Rating: - There's nothing new under the sun
My name is Steven A. Janda. I am the author of Ready or Not, Here I Come written in 2008. When you read books about creating your own destiny, you should know where they lead. In Genesis Chapter 11, we read about the tower of Babel. The whole earth was of one language and one speech. The Lord said something very telling which echoes throughout the Bible. The Lord said, now nothing shall be restrained from them which they have imagined to do. The result was judgment from God and mass confusion. This is a very revealing statement from God himself that there is power in faith, but you better make sure your faith is in me. Jesus also said according to your faith be it unto you. And, nothing shall be impossible to you if you believe. There is a flip side to this power of faith. Jesus said when he returns he will judge us according to our works. What! Just when I'm learning to believe to receive, now I learn be careful what you wish for again. Gramma don't lie. To all seven churches in Revelation he says, I know thy works. This little four word declaration of Christ speaks volumes. Christians who reject that the gospel is a gospel of works argue by grace are ye saved. But Christ said its not what you say only that makes you a child of God its what you say and do. The word "grace" never came out of the mouth of Christ, he showed grace by his works alone. Not the works of the law, but the works of faith. Ironically, modern preaching and self help teachers seem to be preaching the same gospel more and more, which is really just see it, believe it, and receive it. Sometimes God says I've seen enough of this. So when you read a self help book take it with a grain of salt. If you are truly interested in the power of faith, follow Christ. He's the only man to walk on water, multiply a few loaves of bread and fish, and feed five thousand in a single prayer all in one day. Just another day at the office for the Son of God. Take Care. Steven A. Janda

Rating: - If now is not the time, then this is not the book for now
Many years ago before Eckhart Tolle was on Oprah Winfrey, a friend of mine who is Buddhist, highly recommended, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. I respected his opinion so I went to my local bookstore and flipped through a copy. It looked verbose and boring. I didn't buy it.

I don't even remember the circumstances, but in 2005, I saw "A New Earth" in the bookstore and felt drawn to pick it up. I was floored by the teachings. It made so much sense and had immediate applications in the moment. In that moment, I chose to buy the book because it was the right book at that right moment for me.

I agree that Eckhart Tolle is not presenting anything new, but it's not the message, it's the medium that is important. How many times have we heard things like "exercise and eat right", yet we don't act? Sometimes, you just need to see the message presented in a different way and be in the right place in your life to receive it.

I heard a great saying the other day that completely shook the foundation of smugness that my ego holds. Here it is: You don't know something unless you're living it. So, unless you are truly living in the moment, regardless of what you've read or studied before, you DON'T KNOW what Eckhart Tolle is talking about.

I had the pleasure of seeing him speak live and he was incredibly powerful, yet extremely humble. I also watched his video appearance on Oprah and from that, I learned what meditation truly is. I understood what it meant to empty the mind and just be. I realized meditation is not hard at all, it's insanely simple.

If this is your now, then this is your book.

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Rating: - A Joyful Listening Experience - 4.5/5 stars
I have been listening to A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle, for the last two weeks each night before I fell asleep. I must admit, I was a little skeptical about this book, but I found it very soothing and relaxing at bedtime. The first chapter drew me in immediately. When I was finished, it really made me think about the concepts, and how I could immediate apply these concepts to my personal situation.

The audio book is read by the author, and is about 8-9 hours of listening time. This book was originally released in 2005, but has become an overnight sensation thanks largely to Oprah's enthusiastic endorsement. In fact, Oprah has hosted a 10-week web based course conducted by Tolle; some two million students participated.

According to the author, The key to more joy and purpose is by living in the present moment. Rather, "being" in the present moment. This is accomplished by slowly dismantling the "ego". Many authors have written about the desirability of living "in the Now," but few have laid out such a clear method that one can understand. The chapters are as follows:

* Chapter 1: The Flowering of Human Consciousness
* Chapter 2: Ego: The Current State of Humanity
* Chapter 3: The Core of Ego
* Chapter 4: Role-playing: The Many Faces of the Ego
* Chapter 5: The Pain-Body
* Chapter 6: Breaking Free
* Chapter 7: Finding Who You Truly Are
* Chapter 8: The Discovery of Inner Space
* Chapter 9: Your Inner Purpose
* Chapter 10: A New Earth

Although I really enjoyed listening to this book, I did find that some of the information seemed to be repeated a lot, but perhaps that was to reinforce the message. As an audio book, some of the concepts were a bit difficult to grasp and retain, so for the serious reader who wants to absorb every detail of Tolle's message, I would suggest getting the paperback copy as well to refer to.

This book is highly recommended.

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Rating: - Clear, Simple
Throughout 12 months of spiritual reading, A New Earth is the simplest, clearest book I have come across. This approach works for me, and will work for many. With an idea like "Awakening is the separation of thinking and awareness", awakening suddenly becomes very doable, and something you are perhaps already making progress with. I have read both the book and listened to the audio book, and I must say that Tolle's voice is beautiful to listen to. Anyway, there are my thoughts, I hope you find them informative.

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Rating: - If you like this sort of spirituality then you'll love it.
Tao Cycle Therapy: Natural Happiness via Self Directed Cure for Chronic Anxiety & Depression [Updated 2008 3nd Edition]