Meditation Books

After reading The Vortex, I am left with the nagging question of, "Is there something more to our lives than we know?" That is to say, what about this thing called `karma' and how does it affect our daily lives? OK, that is several questions, but the fact remains, The Vortex travels down a long road as it exposes one man's life and how it is affected by his own personal karma. Can we learn something from Austin's journey? I think the answer is yes, to that question.

Throughout the book we, the reader, are faced with numerous examples of karmic events and how they play themselves out in Austin's life. At times, it truly feels like a ride on a tornado as he attempts to deal with each of these situations. With the help of other guides and his own training, he is finally able to put the pieces of the puzzle together to create a whole picture of his life.

Is this a book worth reading? The simple answer is YES! Can you find parallels in your own life? Again, the answer is YES! I would recommend to anyone interested in the answers to their life's questions - read the book!

After reading The Vortex, I am left with the nagging question of, "Is there something more to our lives than we know?" That is to say, what about this thing called `karma' and how does it affect our daily lives? OK, that is several questions, but the fact remains, The Vortex travels down a long road as it exposes one man's life and how it is affected by his own personal karma. Can we learn something from Austin's journey? I think the answer is yes, to that question.

Throughout the book we, the reader, are faced with numerous examples of karmic events and how they play themselves out in Austin's life. At times, it truly feels like a ride on a tornado as he attempts to deal with each of these situations. With the help of other guides and his own training, he is finally able to put the pieces of the puzzle together to create a whole picture of his life.

Is this a book worth reading? The simple answer is YES! Can you find parallels in your own life? Again, the answer is YES! I would recommend to anyone interested in the answers to their life's questions - read the book!

The author seemed to be a little arrogant when it came to all the women he was with, but after reading the whole book I realized he had to come off that way otherwise the Karma part wouldn't have really come into play.
I would recommend this book, for it makes you think, and any book that can get the mind going, is worth my time.

Exciting and Insightful - The Vortex is a karmic excursion through the trials of time, perception, understanding, life and love. The author chronicles the implications of his personal modern relationships as independent psychic revelations untangle past karmic turmoil. The Vortex shaves the threads of perception, leaving the reader pondering the relevance of reality. Who are we? What are we? Why are we? For one man, the answers to such philosophical quandaries are partially unveiled as he spirals through this metaphysical adventure - The Vortex. Can't wait for the sequel.

Trying to figure out where all these relationships, strange sexual encounters and the resulting angst are going will make it difficult to put this book down. You just want to keep reading until you get to the conclusion. Once you're there, there's still more to ponder -- like, could this possibly be happening to me and everyone else, and we just don't know it? Definitely the most fascinating story, and amazingly -- it's all TRUE!!

I try to read through this collection every Advent, as close to a daily reading as I can. This is a fine collection, ranging from brief meditations to mini-sermons, collected from nearly the entire history of Christian thought. Every year, I find something (usually several somethings) that finds me and speaks to me wherever I am that year. It's not all easy to hear - this isn't just a collection of "Oh how wonderful it is that Christ comes to save us" writings, though some of the gems in this collection are in that vein. But, there are plenty of well argued ideas on how to respond to this revelation. Highly recommended for any thoughtful Christian.

This extraordinarily rich collection of writings, mostly excerpted from larger works, offers stimulating meditations for each day of the Advent and Christmas seasons. The fifty writers include familiar names ranging from Thomas Aquinas to Henri Nouwen, Bernard of Clairvaux to Dorothy Day, John Chrysostom to C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther to Annie Dillard, T. S. Eliot to Kathleen Norris, as well as others less well-known. Nouwen shows how the fear of waiting can lead to hostile "first strike" approaches. Imprisoned, Alfred Delp calls for a "shocked awakening" from our false securities, that our hearts may be open to God's words of promise. Oscar Romero reminds us "Without poverty of spirit there can be no abundance of God." This is a veritable library in one small volume.

If you are looking for a great read for Christmas this is it. You can call the Publisher and they will work out a great price if you want to give this book away for Christmas presents. You might also want to look at there book " Bread And Wine Readings for Lent and Easter. These two books are the greatest books to be published on these two themes.

I wonder as I wander through the pages of this book, how it is that the editors came to choose at least three selections I'd previously read, and having once read, returned to for spiritual nourishment. I felt as if this book had been compiled for me. Gail Godwin's essay on genealogy and grace moved me so much at the time I first read it in one of her novels, that I found myself going back to it over again. Kathleen Norris's writing on The Annunciation compels one to ponder the incomprehensible and embrace the mystery of the holiness of the season. Annie Dillard's description of the Church of the Nativity is rich in detail and provokes consideration of today's Bethlehem. These three readings could fill a season of wonder, but there are enough to cover the time from November 24th to January 7th. From Sylvia Plath to St. Thomas Aquinas, there is enough diversity to please a wide range of preferences. This reader considers it somewhat of a miracle itself that so much could be packed into such a small volume. For readers and thinkers yearning to see beyond the seasonal excesses, I recommend you "Watch for the Light."

Most books of readings arranged like these are full of platitudes and clichés. Not this one. These readings were very carefully selected from very thoughtful writers. They stir one to reflect on the true spiritual meaning of Advent and Christmas - what it means to live in Advent time, in a troubled world in anticipation of the light of God's presence, which both comforts us and shakes us to our core. This book recaptures the spiritual meaning of the season that often gets lost in all the celebration and commercialization. It offers both solace and challenge - a sign of the best spiritual writing.

Every page of this book is a complete lesson on how to live life. Ron Rathbun's writing transcends the written word because you will feel the simple, subtle beauty and wisdom of his teachings.

Ron Rathbun shares with us timeless truths in simple, ordinary language that is easy to grasp and resounds in it's beauty. This Book sets the ground work toward spiritual understanding...as it triggers the "knowing" within us..of these immortal truths. He has also written the Silent Miracle and the Kelee...All of these books are priceless spiritual blessings....you can feel the authors Gift of LOVE...Each Book in their own unique way...helps you, help yourself in completing the missing puzzle pieces of YOU...bringing you closer to enlightenment, self fulfullment, inner peace, and joyful living. Dr. Kean S. Ganan

The Way is Within is the richest spiritual guide I have found----with one exception, Ron Rathbun's more recent book, The Kelee. Ron was featured in Oprah's magazine, but I think he's destined to become even better known. I also like his other book: The Silent Miracle. These three books are, in my opinion, the best spiritual resource out there right now. Ron knows how to help people really open their hearts and their spirit. It's a quick form of meditation: only 6 minutes in the morning and at night. I have a busy life, so that got me started, but this meditation practice has led to spiritual growth I couldn't have even imagined when I began.

It is possible to feel the caring, love and compassion that has gone in to the pages of this book. The simplicity of its layout makes the depth of content so easy to read and understand. Having read it cover to cover, from time to time I open it up on any page and it never fails to touch my heart.

This is the least pretentious spiritual book I have encountered. Ron presents simple truths in a touching, sensitive manner that lays the responsibility on the reader. We have the power to find happiness and peace, now. Only when we slow our busy lives enough to stop and see these simple truths will we really experience our lives. We can all do it, single parent or hilltop guru. It just has to become a priority. Someone recently told me that personal time is all we have, and Ron Rathbun's books reinforce that. When you're ready to experience your life, let Ron be your guide.

This book is a must read. It contains some of the most useful and applicable spiritual guidelines that I have ever run across. It contains simple, easy to understand concepts about real life--relationships, marriage, the afterlife, prayer, selfishness, giving, guilt, usefulness, the list goes on. The format is easy to read and easy to understand, and the content is amazingly helpful. This is not one of those silly entertaining and yet useless life guides. It is a down to earth, realistic resource of ideas as to how to enrich your life.

This book has gotten me through so much! I open it up when I need a little inspiration and always find a passage that speaks to where I'm at. I also love the comentary at the back. It really helps dig deeper into the passages by Emanuel Swedenborg. I highly recommend this books for anyone who wants some spirituality in their day.

This excellent little book helps me keep my mind raised up and out of the petty and selfish mire we all sink into at times. It's guiding wisdom teaches how to love the neighbor as yourself, which is easier said than done. These are valuable meditations especially in times of despair.

When I need to center myself, or be inspired, and especially if I just have one minute before moving on to the next thing on my list of things to do, a quick reading from Way of Wisdom is perfect. It is just enough of a thought to keep my mind active and growing, but doesn't take much time. It is a good pick-me-up in down times, and the notes in the back are great when I want to explore an idea further. If you want small thoughts from Swedenborg, this is the book to try!

This books is a brilliant introduction to the New Church (The New Church is based on the old and New Testaments and the Writings of Emanuel Swedenobrg.) It provides beautiful quotations from a variety of works from Swedenborg's Writings. It is appropriately named for it will guide the reader, in the Way of Wisdom. If you are look for a sampling of Swedenborg's works, or for a great inspirational gift...this book is perfect for you. Find out more about the New Church and the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg at www.newchurch.org

This book was my first introduction to Sundar Singh, and I was startled and moved by his simple spiritual observations, parables, insights, and mystic teachings. Here is a man who has had an authentic and real experience with Jesus and wants only to share it with the world.

I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in living a spiritual but not necessarily a religious life. Seekers, questioners, pilgrims, dreamers, and saints will all grow a deeper faith in the presence of Sundar Singh's observations.

This book is fabulous!

In it, Brother Sadhu explores different aspects of life through Christ's eyes and when we understand what is said, we want to be just like Jesus.

For the soul-searcher!

-J

"If you want to see the world of the spirit, you must look with spiritual eyes ... you can only apply the wisdom that arises from love and reverence. In a certain sense, all of space and time is spiritual. God's presence pervades everything. Thus all people live in the spiritual world ... we either turn joyfully toward the light, or rebelliously toward the darkness." -- Sadhu Sundar Singh
As an angry young Sikh distraught over his mother's death, Sundar Singh was preparing to take his own life when he experienced a visionary encounter, not with Krishna, but with Christ. He became a Sadhu, a wandering mystic, not pursuing a hermit-like existence, but traversing the jungles and high mountain passes to appear in remote villages and lend assistance and care to the poor and disease stricken, and to counsel spiritual seekers. In the early twentieth century, Singh led the life of a first century apostle. Western Christians will find Sundar Singh's parables and dialogues wonderfully lacking in western conventions. He eloquently describes the intellectual futility of trying to wage logical arguments against God's existence, his allegorical explanation of the Trinity is better than most, his teaching that there is but One source of peace, love, and understanding is the bedrock of Christianity (and all monotheism).
In Sadhu Sundar Singh we find a true Christian mystic, a student, a servant, a holy man. His ministry and teachings became known to millions, he was admired by hundreds of thousands, and loved by tens of thousands whose lives he touched. His life and teachings also caused certain interests to despise him and attempts were made on his life. He disappeared, alone in the high Himalayas, in 1929.
Singh was not a writer, he produced six small books (which contained much of the material used in this compilation), perhaps solely because admirers urged him to. Yet he offers an elegant economy of words, using familiar objects of the natural world as illustrations for his allegories and parables. His "warning to the West" remains a telling indictment of the spiritual numbness of Western materialism and of western "Christians" who embrace the doctrines of culture more dearly than the teachings of Christ. When, during a trip to Europe, Singh was chided for not being more concerned with twentieth century science, he asked his questioner to what he referred. "Natural selection, you know, survival of the fittest," blustered the questioner. "Ah," Singh responded, "but I am more interested in divine selection, and the survival of the unfit."

I was first introduced to the character of Sadhu Sundar Singh through the writings of Charles F. Andrews, Anglican missionary and friend of Ghandi. Singh was a contemporary of both Andrews and Ghandi.

The life and writings of Singh have a depth that is rare today. No modern person has influenced my thought and direction in life more than Singh. He caused me to think about what it really means to be a Christian.

I strongly recommend reading this book and any others you can find about him. A more complete book (664 pages) is "The Christian Witness of Sadhu Sundar Singh; A Collection of His Writings," published by The Christian Literature Society in India.

Many of today's Christian writings are excellent and should not be ignored. However, most of them tend to run along side predictable fads. Someone will write a book and half a dozen others will write about a similar theme. As a result modern Christians are caught in the current of a rapidly moving stream of thought.

The historic classics, such as the teachings of Sadhu Sundar Singh will take you outside of today's box and in the process deepen your spiritual life. You may find yourself intellectually alone when you begin this book (most small groups will want something newer), but in the end you will be glad you stepped out of the beaten path.

Bonhoeffer's writings are organized into a daily devotional -- it works! Try it if you've been an "Upmost for His Highest" devotee.

These short excerpts from Bonhoeferr's writings are a great way to combine your daily prayer with reflections from a true master of reflections in a time of turmoil.

I have enjoyed the writings of Bonhoeffer for decades and I have been led to think through many of his ethical situations and his choices between peace and the need of the victims. On this 100th anniversary of Bonhoeffer's birth it would be easy to run out an buy all his works. Yet, here, in one very-well-edited manual are the best of the best excerpts of his writings, his thoughts, his heartache, and his reflections on God. Written in the midst of passionately living out the Christian life, Bonhoeffer did not have the gift of reflecting back on his writings in his old age. History has given that task to us. Was he always right? Did every ethic make sense? Was it proper to get involved in assasinating Hitler? Time, scholars and those of us who live through the same decisions delight is walking alongside Bonhoeffer and wrestling with the same hard choices and Bonhoeffer helps us to catalog our thoughts. This volume will never be a Classic like his individual works, but it WILL be a GREAT Companion that will help in taking his writings around the world.

The introdution by Wallis is a gem. My wife and I read several days at at time and find this an excellent way to read DB's original works and decide which of his books speak most directly and clearly to us. Testament, Letters and Discipleship have proven our favorits, while Ethics remains too doficult and laborious.

This book of daily meditations has been very meaningful for me, probably made more so since I had already read his book, The Cost of Discipleship, which is a must to fully understand all that goes into his strong, teaching message. He lived daily for what he believed and proved it by dying for it, too, at the hand of the Nazis. He was an amazing disciple for Christ, and his message needs to be read even more today. This is not lighthearted reading but has a deep message on how to live for Christ and the freedom it brings.

If you want to learn about yourself, with a smile and a tear, Jack Kornfield is the teacher for you. He has a marvelous sense of humor, especially about himself, and his depth of practice and experience comes through in this light-hearted approach to the Middle Path. Ideal for the beginner, but also highly recommended if you're an "old hand" who wants to get out of their Dharma rut.
Kindness and compassion are communicated in his words and tone, as he leads the listened through the fundamentals of Buddhist practice. A "must have" for any Dharma library!

Jack Kornfield does an excellent job of softly and gently leading the listener to understanding what is deep within. These Dharma talks help to ease the burdens of life and give one inner peace and understanding.

I find they are wonderful for daily listening --- morning or evening. They are graceful and full of marvelous strength for all who hear them.

I cannot recommend these listening pleasures enough.

Susanna K. Hutcheson
Owner & Executive Copy Director
Powerwriting.com LLC

Don't be intimidated by six audio tapes. Jack is excellent - the tapes are rich with examples, stories, and jokes. They are great company in the car or wherever, as we travel the path.

This series of tapes on the 10 paramitas or perfections is probably one of the best, if not the best that Jack Kornfield has made. It is full of interesting stories, poems and he delivers them in a humorous, compassionate and poignant manner.

I have probably listened to this tape series at least 200-300 times, perhaps more! I used to listen to it when I was walking on a treadmill or more often before going to sleep. There is much wisdom contained here and the stories really help the points to land deeply in the heart.

Jack Kornfield is a clinical psychologist, but he was also a monk in Thailand. He presents material in ways that resonate emotionally with Western people.

In this tape, he presents the 10 aspects of Buddha Nature that are understood to be inherent to every human being. He elaborates on each one in a very inspirational way. Everyone time I listen to this series, I seem to take away something new. It's all great food for deep reflection!

I would highly recommend this series to anyone whether they are a Buddhist or not. Jack Kornfield is a master storyteller with an extremely soothing voice, gentle manner and compassionate tone. All of these qualities really come across in this series.

There are also some simple meditations on here that are useful exercises. This is not the main focus of the tapes, but it is nice bonus material.

If you go to my profile, I have reviewed other material by Jack Kornfield and other people in the same genre. There are also some listmania lists I put together that may be helpful if you are looking for additional resources on meditation, yoga or Buddhism.

In Your Buddha Nature is a nine hour audiobook presentation in which meditation instructor Jack Kornfield explores Buddhism's most basic foundation for mindful living called "The Ten Perfections". These perfections (which include the universal virtues of truthfulness, simplicity, and living kindness) are presented with uncommon clarity within a Buddhist perspective. These "Ten Perfections" are no viewed a remote possibilities, but as providing immediate, practical answers to the problems and challenges faced by men and women every day of their lives. In twelve absorbing sessions, Kornfield introduces the listener to the ten "paramitas" or inner perfections and how they can bring a sublime new dimension to any spiritual practice. Kornfield offers mediations and mindfulness techniques to open the perfections humans are born with. This nine-hour audio retreat invites the student to experience the the truth of life through awakening his or her Buddha Nature. Highly recommended.

This book lists stories and passages from Eknath's lectures and talks. Most of the stories are only a couple of pages but they really hit home with their message. The stories stem around Eknath's suggestions which are in line with his 8 point program for spiritual transformation. Such practical suggestions like slowing down, meditating on a spiritual passage daily, and reading spiritual work daily are parts of the program. If you take these words to heart you can't help but be transformed internally. With internal transformation comes external results.

When Easwaran started himself on the spiritual path he was merely a college professor. However, with daily practice and work he became a wise sage in later life. The steps listed in this book are intended to allow you to reach that same state of being. Also, you don't have to be of any religious persuasion to follow these steps.

Eknath was a big follower of Gandhi and that comes across clearly in these admonishments and suggestions for living a happier and more spiritual life. It was Gandhi who said when asked for a message that his life was his message.

For no longer than what it will take to read this book it's a great return on your investment. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to have greater peace and a good set of practical suggestions to improve their lives.

This is one of the most interesting, yet simple books on practical idealism. Anyone who is interested in spirituality or philosophy will find a treasure in this book by a great guru.

The impact the tiny book has on me seems to grow as time passes by. I can't believe that what I have always been searching for can be so simple. Eknath Easwaran gets his message through so clearly with vivid anecdotes. I find myself nodding as I am reading through the lines. Once in a while, I take for granted the lessons that I have already learned. The handy book serves as a constant reminder. It never fails.

Unfortunately, we make our problems so complex. This small book shares the simplicity of all we need to know to make a better world. Indepth philosophy does not change the world. Our ACTIONS do. If we all worked to make our lives our message as this small treasured book helps you do, life would be transformed for the good of everyone. Thanks you, Easwaran Eknath.

This book helps us to understand that the simple things are important. It is choc full of short passages that send BIG messages!

Great things come in small packages. This small book has been read and reread delving into the meaning of the words making up the sentences on unnumbered pages. At times the mental and religious feelings are very deeply felt in your own experiences and how to handle situations.

This is a very nice book and pretty suitable for children from the age of 0-6. Especially the drawings are just lovable.

Lynn Hazen, a preschool director and recent graduate of Vermont College's prestigious MFA program for writing children and young adults books, is one of the cleverest phrase-turners in the bizzy field of picture books. Here she explores the rivalry between an insect (who's simply the bee's knees) and his honey of a newborn sister, who quickly and inadvertently wins the heart of the hive. Listen to Hazen's economical, humorous development of character and plot in the opening:

"Buzz Bumble was a medium sized bee, but he could fly fast, dance the bee dance, and buzz and tumble with gusto. All the bees admired his talents.
`Look at Buzz fly!' gasped Humble Bumble.
`That Buzz sure can bring home the nectar,' said Senor Sting.
`I hope Ansel Antennae features Buzz in the next National Bee-Graphic,' Ms. Bizzy said."

Hazen adds other memorable phrases that should appeal to both children and adults. For example, Buzz Bumble is not just a happy bee; rather, his "wings vibrated with joy." Little Baby Bumble isn't just a cuddle-bug; "She's sweeter than all the nectar in the garden." Alliterative phrases and a glancing reference to Buzz landing on his "bumble bum" add to the fun.

Buzz doesn't like all this fawning over his new little sister ("Why were they droning on and on about her?"), especially when it takes so much time to teach her the a, b, c' s of being a bee, and Ansel Antennae is about to land! Tears flow from Buzz's eyes: "'No one cares about me anymore,' he sighed." With ease and humor, Ms. Hazen portrays some of the deep feelings engendered by the arrival of a new brother or sister. She also shows a way out of these complicated feelings. When Baby Bumble falls into an insect-eating flower, Buzz heroically (ok, and maybe not very realistically) holds open the dangerous flower so that Baby can escape. Not only do the siblings share their newfound feelings by rubbing each other's antennae, but bearded, bald Ansel--looking like a BEEtnik at a freaky costume party--gets the action on film. When they both appear on the cover of National Bee-graphic, brother and sister share the spotlight together.

Jill Newton fills the pages with big petals of highlighted color and some subtle texture. You can almost smell the ripe sweet flowers in mauves and purples against a brilliantly blue rococo sky. The facial expressions are easily recognizable and don't minimize the hurt felt by Buzz. I did find the yellowish-green "skin" tone of one bee, "Humble Bumble" somewhat unpleasant, and the intense colors make the book somewhat more suitable for large room rather than intimate reading settings. There's also a puzzling discontinuity between one line of text and the illustrations. We're told that "when Buzz flew in for a dramatic finish...he got bumped out..." Bumped out of what? Perhaps the flower patch because Baby and her admirers were crowding it? It's difficult to say because the illustration doesn't show the action.

Hazen and Newton show the climactic rescue in a dramatic, potentially scary scene: We see "Baby" inside the hungry flower, and the text reads, "No one knew what to do. It was too horrible to watch." However, the happy resolution comes quickly and the outcome is never really in doubt. The rescue adds excitement and emotion to what could have been an overly sweet or preachy "lesson" about getting along with the family newBEE. (I should warn you that this book may inspire punning.) Overall, another excellent book by Ms. Hazen(http://www.lynnhazen.com), a talented and entertaining writer who respects the intelligence and psychology of her audience.

NOTE: As mentioned above, Ms. Hazen is among the students, alumnae, and faculty at Vermont College, a coterie that includes the outstanding work of such current students as Lynn Hazen, Karen Ehrhardt (her wonderful "This Jazz Man" is due out in April, 2006), Ed Briant, Jane Buchanan, Liza Donnelly, Hatsy McGraw, Barbara Santucci, Jennifer Gennari Shepherd; alumni Lynn Hazen, René Colato-Lainez, Mindy Hardwick, Helen Hemphill, Kim Justesen, Judith Kuns, Jane Legrow, Joann Early Macken, Carolyn Marsden, Carmela Martino, Lauren Myracle, Shenaaz Nanji, Candice Ransome, Anita Riggio, Mary Ann Rodman, April Pulley, Leda Schubert, Ann Teplick, Beckie Weinheimer, Deborah Wiles, and Gretchen Woelfle; and faculty members Tobin Anderson, Kathi Appelt, Marion Dane Bauer, Margaret Bechard, Ronald Koertge, Ellen Levine, Tim Wynne Jones, and Liza Ketchum.

What a recognizable situation! You think you're the cutest thing on the block and then your little sister steals the show. It is a great book about sibling rivalry that kids relate to. Lynn Hazen's witty writing and humorous puns make this book funny and charming. Buzz shows his true character when he puts aside his pride and envy and risks all to save his little sister.
Jill Newton's illustrations are luminous. Her bright, vivid colors remind me of ice-cream cones and add to the summery, happy feeling this book gave me. The round bodies and little wings of the bees are adorable and reflect the images Lynn evokes with the text ("Baby fluttered her tiny wings").
I like Buzz and Baby and want to hear more about them!

Buzz Bumble is top dog. Or, more appropriately top bee. All the bees in the garden are awed by the speed he can fly, the amount of nectar he can bring home, his humdinger of a bee dance, and other talents.

To say that Buzz enjoys this attention is putting it mildly - he revels in it. Why, Ansel Antennae, a renowned photographer is coming to the garden, and Buzz's wings quiver at the thought of being photographed.

But suddenly Buzz is no longer the A-List bee, his position usurped by the arrival of Baby Bee. All the others hovered around the new arrival exclaiming how cute and sweet she is. A sulking Buzz wonders, "Why were they droning on and on about her?" He thought she should be sent right back to the Queen Bee. Then, to add insult to injury he was told to look after the little one.

Well, little bees aren't aware of all the dangers in a garden. Baby Bee fell right into a Venus Fly Trap. Buzz was the only one who saw this. The question is what will he do, if anything?

Young readers will enjoy the sunshine bright illustrations as well as discover that sibling rivalry isn't limited to humans.

Wow, what an awesome book!!! I highly recommend this book to bring peace and joy into your life. It is fun and my favorite way to obtain inner peace.

You need this book. Yes, you really need it if you are living the average American's life of constant work, errands, responsabilities, and more work.

All you need is about half an hour of time, some crayons, gel pens, colored pencils or paints and you will have some amazingly intensive stress relief that will take you away -- just lift you up out of that dark cloud that envelops you and take you to a higher plane of bliss!

I can't recommend this book more highly. The paper quality is good and the results are absolutely guaranteed. They say you can't buy happiness, but for just a few dollars, you can buy 30 minutes of it, and that's for sure!

Treat yourself to 30-Minute Mandalas Coloring Book: Active Meditation for the Mind and Body OR Easy Meditation Through Coloring today. The title says it all. Bliss is yours!

As a little girl I always enjoyed coloring books and never realized how calming this activity could be. Now as a grown woman full of life's stresses I find that Michelle Normand's "30 Minute Mandalas" is a great way to relieve pressure and nervous tension. I hope there will be more from this author.

This book is EVERYTHING I hoped it would be! The designs are great and the paper is good quality for markers or colored pencils. I was able to complete each one in under 30 minutes and it felt meditative and creative at the same time. I highly recommend it for everyone! I hope the author makes more because my seven year old keeps "borrowing" it.

I didn't really know what a Mandela was, but the cover of this book intrigued me. It reminded me of stained glass or the shapes and patterns created in a kaleidoscope. "30 Minute Mandalas" gave me the chance to explore my creative instincts by infusing my own color sense into each design, while just "chilling out". I was surprised just how calming coloring these beautiful designs can be. The paper quality is so good, that I'm tempted to frame a few of my best efforts. I enjoyed this book so much, I bought extra copies to share. Hope the author is planning another book.