Spirituality Books

This beautiful and satisfying little book ought to be repackaged with a nicer cover -- and re-released. With our culture's current rediscovery of "home" and all things domestic (Martha Stewart aside), this book has potential to reach a much wider and appreciative young audience. As always, Norris's prose illuminates the poetry inherent in everyday living. Lovely!

Kathleen Norris provides a very personal and thoughtful way of looking at everyday chores as an opportunity to experience grace. Since it is the lot in life of every human being to spend time at routine, unglamorous tasks, it is no surprise that those who seek contact with God can find it while sweeping the floor or commuting to work. Ms. Norris describes "women's work" such as hanging laundry on the line to dry, caring for children and washing dishes as potentially spiritual events. This is not pie in the sky. She does not deny the distractions and pain of everyday life or the struggle against depression, anger and despair that we all have. She just presents another way of looking at and experiencing the routine with a poet's sensitivity.

I thought this book is a perfect antidote to an over-rated TV show called "bride-zilla" on WE television station. While the women on the TV program focuses on an idealistic wedding, this book celebrates the sanctities in life- not necessarily married life, but the fullness of life where one appreciates the lost art of repetition, of tradition, and of all the things an arrogant society regards as "lowly".

A remarkable work! Norris defends the inherent value to be found in the tedium of daily toil. What makes this small, 89-page book so compelling is that she reminds those of faith and those of us striving for faith that prayer does not reveal itself solely in the milieu of Sunday worship, but that it can be an unbroken dialogue with God, manifested as an offering of our obligatory, repetitive, sometimes even boring day-to-day responsibilities.

As a Christian Protestant woman who borrows from and participates in the Christian Roman Catholic practices of Benedictine monks - from which she draws much of her strength - Norris does a great service to the ecumenical spirit. Her ideas are universal and genderless.

I am an "old" woman and over the years have come to recognize some of the truths the author has expressed in this book. To have this articulated so well brought tears to my eyes over and over again as I read the 88 pages.
It is so true that what one does -- practices over and over again -- forms the person, makes them who they are. Doing the right thing can change your thoughts.
It doesn't take long to read -- I recommend it, especially to older women who, like me, are more likely to be at the stage at which they can understand it.

In recent years, our society has become more and more obsessed about food. Many people consciously count calories, limit fat intake, and cut carbohydrates hoping to become healthy. At the same time, however, our food has never before contained so many additives or had so many chemical and other unnatural processes occur before the product ever reaches the supermarket. Such things not only reduce the nutritional value and tastiness of our food but may even be detrimental to our health.

The authors propose a real food revival to counter these costly effects. This revival takes the form of understanding the processes that our food undergoes to get to us and determining the freshest, least processed food products on the market. At first, this task seems almost impossible given that many of us have very little time to research, seek out, and then prepare these products. However, this book sets out in an easy to understand way, various practices that reduce food nutrition and taste starting from the raising of animals and the growing of crops through the antibodies given to these animals and the pesticides used on these plants to the chemicals and freezing processes that keep foods looking flawless during transportation and storage. The authors then explain ways that consumers can reduce costs and increase potential nutritional value of the food they buy. The simplest of these plans is to buy local foods in season, limiting the amount of chemicals that are needed to keep the product looking perfect during long periods of transportation.

This is the finest book I have ever read about nutritious food and where to find it. If you wish to learn how bad the food you buy at the super market is and how it has been treated without regard to your health please read this book. If you are concered about your health and the health of your family please read this book. Finally, someone tells us what and how to eat healthy. I feel so much better after reading this book.

Are you sick of eating tasteless food that may contain genetically modified ingredients or harmful amounts of pesticides and herbicides? Check out this book, and take back your right to good food! This is a great book, and really inspired me to take control of what I and my family eat. Learn how to find out what is in the food you buy, and how to insure a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food for your family. Includes some practical steps we can all take, and a list of resources in the back.

I was so impressed that I bought 6 additional copies to give to close friends. It's not preachy or radical, just wholesome information. Like the other reviewers, I was appalled of what I learned about food and livestock production, it's impact on the environment thus our economy. I particularly laud the German, French, and Japanese governments for the food production actions they are taking to protect their people. The EU is also instituting humane legislation for chickens that has a deadline of 2012. I consider the current pertinent laws a blatant selling out of the American peoples' health by the USDA and FDA (not from content from this book, but other books and web searches) through lobbying antics by mega international food and chemical producers (most started here and then went international). I also quit Splenda (as a RN I had been one of its strongest proponents to diabetics and overweight persons) and went back to sugar (now organic) and will soon try stevia. I think each of us has a responsibility to make our consumer demands for healthy products well known by no longer purchasing unhealthy food products and notifying our local, state and federal government officials of the same, including the USDA and FDA. Unfortunately money or political votes seem to be the only way to get a message through nowadays. As an aside, Monsanto and the US government own a shared patent on technology that renders a plant's seeds sterile so they cannot be saved for future plantings. Sounds like a bad science fiction movie or a take off from Logan's Run (1976) or a more accurate Soylent Green (1973), but it's really true. In the latter movie, when Charlton Heston says the freeze dried company developed its technolgy for soylent green in Norfolk,VA, I about flipped out that 1973 Hollywood even knew my hometown existed.

Whether you're like me and you were outraged by "Fast Food Nation" and "The Future of Food," or like the author of this book, you simply miss the taste of your grandmother's home-grown peaches, this book is an excellent resource on how to eat Real Food. By Real Food, the writers mean food that is not genetically modified, grown with harmful chemicals, or overly processed. The writers take you through the grocery store, aisle by aisle, explaining exactly what terms such as "free-range," "antibiotic-free," "USDA inspected," and "natural" really mean. It is eye-opening as well as interesting. One thing I particularly like about this book is that the writers do not insist that you must be vegetarian or vegan. They include plenty of information on buying meat, dairy, and eggs that are healthy and sustainable.

With numerous stories and citations, the author discusses, often from a Christian standpoint, his belief that revelations continue to occur to common people around the world. He calls these revelations "Divine Fire--the transfer of thought, spirit, and power from an Infinite Intelligence to a finite, human intelligence." Quotations and interviews of great variety support his position in a very readable format.

Wow! The book began with such an interesting story, I read it is one sitting. After much research and study, Brad Steiger truly has become aware the spiritual gifts are alive and well in the world today. Many people across the world have staunchly stated that they have had revelations from the Lord or another "higher power". This book ranges from biblical quotes to UFO sightings but keeps consistency through out.

Ever receive a message from an angel, spirit guide or God? I haven't either, but the people interviewed in this book say they have. The author has collected not only hundreds of stories from a wide variety of people who claim to have had a Revelation, but he also evaluates them along with members of the scientific community. Really interesting information. Highly recommended!

This is an excellent book documenting people's encounters with God, spirits, angels, etc. The author has interviewed men and women of all ages, races, religious beliefs, etc. and shows that people from all walks of life have had personal encounters with the divine. Very well written and thought provoking.

and recently reread it as I do every couple of years. There is a reason this book was first published 35 years ago and still is read around the world. Translated into multiple languages, this is the definitive tome on the subject.

Have you ever been involved in a conversation where you really felt heard? Where you felt that the individual you were talking to actually understood what you were trying to say? Where you didn't feel the least bit judged, belittled, or ignored? Sounds a bit like a dream doesn't it?

Sometimes it seems like most conversations are a waste of precious time. Trying to fill in the uncomfortable silence with small talk seems to be a pastime for many of us. Then, when we actually have a real conversation, we end up waiting for the other person to shut up so that we can make our point. The thought never occurs to us that we are missing out on over half of the dialogue and all of the experience.

I don't think that real communication has to be a far-fetched fantasy. In fact, after reading The Sacred Art of Listening I feel that it within all of our reach to really connect and make good use of the words we share. The notion is simple- to truly listen when others speak. The doing will take definitely take some practice but the result will be well worth effort.

Lindahl has written concise reflections on improving skills as a listener and knowing your own inner self better.

I find the mandala-like art meaningful as a centering tool, and I'm enjoying working my way through this lovely book. The book is meant to be used, not read.

There are practices included that may prove useful in facilitating retreats for spiritual growth.

Don't you just hate it when you are discussing something important and you can see that the person you are talking to is planning their response instead of listening to what you are saying? What about when you do the same thing? We all have a tendency to do this. Or what about when that small inner voice tells you that you should or should not be doing something? Do you listen? For a deeper more meaningful relationship both with others and with yourself you need to be able to listen and listen well. Listening is not the same as hearing. Sometimes I hear crickets at night, but I am so used to it that I have to actually stop and listen to really hear them and enjoy it.

Listening then is one of the key factors to positive, healthy relationships with others, yourself, your God, nature or whatever you want to have a relationship with. True listening requires practice. It requires slowing down and not responding immediately to a question but stopping to listen to how you really feel about the question. It requires a recognition that silence is just as important a part of a conversation as is speaking.

"The Sacred Art of Listening" contains forty meditative reflections about listening. For those who meditate deeper or better with an anchor on which to focus, each reflection has a mandala illustration on which to focus.

The author states that there are basically three qualities of deep listening. First is the recognition that silence is important. You can't listen if you are talking, even if you are talking inside your own head and planning what you will do later that day. The second quality is reflection. To listen well you have to reflect on what was said and what it means. What are the nuances of what was said? Was what was said the same as what was meant? The third quality is presence. You cannot listen well if you are not there. If your mind is somewhere else you are not present and therefore are not listening well.

Listening needs to be a part of a person's life if they are to have deep, meaningful relationships. The book is an easy read with well thought out reflections that are concise (two pages each) and yet insightful. A recommended read.

Profound stuff here! Most of us are born with the gift to hear. However, how many of us properly apply the skill of listening? I don't know about you but, I didn't learn this stuff in school. At least not to the degree explored in this book. And I do feel that the book's contents are critical on many levels. Every aspect of our lives can be enhanced by improving this one skill.

Let's talk reality here.

In conversations with others, we formulate speculations and opinions on what they are saying before they even finish saying it; sometimes finishing their sentences for them. Many times we are so busy trying to think of our refined reply (to make sure we look good or sound intelligent) that we really didn't comprehend what the other person was saying. Does any of this sound familiar? I know I have been guilty!

This book reminded me of a great quote by one of my mentors Stephen R. Covey, "Seek first to understand and then to be understood."

Another key point that I wanted to share is that we live in such an information-crazed society where we simply cannot get enough information. Rarely do we slow down enough to smell the roses and reflect on what we just heard, or read, or saw... whatever the information vehicle. We just steamroll passed and look to gather more information.

This book was a bit of a rude awakening for me in that it helped me understand that I need to slow down a bit, properly apply the power of listening, and improve my NOW.

This is a small book and probably can be read in one sitting, however I highly recommend that you take your time to properly absorb and reflect on each chapter - you'll be glad you did!

I truly enjoyed this book. It was for me an awakening. We get so caught up in daily life, we forget how to listen to our self, truly listen. How can we live a peaceful harmonious life if we can't listen to others, to ourselves or that creative wisdom within. It taught me that to understand anything one must be able to listen and to listen with a compassionate heart. This book gives simple yet poetic tools to understanding both the divine and daily importance of listening to ourselves,& others. It can be apllied to our work relationships as well as personal ones. The Illustrations are beautiful. I would love to have these prints hanging in my home. Fluid and strong, intricate yet simple, the perfect yin and yang balance. This is a book for OPRAH!!! Bravo to the Author and Illustrator.

If you are thinking about forming a women's circle with an emphasis on spirituality, this is an excellent guide. There are helpful how-to suggestions, principles and examples. It is deservedly listed as a resouce on the millionthcircle,org website.

This book has it all if you want to start your own group. Easy to read, fleshes out every aspect needed to get a group going, and spiritually thougtht-provoking. A friend and I have begun our own group as a direct result of this book. Particularly helpful was a chapter offering fully planned out meetings (theme and alter suggestions, readings, group activity options). It's all mapped out. It also has lists of other resources that are available to support woman's groups (books, videos, music, web sites, etc.)

I really like this book, it gives a honest look at womens circles and gives a fantastic template that anyone could, and in my opinon should use. Having been a member of some of these groups myself I can tell you problems always arise. You can work them out the hard way, but why try to invent your own mouse trap when a great one already exists. These ladies have clearly been around the circle block so to speak. I say learn from what you can from their experence, and take the advise of other groups that work. It should be a reference book for any circle.

Our lives are our story and our story is our life. What a great sentence. I've always felt that sometimes our children have lacked connection to their past by not living near relatives or grandparents, as families have had tendency to spread out across the country in the last few decades. This book really looks at how important "The telling" is of what we would even describe as the simplist story....what was my mom like growing up as a child? what did she do for fun? our own family history is so important and we forget to pass that on sometimes. This book is wonderful in bringing that back into focus and encouraging us to share those stories, with our children AND our friends. This is a great read!

I wanted to start a Women's Spirituality Group but I never started any kind of group. I was not sure where to begin and that is where Sacred Circles came into play. I read the book, highlighted what I felt was important and then followed the suggestions. Sacred Circles walked me through step-by-step with the planning. It suggested how to run the first meeting and ideas for future meetings. After I told my friend about the book and she read some of it, she agreed to be my partner. This was the most informing book that I found on the subject. It took the edge off a new endeavor.

This was the follow up to In The Circle. Much of is is covered in the first volume. This is more than a "how to be a witch". This title has great information on chakra work and meditation techniques. Ms Hawke has one slight misconception about Buddhism.
Buddhist honor the world as well. They consider human life precious and literally wait to enter liberation until all others are free from suffering. This is fine. I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism as well as western witchcraft for the past several years

These paths are really rather similar for the most part. As Westerners, we need to be aware of where we come from. Witchcraft is the best place to start. Maybe a few more generations will evolve a Western school of Buddhism that combines the paths.
This is not meant to be a debate on the philosophy schools. Meditation is great for Westerners. At this point in the game, a good lesson in non-violence could be learned.

Magic with good intentions cannot hurt anyone. This is where many of my comrades fall into a major debate. Reflection and calm abiding meditation do great. It makes one a great Visualizer/Spell Caster as an added bonus.

The book is a must have for all witches here in the States. I recommend all of Elen Hawke's titles with high regard.

Despite the negertive comments from the last review, this is a great book. I found all aspects helpful and productive. The chapter on the elements was particularly useful, but really all sections of the book are excellent. One of the best descriptions of the chakras, and the exercises work a treat. All beautifuly written and the pictures are stunning. I found the rituals easy to adapt for solitary work and had no trouble with the visualisation, but what works for some doesn't work for other people and you have to be prepared to put in some effort with any magikal work. One of the hardest things is to write a good follow up book but Ellen Hawk has done this here.

...it had some problems. This was a great book on magick and it had a great chapter on chakara work. It also had a chapter on meditation, which was also very helpfull for most part. I also enjoyed the chapter on the elements because I practice natural magick and this book presented helpful information and techniques.

Now, the things I didn't like about it. First, it had a chapter on the Sabbats and it included rituals for the Sabbats. That is my problem, the rituals. The rituals were written for a small coven and were very easy to "adept" for the Solitary Witches, but then the rituals lost all meaning because they were already too simple. I don't understand why authors give rituals for covens and not solitaries. I think it's much easyer for a coven to adept solitary rituals because there is more of them and they can work together, unlike the Solitary Witch who works alone. For solitary rituals for the Sabbats and other celebrations, I would recommend that you read "The Wiccan Book of Ceremonies and Rituals" by Patricia Telesco.

Second, and last problem that I have with this book is the techniques for enchancing visualization. It's simple, they don't work. If you have a problem like I did in visualizing things, I would recommend that you read "Embracing the Moon" by Yasmine Galenorn. It has a great chapter on visualization that helped me with practicing magick.

I hope this review helped you.

Elen Hawke is a wonderful writer. Her work truly shines with inspiring and thoughtful prose. She is clearly an elder in the craft and writes with genuine wisdom.

My favorite chapters are:

Chakra Work - which is brilliant
Meditations and Visualisations - clear and non-fluffy
The Moon - the core work of my own practice

In response to another review, I think the simplicity and clarity of her rituals adapts beautifully to solitary work. I have been practicing solitary for many years, and find her approach suits me well. It is refreshing and intelligent. I recommend all her books.

Bright Blessings!

Over the years I have attempted to use various books for prayer and meditation (Wicca and non-wicca). I found THE SACRED ROUND one of the more inspirational, and exactly what I need at this time. Following a busy workday and a 2-way commute, at the end of the day I need a respite. Lately, I've taken an hour to sit quietly, burn incense, mediate, and read material designed to quieten my overwrought soul. The past few weeks, I've been using THE SACRED ROUND and have felt rested, restored and renewed. What more can one ask.

THE SACRED ROUND is not as comprehensive as Scott Cunningham's books for solitaries (which are excellent) and is not a comprehensive historical review of Wicca and it's works (such as DRAWING DOWN THE MOON by Margo Adler). Hawke's book is simple and straightforward and focuses on tools one can use for daily practice.

Although Hawke describes rituals that involve more than one person, I think one person can use them. What is visualization if I cannot use it to imagine a ritual. Imagination is about conjuring up an image and exploring every facet of it. A really good exercise Hawke suggests involves creating an inner space where you can take yourself to 'get away from it all'. My intuitive self understands this suggestion and I am able to be elsewhere when I need to--as in the days when I used to "daydream" in school and transport myself out the classroom window and into a grassy field nearby.

In addition to material describing of various rituals associated with 'Western' lunar and solar holidays, she has included Eastern material including Chakra work.

Here is the clarion call to a true life that
glorifies God. Put the lies of culture aside
and learn the real truth.. and live it!!

The fact Pastor John Piper in some of his books, "Don't Waste Your Life" and "A Hunger for God" quoted Law in this book several times intrigued me to read it personally. As I went through the chapters, however, it is clear to me and will become clear to the readers as well that Law sounds eerily close to a Roman Catholic minus the devotions to the rituals. Despite many deep, excellent, stinging, uncomfortable, soul-searching reflections and illustrations on the Christian life contrasted against the futility of a self-centered life that I believe are profitable for Christians, particularly to defy the preaching of prosperity gospel that seems to "prosper" more than the true gospel, sadly Law embraces the fatally erroneous doctrine of justification by works. In his view, Christians need to practice the principles of piety, self-denial, generosity, meekness, simplicity of life and all the Bible, particularly the New Testament teaches, the best they can in order to be saved that sounds all too familiarly popish. What he mostly brings up from the Bible is the wonderful teachings of Christ. There is no mention of poverty of spirit, dependence on God's grace to live a sanctified life or to desire to live for him to begin with, let alone the cross, justification by faith, sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and perseverance of the saints.

Well, the immediate questions that arise are of course, aren't Christians saved already, and that they are saved by grace on the basis of the finished atoning death and resurrection of Christ on the cross, and not by works? How does one know that he has done his best? What is the standard? Whose standard is it to use to determine whether one has done his best, man's or God's? If it is man's standard, which one? The Pope's? How can we be so sure if it is his standard to be used, not someone else's? If it is God's, where is it in the Bible that says God commands us to do the best we can and not rely on him for everything without excluding our responsibilities? Where is it in the Bible that God's standard says we are saved as long as we do the best we can? This is unquestionably deadly because in the end, it points to the perfectionist demand of the law where no one can meet, which is warned against by the Apostle Paul in his epistles, particularly to the Romans and Galatians. The meat of what Law talks about is all about doing and there is no mention of child-like dependence and trusting on God's grace in Christ through the Holy Spirit to enable us to follow what Law, in some cases, biblically and exquisitely exhorts to embrace and practice. To properly describe what Law offers here is a mixture of rich food and poison. The rich food is his biblical heart-piercing warnings, rebukes, reflections, illustrations and encouragements, specifically about prayer, fasting, simplicity, modesty, generosity, humility and self-denial that I must admit are too good, too important, and too bitter-sweet, eye-opening of an exposure and remedy to my own weaknesses to be overlooked as well as too precious to be neglected in practice. The poison is his constant insistence of justification by works. For the fullest benefit to be reaped, enjoy the rich food. Let it purify our souls and reform our lives, but spit the poison out. Instead, embrace and enjoy the even richer food of justification in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, and to the glory of God alone for these are the fountain that enables all true piety.

If you're looking for a challenge in your spiritual walk - this is the book for you. Law's classic book was the transforming resource in the lives of the Wesley brothers as well as abolitionist William Wilberforce - just as it changed their lives, this book will not leave you the same!

I've read an abridged and edited version for the modern reader by John Meister (158 pages) - but it wasn't enough - I had to order the small type 317 page version! This is not an easy read - on the difficulty scale of 1 - 10, this would be a solid 9. I wouldn't suggest this book to anyone in high school or even college - Law deals with real world issues and a little seasoning in life is necessary to get the full effect of his challenge. This is a perfect book for the Christian man who wants more than a Purpose Driven Life, the man looking for a profound, insightful, and challenging read that will deeply impact the core of his being!

You can find these books online. The longer version is a Vintage Spiritual Classics edition and retails for around $13.00. Rare will be the person that will want this book - but if you're the one, don't pass this one up! I give this my highest endorsement and recommendation.

Law deals directly with the concept of devotion to God - and asks some difficult questions about where man places his true devotion in life - in the things of this world, or in the Kingdom of Heaven? Law argues that a wise and reasonable man will wholly devote himself to the things of the Lord for they are far superior to the temporal and worthless things of this world. In fact, Law says that a lack of this devotion is a clear indicator of gross ignorance! The book gives several practical elements necessary for a devoted life including prayer, study, humility and confession. But it is not the elements about which Law writes, it is the manner in which he presents them to the reader that makes this book so exceptional - Law raises the bar and challenges the follower of Christ to live an exemplary life, a life worthy of their calling, a life comparable to the great saints who have walked before us or even to angels who minister above us!

This book should be read by every Christian that can get it. It was a tremendously insightful and humbling book that opened my eyes to the hypocrisy in my own life as well as the church in general. The Christian church in America and I am guessing much of the Industrialized and wealthy west[yes, I am a member of that group] have fallen so far from the devotion and holiness that God requires that it is a shock to see what was the actual New Testament norm just 270+ years ago, let alone at the time of the writing of the New Testament. This was a very easy to read book, compared to say Spurgeon or Calvin. Extremely convicting personally. Would recc. to anyone who see themselves as sinners and wants to know what they should do. Includes excellent examples and is written as a practical guide, though not a how-to book[remember, was written over 270+ yrs. ago, before self-help books where invented;)]Found out about this book from a Word Pictures Program on the subject at their video's are also highly recc. for those seeking to glorify God and enjoy him for eternity[mans chief end]
Sincerely,
Wayne Borngesser

This is a classic of Christian literature. It should be a part of every Christian's library. These are the words that inspired the likes of John Wesley, John Newton, William Wilberforce and others. This issue is especially well edited and the book itself is an easy and inspiring read.

I've been doing zazen for a while now and I thought that I knew a lot about breathing...as I sat in the back yard reading this book two young girls were taunting me verbally with all their might...using the guilt trip, songs, name calling...among other things, I kept my cool and they knew it was the book guiding me through a breathing meditation. I haven't finished this book yet, but the simple guided meditations are great. It might be something to help you calm your nerves too. Take care.

I totally love this book. I borrowed this book from the NY Public Library and renewed the book several times. Now I bought a copy from Amazon and am cherishing it for good. Got another one this week as a gift idea for friends.

This is a great guide for meditation. Having been on a conscious spiritual path for about 5 years, the meditation practices described in the book are really of great help to remain in the present moment and silence the mind. To include great masters of different religion/spirituality makes this book an almost all-encompassing one!

5 Stars indeed!

I read this book and I liked it very much. The one thing thatI didn't get is he has 7 seperate spects of the meditation, each with a tiny mantra, such as "I accept the word as it is:. One is told to think this thought at the beginning of the next phase of meditation, but my understandning is that the entire point of meditation is to remain in thoughtless awareness. I thought this kind of goes against the point. 2ndly, in the book it says that one can get the guided meditations online, which one can, but I though that the guided meditations were unnecessarily priced. I know he has to pay money to run the site but I think that if he didn't charge what he does he might get more ppl to sign up. I dont think downloading a guided meditation should cost 8 bux a pop. But the book was very good and gives you a breif overview of the 7 masters 4 stars.

There is nothing not to like about John Selby. He is a truly a pioneer at bringing the benefits of the esoteric practices of Eastern meditation to the Western world with his practical and spiritual approach. He has developed programs for tapping into our 'higher source' for children, executives and anyone who doesn't feel connected with their heart or higher source of wisdom. I read this book several years ago and now it has a special place on my many bookshelves. I felt compelled to write this review after hearing John a few days ago on New Dimensions radio in an interview with Michael Toms (newdimensions.org). His formula for arriving at 'present time' and consciously reconnecting is one of the most effective and simple techniques that I have ever tried. He has authored over 40 books and has many online audio/video/text courses at johnselby.com with many of them being free, and others being low cost. He has a new exciting book out with Paul Hannam called Take Charge of Your Mind, Core Skills to Enhance Your Performance, Well-Being, and Integrity at Work. John Selby has also worked extensively with John Gray(Men Are From Mars..) to compile some guided audio CDs. These techniques can be used in as little as a couple minutes - for instance when your work is at high-tide, or for an hour or more. They can be learned in less than two weeks. Of all of John's works, I have enjoyed this one the best and find it the most fundamental of them all. To what ends are these techniques employed? Why achieve these states? John says it simply. "I am here to serve, to prosper and to enjoy myslef." You can too!

Five Shining Stars

This is the best book I have seen on meditation from a comparative religious perspective. John Selby presents a system of meditation by way of the lives and teachings of seven great spiritual figures.

For the first five teachers, he focuses on the open acceptance of reality as it is. He considers the unconditional surrender to the Ultimate to be the main aim of spiritual life, viewed from both the Eastern perspective of absorption into a nameless reality and from the Western perspective of loving oneness with God.

In discussing the last two teachers (who are less well known), he focuses on self-awareness. This balances the previous emphasis on surrendering the mind and will with practices designed to make self-knowledge blossom.

Overall, this book is excellent and is a worthy guide on the spiritual path.

This is a darn good book. If you like poetry, and I do, then you will love this book, cause it's filled with it.

When you read it, it makes you feel good, like when you are in your rocking chair sitting out on the front porch. Sometimes it rocks smooth and easy, and other times it rocks hard and really makes you think what life is all about.

"She Rose" is a powerful collection of poetry. The way Venus blends words and emotions into poetic verse is amazing. This is a book every Man will appreciate and every woman NEEDS to read. With pieces like "AMEN" and "I RUN" this book takes you on the journey of a powerful woman's into Godness. Venus is amazing!

Amazing book. I have read it many times and it inspires me each time.

She Rose is a beautiful, inspiring book filled with poetry that touches the soul of the reader. The poems range from magical to commanding. Each poem gives the reader an emotional stroke.

A fragrant rose amongst many thorns, She Rose: On a Journey from Girl to Goddess is entrenched in the tradition. Often, many ask why poets and spoken word artists, who come to us from the margin, must make waves in the societal ocean. Venus Jones clearly answers, "I want...women and the underrepresented everywhere to rise to their fullest potential so they may promise every nation a brighter and more beautiful future." She comes carrying the voices and visions of poets and writers such as Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde. Her words are not the distant and static monologues produced by so many other poets who lack a connection to what is humane. For Venus, poetry is not a luxury. It is a consciousness raising act, a call to be present and heard in a world that seeks to envelop us in the silencing clouds of materialism, sexual violence, racism, homophobia, poverty, war, environmental destruction and blind patriotism. There are indeed depths of wisdom in her metaphor and rhyme. For a new generation of poetic soldiers, Venus Jones and She Rose comes to us right on time.

This book is a must read. I have purchased two others and given them as gifts and have plans to order more. The information that has been shared is so enlightening. I never knew the history about the Salvation Army. I will look at the volunteers with a deeper appreciation from now on. I am starting to read it all over again as I feel the need to do so. I've shared segments with so many. David Jeremiah is a great author.

fran bradman

Christians, while there are mnany good and Godly people in this country, have by and large become soft and self-serving. This book will help cure us all of that. I have been inspired to get up out of the pew, out or my comfort zone, and out of my little holy huddle, and start some SERIOUS serving. If we serve, we will be more attractive to people and more pleasing to God and this book really helps show the way. David Jeremiah hits at the heart of the issue from a postive, encouraging point of view, rather than accusing, belittling, pointing fingers and making us feel guilty (isn't that Satan's job?). Great book, but don't just read it, DO IT!! We need to stop squabbling and start serving, and thereby show people that God is indeed alive in us!

I saw Dr. Jeremiah preach the introductory message for this book and immediately knew that I wanted it. This book is assembled into 40 daily devotionals in Dr. Jeremiah's "get to the point" style. These 40 lessons support the five "signs of life" of a Christian: Dusty shoes, worn out knees, rolled up sleeves, open hands and outstretched arms. llustrations really add to the discussion of the point he is making.

We have just finished this book as a Sunday School study. Response was just wonderful.

I strongly recommend this book for the new Christian as well as someone who has been a Christian their entire life. I thought it was more of a chapter book, but it is a daily devotional which makes it even easier to read consistently. It has been very challenging to me spiritually.

I purchased this book and began using it as the basis for my morning devotional. This is the first study material I have used that gave me a "passion" for changing my life in a way to please my Lord. Each day's message was a gem of knowledge and insight, and it was very tempting to read forward to the offering for the next day. Today was the end of the material, and I may have to start over again because I don't want to put it down. If you want solid, definitive ideas to spark your thought processes, please purchase this book. You won't regret it!