Essential Energy Balancing: An Ascension Process

Rating:
Summary: A lot of Hindu philosophy and little tangible knowlege
Review: Despite the compelling title of this book, I got very little practical knowledge out of this book which I quickly returned.
Here is an example of the book that I found to be a turn-off:
Essential Energy Balancing offers ways to release pain by contacting helpful spirit guardians - the Lords of Karma.
I appreciate a spiritual approach to psychology and holistic methodologies but this book has a very narrow religious focus and did not offer any accessible knowledge or advice.

Rating:
Summary: Lacks critical self-reflection
Review: Diane Stein's _Essential Energy Balancing_ is better written than many spiritual self-help books, but it is rife with sexist language and is peppered with eccentric treatments of words, such as "dis-ease" and "Be-ing". I understand what she is trying to do by using these oddities, but they come across as merely quirky, like spelling magic with a k.

Why does the author feel the need to append the registered trademark symbol every time she uses the phrase "Essential Energy Balancing(r)"? It is accepted practice to make note of a trademarked term once and then leave it alone; I found this constant reminder of protectionist commercialism irritating in a guidebook for a spiritual practice.

Aside from these admittedly superficial language issues, I was put off by the wholly uncritical way she presents some ideas and concepts:
- "When an individual has healed more than half of the suffering and soul damage (karma) she has brought into and experienced in this lifetime, she may be granted ascension."
- "They [the Lords of Karma] have been known through all religions and all times."
- "Everybody's life is profoundly changed by the process."
- "No one sees them [the Lords of Karma] now as austere or frightening" -- even though she did initially.

Especially off-putting was the glib manner in which she lays out the steps in her Basic Process:

1. Ask to speak with the Lords of Karma. You will receive some perception of them.
2. Ask for the release you wish.
3. You will perceive a "yes" or "no" answer.
. . .

The author states in the introduction that "everything in these processes depends upon your ability to work with the Lords of Karma". Too bad she doesn't make it clear just how one does that. She says "making initial contact with the Lords of Karma is usually quite easy", but she offers no guidelines as to what one should do if one does *not* "receive some perception of them". Her assertion that "most people who tell me they have not made contact actually have done so but don't recognize it" is in no way helpful. "If you have difficulty doing this, you may also ask the Lords of Karma to help you learn to work with them." If you are unable to ask them to help you, ask them to help you. Right.

The underlying premise of this book is the notion that our souls go through cycles of lifetimes in order to learn necessary lessons -- but we can forgo all that by simply asking to bypass all of it. Something isn't right here, as if I could get a PhD in nuclear physics by simply asking the regents for a diploma rather than having to study or attend any classes.

The techniques in this book are presented straightforwardly in a clear and engaging writing style, but the book lacks the essential balance(r) of critical self-reflection that could make it truly valuable.

Rating:
Summary: healing and empowering information
Review: Essential Energy Balancing was not the first book I had read by Diane Stein; it was the last in all the books she has written so far. I had learned everything I really needed and wanted to know from others about Reiki from her ESSENTIAL REIKI. The rest had to be learned as part of my personal journey with the energies. I had already started working daily with the " Angels of Karma" for healing my life after reading WE ARE THE ANGELS and giving it to many close friends. I didn't know what else she could have to offer when I ordered ESSENTIAL ENERGY BALANCING that she had not already given so clearly and generously in her other books, but what a surprise I had waiting. True, the first section of EEB is about healing your past and present "karma," wounds, etc, and clearing at least 50% of your personal garbage and dysfuntion, much like the book WE ARE THE ANGELS. However, for me, the main thrust of the book , besides these tools and information to clear personal pain and dysfunction, is the ten step process that follows. I completed this process quickly the first time I went through the book because I was so excited about it. Then I went back to it a year later and did it again slowly, and still continue the daily practice. What the ten step process and daily practice have offered me is the information and empowerment and personal spiritual connection to continue to heal much of my pain and dysfunction, beyond what I was aware of to ask in the first part of the clearing. The processes have allowed me to begin and continue to connect with all that I am mentally, emotionally, spiritually, things that continue to delight and surpise me. In this ongoing process, there is a larger connection with universal energies as well. I am sure the book and process will speak to each person (or not) in an individual way and that each person will have his own journey and experience with the processes and ideas in the book. I have even had a different level of experience and benefit from a second journey with the processes....and I think therein lies the value of the book for those who respond to its ideas. All I can say is that I have been on many healing journeys and that the information and tools offered in this book spoke to me and led me on a journey of healing and empowerment that continues and shows no sign of ending. As always, Diane Stein's greatest gift is that she shares all the information and tools others need and then puts those tools with complete trust into the hands of the reader. She does so in a straightforward, simple, and practical way that EMPOWERS others, rather than making them dependent, and sends them forward to become centered in their own beauty and growth.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: I bought this book, Essential Energy Balancing, unaware of the other books that Diane Stein had written. As the author claimed, 'this is a book that changed my life'. Diane Stein takes the reader, step by step, into a world of understanding the forces involved in our present and past lives. She explains simply yet thoroughly how previous negative events and karma can affect our present day consciousness, then she shows how to release the negativity and 'balance' the energy processes of one's being. Completely enhancing. She has a style that assumes nothing, and shows that she truly is on a mission to help her readers heal.

Rating:
Summary: Continuing with Reiki
Review: I have Diane Stein's Essential Reiki book and am always looking for additional material on the subject. I am a Level II Reiki and must say that I am impressed with what I have learned so far. Diane's writings are extremely helpful and am glad that she has written another book on this subject.

Rating:
Summary: Open Your Mind and Experience True Bliss
Review: Ms. Stein's Essential Energy Balancing Process is fantastic. I was skeptical at first, but went into the process with an open mind and heart. The energy shift I experienced during the process and for a long time afterwards was like nothing I have ever felt. The incredible joy and release that accompanied the process is well worth the work to learn. All I can say is, don't knock it until you've really, TRULY tried it. And remember, even if you THINK you're open, if you aren't really, you won't experience a darn thing. That is not Ms. Stein's fault - that is your own. She gave you a divinely inspired tool. Use it. This book is not optional, but mandatory reading (as are all the Energy Balancing books) for personal/spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is probably impossible to describe the beauty of its affects - you really just have to experience it for yourself.