The Gift of Change : Spiritual Guidance for a Radically New Life

Rating:
Summary: Change Your Thoughts, Change Reality
Review: "There's no point in trying to go to Outer Mongolia to escape your issues; they will find you there because they live inside your head." --Marianne Williamson in The Gift Of Change - Spiritual Guidance For A Radically New Life

For over a decade, Marianne Williamson has been teaching principles from A Course In Miracles (ACIM)--a channeled psycho-spiritual self-study work which shows individuals how to create miracles by surrendering to love. Some scoff at the notion that "love is the answer", but Williamson answers them by saying: "It's amazing how much ridicule the topic of love can attract when it does anything other than support the status quo." Make no mistake: Williamson does not advocate what I call "sloppy agape". Rather, she boldly challenges humanity to start getting with the Divine program and begin to change from the inside out.

In her new book The Gift Of Change - Spiritual Guidance For A Radically New Life , Williamson sounds a clarion call that now is the time to begin to look within for change. Attempting to change the external world, she asserts, is akin to trying to change a movie by altering the screen when dealing with the projector is what's needed. Saying "hidden beliefs are dangerous beliefs", the reader is challenged to examine personal beliefs and the attitudes they engender. Tracing defensiveness--a form of "passive violence"--to the root of war, Williamson demonstrates how our resistance to love and vulnerability keep us enslaved to the ego. She writes:

"Whenever our outer world remains stuck, it is incumbent upon us to look, not outward, but inward. It is a call to find the places in ourselves where we are holding on to old ways--places where we blame others rather than taking personal responsibility for our woes; where we judge others instead of blessing them; where we are hard rather than vulnerable and open and kind. These issues hold the hidden keys to unlocking our unsolved personal mysteries."

Williamson outlines ten bridges of transformation that can be crossed when we fix our eyes and hearts on that which is unchanging--an eternal compass of spiritual principles which can guide us on the personal and global path to wholeness:

*From Forgetting Who We Are to Remembering Who We Are
*From Negative Thinking to Positive Love
*From Anxiety to Atonement
*From Asking God to Change the World to Praying That He Changes Us
*From Living in the Past and Future to Living in the Present
*From Focus on Guilt to Focus on Innocence
*From Separation to Relationship
*From Spiritual Death to Rebirth
*From Your Plan to God's Plan
*From Who We Were to Who We Are Becoming

Using personal anecdotes, Williamson delves into various life transitions such as menopause, adolescence, and parenting--and how seasons of change are amazing opportunities for not only growth and change, but also global transformation. Saying that "our greatest contribution to the world at this time is not just what we do but who we are becoming", she shows the reader that no matter where we find ourselves, we can be a conduit for miracles. In fact, she says that sometimes "being about our Father's business" is as much what we're not doing, than what we are. That is, chasing a future dream of spiritual ambition, we ignore life in the Present--which is the only place that "I Am", and miracles, dwell:

"If I had simply allowed myself to enjoy my life more, I would have ended up better off later on. And when I allow myself to simply enjoy my life right now, I'm giving myself the biggest boost for the future. Every point in life's journey is inherently preparing us for our future in ways the rational mind cannot possibly comprehend."

As an example, Williamson poignantly explains that she resisted some aspects of motherhood when her daughter was a baby--often distracting herself from the overwhelming insistent, needy demands of her daughter. Williamson recalls: "I see now that the fact it was happening meant it was exactly what I was supposed to be doing, and I wasn't losing out on anything by giving most of my attention to her." As one who has had a similar experience with motherhood versus aspirations for a "real life" (i.e., a spiritually fulfilling vocation), I resonated with the truth that wherever we find ourselves, that is exactly where we need to be. Our limitless and brightness can shine no matter where we are at; in fact, when we shine, we can literally change the world--for all minds are joined in the Mind of Christ.

The Gift Of Change provides us with a powerful blueprint on transforming our lives--and the world--through transforming our thoughts. Through the spiritual compass of the ten principles, we can at last find our way to inner peace and miracles--which results in a world that is healed and whole.

If you're disheartened at the state of global affairs--including war--this book can show you how to replace thoughtforms of fear with those of love. If you're desperately searching for your soulmate or the perfect job, The Gift of Change lights the path to the miraculous Now. If you're experiencing existential angst--free-floating anxiety that doesn't seem to have a cause-- Williamson says you are not alone...but there is a way through it by choosing love over fear and trusting the Holy Spirit for a miracle.

Review Originally Posted At http://NewAge.BellaOnline.com

Rating:
Summary: A True "Gift"....
Review: I believe that Marianne Williamson has more understanding of what our world needs than most of today's leaders....I believe that this book is just yet another one of her amazing pieces of writing that will have you in deep contemplation of what we are here for....she articulates beautifully, so much so that after I completed the book I was brought to tears...tears from a realization that the life I have been leading is not healing nor does it heal the world....maybe this was the "icing on the cake" for me as I have read most all of her publications....this book just struck a cord...a deep, spirtual understanding was brought out...once again Marianne has so effortlessly written down what is in her heart and speaks to our nation.....words so important, so enlightening, and so powerful, that I PRAY this reaches the hands it is meant to for the hands it reaches will turn into the hands of a healer...

Rating:
Summary: Gifts, New Life, and Questions
Review: I found Williamson's book to be emotionally compelling, and at the same time raising questions... let me share a few.

Williamson writes well on the importance of learning from change. Her recommendations to embrace love and get rid of fear is something I know I certainly want. However, I began to wonder. Are there things I shouldn't love? Likewise, are there things I should be afraid of? If so, it would have been helpful if Williamson had identified some examples.

She also suggests we're not responsible for bad things that happen to us. However, is that always the case? Am I responsible for the choices I make? I wish Williamson had explained her claim further.

Additionally, Williamson says there are many turns we take in life that make us feel regret, guilt, sorrow, or pain. And then suggests we must learn to 'push past' those things. I wonder, are there things in my life I really should feel regret and guilt for? If so, what does 'pushing past' those things mean?

On another note, Williamson suggests we must not give into our egos, which tell us we are separate from God, but instead surrender to God, 'of whom we are all a part'. Shortly thereafter she writes that we must go "from asking God to change the world to praying that He change us". If I need to be changed by God, then is that change intellectual, moral, or something else? Furthermore, does asking imply God is a disctinct person? I wanted her to be more specific.

I hope the questions I've raised will be of benefit to readers. They've risen from my desire to know rightly and to be true to the truth.






Rating:
Summary: Excellent read: Inspiring, Compelling, Humorous, Human
Review: I have loved loved loved this book and I think now I am in love with the author. For years I have been a big fan of Neale Donald Walsch and the Conversations with God series. To me, Marianne is in the same league as Neale Walsch, Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra. Actually I hope these other guys can keep up with her. My gurus are Ramana Maharshi, Jesus, Papaji, Ammachi, and Nisargadatta Maharaj among others. I share this so you know my background/mindset. I am student of Silence but my path is that of Love. Based on this book I have chosen to order copies of "A Course in Miracles". I believe that this author is practicing what she preaches. I am a meditator, and being human I goof up all the time. I can relate to her anecdotes and observations because they are things that happen in my own life. There are people who will nit pick this book and give it less than five stars but they will be in the minority, this is my guess. My challenge to them is simple: if you are so good then why don't you write a book. Let the free market determine the value or utility of your ideas. Have the courage to contribute instead of needlessly criticizing the work of others. If your path is the Path of Love, then this book is a must have for your library. Marianne is an inspired human being, a person who is living her ideals, a rare leader in these times. God Bless You Marianne. I love you!

Rating:
Summary: A MUST!
Review: If you want to do yourself a Favor, for your self, for your spirt get this book, and sit down and read it. Marianne is one of the true Mircale's of my life and has helped me in so many different ways. I have been blessed to be able to hear Marianne speak Sundays for several years now, and I truly THANK GOD for her words of widsom.

Rating:
Summary: This Book Will Change Your Life
Review: Marianne Williamson is a champion of the transformative process, providing us with the springboard from which we may catapult our lives to the next dimension, where love prevails over the fears and guilts and remorse which have kept us chained to lives of limit and lack.

Though it may take courage to strip ourselves free from the patterns which have taken hold over all these many years, integration of Ms. Williamson's concepts into our lives and Spirits truly enables emancipation from the disappointments and limits from which we have claimed we have desperately sought release, yet haven't had the set of tools, nor courage, to construct for ourselves a better way. TGOC provides us with those tools, and coaxes us gently and lovingly, serving as our wellspring of courage, until the new awareness enables our own courage to move us forward toward liberation.

This book is a must read - pick it up and don't put it down till you've turned the last page...it will change your life forever.




Rating:
Summary: "The Gift of Change" is the Definite Change We All Need
Review: Marianne Williamson's latest book, "The Gift of Change," is the elixir our damaged and marred souls need at this time. It is a combination of A Return to Love and Everyday Grace, but more profound and intense. In this endeavor, Ms. Williamson shows a lot of spiritual and emotional growth since A Return to Love. She beckons us to do more than just "know" the principles of love, but challenges us to "do" more and act on what we know. This is not a "feel good" book, but is filled with realistic and practical daily spiritual practices that can help us heal ourselves individually and heal the world collectively. If anyone is serious about having a radically new life and genuine spiritual guidance, "The Gift of Change" is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Like Whoaaa!!!!
Review: ok...so i almost did not buy this book because i thought it probably is a rehashing of some of her former work. But i was wrong...whilst the principals of the course stand, she has brought to bear her now mature understanding of the course to the times in which we live. It amazes me, still, what profound meaning she brings to seemingly mundane events. I personally think a new comer or an old timer would benefit vastly from this book.
!!!!!!!!!!and oh.....there is a curious bunch of spiritual types who think that GOD should be kept in a box that is separate from worldly events. True...God does exist separate from time, but the whole point of spiritual practice is that these sacred pricipals be brought to the arena of time inorder that all events be translated into timelessness

Rating:
Summary: A "genuine" book
Review: Some authors give so much of themselves in their books, you can't help but gain by reading what they've written. This book is like that. It makes you think that life can be different -- and isn't that what we all want?

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and Potent Insight
Review: The world is as it is be because of the belief systems "hosted". Marianne maps out a new approach to formulating a new system of belief and by that I mean a change in the choice of perception, interpretation, understanding and response to our worldly experience.

The book contains great insight and is comprehensive and potent in a real world sort of way. It is not a "feel good" book which results in positive feelings evaporating when faced with real world experience. The "feel good" comes after the fact if you actually apply the principles in the real world. The book will transform you as you read it, there is no turning back once exposed and it will flip the light switch on in any mind that consumes it.

No doubt that the few that benefit from the current "system of things" based on fear and ignorance will be faced with major issues as the contents of this book reaches critical mass.

It is becoming more apparent Marianne is one of the world's great spiritual leaders not afraid to confront politics and infuse them with spirit and wisdom, and that is what this world needs spiritual leaders given a voice to rise above the ego chatter and as she mentions in the book the "audacity" to do so.

I had read about a 100 pages before I went into a business meeting where egos were just waiting to escalate into conflict, I had resolved myself to remaining quiet and peaceful and seeing all as being right from their point of view and as my self. Try as they might they could not create a conflict with me in the room, for from some where the right words came dissolving the ego's fabrications and reframing perceptions.

Oh and if you want to see a miracle in your neighborhood or at work buy copies for everyone on your street and leave them at their door steps. Leave a copy on all your coworkers desks and let the source remain a secret. Remember to give yourself a copy and act surprised. The results will be exponential.

Love & Blessings To All