYST FOR SELF-GROWTH ON THE EDGE OF WHAT, FOR SOME, MIGHT APPEAR TO BE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE AND FOR OTHERS WILL CERTAINLY APPEAR AS A MORE TRAUMATIC TIME.

ONE MIGHT ALSO SAY THAT TRUE TRANSFORMATION IS IN THE HEART OF THE ONE EXPERIENCING IT & NOT NECESSARILY BOUND TO A SPECIFIC PRACTICE. AFTER ALL, PRACTICES THAT STILL SOME, MOTIVATE OTHERS. IN THE WORLD OF TRANSFORMATION, I BELIEVE THAT THIS BOOK LAYS THE GROUNDWORK, JUST IN TIME, FOR INDIVIDUALS TO SEE THAT THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE TODAY ARE, INDEED, THE SEED OF THEIR OWN TRANSFORMATIONAL PROCESS, WHICH COLLECTIVELY WILL DETERMINE THE UNIVERSAL OUTCOME FOR HUMANITY & THE PLANET WE CALL HOME.

Reviewed by: M. Joyce McMenamin
Publisher & Producer and author of The Integrity Channel[m.j.m. estrada]
Network Abundance sponsored by Sensitive Pie Productions
March 2008 Edition of ER.U.DI.TION(TM)

This book will nourish and guide the hungry heart. It is a diverse, balanced, full consideration of the art and science of transformation.

The editors explain their goal: "Our single-minded focus was on the phenomenon of experiences people have, and practices they engage in, that stimulate and sustain a new worldview that may best be described as positive consciousness transformation."

Theme - Find your own way:

The editors try very hard to be diverse and balanced while requiring the reader to be responsible rather than providing a program for transformation: "Ultimately, you need to find your own balance between convention and innovation, between the tried and true and the emerging forms of transformative practice."

The editors encourage you to discover ways to enrich, deepen, and find joy in each moment. Quoting George Leonard: "I can't live the life of some teacher. I'm never going to get there the way somebody else did."

Theme - Balance:

Balance is addressed in different modes.

Throughout the book there is attentiveness to the balance "between courage, determination, discipline, and choice on the one hand, and letting go, acceptance, and surrendering to the mystery of transformation on the other."

The editors recognize that transformation can be painful, and they balance it by sharing the joy and liberation that come out of the transformative journey.

Medicine woman Tela Star Hawk Lake: "...we have to keep everything in balance. Everything has to be in harmony. Not just for the human beings, but for the animals, for the birds, for the plants, for the fish, for the rocks, for everything."

Theme - Compassion:

Active compassion is part of transformative worldview. Psychologist Stanley Krippner says in this book that it requires "a love that actually gives people something to eat, something to wear, a place to live, self-esteem, self-empowerment."

Using the best description of tonglen I have ever read, you are invited to practice this technique and journal your experience.

Exercises:

The exercises at the end of each chapter require you to write in a journal. You will investigate your life from all angles: your experiences, perceptions, practices, how they interconnect, and how all things in existence interconnect.

Last chapters:

The last chapter summarizes the whole book with the intention of getting the teachings to stick and grow and evolve. It is followed by a resource guide which provides detailed information about The Institute of Noetic Sciences, and how to get involved in it, which would be a very worthwhile way of continuing your work and education in transformation. There is also information about the companion DVD for this book and e-courses you may take.

No index:

This book is limited as serious research tool by the absence of an index. Even only a name index would be useful. I was wondering if Ken Wilber was included in this book, but had to read every page to find out.

Jerry Katz
One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

I could say the book is terrific and it is. But better than terrific, the book is important. It is important in that everyone should read it. Physical Scientists...some of the best, say what we see, hear and touch are not really what we think they are. Ms. Lewis uses hundreds of quotes from nearly everyone most people respect throughout her book as her premise. Then she connects the dots between the quotes effectively, and for me, convincingly.

Here is one such quote in the book. Admittedly most are much shorter:

"Gradually philosophers and scientists arrived at the startling conclusion that since every object is simply the sum of its qualities, and since qualities exist only in the mind, the whole objective universe of matter and energy, atoms and stars does not exist except as a contruction of the consciousness, and edifice of conventional symbols shaped by the senses of man."
Lincoln Barnett, The Universe and Dr. Einstein

The message of the book presented with conviction is that thoughts are things and we need to watch what we think for the good of ourselves and mankind.

Ms. Lewis gets down to what is probably real, what is core, and that therefore makes an important book...better than merely a terrific book.

Can we extablish a category of 6 stars?

It dose not matter what walk of life you are from or where you plan to go with you "life". "Living In Grace" will Expand your world and give you the strenth and direction to live life at it's fullest! I feel so greatfull to be able to call Beca Lewis a true friend and advisor.
The book is beond compare so read it and read it more than once!
you will find you cant put it down!

I have always had an interest and curiousity about the spiritual side of life and finding the answer(s) to why we are all here. I have read many books in the "new-age" genre. Beca's book is a wonderful and uplifting guide on the subject of life and the truth of who we really are. For once, someone approaches life in a completely positive, loving and reassuring way. We are not told that the world is an awful and evil place, but quite the opposite, if we just shift the way we look at things. Everything we have ever needed is and always has been available to and provided for us. We have just been looking at things the wrong way. Beca clearly explains how to get back on track and gives the reader practical ways to return to our true Spiritual Path and how to easily stay there. I would recommend this book to anyone who is not afraid to change their life in a positive way once and for all.

Living In Grace: The Shift To Spiritual Perception by Beca Lewis is an impressively written and nicely organized self-help guide to achieving inner peace and wholeness through taking control of one's perceptions. Living In Grace features the "7 Keys to Grace" and the "8 Gracious Steps" for staying on the "Spiritual Path". Readers are informed on a range of abilities from experience love, knowing whom to trust, being happy, and knowing what to do, to feeling safe, avoiding unnecessary worry, and being comforted in adversity. Emphasizing the importance of putting God first and repenting of sins, as well as being aware of the necessity for balance in all relationships, Living In Grace is a profound, moving, constructive, "reader friendly" instructional guide to personal and spiritual self-improvement.

If you have ever asked: Why is life so unfair, so hard for me? Why do other people have all the luck? Why doesn't anybody love me? Why don't I know what to do? Then give yourself the gift of LIVING IN GRACE. It will change your mind, shift your perception & give you ideas that will change the rest of your life. No, it won't happen over night, like being touched by the Good Fairy's wand, because you do have to do the "work."

While a focus on Christianity does appear halfway through the book, it is not the Christianity of our childhood, & Beca Lewis' exercises & ideas actually transcend that exclusivity.

Beca Lewis has something to tell us, & it is memorable, sometimes scary, often useful - a look into how to transform the quality of our lives, to live the life we've always wanted to, in contentment, authenticity, & being present.