Spirituality for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: A Perfect book for Perfect Dummies!
Review: As a serious spiritual seeker for over 26 years, I deeply appreciate Sharon Janis sharing her revelations of the simple wisdom of a true spiritual perspective. Having read Janis' beautiful first book, "Never to Return," I had already discovered the honesty and penetrating depths of her own personal spiritual journey. Now, in "Spirituality for Dummies," she reveals even more how very special it is to approach life with a simple and open heart, and humor...always appreciating the cosmic giggle at the center of it all. I applaud Janis' literary gift for writing from the profound and eloquent openheartedness of her own search for universal truths. I strongly recommend this book, for yourself and as the perfect gift for those you love.

Rating:
Summary: Dummy No More!
Review: Here is a book that, in all sincerity, I initially scoffed at. How could a subject so vast, meaningful and unwieldy as 'spirituality' be followed by that now-familiar suffix "for Dummies"? There is a "NetWare for Dummies," a "WordPerfect for Dummies," and an "Internet for Dummies," among other similar titles. The theme of this self-deprecating little series has, up to this point, been obvious: friendly how-to manuals for the technologically inept. But now, a "Spirituality for Dummies?" Come ON, I thought upon first hearing of this latest helpmate for dum-dums, do-do-birds and the like. Surely this would be a trite, shallow instruction book on the attainment of 'spirituality' (whatever THAT may be, vague term that it is), something suitable only for people with no GENUINE interest in spirituality, self-improvement or contemplation at all, but rather a fleeting desire to merely skim the surface of such weighty and worthy undertakings. This, I predicted, might be a good book for gift-giving if no better ideas should come to mind, but would ultimately be neither a source of enlightenment nor help to anyone, only one of those dust-collectors that are destined to be flipped through once and never again. Well, I'll be, if I don't feel like a true dummy myself for having been so quick to dismiss what is in actuality a sparkling book! Having done my share of reading in this genre (that is, 'spirituality'--not 'dummies'), I can heartily say that this is among the very best, most comprehensive and enjoyable books on the rather daunting subject, and that you should not be put-off by what might seem too generic a title, as I so foolishly was. This is a book that belongs on everybody's shelf, or, better yet, nightstand, no matter what their spiritual orientation, or lack thereof, may be. It is a valuable to beginners as it is to the already-'spiritualized.' One can open it to any page and come upon something worthwhile, humorous, encouraging, inspiring, familiar, or just plain educational. It is a grand accomplishment on the part of the author, Sharon Janis, whose first book, 'Never to Return,' chronicled her own spiritual journey and years in an ashram. She doesn't just touch on things superficially, nor does she write with even the slightest hint of a guru-esque, higher-than-thou style. On the contrary, she is engaging, down-to-earth, and funny. And so the book is accessible, but never boring. Ruminations on meditation, the meaning of spirituality, relationships and yoga are just a very small bit of all that is to be found in its cartoon-emblazoned pages. The chapters are well-organized--with thoughts separated into digestible, bite-sized chunks--and are peppered with quotations from such varied figures as Rumi, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, Jesus and Dolly Parton. Clearly, it is not exclusive but INclusive of all sorts of perspectives, philosophies and practices. The truth is, spirituality is personal, and different for everyone. This is a book that is extremely conducive to discovering just what unique meaning and place spirituality has for YOU. (And even if you're not looking for something that deep, it really is entertaining and fun to read, too, and did I mention it comes with a CD?) I really liked it.

Rating:
Summary: Dummy No More!
Review: Here is a book that, in all sincerity, I initially scoffed at. How could a subject so vast, meaningful and unwieldy as `spirituality' be followed by that now-familiar suffix "for Dummies"? There is a "NetWare for Dummies," a "WordPerfect for Dummies," and an "Internet for Dummies," among other similar titles. The theme of this self-deprecating little series has, up to this point, been obvious: friendly how-to manuals for the technologically inept. But now, a "Spirituality for Dummies?" Come ON, I thought upon first hearing of this latest helpmate for dum-dums, do-do-birds and the like. Surely this would be a trite, shallow instruction book on the attainment of `spirituality' (whatever THAT may be, vague term that it is), something suitable only for people with no GENUINE interest in spirituality, self-improvement or contemplation at all, but rather a fleeting desire to merely skim the surface of such weighty and worthy undertakings. This, I predicted, might be a good book for gift-giving if no better ideas should come to mind, but would ultimately be neither a source of enlightenment nor help to anyone, only one of those dust-collectors that are destined to be flipped through once and never again. Well, I'll be, if I don't feel like a true dummy myself for having been so quick to dismiss what is in actuality a sparkling book! Having done my share of reading in this genre (that is, `spirituality'--not `dummies'), I can heartily say that this is among the very best, most comprehensive and enjoyable books on the rather daunting subject, and that you should not be put-off by what might seem too generic a title, as I so foolishly was. This is a book that belongs on everybody's shelf, or, better yet, nightstand, no matter what their spiritual orientation, or lack thereof, may be. It is a valuable to beginners as it is to the already-`spiritualized.' One can open it to any page and come upon something worthwhile, humorous, encouraging, inspiring, familiar, or just plain educational. It is a grand accomplishment on the part of the author, Sharon Janis, whose first book, `Never to Return,' chronicled her own spiritual journey and years in an ashram. She doesn't just touch on things superficially, nor does she write with even the slightest hint of a guru-esque, higher-than-thou style. On the contrary, she is engaging, down-to-earth, and funny. And so the book is accessible, but never boring. Ruminations on meditation, the meaning of spirituality, relationships and yoga are just a very small bit of all that is to be found in its cartoon-emblazoned pages. The chapters are well-organized--with thoughts separated into digestible, bite-sized chunks--and are peppered with quotations from such varied figures as Rumi, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, Jesus and Dolly Parton. Clearly, it is not exclusive but INclusive of all sorts of perspectives, philosophies and practices. The truth is, spirituality is personal, and different for everyone. This is a book that is extremely conducive to discovering just what unique meaning and place spirituality has for YOU. (And even if you're not looking for something that deep, it really is entertaining and fun to read, too, and did I mention it comes with a CD?) I really liked it.

Rating:
Summary: A Spiritual Gem
Review: This is truly a gem of a book. It is inspiring and illuminating. The author helps us to recognize (and live) the spirituality in every day life. I find it incredibly uplifting. If I am feeling down, I need only open it to a random page, and I find something helpful. It is not a book only to be read, but to be experienced as well. There are many helpful tools to help drive home many of the points. Don't be put off by this, though. You can still get a lot out of it even if you choose not to partake in the exercises. Even if you don't agree with my five stars, I recommend you buy this book anyway. It is well worth the cost of the included CD alone.