Inspiration Books

This is so incredibly enlightening, world changing, life changing, you name it. Everybody should know about this book, like the last reviewer I am surprised that they don't. Knocks spots of Byron katie and all that, much more sensible, practical and applicable, but it has the potential to enable the reader to access the most spiritual of realms.

As I was reading this book, a constant thought I had was why this book was not as well-known as many others on self-improvement or stress management. Maybe the idea of achieving peace of mind through thought labelling and paying attention to one's senses sounds too simplistic. Maybe the idea that the solution to transforming one's life lies within oneself sounds too good to be true. This book deserves to be read by more people who are in need of an answer to life's many seemingly unsolvable issues. Give this book, more importantly yourself, a chance by picking up a copy of it.

I found this book very informative and like the simple step by step explanations.

This book has been like a miracle for me. It tells you HOW to
reach that beautiful spiritual place so many of us have strived
for with little or no success. It's so simple! I can't thank Dr. Block enough for quite literally changing my life. I hope to
get a chance to meet him in person one day. By the way, this is the first book I've ever written a review on.

Important for all doctors, of medicine and chiropractic, or whichever, is the fact that the mind and thought are the origin of some forms of illness and physical dysfunction. It is a difficult thing to reverse thoughts, or stop them in their destructive tracks. This book is a tool on how to do it. Mr J. Krishnamurti's writings uncovered thought as a destructive thing for me many years ago. Dr and Mrs Block's book puts a practical, doable slant on thought related disease and deceit of the true self. The best ten bucks you'll ever spend.

I beg to differ, as one of the earlier reviewers stated, that this book does not offer spiritual fulfillment. I found it awakening many slumbering treasures that I have neglected over the past few years, caught up in other things in my life. I thought it was a delightful treat. I would agree that there is little to no spiritual direction, but it does not purport to be an "owner's manual" for any spirituality.

I would also kindly disagree about its lack of plot. While the writing is more stream-of-consciousness than one typically expects for an autobiography, there is a movement throughout the book which one can follow, and it is not to "nowhere."

I am not a shepherdess myself, and there were times when I thought "ew" (get it - ew/ewe - pun intended!) when presented with graphic descriptions of sheeep husbandry, but it was all part of parcel of the journey. This is definitely one of those books in which the joy is in the journey, and thank you, Mary Rose, O'Reilly, for taking us along!

I was fortunate enough to have found this book in a happy happenstance. I was waiting for colleagues at our local quirky microbrewery on a Friday after work, went over to the shared bookshelf and pulled this off. I intended to return it when I finished, but I think I will donate another book to their library, as this one is too precious to let go! I intend for it to be one of those few books that I re-read over and over.

I found this book boring. Her message was good, but her delivery did nothing for me.

My first impressions of this book were that it was weird. That really describes the first section and a half of this book. It *is* weird reading about the excrutiating details of sheep farming coupled with deep religious insights. But it was weird in a good way, like waking up one morning in the middle of the winter at 6 AM and having the sun already be risen. The further along in the book I went, the more I enjoyed her weird combination of sheep farming, Buddhist retreat, music, and Quaker imagery. I found myself thinking about what she just said constantly; quite frankly, it was an absolute inspiration to me, especially when she starts delving into her life at Plum Village. Her format also makes the book easy to read. You can pick it up for just 5 minutes at a time. With some memoirs, the format of short essays makes the memoir feel disjointed; with this one, it makes it feel whole. I've read many memoirs and many spiritual/religious books. If I had to give a list of my top 3, this book would be on it.

The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd by Mary Rose O'Reilley is a beautiful and insightful memoir. There is something to be learned, pondered over, and highlighted for posterity on almost every page of this book. O'Reilley's humor and down-to-earth honesty regarding spiritual and personal matters made me feel at home, even in unknown territory. While reading this memoir, I learned to pause, remember, and cherish my own breath, to accept what is and what is not.

In the past 15 years, I've read two, "personal memoir"-type books by women writers that totally blew my doors off: Terry Tempest Williams' "Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place" and Mary Rose O'Reilly's "The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd." Very different books, at the end of the day, but both women think and write from deep religious traditions in their lives. Likewise, both have an abiding love for "the land," concretely and metaphorically, so what you hear at the end of that same day are calm but passonate voices that make you listen, make you want to listen hard to the observations, but with sense of deep fulfillment for the experience of it.

As for "Barn," I am neither a Quaker, a Buddhist, a farmer, a teacher nor an "older, adventurous woman" (as one reviewer suggested would be the type of person who would enjoy "Barn"). SO WHAT! "Barn" is a truly a banquet of wise and penetrating insights into the essence work (and working with and caring for animals in particular), of friendship, love, responsibility, accountability to yourself and to others, silence, mediation, the sacred, and, ultimately living honestly. There is much humor, gentleness, and "character" (for want of a better word to describe her inner strength) in the 90-odd "chapters" (some as short as 1 page) that are more like mini-essays on discrete but interrelated topics, so much so that I found myself going back, often, re-reading passages, savoring her prose and her insights, shutting the book, just letting the writing sink in. "Barn," resonated with me (an "semi-older, adventurous man") on more levels than I could ever have predicted. I'm a big fan of Thich Nhat Hanh's work, so the chapters recounting her experience at Plum Village and Thay's "dharma talks" were an added "bonus." Give it a shot, and take your time reading it; it's worth it.

This book is very easy to read and inspiring. The book elaborates on 10 basic ideas. I shared this book with friends.

he's a bit religious but it doesnt get in the way of his screts for inner peace. also, he has a soothing voice.

This book is truly inspirational if you need a little pick me up. It will make you a little more happier and a little more nicer. It has a lot of good things to think about, about forgiveness and letting go of your past- which I had a lot of problems with and thanks to Wayne Dyer I've considered some of these teachings and activated them within my life.

If you are one of those that flips to any page in a book every now & then for a little insight & inspiration, on days when you need a little extra dose of "truth", then this is a perfect book for you. The pages are decorative glossy, and the chapters are full of analogies. It's worth the money!!

Well, after 4 or 5 wives who were pretty much 'enslaved' by Wayne Dyer, I know the 'spin' he expounds for the $$$,$$$... SOOOOO sad that he twists the truths of the universe (whatever those are) to his slimey advantage. Better to return to simple truths (like the Dalai Lama, Thich Nan, etc) instead of promoting this shyster. His wives could tell you he's a pr*ck. Sorry if this is dissolusing, but as most 'gurus' are fake...

I have thrououghly enjoyed reading this book (bought it on the Kindle). I appreciate Mr. Goll's treatment of contemplative prayer, quiet times and practicing the presence of God.

I kept a copy of Brother Lawrence's "Practicing the Presence of God" next to me while I read this book. Reading through Brother Lawrence's 15 letters from his book while reading Mr. Goll's book provide a great insight into daily contemplative prayer and walking your whole day through with God always in your thoughts.

I recommend this as a good place to start with a modern "mystic". Then I would suggest reading some of Richard Foster's work as well as Thomas Merton.

Enjoy reading!

This is one of the most outstanding books I have ever read. James Goll takes you to a place and opportunity. You have to take the step to walk in a way that Practices His Presence or not. I have never found a book that is so needed today to get beyond where we are as believers and really know our Heavenly Father. Wow, I have already given instructions to at least five other people to buy the book immediately. If you are undeceided about buying this book, buy it! If you're not sure the book is going to minister to you, buy it! If you desire to walk differently than you ever have, buy this book.

The book is extremely well written and researched. I have already ordered another copy as someone is coming by this afternoon to pick up the copy I have.

The details and steps described in the book are so clear and so easy to walk down. But many will not take the time to spend time just waiting in the Presence of the one true God.

I won't ever be the same. You won't either.

I have read The Seer, God Encounters and The Lost Art of Intercession all of these are great books. This book is the best. The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence.

This is one of those books that you read at a very slow pace so that you can absorb everything written. I have learned so much from reading this book. I've learned about other authors, but mainly about pursuing an awesome relationship with God. I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to develop the art of being in His Presence.

This is a wonderful book in many aspects especially for the fundamental Christian who is fearful that practicing meditation will open him to some "non-Christian practice". The book clearly defines what is Christian meditation and what is not. Christianity did began in the East and meditation is Biblical.

I like what Jim Goll says, that in exploring Christian mystical literature he often felt like an archaeologist who had just unearthed a long-vanished and pricelss artifact. He said that Christian meditative prayer is all but buried in the dust of history, virtually lost among believers today.

I believe the intent of this book is to take the unknown and "spookiness" out of meditation for the Christian so that the empowerment and enlightenment that results from this spiritual discipline might be realized.

Goll is a prolific writer who writes in a clear and concise way. This book is well researched quoting many contemporary authors and leaders as well as honored Christian mystics from history.

I also highly recommend the book, "The Rest of the Gospel", by Dan Stone. For me, this book opened my understanding to the "unseen realm" and by accessing the unseen realm we can live out of a reality in God that's greater than the physical realm in which we live. It gave me the foundation I needed to embrace meditation and contemplative prayer. It's a book that I continually pick up and read from and has probably done more to transform my religious self-limiting thinking. I will never again feel "separated" from the God who lives within.

This isn't the kind of book that I can read quickly. It has a lot of new information (to me anyway) and it needs to be digested slowly.
There are such important truths in this book about intimacy with Christ. You don't want to miss this one!

I generally am not a big fan of Llewellyn publishing and all there books on Wicca, and Wiccanizing everything from Brujeria, Hoodoo, Santeria, and Curanderismo, which sadly they have done many times before, and have sold millions of copies to readers who don't know any better and believe any junk they read. But out of all the authors who publish under Llewellyn I give my respects to one of them, Mr. Richard Webster, although I do not like all his books, he has published some good ones.

In his new four book series on Communicating with the Archangels, as a person born and raised in the tradition of Brujeria and Espiritismo most of this knowledge was passed down and taught to me from early childhood, and was part as still is a part of daily life, as breathing and eating. Although most of the subjects on the book deal with Stories as re-told by the author, both personal and stories of others, and rituals, meditations and bringing these powerful forces into your life, I would have to highly recommend all four books, for anyone who is interested in learning and adapting these ancient powerful Supreme Beings into your life.. No matter if you practice Voodoo, Brujeria, Curanderismo, or don't practice any form of religion at all but are a spiritual person looking to bring these positive forces into your life, then read these books, you will not be disappointed. I have to actually say bravo to Llewellyn for publishing these books, and hopefully they keep publishing more books on other traditions without trying to Wiccanize everything.

To begin the series I would start with the book Spirit Guides & Angel Guardians: Contact Your Invisible Helpers, also published by Llewelyn and the author Richard Webster.

From then I would recommend going on to Michael: Communicating with the Archangel for Guidance & Protection.

The second book should be, Raphael: Communicating with the Archangel for Healing & Creativity. Traditionally the Angel of healing as in the Old Testiment there is the story of Raphael healing Sarah and Tobit as they travel to Tobias.

The third book in the series is Gabriel: Communicating with the Archangel for Inspiration & Reconciliation. Although many people will disagree with the order stating that the book on Rafael and Gabriel are mixed, this would depend on tradition. Traditionally Saint Gabriel was the Angel that visited Mary and foretold of her pregnancy with Jesus, as well as to the Shepard Joseph. The reason people will disagree with the order is because they say that Gabriel is the Angel that rules the element of Air, and Communication, which makes sense. But to many traditions he is seen as the Angel that rules Water, as he fortold of the pregnancy of Mary, The Holy Infant child Jesus being in the womb, which is associated with the element of Water. The books work fine in the order they are, but as one studies further, this tradition works well, or can be rearranged, with further study.

The final book in the series, which I have not read yet, is Uriel: Communicating with the Archangel for Transformation & Tranquility. But should also be included in the series. All the books go hand in hand.

The literature and the publics general knowledge of the Archangel Uriel is extremely limited. This book provides an indepth and comprehensive introduction to this Archangel.Much of the information probably could be accessed but it would require research of many sources for minute details.
Thsi book provides it all under one bookcover.

I found Nancy Berry's Architectural Hardware such a great design tool that I had to have this book as well. Great series!

This is a beautiful book with many pictures and lots of design ideas for gardens.

Most of this is beyond the average gardener, but it is well done and fun to look at. Don't pay full price, but discounted, it's a nice addition to your gardening library. Fun to browse.

"When painters seek artistic development and inspiration they visit great art collections, like those in the Louvre, Paris, the Tate Gallery, London, and the Getty Museum, Los Angeles. When gardeners seek inspiration there is no one place to find a wide selection of styles and designs, hence the reason for this book..." Derek Fell wrote in "Encyclopedia of Garden Design and Structure: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Garden."

He continued to discuss designing the landscape, and gardens of inspiration (the influences of great painters, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne on garden design), informal versus formal design, softscape versus hardscape components, etc. He also listed and explained the garden design terms in alphabetic order, each term is briefly discussed and demonstrated with color photos.

On Derek's discussion of formal and informal gardens, I have a different opinion and I think while Chinese and Japanese traditional buildings tend to be formal and symmetric with extensive and powerful uses of grids and axes, Chinese and Japanese gardens should be considered informal gardens with their overall naturalistic layout. See my book, "Planting Design Illustrated" for related in-depth discussion.

"Encyclopedia of Garden Design and Structure: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Garden" has 224 pages and over 1,000 color photos and over 100 garden features. Overall, it is a great visual encyclopedia and a source of inspiration and ideas for your garden design.

Wow! I just cannot say enough good things about this book! When it arrived, before opening it I expected to just see another book with black and white sketches telling me things I already knew. But from cover to cover, I found tons of beautiful, inspiring photos of actual gardens and landscaping which has given me many good ideas to incorporate into my own plans. The text is also easy to follow and understand (even for a beginner), the detailed captions are very helpful, and the overall layout of this book, with its various sections broken down, is to be commended. I would give it 10 stars!