Inspiration Books

If the secret to youth is to fill your mind with beauty, then John O-Donohue's book The Invisible Embrace-Beauty is mandatory reading for those seeking a long and robust life. His observations about all things beautiful--from the illuminated landscapes of a his homeland, Conamara, Ireland, to the soaring heights that music lifts our souls, to the sending of a loved moving onto their final journey are profound. Dance, sculpture, painting--art in all its' forms, express the beauty of self-actualization. Answering our individual calls to creativity, says O'Donohue, is critical to a clear psyche and the road to all good works. Once a priest, he presumes a world imbued with an all pervasive deity and a continuation of the individual soul into afterlife. Still, his brilliant, poetic expressions demonstrate a secular understanding and mastery of the language seldom seen in modern writers. The narrative incorporates many quotes from past literary luminaries illustrating the depth of his research. This book is serious soul food for those hungering for purity of thought and inspirational literature.

www.LindaBallouAuthor.com
Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i

This CD fills the very essence of my soul! As a Franciscan religious I appreciate the beauty and splendor of all of God's creation! John O'Donahue has captured the essence of the Franciscan Spirit! St. Francis called everything by the intimate name of "brother" and "sister"! As St. Francis says, "Put on new glasses" "adjust your focus" and you will see beauty all around you." With St. Francis we can all say "My God and My All"! Thank you and God bless you, Sister Rose Therese Di Gregorio OSF.

I discovered John O'Donohue this past year (see my review "Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom") and have been working ever since to bring him to San Francisco's East Bay to speak and conduct a retreat. Unfortunately, as I was putting pen to paper to write my review of "The Invisible Embrace - Beauty," I learned he died in his sleep, January 3, 2008, on vacation near Avignon. He was just 53. O'Donohue was an original thinker, a gifted writer, and a philosopher that fully understood the human condition and emphasized the triumphal power of divine love.

"Beauty" outlines another encounter with the divine. The majesty of beauty is its gracious wholesomeness. The Beautiful unifies feeling, thought, and dream. The book "endeavors to mirror this one-ment." This acquaintance coaxes the soul to the land of wonder where the journey becomes a bright path between source and horizon, awakening and surrender.

O'Donohue begins "Beauty" with the the call of beauty; where it dwells; its music; its color; and the joy of its shapes. He then explores imagination (beauty's entrance), attraction (the eros of beauty), and the beauty of the flaw. He concludes with beauty's relationship to death and God.

"When we lose sight of beauty our struggle becomes tired and functional. When we expect and engage the Beautiful, a new fluency is set free within us and between us. The heart becomes rekindled and our lives brighten with unexpected courage."

The "cry of our times" is to awaken beauty as we feel most alive in the presence of beauty for it meets the needs of our soul. And once awakened, there is a great sense of homecoming as beauty is God. Love of the beautiful is a secret and sacred passion of all as it is embedded in our search for God.

O'Donohue has written another "Beautiful" book that will serve as a reference guide for years to come.

For those who want to learn more about John O'Donohue and his literary contribution, I have included a number internet posts made on the event of his death:

* I too was touched so deeply by John O'Donohue - by his writings which my wife shared with me a few years ago.
* I'm very saddened by the passing of John O' Donohue. Though I never had the privilege of meeting him I felt I knew him through his work. He was truly a beacon of light and love. God bless him on his eternal journey.
* I am so saddened by John O'Donohue's passing. For over eleven years I have absorbed his books which have made me understand and appreciate my Celtic-Catholic roots. Slan agus beannacht leat.
* He was a breath of fresh air and sunshine enfolding wonderful wit and wisdom with a passion for the Eternal.
* When I read Anam Chara, I was stunned by how much I was moved by his words and ideas. It was at once comforting and thought provoking. I am so very grateful that John shared himself with the world.
* John constantly called us to awaken to the great mystery of which we are apart and to become more and more aware of the intimacy we share with all...I am deeply grateful to him for the way in which he affirmed the deep longing with the past, present and future. May we honour him by living our own individual lives as authentically as he lived his.
* I have often turned to his writing and recordings for solace and guidance through some difficult times in the last few years and had hoped to go on retreat with him in Connamara this May.
* When I heard the news of O'Donohue's death, I cried. His books, especially "Anam Cara" and "Eternal Echoes," were personal favorites. His knowledge of Gaelic and rural Ireland, combined with his philosophical training, gave his writings a special beauty. His poetic perception and spiritual wisdom made his writings a wonder of insightfulness.
* John O'Donohue's brilliant and beautiful wordcraft has touched my heart and helped bring about great peace and growth in my life over the last decade. May his legacy of beauty and courage reach far into the future and bless many generations to come.
* He brings, and will continue to spread through his writings, a timely, universally spiritual message of interconnectedness and common humanity to a troubled world.
* His Anam Cara Celtic Wisdom returned me to that world within that opens us to the universe.

John O'Donohue's beautiful voice brings alive the poetry of his words to open, soften, delight, inspire listeners to a deeper sence of the Mystery, God which is all around us expressed in everyday life through the infinate sources of Beauty. His book is equally wonderful, hearing his Irish voice is like adding music.

The very sad news is that there will be no more books by John O'Donohue because of his untimely death in January. The blessing is that we have a treasury of wisdom and elegance in his published writings and various recordings. We can still listen to his Irish lilt and laugh at his humor; we can still read his prose and poetry suffused with wisdom and caring. Beauty is a book which reminds us how we should look at the world around us, expectantly looking for signs of beauty to counter the other signs of neglect, pain, violence, dis-harmony. He takes us beneath the surface, urging us to troll the depths of our souls to find our beauty. Every sentence will call you to ponder more deeply and invite you to look anew at life.

Oriah Mountain Dreamer is a writer that knows how to bare her soul. If you are searching she will help you find the light! This book is
enlightening!

I got the book for a great price and it was in great condition. The book was also mailed in a timely manner.

What can I say except.....wow what a read. The kind of book I'll read over and over. Highest recommendation to anybody thinking of buying this wonderous book, you won't be disappointed.

I love this book! The poem the Invitation is great. This book is very inspirational and has been a treasure of mine for years.

Within the pages of this beautiful little book, the reader finds magic, truth, beauty and healing.

As an author, Chinese Medicine & Healthy Weight Management, and healer, I recommend this book highly to my patients and friends, as well as to you.

This is an excellent book with great photographs and clear and helpful instructions. It is equally helpful to the beginning or experienced beader. I loved browsing through the photographs getting inspiration for projects of my own! Because this book has two authors with different techniques and ideas they are able to compare the way they do things and make clear that we each have our own way of accomplishing the same task. The way they compared their techniques and approaches was extremely helpful and interesting. This book will inspire anyone to develop their own personal style and try something new.

You will be spellbound by the gorgeous jewelry designs in this groundbreaking book! I bought "The Art of Bead Embroidery" along with "Beading with Cabochons" and I have already taken on a grand design myself even though I am new to 'seed beading'. The gallery photos are irresistable inspiration. These two designers are certainly at the forefront of this beadwork style. I suggest both books will give you tutorials and ideas to keep you beading and getting rave results.

THE ONLY DRAWBACK TO THIS BOOK IS THAT IT INSPIRES YOU TO DO MORE AND MORE BEADWORK, TAKING UP MORE AND MORE TIME. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL, CONSISE BOOK THAT MAKES THE DESIGNS SEEM SIMPLE AND EASY TO DO. IT REALLY MAKES YOU WANT TO BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY CHEW, OR HAVE THE TIME TO CHEW. IT IS REALLY A BOOK FOR PEOPLE WHHO LOVE TO BEAD - LEAVES NOTHING TO BE DESIRED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES TO BEAD, OR WHO MERELY LOVES TO LOOK AT THE OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHY. BY ALL MEANS, PURCHASE THIS BOOK - TO KEEP OR AS A GIFT.

Even if you never make a project from this book, you will truely feast your eyes on the astounding works of art you will find here. Combine that with really warm and friendly dialog, and I totally loved this book. I have not tried to follow the project directions yet, but they look very nice.

The main reason I purchased this book is the type of work that the authors create. The second reason is because I have met her and her husband in the past as we all have a biker lifestyle.

She lives in my area. Her work is so magnificent that it is scary. I looked at this book very carefully and was just in awe. She and her co-author were destined to meet and collaberate. Spelling stinks sometimes!

These ladies have the talent that beads the band! They are queens of jewelry making. The items are beautiful beyond words. And yes, I plan on using their pieces as ideas for my own envisioned pieces but my skill level is just entering intermediate. I discovered that stringing is not something that I want to do full time. I have been looking all over for info on very intricate pieces that I might be able to attempt to make.
I live in Butler, PA and was just very happy to see there really are other beaders in western PA.

Ladies, keep up that most dramatic and beautiful work. Keep writing books so I can keep on keeping on!!!!

HIGHLY recommended.
Thank you.
Jeanne Zimmerman

Should be read slowly, savouring every line of it. This book will remain forever in the shelves of your own life.

Uno de los mejores libros que he tenido el placer de leer. Querido potential buyer, te deseo paz, harmonía y felicidad verdadera. Este libro posiblemente te ayude a conseguirlo, si estás preparado/a.

This is an outstanding book and easier to grasp than "The Power of Now". Its a desert Island keeper and has helped me immensly in understanding my mind/thought/emotion/pattern dance and how to create happier moments, a happier life. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

We would truly have a New Earth if humanity would understand the transformation that is taking place as we evolve out of unconsciousnes. Eckhart Tolle does an excellent job to express in a clear, practical way what all this entails.

Estoy atravezando una crisis en mi relacion el cual me ha hecho sentir culpable al mismo tiempo que me han culpado de todo lo que ha pasado. Pero este libro me ha demostrado que no es asi. Ahora siento una gran paz interior. Me ha hecho entender que nada de esto esta en mis manos, y que solo tengo que esperar a que el huracan pase y vuelva de nuevo la calma.

Helps free us mentally from the past. I started reading it and it's so true what has been past from our ancestors (grandparents, to our parents) affect our success in life and how we cope with our problems because of those believes.

I recommend it to anyone that it's feeling tied up in life, one who is fearful or anxious. It's a great book for those who are willing to be open minded, and wants to receive the best. One who wants to move up in life and enjoy it while forgiving those who we have held captive in our insecurities and gruges.

Must read and give as a gift. It's food for the mind, and easy to read.

It is a good book about how you should act in your life. How our parents are doing what their parent do with them. It is good to read and try to put in practice.... It is dificult when you put in practice, but remember practice make the master!!

No words to describe the amazing content of this book.
A must! It changed my life.

Compre este libro por curiosidad por que lo vi en Jamba juice pero la curiosidad a sido fantastica. No solo es una guia pero mas una reflecion a las cosas que sabemos y no queremos enfrentar. Me a ayudado en mi relacion con parejar, hijos y hermandos. Despuesto compre 6 copias mas para regalar a mis queridos. Por que amor es de dos no de uno. Miedo es de dos no de uno. Si no crees en un dios cree en la reflecion del humano oh ciencia de la sabiduria.

I thought this was an instruction book - it's a "how I created great art" book - I was very disappointed

For those of you creating found art for the first time and those who have been creating for years ... this is the book for you. Makes you want to visit junk yards and comb thru the muck just to find that special, odd piece that brings your art to life. Love his stories and humor. Will flip through the pages of this book for years to come.

I LOVE this book, it is filled with so many beautiful images that it has inspired me in many, many ways. The stories behind the pieces remind us to look deeper into the art around us and listen to their stories. I was surprised so many people were disappointed it was not a step by step book, art should inspire you to create, not copy. If you don't get inspired by this book, consider seeing a doctor :)

I bought this book along with another book on assemblage art. I found this book not just inormative about the subject but it was a good read as well because of the artists creative process. I was so interested in the artist's work that I went to his website and signed up for an art retreat he will be teaching at.

To say this is not a "How To" book is ridiculous. If that's what one is looking for (a step by step holding your hand venue), then one needs to go to a craft store. Michael de Mange's book is about creating ART !

You can't sit down and just read it once. It's like a fine glass of wine - you need to savor and "drink in" every page over and over. Then, and only then, will you understand how to create a piece of ART and not just CRAFT an item.

As for the safety of using products, that's up to each individual to read the labels. If you can't read directions, then you shouldn't be using the product !

In my own opinion, I don't think he meant to write a "How To" book. Instead, he let us peek into his fabulous mind and provided the opportunity to see how he creates his art. I'm an artist, not a craftsman. I want to create something from my own mind and I found this book to be a springboard of inspiration and recommend it to all artists.

After "Conversations with God" by Neale Donald Walsch these books are perhaps the best I have ever read. The book describes the philosophy of Ananstasia - a spiritual hermit who lives in the woods of the the Siberian Taiga. She presents a very positive and spiritual life style with which humans can achieve happiness and live in harmony with nature. If you are looking for a positive and joyful perspective on life this is the book for you.

I'm severely torn about the "good" of these books, as their printing has encouraged many people to go back to the land and live in a more ecologically sensible manner. It's just that the _wording_ of its message puts up red flags for me...

One should always be leery of any philosophical or religious statement which says..."everything on Earth, from grass and trees to smallest insects and biggest animals was created to serve for benefit of man."

Notice it's only "Man" that seems to benefit.

Not only do such statements ignore millions of years of evolution when humankind wasn't even a thought on the Earth, it's just such a typically anthropocentric, arrogant view towards the rest of life on our planet.

Please keep this in mind if you read these books.

Something seems to have been lost in translating this story and I seem to have lost something reading it(my time and money).
Don't waste your time or money.This was one of the worst books that I have read in years and I've read hundreds.
There's no morals to it either,unless screwing hot chicks behind your wife's back is O.K.?
I think I might google around the net,collect some information from other pagan and hippy sites,throw in a few Bible quotes,write a story that nobody can prove about my spiritual journey through the Outback,while taking pictues of some real props and hire a playboy model to appear on the covers of my novels as my mystical girlfriend.
What do you think? Anything for a buck I hear you saying,Vladimir???

This is the most life-changing series I have ever read, by a long shot. And browsing spiritual literature is my main hobby and pastime. Only one other book I've read even comes close, and that is the one that got me started on the spiritual path in the first place.

I am a private soul, consequently I have never written a review before and probubly never will again, but my feelings for this series are forcing me out of the musty corners to say:

If you are interested in life, in why our society is poisoning and brainwashing it's children, in why you have that maddening, unnameable itch in your brain that Morpheus talks about in The Matrix; if you want to be inspired and uplifted and shown a viable, practical path out of this mess we've created for ourselves as a society, and as individuals, then you will probably like this book.

The official website for the English translations [...], which has a lot more information on what the books are about, and many more embarrassingly gushy reviews. I seriously can't help it people. I know it sounds goofy but... How else do I describe a book that completely changes your life for the better? Wouldn't YOU gush in your description of it?

As for the people who sniff and sneer and poo-poo it as fake: I could say many angry words at them, for similar reasons to why I would yell at someone who had just insulted my mother, but it's not worth my energy, and they are entitled to there opinions. Read the books for yourself, and come to your own damn conclusions, don't accept your opinions second-hand.

Myself, I had my doubts as I started reading, but eventually, the quality of the "story" and insights, the effect it had on me, and the prophetic nature of Anastasia's declarations, not to mention the shear volume of the work and number of details touching real people and places that could not be faked, ended up dispelling my doubts. Though whether I believe she exists or not, the wisdom in the books rings true nonetheless. Also, they have a 2nd edition of the English translation out now that has non-weird covers (I personally like the old covers, but they do get strange looks) and some word changes to try and make the translation more accurate.

Anastasia (The Ringing Cedars Series, Book 1) When I first read Book 1, I thought it was too simplistic and too 'goody-two-shoes' to have any merit. After all, I've read hundreds of spiritual books. Then, the message began to grow on me, seemingly of it's own will and volition, and I read it again, along with Book 2. I must say I am very impressed with this series, and now I even see Hope for Humankind. I just received Books 3 & 4 today; Books 5 & 6 are back-ordered, and I want to read them in order. Do yourself and this lovely blue planet a favor and read the books!

Silver Ravenwolf (and many other with her publisher) are complete dribble. Biggoted ideas and her own rules according to the craft. If I had to retitle this book it would be "Witch Sterotypes: Silver Ravenwolf's version of Wicca." For real magical information believe me when I tell you to go elsewhere!

I do not practice Wicca, or any other religion for that matter, but I try to read about as many different religions as I can out of intellectual curiosity and the desire to understand the beliefs of others. I understand the term "fluffy bunny"...and I don't think it's sticky-sweet enough to really describe this book. Frankly, I found this book mostly laughable. I read it quite some time ago while I was a teenager and it was actually some time before I was able to consider Wicca as a religion without rolling my eyes and not just picturing silly high school and college kids who had seen The Craft one too many times. I understand that this book is not representative of Wicca and it's practitioners. I also understand why many Wiccans dislike Ravenwolf and her misrepresentation of their beliefs.
It was also annoying in the way she extols the virtue of tolerance, then constantly slams Christianity-a hypocrisy I have encountered far too often with "unconventional" faiths. Someone else in these comments mentioned that hating Christianity is the wrong reason to get into Wicca. He or she was wise in saying so.

There will be no fancy introductions here, so I'm going to cut right to the chase...

The reasons that Ms. Silverwolf is not a good resource are many, starting with the fact that she is quite bigoted. She says that she promotes peace and tolerance of all religions, but I don't see any tolerance anywhere in this entire book -- all I see are constant put-downs about those who do not follow the Pagan path, her main target being those who choose to practice Christianity.

Her advice for teenagers looking into practicing the craft is just as disturbing as the incessant Christian bashing. The fact that she advocates that young people should LIE to their parents is something that I find repugnant. She also advocate the use of mind games and lying to other people as well...

From reading this book it's obvious that she lacks rudimentary understanding Wicca/Witchcraft, as well as the different practices within Witchcraft and/or Wicca, especially dealing with the definitions of different kinds of practices within the Craft.

I won't even go into the historical inaccuracies that are found in her book, as there is too much to mention...

Regardless, Ms. Ravenwolf is definitely not a good resource for anyone studying the Craft.

If you honestly feel the need to read this book, I suggest that you get it at a discount, or borrow it from somebody so you don't feel so ripped off after reading it.

To understand many of the negative critisims this book you must read a few other books first: Witchcraft Today, An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present, Fire Child: The life & Magic of Maxine Sanders 'Witch Queen', A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches Handbook, and Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author's Book of Shadows).

This is a great book for anyone wishing to know about wicca, natural ways, and some history. One for any expanded library.

I purchased this book as a referral from 'The Secret'. While the premise is similar, it is harder to follow as to the steps. I understand what it is saying, it is harder to put into practice from the way it is written.

This is a practical and ready to use book. The insight is great. This book summaries a lot of the knowledge I have been getting from different sources.

helpful but basically same info given by tons of books including the Secret which by the way has never been a secret.

Wallace Wattles wrote a great book in very simple language to assist us to create money. This book is very easy to read and understand and easy to apply in everyday life.

I have been reading similar books (including the secret), but as the little red start sticker says on the book "Secret beyond the secret" is true.
I truly understood what Mr. Wattles talks about and this is the first time I really thought of it and said "AHA" thats how it works!
Well worth the read, one of my favorite books I re-read every month!!!

If you put in a bag the words spirit, intention, field, God, source & intelligence, and then shook the bag you would recreate this book The Power of Intention which for all intents and purposes is nothing more than the workings of an undisciplined mind. The introduction and opening chapters hold promise filled as they are with profound quotations and based on the premise that mind can effect matter through intention. But the reader is quite soon struck by the realization that he is bearing witness to the rantings of a televangelist.

Indeed throughout this book we are told things like "God is writing this book through me"; "Trust yourself as a piece of God"; "Practice Japa meditation or the repetition of the sound of God" and most peculiar, "Even an atheist doesn't have to believe in God to experience God".

The central problem with the good doctor's thesis is taking the now extensively documented scientific evidence for the human ability to influence the physical world through conscious thought and intention and linking this to a literal "field of intention" emanating from a supreme being. He cites for example Lynne McTaggart's book The Field, one predicated on finding the science behind this human ability. Yet nowhere in this or in her later book The Intention Experiment does the word God appear in its indexes.

Dr. Dyer wants us to believe that "everything in the universe has intention built into it". This omnipresence has `seven faces' the essence of which is that God loves you. This logic leads to the notion that there is an all creating universal mind of intention indeed an `original designer' for all manifestation and we can connect to it or intend to come into being any experience or thing we want for ourselves simply by choice. Willpower, drive and perseverance is replaced since our goals all pre-exist: think them and they will appear. There is no need for the concept of evolution in this world where the Flint Stone's are a documentary in which humans and dinosaurs exist simultaneously each a mere choice to experience on the world stage.

As part of this religious drama the author puts forth the absurd contention that the higher octaves on a piano are better than the lower ones because higher pitches vibrate faster and are therefore more spiritually informed. This medicine of higher pitch applies to musical character as well: "Harsh pounding musical vibrations with repetitive, loud sounds lower your energy level and weaken your ability to make conscious contact with intention." Pg. 75. We must now burn all recordings of Igor Stravinsky and Bruce Springsteen.

Within Dr. Dyer's `gated community' of the mind and spirit his cartoon for living includes banning commercial & cable television, alcohol in any form, choosing alkaline rather than acidic foods and also finding people who are connected to God. Yoga, massage, and visits to monasteries and geriatric centers are advised. Dyer seems to treat emotions in the very Baroque sense, a historical period when nature of all kinds was to be controlled and molded into various contrivances: Palace hedges cut in the shape of animals, each emotion distinct from another, thought and feeling, mind and body polar opposites. The ego itself so intrinsic to healthy personality development subject to mental jujitsu surgically cutting out the `bad' parts.

Central to this author's misperception is the notion that phenomena like emotions or musical compositions can be reduced to distinct singular properties. On the contrary nothing is more complex than an emotion nuanced by all manner of shadings, multiple meanings and quite non-static impacts that evolve and change as we process them. It is simply preposterous to advocate music devoid of low vibrations and repetitive rhythm. Equally so to strive for a constant state of happiness in a Disneyesque world scripted by Steven Spielberg.

Having produced over 30 books Dyer's chapters in this one take on a boring formulaic style concluding each and every one with a multiple step program for change and for summarizing chapter contents. My advice to prospective readers of this book is to direct every one of your own steps away from making this purchase.

The two CD Set is very inspirational and on the Power of Intention. Dr. Dyer entertains and informs in a way that is very relaxing and uplifting.
I recommend this set to anyone interested in self improvement.

Wayne Dyer is writing about good intentions from his perspective. I agree whole heartedly with what he says and I think this is one of his best works. If some of you wish to come from a negative intention, then you will reap negative rewards. I prefer to come from positive intentions because I have already proven that the positive thought process has worked so many, many times in my life. None of us has all the answers to every situation that life throws at us, but as we learn to live our lives in the best possible attitude of intentions that we can muster up, we will surely discover that life, although extremely hard at times, does have its up sides.

We can wallow in self pity for only so long and then we have to realize at some point in our lives that we have to drag ourselves up out of the mire of despair and despondency and start living a better life. A better life is at hand when we learn to set our priorities higher, live with a positive intention factor, learn to laugh instead of always whining, and reach out a helping hand to those who don't quite "get it".

Thank you Wayne Dyer for your uplifting, wonderful attitude. You have helped me get through some tough times and now I know how to set my intentions at a higher level and live a more fulfilling life, even though I still have my ups and downs, I come through them much easier and can laugh at even myself.

I agree with the reviewer that had reservations about the book. Being that if what the author writes its true, that theoretically if you were to drop the book into a 3rd world country it would follow that those peoples lives would improve if they applied and accepted these truths.

To address the comment made about the Tsunami victims. Dyer in the beginning of the book, talks about how he accepts the weather as it is because it is all part of the source and the world we have been blessed to live in. So what about when disasters strike? Tornadoes, hurricanes, and people are killed by them? Dyer does not tackle these questions anywhere.

Nor does Dyer discuss why bad things happen to good people. I am not a Christen fundamentalist in the least, but at least in the Power of Positive thinking, the author talks about staying positive even through the worst of times. Dyre implies that there will not be bad times if you stay in touch with the source. Would this mean that everyone who was ever killed by a natrual disaster were not in touch with the source?

My final problem is on page 207, Dyre states that everything that has ever happened to us "This is your past, and whatever your energy level at the time, whatever your needs, whatever your station in life, you attracted the right people and events to you..." If this statement he makes is true, and everything happened in the past exactly as it should, then why am I reading his book? In other words, I thought the point for getting in touch with the source and intention was to make my life better? If nothing was ever wrong all along, then whats the point of the power of intention.

All this being said, I believe the book is outstanding, and I beg anyone to get me past my reservations above because I want to believe it...

I disagree with others' reviews that Dyer is a pseudo-evangelist or preachy, etc. He uses words like "God," "Source" and "Universe" interchangeably, not because he is diminishing their "value" as words, but because in his view they mean the same thing but a person who does not believe in "God," per se, may not feel comfortable thinking of "God" as a higher power. The bottom line is that these are words. Arbitrary definitions of concepts that are difficult at best to explain using human vocabulary and logic.

The deeper, and I believe more important message from the book, is that we have more power over ourselves than we think we do. We just don't tap into it. Whether you believe that your power comes from within yourself or "God," "Source," whatever, is irrelevant, at least in my opinion. Dyer believes we are connected to God/Source because we were created in that image. Therefore, we are a "piece of God" as he says. We are not God ourselves, but if we attempt to tap into the gifts we were given, we will see that power manifest more and more.

I have personally used visualization to manifest something that eventually happened in my life. After reading this book I was more convinced that I can learn to stop letting others control me. People are so worried about everything everyone else thinks about them. We spend so much time obsessing over other people or things we have no control over, that we waste valuable time and energy that could be better spent living out our passions. Dyer teaches the reader to be grateful, even for the hard times. If you've read Eckhart Tolle's books, he echoes much of what Tolle rights, except in much less complex language. If you have read about Law of Attraction and/or The Secret, then this book is an excellent supplement to that as well.

Dyer's main message is that you don't have to live your life for other people, you don't have to live your life hoping and wishing that things could be better. You don't have to worry all the time about things that will probably never happen. He encourages the reader to "untrain" our brains into thinking about the good stuff. If you keep thinking about the bad stuff, then you'll just keep getting more of it. He wants you to feel good. Isn't that what we all want? Doesn't mean you are God. Doesn't mean you hurt other people to get what you want. Doesn't mean you think about something and the next day it shows up. You have to work at it. It's a process. But it can and will work. I feel SO much more calm, positive, centered, and focused after reading books like this and Tolle, and doing meditation (not Dyer's--I recommend "The Secret Mediation" by Kelly Howell). Recently my Mom even said she couldn't get over how relaxed I seemed, how different (in a good way). I told her, "I can choose to be angry and bitter or I can choose to make the best out of a difficult situation." And you know what? The more I thought that, the more I felt it. It does work--you just have to stop holding yourself back.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, if you "what if" everything to death, etc. this is a great book to read.