Meditation Books

I have been praying this novena for over 20 years and it has never failed me. I have prayed for some very difficult intentions and each time my prayers have been answered. It is a serious committment as it requires a daily rosary for 54 days, but is well worth the effort. To pray this novena is to undertake a spiritual journey with great personal rewards.

I've been saying this Novena for almost 20 years. It has been a source of comfort and strength to me and anyone I have recommended it to. The only place I've been able to find this book in recent years is at Amazon!

This book is a wonderful way to increase our awareness of the power of prayer and to help us realize that Our Blessed Mother always listens to us. I am glad I could finally get another copy!

Rosary Novenas to Our Lady is a fairly standard pamphlet on the Rosary. It includes an introduction on the origin of the novena placing it in 1884 Naples. The novena is slightly misnamed as it includes 27 days of petition and 27 days of thanksgiving, whether or not the petition has been granted. Novenas are, by definition, nine days - 9, 54 as a labor of love what's the difference.

Each mystery of the rosary is approached by a short meditation on the Mystery ending with the words "I humbly pray"; then follows the traditional prayers of the decade; this is concluded with a petitionary phrase. Opposite each mystery is a black and white illustration.

The basic rosary should be known to all Catholics; the use of this particular variant is dependent upon your particular prayer needs at any point in time.

This is a long Novena. It is 27 days of asking and 27 days of Thanksgiving. My mother has been saying this Novena for years. Not until I was over 30 did I borrow hers. I believe in this Novena. It is very powerful. As the book states, "A laborious Novena, but a Novena of Love. You who are sincere will not find it too difficult, if you really wish to obtain your request."

If you ever have extra time and nothing to do, reading this book would be a great persuit because it is one of those things that, even if you only glean one phrase from it, it can only do you good. Or even if you take away nothing at all, just reading the book is extremely calming in itself, a good escape if you are stressed or tired or sad
Most importantly, unlike other books in its genre, it's genuine. Big abstract ideas are understood by using everyday impressions that everyone knows, so that when you read it you automatically relate things that have happened in your life to what it says, without having to try. Best of all, you don't have to be "into spiritualtiy" or "new-age" to understand it; in fact, it's probably better it you're not because it's not geared to a"type" of person based on age, profession, beliefs, preferences, or previous knowledge.
It doesn't really use frilly and mystical words, so any two people who read this book will find common ground in it. I highly recommend it for its amazing quality of being utterly benign.

I think that this book is a "must read" for anyone seriously interested in the subject. It lays a foundation for our spiritual path, and may serve as a guide in search for our "true" self. In every paragraph author is reminding us to be present, to be aware. It is also very sincere, you can feel that author comes from his direct experience and deep understanding..

In a world rampant with small self-importance, precipitated by epidemic narcissism, "The Sacred Art of Soul Making" is a timely intervention. Joseph Naft has written an exceptional, educational read. Culled from his experience with daily spiritual practice, from both the traditional and the esoteric, he has developed a plan for the recovery, maintenance and expression of True Self.

"The Sacred Art of Soul Making" delivers practical, insightful information, pertinent to the continued development of our potential as human beings. This is more than just an inspirational read, it offers step by step methods for the turning of ordinary living, into the extraordinary life. Finally, the alchemy for living deliberately is demystified. What awaits the reader is a message imbued with clarity and a well defined plan, for becoming that which makes the difference.

This is the book, that cracks the code on how to engage deeply, honestly and proficiently with the task of becoming.

If you have read a lot of spiritual books and have felt disappointed - maybe as if something had been left out - try The Sacred Art of Soul Making. Subtitled "Balance and Depth in the Spiritual Practice", this book is the perfect companion for seekers interested in spiritual practice based on timeless wisdom, and incorporating the key elements of mind, body, and spirit. Appropriate for both those just beginning the journey and those with years of study and practice, The Sacred Art of Soul Making provides both the necessary foundation for a strong, multi-faceted spiritual practice and suggestions for accessing increasingly finer and more subtle awareness. The book provides clear instructions and exercises for the seeker to explore, without demanding any particular belief or promoting any self-serving point of view. Topics include energy, the mind, body and heart, and awareness of and union with the ineffable I AM. Joseph Naft's breadth and depth of study and practice are evident in the incorporation of aspects of many spiritual teachings, and in the genuine good-heartedness evident in his writing. Naft offers wisdom with no catches or hidden agendas; and neither oversimplifies nor over-complicates the spiritual journey. His book provides a firm anchor for the serious seeker, always offering the opportunity for new insight while never pointing to a false path.

The Sacred Art of Soul Making is well worth your time and effort. It is clear and easy to read. It will enlighten you as to the different levels of energy, and inform you as to how they apply to you and everyday life. There are valuable practices to keep your awareness focused and clear. I have suggested several dear friends purchase this material. Josheph Naft has done an excellent job of communicating. He has another book called "Agents of Peace" which is a novel. I would suggest purchasing the noval after reading The Art of Soul Making. In this novel, the characters apply some of the paractices mentioned in The Sacred Art of Soul Making. A MUST READ.

I love this book, which explores the weekly parsha. Most weeks are only a few pages long but are packed with a lot of mystical and talmudic insight. This is one of my favorite compendiums to the Torah.

The most amazing, heartfelt response to the question of Why EVIL exists. This book will change your life. It is stunning, selfless, and TRUE. This is a dialogue with the ETERNAL Himself.

Rabbi Worch's translation of the difficult, poetic Hebrew of the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto captures the power and essence of the original text. For people who have been yearning to read the teachings of the Piacezna Rebbe, Kolonymous Kalman Shapira, this book is worth the wait.

The writings of the holy Rebbe of Piazeczna (as presented by R. Worch) are both profound and poignant, but also inspirational, even to those who have not studied the original text.

These writings were written by the Piacezna Rebbe during the time when the Jews of Warsaw were living out the horrible suffering of their destruction by the Nazis. They are written with a passion and religious depth, a clinging to G-d and a spirit of prayer which move so so deeply. They are written by a Jew under the most supreme trials of suffering who deepens in faith in the suffering. They are the writings of a great holy Jewish religious teacher who gives us in these words and by his life - example the story of a true Tsaddik, a holy , holy, holy man.
G-d blesses and uplifts the soul of anyone who is capable of sharing in the reading this holy man's presence.

Thompson's "Sacred Hearts: Daily Reflections for Divine Renegades," promotes no agenda but one: to break down the barriers we place between ourselves and GOD or ourselves and the full, deeply satisfying and complete lives that GOD intends for us to live. In simple yet profound messages, Thompson communicates her belief that we must discard much of the traditional baggage with which we have burdened ourselves, becoming divine renegades. Yet I suspect that at its core, there is little, if anything, that sounds different in Thompson's message from the basic ideas that Jesus would teach were He to walk among us today.

Thompson shares her "divine" wit in a feast of words to delight your palate - that is, if you are a bit of a renegade. Not for the faint at heart, pick up the book and find your thought-for-the-day, something to make your day a little crisper, your thought processes range a little further afield. Try it; you'll like it.

Author Mary Bringle has this to say about Sacred Hearts: Daily Reflections for Divine Renegades Sacred Hearts offers real comfort and true insights instead of blather. Sterling Thompson is the only guru who does not embarrass me and make me want to lampoon the concept of daily reflections in a savagely witty book.

Quantum Mind thanks Mary Bringle for permission to quote this review. (Bringle is author of Murder Most Gentrified, Hacks at Lunch, True Confessions: The Novel)

Author Mary Bringle has this to say about Sacred Hearts: Daily Reflections for Divine Renegades Sacred Hearts offers real comfort and true insights instead of blather. Sterling Thompson is the only guru who does not embarrass me and make me want to lampoon the concept of daily reflections in a savagely witty book.

Quantum Mind thanks Mary Bringle for permission to quote this review. (Bringle is author of Murder Most Gentrified, Hacks at Lunch, True Confessions: The Novel)

Truly insightful, inspirational and honest. This book is a must for anyone needing a little push to examine the way they live or don't live their lives! It is laced with humor and thought provoking anecdotes. I'm over 50 and the book has taken me on a wonderful journey of possibilities. My 19 year old daughter, who like many her age, is trying to grasp the meaning of life and its purpose, has borrowed the book and absolutely loves it! She got more out of the book in 10 minutes than in the 19 years I've been trying to provide insightful advice. This book is for all generations. I highly recommend it.

St. Martha Parish in Okemos, Michigan Bulletin Book Club March 2002 Selection Fr. Jonathan Wehrle, Pastor
As Roman Catholics we accept that we will die to this earth and be born into another. Our religion is rich in historic saints whose sufferings and trials mirror our contemporary human reaction to impending death. St. Thomas More is an example. He refused, even when faced with execution and death in Renaissance England, to deny his Christian life. Rather, he focused "sharply on Christ's human reaction to His approaching death." [p. v]
St. Thomas More wrote his last book with the purpose of contrasting "Christ's way of acting with our own." [p. vi] More, a lawyer and judge, served King Henry VIII as Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Church of England until he resigned in protest at the actions the king was taking to destroy the Catholic Church in England. While King Henry VIII did sunder the Church of England from Rome and further abused human and religious rights, it was not without the ultimate protest from More. Reflecting upon Christ's steadfastness provided solace for More in the Tower of London awaiting trial and his last confession and execution.
This final work of St. Thomas More's shares his reflections on the Passion and Death of Christ. Christ as fully God begged as man his Father to remove the passion to come, but humbly submitted when the choice was presented. More concludes from this that while Christ made distinctions, we also "sometimes apply to our whole selves things which actually are true only of the soul [made in the image and likeness of God], and on the other hand we sometimes speak of our selves when strict accuracy would require us to speak of our bodies alone." [p. 30]
More, seeming quite contemporary, includes a Collection of Scriptural Quotes and Reflections and presents the case for such as right reason as a key to the next world, but also for making ourselves every day "living members, sweet Savior Christ, of Your holy mystical body, Your Catholic Church." [p. 154] While More did not wish to die to this world, he reflects that "Whoever saves his life in such a way that he displeases God shall soon afterwards, with no little grief, find his life thoroughly displeasing." [p. 144]
More's work in this text unmistakeably imprints the imagery in todays Catholic Church as one body of people called Church with Christ as its Head.

I HIGHLY recommend this book. It is one great meditation on Our Lord's passion. St. Thomas More is clear and succint. He takes ideas to their logical conclusion, and definitely has a gift in this regard- the gifts that made him a great lawyer and statesman, as well as a glorious martyr are quite prominent in his meditations. He'll remind you to pray like you're speaking to God and love like God Himself suffered & died for you. I really liked the book and I have no doubt that it helped me grow in my knowledge of God's love, myself, and my response to God's love.

More's strength to face his imminent excecution leads him to ponder on Christ's Passion. His marvellous way of looking at life and man in the midst of political turbulence and of struggling against a tide of King Henry VIII followers gives us the necessary strength to strive in difficult situations and to think that happiness and love can be found in the detachmentof material things and as close followers of Christ's example

St. Thomas More writes a series of meditations on the passion of Christ in this short volume, beginning with the betrayal of the Iscariot and ends with the actual capture and trial of Jesus. More wrote this volume while contemplating his upcoming martyrdom; while seeing his friends from the London Carthusian Charterhouse being martyred; while receiving messages of encouragement from Bishop John Fisher, who resided in worse conditions in the cell below him in the infamous Tower of London.

This volume is a wonderful volume for meditation, but needs to be taken slowly. More was not one for long, flowery sentences, and thus wrote very simply. The initial urge is to read quickly. It is best to take in each word with this volume and picture Christ's suffering in one's mind while reading. A good book.

Until reading this book, I had difficulting meditating on the agony in the garden. Thomas More takes the Gospels' descriptions of the event and commentates on them with a weatlh of saintly knowledge and scholarship. St. Thoms truly opened up this portion of the Gospels for me and deapened my understanding of them. This is must reading annually during lent.

What is the truth? What truly matters? "Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days" strives to help readers answer those questions instead of blindly lying to themselves and following whatever happens to guide them at that time. Discussing countless topics such as love, the difference between right and wrong, dealing with pain, and more, "Seeing True" is a solid guide to finding what really matters. Highly recommended for community library spirituality collections.

I know from personal experience how stubborn addictive behaviors can be, and how equally attached to illusory perceptions and beliefs I often am, so when I read in the introduction to Ronald Chapman's Seeing True - Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Daysthat spiritual blindness can be treated much like an addiction, I was curious. Could the formula, concentrated action=habit=change, that is the basis of successful recovery programs help me dispel illusion and find more clarity in my life? I wasn't sure ninety days could loosen the grip of a lifetime of misperceptions and truly affect change, but I was willing to give it a go. By the end of the book I certainly hadn't earned my illusion-sobriety pin, but I was beginning to understand Chapman's statement "It's another day in paradise...it just doesn't look like I expected." My idea of paradise suddenly had changed too, and that shift in perception was making life look and feel much saner and more satisfying.

I thought it might be difficult to write a review of a book that will undoubtedly elicit such deeply personal and consequently different experiences for each reader. My journey through Chapman's daily contemplations was mine alone, colored by the sum total of what I brought to each reading and exercise in Seeing True. But from day one, where he tells of a man who finds peace waxing his car and invites the reader to examine what brings him/her peace and what triggers agitation, I began to relax into the process of simply being there with my reactions to Chapman's stories and probing inquiries. I was instantly at ease that the examples he was giving were sincere and real, and the concepts he would impart would be accessible. This was a book I could sink my teeth into a little at a time. Ninety days? No sweat.

Each contemplation offers anecdotes and questions that cover the full gamut of human emotion and interaction. Abandonment, courage, death, ecstasy, failure, gratitude, and sacrifice are just a few of the places Chapman explores. He uses a multitude of observations obtained during everyday events and experiences like sitting in a coffee shop, shopping for groceries, sharing meals, casual conversations, and attending church services to invite the reader to stretch beyond automatic beliefs and understandings. He follows the stories with related questions and exercises for reflection. Some exercises were soothing and reassuring and made me feel I was getting to the truth. "Whom and what do I love?" Others were troublesome and vexing. "Is there anyone or anything that I cannot or will not love?" Sometimes I couldn't answer the questions at all or even get to what I thought or felt. "How do I try to contain myself?"

At first I wasn't sure where the process was taking me, but I knew the time spent in contemplation felt good. What began to surface throughout the days was a growing awareness that my perceptions of the world were restricting my experience of life. Chapman's questions led to more of my own, and in the whirl of uncertainty about what was real and what was simply a creation of my mind, something amazing occurred. I began to have a taste of what the here and now really looks like. The veil of blindness parted ever so slightly, and the illusions I had allowed to limit my life began to unravel. Seeing True was becoming a habit.

Can ninety days make a marked difference in clarity of sight? Chapman acknowledges it's just a beginning, and admits that the path to Seeing True is arduous. But he reassures us that "What we seek is worth the labor" and I now know what the common experience will be for all readers who commit to the ninety-day process. There will be a shift. The light will come on and the path to freedom will be illuminated. Chapman has created a clear guide for dispelling illusion from our lives and finding paradise. Funny, paradise doesn't look anything like I expected either, but like Chapman, I highly recommend it.

I have read all of Ronald Chapman's books and own his CD sets. His unique perspectives help me to see life in a different way, a clearer way. I love his gift of storytelling which really gets the message across in ways that I can remember and use and which are thought-provoking. I also liked the way this book is set up with the blank pages to journal my thoughts about each of the contemplations. Mr Chapman is an emerging spiritual teacher who has a lot to contribute to the world.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/08)

"Seeing True" offers ninety days worth of contemplations followed by thought-provoking questions with space to journal your thoughts. Each contemplation is written to make us go deeply within ourselves so that we can dispel any false illusions to see what is real. They assist us with transcending our egos so that we can continue to spiritually evolve by having a deeper connection to spirit.

This guide covers ninety days because of a belief that it takes ninety days to overcome a habit or addiction. "Seeing True" gets you started on a path to personal spiritual healing. I loved each of the contemplations. They don't take long to read and I really liked how the topics and questions guided me into a deeper level of thought.

Initially, I read this book all the way through and now I am going back to take each topic one day at a time for the next ninety days. I plan on seriously sticking to the readings and journaling. I feel very excited about the spiritual growth that I will gain during this time. I like that the topics take me away from my own distracting personal issues and have me focus on something different. Then the journal questions bring me back into my own world to see how the topic and thoughts relate to my personal life. This is the perfect tool for spiritual healing. It is also very empowering because you can do it on your own.

I highly recommend "Seeing True" to readers who are looking to evolve spiritually. I also believe that it will be the perfect gift for others on the same path or individuals who are in addiction recovery programs.

This is a simple and powerful book. It is written in short vignettes that provide a lesson to ponder. The book is designed as a workbook so that after each lesson the reader can take the concept as deep as they desire. I found myself pondering the concepts long after I had read them and going back to review and discover even deeper meaning. The book is heart felt and provides a gentle but strong push to seeing things as they are, not as we believe or even wish they were. The process is about lifting the veil of what we think is true so that we can see what is really true. Chapman has done an excellent job in creating a safe and loving place to uncover the true treasures that are hidden under mis-beliefs.

This is a book similar to one I was considering to make for myself. Also it came as a suprise that Barbara wrote another book which I owned Instant Karma. I only made the connection after reading this work. Wow what a woman. She's also written a book on archeology. It was a childhood dream of mine to be an archeologist as a career. Then my parents told me there was nothing left to discover. I've looked through here 14,000 things book, but don't own a copy. Very good! Barbara's work here is small and portable. As a meditator this work is invaluable. I'll be taking my copy everywhere. Thanks Barbara!

I absolutely ADORE Barbara Ann Kipfer's writings and highly recommend them to everyone. This particular book I enjoy so much that I now have 2 copies of the book -- and keep them both in my reading room so that I can dip into them whenever I have a spare moment or two.

I love this book partly because it is great for people who are just starting out on their meditative/spiritual path. It is randomly speckled with creative, inspiring meditations, quotes relating to buddhism and zen, and mantras, perfect for virtually all real-life situations; from food, to yoga, to work (and viewing it as a part of the spiritual demension of the universe) to enjoying the true beauty of a garden, to simply breathing. Because it is small, I carry it in my purse for lunchtime, traffic jams, ect. It is a wonderful aid for relaxation and a "way to catch your inner breath and find the wellness and pleasures of mindfulness in every moment."

I am new to the whole idea of meditation, and this book I feel is the perfect starting point for anybody who is interested in meditating, or even just looking to find some good inspiration. I love it and I think anybody would. It's got some great tips for meditating, and is always positive and reminding you to be mindful of each moment of your life. Fantastic!

Opening the tiny Self-Meditation: 3,299 Mantras, Tips,
Quotes, and Koans for Peace and Serenity is like taking the top off a beautifully wrapped box. Its alternating pastel-colored striped cover makes the book look like a present you'd want someone to give you. Inside, however, it's more like a jewel box.
Barbara Ann Kipfer, who is the author of the bestseller, 14,000 Things to Be Happy About, provides a style for whatever meditation mode you may need. If one style of meditation hasn't worked for you, don't give up. You'll find your niche with 3,299 choices. This one-inch thick, 6"x4" book will guide you and get you started. Open to any page and you will find a meditation to respond to. Perhaps reciting a mantra is your preferred method. Open to page 215 and you will find: "Meditation is my true nature now." Maybe you need guided visualization. The butterfly meditation on page 44 is a practice to an open heart. For those who dare to ponder the unanswerable, Kipfer's koans provide endless contemplation: "Where do north and south come from?". Kipfer adds mudras, affirmations, and tips to employ in daily life: "Treat simple, repetitive work like knitting, needlepoint, and even washing your face as meditation in action."
Although the great majority of meditations in this book could be considered non-denominational, Kipfer comes from a Buddhist state of mind and there is evidence of that throughout the book. Regardless of your religious affiliation, however, this is a beautiful little treasure trove of wisdom and advice to give yourself and others.

In my opinion, Sarah Wood Vallely has thought of everything to help readers to know and understand exactly what is involved in teaching children to meditate, what the benefits of meditation are, and what works well in particular situations. Sarah also "backs up" each technique with tried and true reasons and experiences for why she suggests doing things the way she does! It is a very easy book to read and is complete with an outline for teaching a class.
Finally, the meditations are wonderful, and not only for children! I now use the Grounding Cord meditation that is in the book every day!

Sarah is passionate about nurturing the gifts of others. Her insightful meditations are practical tools for adults as well as children. Teaching us to trust our gifts she has developed a community that can easily translate her work and realize her intentions. Her work has provided opportunities for meditation groups around the world who have utlized her work in their schools, neighborhoods and in their homes. Thank you Sarah for teaching me that allowing an open space for my daughter's gifts was actually a mirror lesson for my own self appreciation.
I am excited to give this book to her school as the teacher will be utilizing it in her classroom, allowing this piece of work to be recognized as the invaluable tool that it is.

Breathing regularly is a bridge that ties body to mind; when breathing is made regular it calms the physical body. Learning to breath evenly and regularly can yield instant stress relief on a moment's notice. Following the sequence within a meditation develops memory and the ability to concentrate. In her book, "Sensational Meditation for Children", Sarah does an outstanding job guiding you on how to bring such benefits of meditation to your children and more. I highly recommend this book. In addition to helping your children it will help you too. Enjoy!

I have used this book in teaching mindfulness classes to children both in the community and in the school where I am a Resource Room teacher. Sarah has created some wonderfully fun, creative exercises that capture the children's imagination...always helpful in getting them to participate. She also gives ideas for modifying the exercises as necessary. This should be a "standard" for anyone interested in teaching children mindfulness or meditation techniques.

Children and parents alike benefit so very much from Sarah's book, "Sensational Meditation for Children". It creates a very close and strong bond as parent and child learn how to meditate together. Children can learn meditation techniques quickly with Sarah's short meditations and they have great fun with all the exercises and crafts that the book offers as well. I am a former student of Sarah's and have studied the book in great depth as well as taught many children through her techniques. If you have children this is definitely a must have book!

This book literally fell off the shelf at my local bookstore. After picking it it up and reading a few pages, it appeared to be exactly what I needed at that moment in life. A great guide to explaining the benefits of centering oneself. Although I haven't brought myself to practice the way Mr. Rathbun does. The approach in itself is not as important as taking the time and effort to slow down and make the attempt. A great and inspiring read..

The book The Silent Miracle gave me the guidance I needed to fully live my life. Learning how to meditate and doing the practice every day has made each moment of each day worthwhile. The miracle is that nothing has drastically changed in my outer world - it is my inner life that is different. The path to follow has been easy to understand and worth pursuing with this treasure of a book as my guide.

The meditation practice contained in this book is just what I'd been looking for. The book is straight forward, setting out a simple practice that requires only 20 minutes a day. Even after the short amount of time I've been doing the practice, I can understand why it is called the Silent Miracle. It helps to dissolve internal pain and brings joy, wonder, lots of love and peace to living. I would recommend it to anyone. It's a down to earth and very practical way to acheive these things in your life.

Is WORK all you can think of? Do you lead a tough stressful life? You want to slow down and learn to be at peace with yourself? TRY THIS ONE OUT. You cant go wrong!

I have been using this meditation practice for about 3 years now. I was searching for so many answers to the confusion, frustration, anger and pain in my life. A few moments of stillness can be multiplied tenfold in a lifetime. This practice teaches by listening to oneself on the deepest level of feeling. You become your own teacher. Change does occur. I highly recommend this book as well as this author's first book The Way is Within.

Words from the Heart-Mind indicating the presence of that which is beyond words,beyond concepts,beyond dogmas. All are welcome(d).You are welcome(d).

In her new book, Toni further explores the themes of her work of not depending on any belief, ritual, or conceptual understanding of any kind for security or comfort. Constant return to awareness of what is happening right now brings the possibility of seeing in a fresh way with a clarity that is completely new. This opens up the possibility of a peace and joy not dependent on idea and in no need of defense.
For anyone interested in the work of J. Krishnamurti or the ultimate goal of Zen practice, Toni's work is an invaluable tool in ridding ourselves of any habitual patterns of thought and belief. Life becomes less restricted, freer and constantly open to change and freshness.

I loved this book for many reasons. A subtitle for the book could easily have been "Beyond Buddhism" although no doubt Ms. Packer would, I imagine, argue that such a title would make no sense as there is nothing to get beyond.
Nevertheless the influences of her Zen background permeates the work but do not shadow it. The most exciting part of the book is that the history, theoretical premises and all the bells and whistles that usually accompany a line of thought are absent. It simply shows that being totally immersed in the awareness of the current moment is all that matters.
It is fascinating that a concept that can be stated in one sentence can be expanded on enough to fill an entire book. Yet one never gets the feeling that one is just reading the same stuff over and over again. Each new chapter brings with it a sense of excited anticipation. She presents her ideas in a very easy to understand concise fashion. The emphasis is on application in everyday life, not on theories or explanations. She shows clearly how awareness of the present, or lack thereof, can have a major impact on our lives. Her writing on inimate relationships is particularly illuminating.
This is a challenging book, not in terms of ease of readbility, but in terms of the learnings and insights that come when applying what is written to your inner personal world. Her seemingly simple insights can lead to incredible depths of understanding when thought about and applied.

Cracking the cement of language is a quote of Toni's in the book. It describes for me the experience of reading this book (and her other works). Her words point to an experience of bare, natural awareness. A worthwhile read. Not much else like it around.

Many teachers of non-duality communicate the impression that if we can simply experience the bare awareness that is the screen upon which the story of life appears, then suffering will vanish. My experience has been that the experience of bare awareness is the easy part. My messy, squalorous mind just goes right on doing what it did before, totally unimpressed, leaving me feeling perhaps marginally less miserable that I had before but also leaving me with a nagging feeling that I just haven't quite got "IT." What I appreciate about Toni is that she describes, as if she were in my own head- and I since we are all the same- I guess she is, inside my own brain. She is fond of quoting Hui Neng- "One enlightened moment and an ordinary man is a Buddha. One deluded moment and a Buddha is an ordinary man." Sounds like me phasing in and out.