Embracing the Beloved : Relationship as a Path of Awakening

Rating:
Summary: Want something -really- challenging? This Is It.
Review: Of all the relationship books we've seen and used, this one is unique and dear to us.

Once you've got talking techniques and fair fighting methods down, and you've figured out what planet you're from, this book will help you take the next step in relationship. For those of you wishing to go beyond the nuts and bolts of relationship to a transformed way of inter-being, this book is perhaps the most lucid, light-filled, and compassionate description of the steps along the path.

Eminently practical, do-able, and relevant, the Levines outline multiple pathways to a deeper spiritual relationship with your partner - and with yourself. As well, anyone in the process of considering ending a relationship will find healing and hope in the chapter on conscious separation. Those currently unattached will find opportunities for deep learning and healing in preparation for their next relationship.

There is a lifetime of study in this book, or as the Levines say, this is the work of a lifetime. It may take a while to "get it". Persevere: the effort is well worth it! The potential in your relationship is glorious!

Rating:
Summary: One ought not "dis" an icon, but . . .
Review: This book bored both my husband and myself . . . and we're eclectic readers, hard to turn off once we've committed to a book. Levine's earlier work is good, but IMHO by now success has gone to his head. Take a "Marriage Enrichment" course or something, but don't waste your $ on this book.

Rating:
Summary: One ought not "dis" an icon, but . . .
Review: This book bored both my husband and myself . . . and we're eclectic readers, hard to turn off once we've committed to a book. Levine's earlier work is good, but IMHO by now success has gone to his head. Take a "Marriage Enrichment" course or something, but don't waste your $ on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Intimacy's Joys and Challenges
Review: This book is a treasure, one that I will return to over time as Life's different lessons surface to challenge me. The authors present the many questions that arise from relationships beautifully, grounding them in the necessary but often-belittled work we must do on ourselves, alone as well as with another. Viewing the relationship entity itself as a third partner, the Beloved, helps in recognizing that we each interact not only with our partner, but also with the energy of partnership as though it were an individual. The chapters can be read either sequentially or separately as their specific energies are needed. In fact, I think the stand-alone nature of the chapters makes the book particularly useful. The meditations also work well whether you do them progressively or return to them as you feel the need for a specific meditation's strengths.

Most importantly, the book focuses on the importance of consciousness at all levels of relationship. The authors manage to make the book germane whether or not the reader is engaged in a relationship at the moment. Those who are in a relationship can use the book to deepen their bond and understand one another. Those leaving a relationship can use it to learn and heal. Anyone can benefit from the familiarity that comes from consciously examining their relationship persona and its impact on interactions with others.

Especially poignant is the chapter on conscious closure of relationship, providing insight and great support when saying goodbye to loved ones, whether the parting occurs through death or a decision to go separate ways. Understanding the importance of forgiveness and the role of ritual in taking affirmative steps towards making peace with partings is empowering. The authors gently address the pain of closure, and provide concrete examples that can help to ease the hurt while opening yourself up to the new beginning birthed by every goodbye.

Rating:
Summary: Intimacy's Joys and Challenges
Review: What can one say about a study so profound, so in-depth and so passionately presented? This book of knowledge goes well beyond the relationship between two individuals. It guides the vision of oneself inward to the place where the whole personality can be found. If one so desires, the guiding hand of this study will walk with them through the twisting, churning pathways of cluttered, patterned thoughts to the freedom of the 'inner we.' It is in the answer of the discovery of me, myself and I that the inner sharing of oneself can truly be realized. The 'workings' of the Levine's is the unadulterated truth of postive energy at its highest level.