|
Catalysts
for Change
Reviews
by Tamiya King
Karma 101: What goes around comes around, and what you can do
about it
By Joshua Mack
 This
was an excellent read! The term 'karma' comes up in casual conversation
so much, but few people understand karmic principles. This book explained,
in detail, the way that karma works, common questions about karma, and how
to generate good karma for yourself and others.
Mack made a very clear distinction between: the mystic misconceptions
people have about karma (it's not cosmic, it's common sense
– follow the golden rule), dharma (learning to fulfill your duty
on this earth both enhances and creates your good karma), reincarnation
(maybe you were here before, maybe not; but don't forget that you're
responsible for right now), and the principles of Buddhism (which the
term 'karma' is most associated with), and the practical methods
we can all employ when it comes to generating good in our lives through
our actions.
The book ardently supports the idea that stress is caused by one's
attachment to desire and the ego, and that life would be much more peaceful
if we could learn to be responsible for every thought and action, knowing
that the same energy we put into our work, relationships, and personal
care will be the energy we receive back (Perfect advice for today's
high-stress society). The language of the book was easy to follow and
understand, but intriguing enough to keep your attention.
The rules of karma are sometimes challenging to put into practice, but
embracing the karmic process is necessary for overall sanity, if you
plan on maintaining a career or any type of relationship. It's one of
those books you'll need to read more than once – just to refresh
your memory.
Soul Signs
by Rosemary Altea
Ever wonder why you just can't help but do the things you do, or
think the thoughts you think? Ever wonder why other people just have
to be the way they are? Soul Signs, an extremely insightful
book by author and motivational speaker Rosemary Altea, can answer these
and more questions.
The
book helps readers to understand that everyone on the planet belongs
to a certain energy group – fire, earth, water, air, or sulphur.
Each energy group possesses certain characteristics that are exclusive
to that group, although it is likely that you will find bits and pieces
of yourself in each group.
After you determine your energy group, you are then seperated into a
soul cluster. Each enery group has three souls that belong to the group,
and everyone must fit into only one category. This is especially challenging
and may take a while, since you'll definitely be able to relate
to all traits of the souls in your group, but if you're thoroughly honest,
you'll be able to identify your soul accurately.
Soul Signs also shows you how to recognize the energy groups and soul
clusters of others, which in turn gives you a better understanding of
the personalities of friends, family members, and significant others.
The books recommends the best mates for you based on your soul signs,
and reveals the reason(s) it may be naturally (though not intentionally)
difficult for you to get along with other 'souls.'
Truly an insightful read! This book was wonderful; a practical approach
to the liberating and honest practice of just 'being yourself.'
Excess Baggage
Getting Out of Your Own Way
by Judith Sills, Ph.D.
Excess Baggage revealed the possiblity that we may all
be making life much more difficult than it really has to be. This is
both a shocking and disappointing revelation, depending on how long
we've been emotionally, socially, and financially torturing ourselves.
The book uncovers the five different types of baggage we all struggle
with: the need to be right; the
need to feel superior; fear of rejection; the need to create drama;
and the nasty habit of relishing anger. Sills also explains how each
of us may behave under the influence of these issues, and not immediately
realize it. She paints a picture of (based on your individual 'baggage'),
what your career path may look like, the way your marriage may seem
to you and to others, and, most importantly, the way you really view
yourself when no one is looking. There are also exercises to practice
for improvement in your daily life, tailored to the type of baggage
you possess. Sills warns that the process may be difficult and uncomfortable
initially, but the rewards are overwhelming.
Excess Baggage is one of those books you'll stop reading
if you're not ready to make some major life changes, or to even
admit that changing is necessary. Some of the statements in the book
may make you feel uneasy or even guilty, as truth is hardly ever easy
to digest. The behaviors pointed out in this book are so common, if
you don't look closely and honestly, you won't see a reason for
change and miss a valuable lesson in self-evaluation. If you're
on the path to genuine self-actualization (even if no one else you know
is), this is definitely a book worth reading. Enjoy!
Tamiya
King is an author, poet, singer and dancer, who writes for Aquarius and
for the editorial department of The Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine. Contact
her at miya_b_99@yahoo.com.
|
R.
Thomas Grill
Self-Realization
Fellowship
|
Books