Profound and Refreshing
926340
Easy reading but profound exposition of John's first epistle.  Clarifies the difference between faith/trust in Christ for eternal salvation versus demonstrating love for Christ after becoming a Christian by faith.
4450574
Treat yourself to this refreshing, renewing book! Bryan Welch's BEAUTIFUL and ABUNDANT restores breath, spine, and meaning to environmentalism. His arguments, vision, and meditations engage the intellect as well as thrill the spirit. Welch says that we can "build the world we want". He invites us to tap out a fresh path and be the "new upstart" with the "bright new ideas".
  Welch turns what has become a largely despairing environmentalism on its head and twirls a joyful sparkle back into it. We are powerful, he writes, and we can make our vision reality. Welch composes a new and wonderful narrative, a visionary, possible story.
  One of my favorite paragraphs from the book reads: "Environmentalism [as currently constructed], like other faiths, identifies all human beings as sinners. But environmentalism offers no forgiveness and no salvation".
Welch does not deny the realities of melting polar bears and disappearing ice caps; he's up to his eyebrows in facts, figures, and realities. But he loves this planet beyond dysfunctional cynicism and sees that many of the human inhabitants on earth perhaps choose to behave as if nothing is wrong because they have not yet envisioned what the world could be if we yoked conscience with pleasure.
  Indeed, the world which Welch envisions and invites us to sip, swill, and suppose with him, as if he'd found a sumptuous banquet we can all share, is not the world we have certainly, but neither need we wear sackcloth and ashes and be engaged in self-mortification, perpetually confessing our part in ruining things.
The world which Welch envisions is not the world we have, but is a beautiful and abundant world chock-full of imagination, optimism, ethical fairness, and humor. In the chapter, "Austerity is a Drag," Welch writes "I sometimes ask people to name the most humorous environmentalist they know. I generally get a blank stare".
  Know anyone who is about to change their life? Wants to change their life? Graduating? Getting divorced? Getting married? Beginning a new job? Losing an old job? This is a book for them and for you! This is a book everyone will read with wonder and delight. Reading it, you might just feel as if you've had a transfusion of life force blood from Wonder Woman or Superman because you will likely experience the elation of feeling able, ept, and powerful, and -best of all--  that you and the rest of the world are one and the same, beautiful and abundant!
4771125
one of the best and most profound books I've read in a long time. From first page to last, thoroughly satisfiying.
753217
In The Mirror of Silence is sublime.  Each word strung together with another is precious.

Dr. Scheid is able to share intimately his experiences, reflections and learnings, without preaching, and without overwhelming.

As I read, I am drawn into inner spaces and outer places that are both nurturing and stimulating all at the same time.

The journey into one's self; explorations of 'who am I' and what is my relationship as an experiencing being to the ego, all come to life as I read the narratives, the poems and focus on the photos.

This is not a book for me to read in one sitting, although I want to.  It is a book that will accompany me for the rest of my life.

What a gift!

Thank you Dieter Mittelsten Scheid.  You are one hell-of-a weaver of words, images and meanings!
925515
I've been a seeker for a long time and read many, many books.  Simply stated, this little book is is among the most profound I've ever read.  I've re-read countless times to refresh.  Of course it's all about what we focus our attention on.  Some friends/family I've bought this for apparently didn't read it or got bored with it - of course they're the very shallow souls who would benefit the most from it.  Oh well.  If you're reading this and wondering whether to buy it, do so.  Very simple, eloquent and profound.
659249
I have had my copy of Garris' book for several months now.  I keep it as close to me as my Bible, rarely leaving home w/out both of them so that I can use any spare time or time spent waiting for an appointment, etc. reading one or the other of them.

When I realize the length of time I've had my copy of "Prayers From the Throne of God", it's almost shocking that I'm still on my only second reading of it.  The reason for that is because I can hardly get through one or two pages w/out some new level of realization of God's grace, majesty, love, power and/or compassion that Garris has highlighted in a new and refreshing way that causes me to stop and meditate and/or rejoice before our Saviour.  Garris has a way of taking the simplest of God's truths and making me see the depth and scope of His love for us.  And at the same time, taking issues that I have wrestled w/ for years and give me the key that unlocks the mystery, showing me the simplicity of what I had thought was unsearchably deep.

After being a Christian for over 40 yrs. God has used Garris' book to refresh my walk w/ Him and start me on a whole new journey and prayer life w/ Him.  I highly recommend it to any and all believers in Christ.  As has been said in another review, w/ all the books on prayer that have already been written, "Prayers From the Throne of God" has given me a fresh and refreshing perspective on the privilege and responsibility I have been given in Jesus to pray.
65067
Mr. Hardin has accomplished what so many have spent thousands of pages to not accomplish. An approachable, easy to read, yet challenging reflection on relationship with God (from a biblical perspective), Reframe is refreshing. In a world constantly dictating and evolving how one must relate to fellow humanity, this book breathes forth a timeless truth forgotten by so many. Our relationship with our creator is unique, and beautiful, and life changing. It is unlike any relationship based on societal construct, and it's not to be put in an easily contained and controlled paradigm of our choosing. Recommend for a weekend to reconnect, restore, and Reframe the most important relationship you will ever have.
4366573
Amongst the growing number of books on spirituality and well-being, this book stands out for its ability to both crystallize the true essence of life (and what we are seeking, Joy), and also provide tools simple enough to pick-up quickly, but also effective enough that you want to keep flipping the pages.  Sadhguru seems to have struck the right chord with the title of the book, particularly in an age where technology has become a daily part of our lives. For all the time we spend using technology to fix life around us as we wish, it does not appear to me that this has been fruitful in creating a more joyful or peaceful generation.  A Guide to Joy is what is needed now ... this simple phrase has forced me to look at what it is that I'm really seeking, which is just that ... there is not great purpose to life other than to go through everything in pure joy, to experience everything this life has to offer before we go.

I am a yoga teacher and having spent most of my time looking at the physical benefits of yoga postures, it is refreshing to have a companion that offers other ways of bringing yoga into all aspects of life, not just on the yoga mat. From a few weeks of practicing the tips and "sadhana" on diet and daily life, I can already see a significant shift in how I am interacting with and perceive the world around me, and through this become far more inclusive.  In the moments when this sinks in, there is no fear, not longing to be loved, no quest to find my purpose in life ... just stillness bathed in utter joy.

My thanks to Sadhguru for such a deceptively simple offering that can alter the course for so many around the world.
689976
Steve Daughertys book is a welcome voice full of grace and insight. Steve has a way of bringing fresh perspective on oft-told stories. In one chapter where he meditates on Pauls question to the Corinthians: Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?, Steve makes this observation: I am slowly learning to live more deciduously. Consider that for a second; theres so much wisdom packed into one simple phrase. Its those nuggets of reflection that leaves me thinking for the rest of the day, and makes me want to come back for more. Highly recommended.
4413987
This book is composed of brief commentaries by Baba Muktananda of individual lines of various sacred texts as noted in the title. Sometimes it may only be a paragragh or two; sometimes a page. But I found this simple format and these brief explanations to be profoundly moving and enlightening. As I would read a commentary, and I would only read a few a day, I would find myself drawn naturally into a profound contemplative orientation towards my thoughts and actions and notions about myself and my life. It always felt very healing and as if unnecessary burdens were dissolving on the spot. I would at times be moved to tears of gratitude, to meditative silence, to joyful realizations. This book is indeed food for the heart, soul, and mind. It is alive with blessings. It is literally, not metaphorically alive, and if you relate to it with care and attention, you will find yourself in a sacred and precious relationship.
968751
This is a refreshing and thought provoking book about God's love, grace, and forgiveness. Each chapter begins with scripture that is the basis for the point being made through personal stories. Most chapters encourage thought about how the scripture and "message" apply to the reader's life. The author's approach allowed me to enter into the scripture passages in fresh ways, and also provided glimpses of how the author lives out his faith. The book can be read in one sitting, but it might be even more valuable if it were approached as a daily devotional reading. I was touched by many of the stories, and I believe that anyone desiring a closer relationship with God will benefit from reading this book.
3780594
I am so grateful to my friend and mentor who recommended this book. It is like getting the gift of a new set of eyes with which to see the world. I found myself experiencing effortless, yet profound, shifts in my views of life. It helps realign and reaffirm what I held as true while expanding upon these and allowing me to realize even more relationships I had not considered. Words fail to convey the value of reading this book.
224114
What an incredibly delightful book and experience!
Each chapter conveys such an intimate relation with a different manifestation of existence gifted with consciousness.
As the book unfolds and the conscious agent continues to inhabit different perspectives I got a renewed appreciation of life, of the gift of consciousness, the amazement and weariness that accompany traversing this world, and the emptiness and suchness of its source.

Truly a rare gift. Thank you Marc.
I have gifted this book to many people over the years and many of them were deeply moved also.
4131614
This book is remarkable.  It will leave you stunned and enriched by describing how to approach a meaningful second half of life. The insights into how to engage in a spiritual journey  will serve you well whether you believe in God or not.  Read this book with a pencil to write in margins or to indicate your thoughts in some other way as you will want to go back constantly to refresh your thoughts and to engage with others as you describe this book to them.

 This book describes life in 2 sections or halves. Other authors, like Sheehy, have described the necessary passages that a well adjusted person must pass through as we mature. Here it is done as a spiritual journey in which the first half of life is involved with building a vessel and  in the second half we have the delightful task of filling that vessel with all the insights and relationships that lead to a complete, enriching and ennobling life. I believe this book is illuminating on life and its mysteries whether you accept God or not.  I think the author learned much of what he shares by his experiences with  various 12 step programs.

I never reread a book.  This is an exception.  It is short and while not finished ( I am intentional going very, very slowly to really absorb and digest everything I can squeeze out of every thought) I am planning how to go about rereading this masterpiece.

The author describes a spiritual journey we should all be on to connect with ourselves and that will tell us "who we are".  The first half of life prepares us for that journey and the second half gives us the freedom to explore without any artificial boundaries.  That is important.  Boundaries are limiting in our development, especially on our spiritual side.  Religion should be non-linear and non-dualist. It should not be neatly packaged to conform to a preset program. There is work to be done in the first half to build a good and sufficient vessel and in the second half to fill it well.

Much of the author's thinking is totally consistent with modern science and psychology. He says things like " you don't have to believe in Jesus's divinity to see that he is thinking at a level above most of us". "Many of us, including the church, can't live the Real Gospel  because the message is just too big"

You are in for a real treat as you will stumble across your own selection of quotes and questions to ponder and look for friends to share these precious insights with.  Happy and rewarding journey of your own.
1178779
Fresh, funny and accessible, yet profound. Simple techniques that have improved my meditation tremendously! I cannot recommend highly enough.
2096287
Theres a road were walking.  Actually the road doesn't differ from ourselves or the scenery or the birds or our heart beat.  It just appears that way.  Then a chasm opens and one may see that there is nothing separate but instead one essence in which all form manifests. Emotions bubble up with dramatic flair or perhaps potent rage or euphoric ecstasy or disparaging grief.  You know all the waves.  Yet underneath there is a quiet, vast and ever expanding peace and calm that remains unchanged and never ending.  Its that sense of divine security and grace that we sometimes only touch upon but is ever present were we able to shift perspective enough to sink in to its embrace.  I'm guessing perhaps this appeals to you.  In fact I am positive it does.  I know because you wouldn't be here reading this review if you weren't deeply interested in awakening.

If you've read David's first book, The Lazy Mans Way to Enlightenment,  you are familiar with his writing style of easy depth and accessible wisdom.  The message can bypass the minds attempts to chatter itself into another dream of doubt if one can relax into it with an open heart and an earnest willingness.  As you have already experienced, once that door is open the light comes seeping through the dream state over and over again sometimes in ever increasing bits of clear sky and sometimes in one big explosion of grace.  Along the way there are some common obstacles.  They obliterate clarity with a vengeance at times or enter like a subtle and insidious smoke screen.

 Either way we might mourn the loss of a clarity that had presented itself.  Never fear however as that clarity and pure love is always and forever there awaiting our loving awareness.  This book will help navigate and dissolve those obstacles into the illusionary smoke from which they appeared to arise.  Remember in this journey things are often not what they appear. When we feel lost it is wonderful to have a safe, trustworthy and accessible guide/teacher.  For me, David is all of that.  He can be for you as well.
1715010
Beautiful flow with new ideas developing upon conventional wisdom at every turn. Example after example from culture, proverbs, and experience which flow seamlessly with fresh and memorable insight. Dr. Fred speaks with a voice that is delicate and respectful, yet authoritative. He justifies his logic/conclusions with thoughtful and thorough consideration. It caused me to stop and think; my husband and I had a number of extended conversations about the book as we considered its new and enlightening perspectives.

Dr. Fred speaks of John Lennons Imagine in this way, but I also found that it reflected the way that I found Dr. Fred to write the book: [it] works because it does not preach. It merely invites. Its a protest song, yet its not mired in anger or blame. Ultimately, this is an inspiring message of optimism and hope as he invites us to come to terms with conventional notions but imagine a new reality that could be so much greater than what the current church is today. Suffice to say, this was one of the most thoughtful and inspiring books I've read.