Meditation Books

This book is like a cup of aromatic cofee and silk comforter for your soul. It is a source of daily vignettes that inspire, soothe, and speak to your spirit as a friend whispering in your ear. A must have for anyone on a spiritual journey.

Talk about not being able to keep a good book to yourself? This all began around 1980. I was browsing around the SPIRITUAL counter at the bookstore when this tiny yellow hardback book caught my attention. I flipped through it and went to that particular day's reading...and then I read the reading from the day before and then the day after. Each reading touched my heart and soul...I knew I had to get it and the price was right, $4.99!

Well, everyday the little yellow book was inspiring me. Then one day while reading, my sisters popped into my head and the thought of how much they'd treasure this book. So I picked up a copy for my sisters. A few days later, a beautiful reading from St.Francis De Sales remeinded me of my mother-in-law- so I sent a copy to her. My brother picked up my copy one evening while visiting, and I told him to take it. Then there were friends, neighbors and relations who kept coming in my thoughts while reading...before I knew it I was telling perfect strngers about this little yellow book so full of wisdom. Even the TUPPERWARE woman picked it up while packing up her demo things- she seemed to like it, so that copy went home with her! It seemed as soon as a copy got comfortable in my home, I'd think of someone, or someone would actually pick up mine and ask for a copy!

I'd venture to say that I probably gave about forty copies of Mary Tilestone's book away. Then I couldn't find it anywhere...and I was left without a copy. A few weeks ago I bumped into this book and almost started to cry from JOY!!!!!

Will this book find roots here with me? I hope so...but I will stock up my cupboard with this perfect treasury of readings for future gifts! And how beautiful the watercolor illustrations!

Three cheers for the most treasured book(besides the Bible and Merton's THROUGH THE YEAR!) I own!

Sincerely, Terry Stellini

After reading years of late 20th century self-fulfillment books, I found Daily Strength for Daily Needs to be a refreshing change. The excerpts and quotes focus often on patient acceptance of life's difficulties and the cultivation of humility. Not popular topics in a "fix-it" society! Other centuries have valuable perspectives to offer us as we seek to distinguish which elements in our faith are eternal and which are merely culture-influenced fads.

This book is not only filled with incredible spiritual devotions that speak to your soul, but also with beautiful watercolor illustrations. The combination of the two makes this book a special addition to your library, as well as a meaningful and loving gift for a friend.

Thank you for the care and love you showed Maxene.....Linda B.(...)

One of the most inspiring stories was about Maxene Andrews of the famous Andrews Sisters. Each of us think about our limitations sometimes, about our fear of failure, and sometime we feel it is just TOO late to reach that goal, begin again, try one more time for the brass ring. Well, Maxene's story will give you HOPE that it is NEVER, ever too late to begin again. At least, that's what it did for me. OH, and the fact that I wrote the story has no bearing on this review. Maxene died 10 years ago, however, she, and the example she set, lives within me still. AND, I did begin again! Just like Mackie did!

This book is filled with great pieces of advice, as well as touching stories. I got it at the library, but I decided that I have to own it. I've been sharing this book with my grandma and my aunt. It's helped us live together in harmony and to get along with everyone else in our family.

Families have so many challenges these days, especially when it comes to raising young ones. Family devotions such as those in this book can do so very much in keeping each members' thoughts on the important spiritual values. Owning this book and making the devotions in it part of your daily family time together can help so very much in keeping the needed communication lines open. In this day and age, parents need all the help they can get, and there are definitely good guidelines in this book.

I've been a Nouwen fan for several months now, having graduated from Merton's Sign of Jonas to Nouwen's Road to Gennessee. Have thoroughly enjoyed his journals and have been touched by his openness and honesty. He is quick to mention his struggles and shortcomings--something we don't often think of when we think of well-known contemplatives and spiritual giants here on earth!

The Dance of Life contains numerous nuggets of spiritual wisdom from books I've yet to read. I'm reading it a bit each night, taking one or two selections as something of a devotional. Don't let the title fool you: there isn't much sorrow, or darkness, only real-life spirituality.

My church used Dance of Life, Henri Nouwen's works compiled by editory Michael Andrew Ford, as basis for an adult program during Lent. Lay people were able to facilitate discussion of different sections of the book easily.

Excellent, as is anything that comes from the writings of Nouwen (who continues to write even though he is dead!!)

This book changed my life. I was so engrossed that I read it in the course of one very intense day - a day filled with insights, with a sense of wonder and beauty and of God's all-sustaining love. It is a book that I will keep returning to for many years.

This is the sort of book that I want to buy a thousand copies of to hand out at street corners. Especially poignant are Nouwen's insights on intimacy, acceptance, and prayer.

The real beauty of Nouwen's teaching is his incredibly accepting and open approach to the self - where we are to celebrate our individuality and to incorporate even our failings and negative emotions into our understanding of ourselves.

This book has actually helped me when I go back and read and apply it, it helps.

I love Catherine Ponder's books, as they are all so uplifting, full of hope and affirmations. DARE TO PROSPER is another wonderful book by this amazing author. I finished this book in one day and then re-read it again, as the gems of wisdom contained within are huge.

Ponder lists four steps for prosperous thinking and how to make your dreams your reality. Appropriate biblical quotes and abundant examples from readers using her formula for success are contained throughout the entire book. The methods that Ponder writes about, work incredibly!! One just has to believe and to change one's negative, limiting way of thinking to positive and prosperous thinking.

Ponder also talks about tithing and quoting examples again from the Bible and others who tithed their way to prosperity with God as their silent partner.

This small book is packed full of wisdom, insight and tools for one to become prosperous. Ponder dares you to prosper, as there is abundant abundance in the universe for everyone to partake in. I really liked the section on developing a master plan for prosperity and Ponder tells you very simply on how to develop your own master plan.

Ponder's writing style is very down to earth and using real life examples from others who have employed her methods adds greatly to her books. Biblical examples are also used, but not to the point where this is a "religious" book and the reader does not get turned off from the quotes, but I feel that the quotes add greatly to what she is teaching about.

Great book - incredible information and methods - HIGHLY recommend Ms. Ponder to all who are seeking a more prosperous life - whether in financial, health, business, or relationship aspects of one's life. I guarantee that you will want to seek out her other books as well!!! This is one amazing author!

It's a good book, if you want a summary of her previous work. Otherwise is almost a repetition. It wont hurt to go over the same principles she wrote about in her other books. Very refreshing in this sense.

I have read just about all of her books. They are motivatiing and uplifting and give you an undaunting will to achieve. I fist read her prosperity books and then books on receiving and then started to get into verses of the bible and how they moreso support her interpretations of the bible. I was fascinated to see that the bible does reward people who are God fearing and God does bless not only the poor but the rich as well. Before I read these books I had only found passages of the bible where you are blessed when you are poor and only the bad charectars in the bible were the rich ones, LOL!

A very worthwhile read. The author has used terrific and verifiable sources for this inspirational daily devotion. Perfect for those of us who don't have much time for reading; yet desire personal growth. These reflections offer depth of insight and encouragement. I highly recommend it.

This volume of readings for a year sets the tone for each week with a reading from the Torah. For each day of the week there is a selection of readings. These readings may be a single sentence, a poem, a paragraph, a teaching tale. They are a variety of traditional Judaica, philosophers, poets, Christians, Hindus, Buddhist, Taoist. They are so well selected that they create a coherent whole not a mishmash and reflect a deep, mature spirituality on the part of the collector. While the weekly cycle may target a Jewish audience, the book is so well put together that it can be recommended for individuals of any religious persuasion.

A concrete example of the variety. For week 28 (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) Sunday: Emily Dickinson, Jacob J. Halevi, Dag Hammarskjold; Monday: psalm, Talmud; Tuesday: psalm, Chasidic, Kenneth Hildebrand, Leigh Hunt; Wednesday: Talmud, Blaise Pascal, Sigrid Undset, Sir Thomas Browne; Thursday: Psalm, Yiddish proverb, Janet Harrison, Archibald Rutledge, Juvenal; Friday: Abba Kovner, Chasidic, Elinor Wylie, Helen Keller; Shabbat: Psalm, Lion Feuchtwanger, Clarence E, Pickett, Booker T. Washington, Albert Camus. Wonderful.

This is a the work of a brilliant man--a compilation of thought and stories, poems and prose from the world's great thinkers and writers. Wonderful for anyone with any interest in contemplation of the great themes of life. Truly spiritual.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chaim Stern, the editor of this book. He had a profound impact on my life. Through his prayer books and other writings, he has touched millions of people. Please, allow yourself the joy of being touched by his work, and buy this book! He is an inspired man who shares wisdom that will have a lasting impact on you. He was one of the greatest thinkers of our time. His passing is a tragic loss, since he remained so prolific. Yet, his words will live on and on. Please enjoy the richness of this book for years to come, and let his memory and influence continue forever!

This book is not only an enjoyable read, but also a self-help book to make us realize we can rise above bad situations. It is wonderful to see Amber's life unfold and see her become the wonderful woman she truly is. I would recommend this book.

After reading this remarkable I story, i found myself questioning my life. The story revolves around this woman who lost herself and in the process of finding who she once was, she discovered a whole new woman. Change is possible for anyone and that really is what this book taught me. The different characters seemed to be real and alive and I just felt like they were people I knew somewhere, people that I connected with or will connect with at some point. The different morals and lessons that were brought out in the various characters were accurate and true. Its a real life book in a real life world with real life people. Everyone can take something away from this book and that is why I love it and recommend it to everyone! Its not a self-help book more of an self-awareness book!

Deciphering Amber is a wonderful read!! It was an amazing book that weaves a story of very resourceful women with a little self-help information interspersed throughout. A very easy, enlightening read that makes you feel you can do anything you set your mind to. Would definately recommend this book!

Deciphering Amber

If you are looking for practical life skills, you will find them in this touching and illuminiating story. It is rare to find a fictional story that is revelant and helpful to the lives of ordinary people. It revolves around the disappearance of a young woman and how it changes her life and the lives of her family and friends. The main character, Amber, has lost her memory by a blow to her head but manages to free herself from an abductor and get medical help. Authorities botch up any attemps to locate someone to recognize her by missprinting her age in the newspaper as 12 instead of 21.

The story tells of the process that Amber took to become independant and get her life back on track. It tells the reader of her courage and hard work, and how the friendship of Cora enables her to return to life outside the shelter center.
Amber's process of healing includes joining a womens' group. Each week they read passages from many books of interest. Ms. Dickinson, the author, teaches us, without preaching, that with a belief in oneself, and along with perseverance and friendships, a person can lift themselves up and climb out of bad situations; by looking forward and setting goals it is possible to achieve our desires. She also accepts that bad things happen, like the abduction and that some marriages cannot be saved. We learn that it is important to make peace with your parents today because tomorrow may be too late. We learn that when you help others it comes back to you in ways you would not expect. By planting a garden you can enrich your life through the simple act of seeing its beauty on a daily basis--little things matter.

The gift of this book to any young woman can make a positive difference by teaching her to value herself.

Effective enhancement for sleep induction and for sleep enhancement. Sometimes I re-play the CD during the wee hours to fall back asleep after a bathroom visit..... relax, don't fight it, and you will sleep. Don't forget to darken your room, cut off the phones, and place a small fan to move air and produce white noise for later while sleeping. One nurse insomniacs opinion........ lyb

My husband and I really enjoy listing to this just as background music in our bedroom.

Menopause often brings sleep restlessness and insomnia. I learned a
few months ago I also have sleep apnea and am now using an IPAP machine.
Listening to this CD helps me drift off to sleep without extra stress.
The machine can be uncomfortable and annoying and this music helps
distract me and take me to a peaceful place more easily. I tend to sleep
more deeply than I have in years.
The music is quite unusual....almost like the sound of distant drums,
or distant rumble of thunder...but in a comforting way. If you need to
stay awake, don't put this music on! Its like heavy metal weights for
the eyelids!

I absolutely love the Delta Sleep System. I use it practically every night and feel truly rested when I awake. This is a must have for anyone, who, like me, has suffered from many nights of restless sleep. A true gem!

This book caused me to think differently about depression, my experience of it, and what to do about it. Using the precepts, I was able to pass through chronic depression and move on to living fully again. Whenever I loan the book, it never returns. It's so good that you don't want to let go of it once you have it.

This book turned my life around. I first picked it up in 1996 and I have never felt better. I have bought copies for my friends because I feel that it is so important for people who are looking to get out of the cycle of depression. I can't say enough great things about this book.

I have used this book and recommended it to many of my clients, who tend to enjoy it's simplicity, reality and no guff approach to depression. This is a spiritual book, yes, and it is also a very practical one. A must read/must do book.

If you find yourself depressed and are looking for a way OUT of the cycle - this is the book for you. Simple, to the point, and filled with insight. One of the best purchases I have ever made. The ideas presented in this book can be used in the practice of everyday life - not just with depression.

This is the best devotional I've ever read, everyday is uplifting and inspirational. It is a great gift for anyone!

When a young family member died, I began looking for writers that were "real", "genuine". People who lived through bad, bad days when their faith was challenged.Joni is someone who is very real and transparent about her struggles with faith in a God that allows "bad things" to happen to you and they aren't miraculously cured like Job who got everything he lost and more returned. People like Joni never get back what they lost, but as she tells you in these daily meditations she received much much more. This occurred during and after her inner transformance in her relationship with God. An excellent book for people with Back Injuries, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, TMJ, etc. More so if they were Christians before the condition.

Joni writes from the heart and it shows in her devotional. Most days the topics deal with reflections of everyday people. But her way of looking at them and how they relate to the days scripture, will warm your heart. Nothing deep, just inspiring, like Joni!!

My wife and I read one every night before bed. Joni has great insight and the writings are comparable in their scope and depth to the Oswald Chamber's collection.

We are on our 2nd time around. A scripture is the theme of each daily writing.

The chapters are short and the concepts are simply expressed but there is great wisdom on almost every page. My wife and I found the book to be helpful for ourseleves and our relationship and we plan to use it as a basis for ongoing interpersonal discussion.

I read through the book quickly and then went back and did each chapter and exercise. The first tries were challenging, but by the time I got to the end, it was wonderful. I have a new awareness about myself. Every day something comes up that causes me to reflect on this book. I am now working on the meditations. I have never meditated before and this CD make its easier. This is a process and worth the effort to do it.

Awareness is not easy ... and it can be filled with conflicting emotions ... this book and CD set gives the reader comfortable confidence, a feeling of can-do optimism that whatever we recognize about ourselves is OK and part of a pattern, to be learned and known, not feared. It's a refreshing and hopeful approach. Very welcome.

Discovering Awareness is an important book, not just for those familiar with Tony d'Souza's masterful program of spiritual guidance, but for all who are embarked on the journey toward spiritual wholeness. The organization of the book is excellent. Co=authored by Bud Wonsiewicz, it is designed in a way thatis "user friendly". The book guides the reader into a clear understanding of the principles behind one's spiritual quest.
It then provides meditative exercises based on those principles and designed to open the person's awareness of her or his spiritual reality.
One is cautioned to be patient in the practice of these exercises; they are intended to be used in an ongoing, repetitive way. The quest for spiritual growth is, after all, a life-long task. In this book one has been given a guide; the practice is up to the individual. Particularly enlightening are the topics of Truth and Fear. For me, it gave a new understanding; one which has stoked the fire of my efforts. I would especially recommend that the reader purchase, along with the book, the accoompanying CD collection of Tony's guided meditations. In any case, both the book and the guided meditations will be used over and over again. They should be treated as ongoing and beloved resources in one's ongoing quest for awareness.