Mental & Spiritual Healing Books - Page 12

The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom

Angeles Arrien

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Very Rich In Resources 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Dr. Angeles Arrien is a cultural anthropologist who uses images, poetry, metaphor and other forms of symbolic language from world cultures in her work. I have enjoyed and learned from all her books: The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary; Signs of Life: The Five Universal Shapes and How to Use Them; The Nine Muses: A Mythical Path to Creativity; and The Tarot Handbook. They have inspired my writing and the writing I do in community with others. Arrien is a consultant to many organizations and businesses, serves as president of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research, and is a Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

In her latest book, The Second Half of Life, Arrien invites readers to reconnect and resurrect their dreams that may have been derailed along the way. She describes the thresholds we must cross, in our middle years, in order to fulfil the final stages of our destiny. It is a real honouring of our elder years, which I very much appreciate in a culture that wants us to look and act as if we are not aging at all.

The book was elegantly designed by Bren Frisch and Karen Polaski for Sounds True. The hand images at the beginning of chapters and the foot images at the end of chapters are symbols of entering and leaving the eight gates. They also symbolize much more, including the purifying or marking of hands and feet before or after an initiation, as is done in many cultures of the world.

The eight gates, each with a chapter devoted to it, include "the task," "the challenge," and "the gift" followed by "reflections." As Arrien points out, "Reflection is one of numerous contemplative wisdom practices found in all world traditions." Journaling your insights is suggested as "an old reflective practice" and one that will help you notice "what is arising in the moment." "Practice" follows "reflections" as a way to build upon reflection by taking daily action that supports change. For instance, the Silver Gate (the first of the eight gates) compels you to look back at what you already know of yourself and to begin the "long journey back home to our true selves." The practice is to track the five stages of the soul--the call, the search, the struggle, the breakthrough and the return.

The task at the White Picket Fence is to "uncover or awaken to the essence of who we truly are beyond masks..." The Clay Gate (the third gate) is "our initiation into intimacy, sensuality, and sexuality." Arrien quotes a wide array of poets, writers and thinkers, including Eduardo Galeano who wrote, "The body says: I am a fiesta." When you think of your body in that way, it helps to embrace it more fully.

The Black and White Gate is a double gate of relationships and the only one you must go through in the company of at least one other person. Relationships (including those between mates and lovers, parents and children, teachers and students), according to the author, "teach us about our capacity for love, forgiveness, and respect for others."

At the Rustic Gate of weathered wood, readers are asked to explore meaningful work, service, and creativity. The challenge of this gate is to stay connected to the Four Rivers of Life and ask, "How will we use our generative energies?"

The sixth gate is the Bone Gate, which brings us to the "bones of who we are"--a metaphor for our authentic self. The Bone Gate urges a development of character, integrity, and wisdom. Again, Arrien passes on the wisdom of indigenous peoples who say "In order to return to our true nature, we must befriend four essential symbolic bones in our body"--the backbone, the wishbone, the funny bone and the hollow little bone. The hollow little bone allows "the Mystery to work us rather than trying to work the Mystery."

The seventh gate is the Natural Gate, where "we are encouraged to come home to our natural rhythm and our internal sanctuary." Many spiritual traditions recognize four natural sanctuaries as the desert, the mountains, the waters, and the woods. In the Practice section of the chapter, Arrien suggests spending an hour outdoors every day and spending at least a half hour every day in silence "to deeply listen to the center of your being."

The final gate in the initiatory process of the "second half of life" is the Gold Gate, the gate of "surrender, faith and acceptance." The challenge is to release critical judgments, accepting circumstances rather than resigning ourselves to them. Theologian Mary Reuter, to whom Arrien refers, "says that we can experience fearlessness through three layers of detachment: detachment from material gain; detachment from self-importance; and detachment from the urge to control or dominate others. To hold onto nothing is the root of happiness and peace." In the practice section of this chapter, Arrien suggests creating a Book of Revelations, including favorite memories, turning points, spiritual practices and important dreams. It sounds like a worthwhile way to assess what one truly values and to acknowledge longings that have not yet been satisfied.

The Second Half of Life is very rich in resources throughout the book and in the extensive bibliography. That doesn't mean it's at all overwhelming. I found the book a very gentle way to initiate oneself into the fullness of our elder years. As wise elders who have honoured ourselves, we can pass along our lessons and unique gifts as a legacy to the generations that follow us.

by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviewsorg
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Editorial Review:

When you find the courage to change at midlife," Angeles Arrien teaches, "a miracle happens." Your character is opened, deepened, strengthened, softened. You return to your soul's highest values. You are now prepared to create your legacy: an imprint of your dream for our world-a dream that can fully come true in The Second Half of Life. Working with images, poetry, metaphors, and other forms of symbolic language from diverse world cultures, Dr. Arrien introduces us to the Eight Gates of Initiation. By mastering their lessons and gifts, you harvest the meaning and purpose of your life, and come into spiritual maturity. With The Second Half of Life, she takes you step-by-step through each gate to deepen your most valuable relationships, reclaim your untended creative talents, and shift your focus from ambition to meaning to grow into the exceptional elder you've always imagined you would one day become. Book jacket.

After Life

John Edward

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 64 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Internationally acclaimed psychic medium John Edward takes his talents to new levels and new countries in his fourth book, AFTER LIFE: Answers from the Other Side.
            Join John and a documentary crew “Down Under” in Australia and across the United States, where he demonstrates once again that grief, healing, and hope are eternally intertwined and universal. John answers your most often-asked questions about how the mediumship process works on the “other side,” while taking you on the inside of his own personal life as a husband and new father. He shares what he’s learned through his own recent, personal losses and demonstrates that you’re never too late to forgive—and never too far away to love.   
            In After Life, as he does on his highly rated hit show, Crossing Over with John Edward, John will also connect you with celebrities both here and on the other side—because, as John happily notes, there are no red-velvet ropes or VIP sections over there!

The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life

Marianne Williamson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book challenges your mind, opens your heart, and opens door of possibilities!! Marianne is right on!! I am very impressed by her insight and conviction. Can't wait to get into my bed and see possibilities unfold in front of my eyes!
Jamile Palizban

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I loved the book because of the uplifting, loving approach Marianne Williamson gives to her writing. Her philosophies span all faiths and zezo in on what unites us as people. We decide how events impact us - that is her message!

Practical, life transforming information 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Marianne has a unique perspective on life. The human experience unfolds into new and intriguing realms with each turn of the page. Her view of God illuminates an entity that seeks to help the transformation from ordinary, mundane existance into a soul-fulfilling adventure as unique and different as the individual. My life is not the same after having read this book!

The Gift of Change 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is uplifting, life changing and makes you laugh at yourself because Marianne seems to hit that unexposed nerve lying just beneath the surface. No matter who you are, you will find something in this book that will change your life. I highly recommend it! Review written by the author of Bruised But Still Strong

Editorial Review:

Every Change Is a Challenge to Become Who We Really Are

Light Emerging: The Journey of Personal Healing

Barbara Brennan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Highly recommended! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book came highly recommended to me by my instructor and also a client of mine. I found the book to be very inspiring and well written. I am very happy that I decided to take their advice, it is an excellent read.

Unique Book, But May Not Appeal To Everyone 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Light Emerging is far thicker than Ms. Brennan's original work, Hands of Light, yet it doesn't appeal to everyone as much as her original.

The positive side to Light Emerging is the deeper explanations of an overall way to be healthy and more drawings. Ms. Brennan incorporates some of the Pathwork material, such as higher self, lower self and mask, and brings up many important and untapped potentials, such as cord healing, energy defense patterns in relationship and the hara alignment.

I think what disappoints people is that it does not give the whole teaching, as Hands of Light did. Hands of Light was essentially a detailed workbook and guide for energy healing. Whereas Light Emerging is a step back more, and doesn't get into the nitty gritty, like how to do chakra cord healings, or hara healings. Light Emerging has alot more channeling in it compared to Hands of Light.

Barbra Brennan is a stalwart when it comes to energy healing. If you are a healer, her book is a must have. The downside is that its missing some keys that probably would have made it more satisfying.

Ramiel Nagel is author of Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition

Editorial Review:

A unique blend of ancient tradition and modern scientific theory, a comprehensive introduction to the science of the human ""aura"" or energy field discusses how this field can be used for healing. 50,000 first printing.

The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn

Florence Scovel Shinn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Life Changing...... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I was very hesitant in buying another book. For some reason, I thought this was just another one of those "self-help" books and who needs more of those? Well, this book is quite different. It's a necessity...it's life changing. Once you begin to read it, you can't put it down. I am not a big reader, but I read it in 1 week. I immediately started applying the things that I learned and I am telling you, this stuff works. I would challenge anyone who is going through a difficult time and who needs a wake-up call in life to read Florence Scovel. One you begin to change your words and your thoughts, your entire world begins to change...and IMMEDIATELY!

Editorial Review:

Here in one volume are the four collected works of one of America's most beloved and best-selling inspirational authors.

In her classic best-seller The Game of Life, Florence Scovel Shinn reveals the timeless message that has helped thousands to solve their problems. You can create anything you want simply by aligning your thoughts and words with the perfect good that resides divinely within you. Combined with the powerful affirmation found in Your Word Is Your Wand and the stirring examples of real-life successes in the other two volumes, The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn provides a complete guide for learning how to turn defeat into victory, lack into prosperity, fear into faith, and resentment into love.

Energy Work: The Secret of Healing and Spiritual Development

Robert Bruce

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Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Robert Bruce, author of Astral Dynamics, a metaphysical classic, has worked privately as a healer, mystic, spiritual consultant and paranormal researcher for 30 years and provides a free consulting and healing service to the global Internet community. He has developed an exciting method that enables readers to enhance their physical health and spiritual practice by providing natural support for their personal energy systems. Bruce's method, which can be learned in 30 minutes, delivers such profound benefits as improved immune system function; enhanced vitality, energy levels and healing from everyday ailments; better appetite control and easier weight management; and increased development of psychic and spiritual abilities. Those feeling "stuck" on a plateau in spiritual practice—from yoga, t'ai chi and chi gong to kung fu or reiki—or simply searching for a way to increase their well-being and overall enjoyment of life will want to experience the accelerated spiritual progress made possible by Bruce's simple method. His step-by-step approach is Western in orientation and vocabulary, and it incorporates thought form imaging, intention, elemental properties, self-healing practices and essential grounding exercises to encourage safe, rapid results. Bruce reports that most people experience significant energy body activity in their first practice session.

Soul Cravings

Erwin Raphael McManus

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Just What the Dr. Ordered 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have a short attention span, but while reading Soul Cravings, it's as if I've been cured of A.D.D. Written in journal entry format, McManus's dynamic storytelling, and innovative use of language and humor keep one's attention. Before one knows it, somehow, the depth of their soul has been exposed and led through a journey of discovery. This is a must read!!!

Honest 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

If you want a book that will tickle your ears and make you feel warm,fuzzy and comfy, then this is NOT the book for you. McManus words in this book are real and perhaps a bit too honest. It's a thought provoking book and has held my interest hour after hour, page after page. Totally worth the time you'll invest in it :)

Editorial Review:

The search of your life is the search for your life.

In Soul Cravings Erwin McManus shows readers how our need for intimacy, meaning, and destiny point to the existence of God and our need to connect with Him. This book will deeply stir readers to consider and chase after the spiritual implications of their souls' deepest longings.

Can You Drink the Cup?

Henri J. M. Nouwen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Can You Drink The Cup 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Book by Henri Nouwen. Read 3 Nouwen books at once and recommend his books for spiritual reading.

Beneficial reading. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

An easy read. Helped me to better understand that the sorrows and joys of one's life can also be blessings which we should lift up and celebrate.

Can you Drink the Cup 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was the best book I have read by Henri Nouwen. It is a book every Christian should read and ask the question "Can I Drink the Cup?"
I will read and reread this book and mail several to my family and friends.

Active and Contemplative, all in one challice... one vessel... on short book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book looks like it is a simple, quick read. The layout is appealing, the words aren't smooshed onto the page and yet - there is such richness in the words, such complexity of heart, soul and spirit.... I read it through once and now revisit it, daily, for further insight.

Henri Nouwen is one of those authors I have read about but whose words I have never read in more than short quotes.

This book has made me into a fan.

My life is changing due to this book. It is one I can heartily recommend to anyone interested in living a more complete life, Christian or not Christian alike, the teachings are applicable across denominations and possibly even across faiths.

Nouwen walks his talk and can't help but take you along with him. I wish I could speak to him, to ask him questions.

Ahhhh, his other books will have to be enough.

Editorial Review:

Using the cup as a metaphor, Nouwen reflects on three images--Holding, Lifting, and Drinking--to articulate basics of the spiritual life. Nouwen draws stories from his own life and ministry to illustrate his main themes.

Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness

Pam Montgomery

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A hands-on approach to working with the healing powers of plant spirits

• Explores the scientific basis underlying the practices of indigenous healers and shamans

• Illuminates the matrix where plant intelligence and human intelligence join

• Reveals that partnering with plants is an evolutionary imperative

Indigenous healers and shamans have known since antiquity that plants possess a spirit essence that can communicate through light, sound, and vibration. Now scientific studies are verifying this understanding. Plant Spirit Healing reveals the power of plant spirits to join with human intelligence to bring about profound healing. These spirits take us beyond mere symptomatic treatment to aligning us with the vast web of nature. Plants are more than their chemical constituents. They are intelligent beings that have the capacity to raise consciousness to a level where true healing can take place.

In this book, herbalist Pam Montgomery offers an understanding of the origins of disease and the therapeutic use of plant spirits to bring balance and healing. She offers a process engaging heart, soul, and spirit that she calls the triple spiral path. In our modern existence, we are increasingly challenged with broken hearts, souls in exile, and malnourished spirits. By working through the heart, we connect with the soul and gain access to spirit. She explains that the evolution of plants has always preceded their animal counterparts and that plant spirits offer a guide to our spiritual evolution--a stage of growth imperative not only for the healing of humans but also the healing of the earth.

Ethics For The New Millennium

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Alexander Norman

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Total reviews: 83 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Only during a time when we have so little faith in one another, so little confidence in the willingness of others to do what is right, can a strong voice emerge to dispel disillusionment and show us hope. It takes a person of great courage, such as the Dalai Lama, to face these times and say there is hope.

There is an argument to be made for basic human goodness. The number of people who spend their lives being violent or dishonest is tiny compared with the number of people -- the vast majority we don't hear about -- who would wish others only well. According to the Dalai Lama, our survival has depended and will depend on our basic goodness. "Much more effective and important than legislation is our regard for one another's feelings at a simple human level...Here, I refer to the capacity we all have to empathize with one another...to arrive at the inability to bear the sight of another's suffering." The Dalai Lama presents an ethical system that not only is based on common sense and reason, as opposed to religious dogma or punitive legislation, but has as its goal ultimate happiness for every individual.

The Dalai Lama demonstrates that human beings are better than we think we are, and that a society and a life that cultivate love and compassion are completely within our reach. If enough people operate from the understanding of their "original purity," a global revolution of peace will ensue.