Rating: 
Summary: Book review of WAY OF HARMONY
Review: At the outset, I acknowledge that I have known Dr. Jim Dreaver, the author, for many years. He is a good friend and sometimes teacher, so my perspective is not entirely unbiased.Nonetheless, I think Jim has done a very fine job with his latest work, THE WAY OF HARMONY. It is not the most cutting edge or original work on personal growth that I have ever seen (and what truly is original in spiritual matters?) However, it IS one of the clearest, most succinct and easy-to-understand guidebooks to contemporary living. This book would seem particularly useful for beginners in introspection and self-awareness, because it is so straightforward and comprehensible, free of jargon and far-fetched theories. The exercises are practical and uncomplicated, and can be useful even for readers with busy schedules and complicated lifestyles. On the other hand, more experienced and advanced seekers may sometimes be startled at the depth and profundity of some of Jim's insights, presented so concisely and unassumingly that they appear deceptively simple. This style is greatly aided by Jim's forthright disclosure of his personal experience and struggles. He is obviously not a novice, and "knows wherefore he speaks". Finally, I appreciated Jim's willingness - and ability - to tackle difficult issues that most of us face as we attempt to live more consciously and spiritually: money, relationships, and careers. I found these chapters particularly relevant. I hope Jim will continue writing and sharing his insights. His growing reputation as a thoughtful and thought-provoking teacher is appropriate, and well-deserved.
Rating:
Summary: Book review of WAY OF HARMONY
Review: At the outset, I acknowledge that I have known Dr. Jim Dreaver, the author, for many years. He is a good friend and sometimes teacher, so my perspective is not entirely unbiased. Nonetheless, I think Jim has done a very fine job with his latest work, THE WAY OF HARMONY. It is not the most cutting edge or original work on personal growth that I have ever seen (and what truly is original in spiritual matters?) However, it IS one of the clearest, most succinct and easy-to-understand guidebooks to contemporary living. This book would seem particularly useful for beginners in introspection and self-awareness, because it is so straightforward and comprehensible, free of jargon and far-fetched theories. The exercises are practical and uncomplicated, and can be useful even for readers with busy schedules and complicated lifestyles. On the other hand, more experienced and advanced seekers may sometimes be startled at the depth and profundity of some of Jim's insights, presented so concisely and unassumingly that they appear deceptively simple. This style is greatly aided by Jim's forthright disclosure of his personal experience and struggles. He is obviously not a novice, and "knows wherefore he speaks". Finally, I appreciated Jim's willingness - and ability - to tackle difficult issues that most of us face as we attempt to live more consciously and spiritually: money, relationships, and careers. I found these chapters particularly relevant. I hope Jim will continue writing and sharing his insights. His growing reputation as a thoughtful and thought-provoking teacher is appropriate, and well-deserved.
Rating:
Summary: The Way Of Harmony
Review: Dr. Dreaver's book, "The Way Of Harmony", is appropriately named. It provides useful guidance for living a balanced life in language that is simple, direct and accessible. Drawing on the wisdom of ancient teaching traditions, this book provides practical guidance for meditation and other tools which are needed for living well while maintaining our relationship to spirit. I highly recommend this book both for the novice and experienced seekers alike. For the novice it offers new insights into old problems which have not responded well to traditional western approaches. For those who already have some experience with meditation and the search for balance, this book offers an excellent review and reminder of things already learned.
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Summary: Insightful Book
Review: I found this book to be well-written, depthful and a delight to read. The Dr. Dreaver offers important insights to help live more fully and optimize our health, relationships, and financial well-being. He displays a depth of understanding that comes out of his own experience. In one section, he invites us to "live in percepts, not concepts." Encouraging us to get out of our heads and into our experience, he suggests tha we "practice the art of pure perception, of being the consciousness, the space in which objects appear." This enables us to trust the wisdom of our bodily lived experience, rather than live in our judgments and beliefs. This book is excellent for both the beginner to the spiritual path and those who want to deepen their understanding and apply it consciously to their lives. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Way of Harmony
Review: I have just finished reading Dr. Dreaver's new book, The Way of Harmony. It is so easy to relate to and his very practical methods and exercises helped me release several challenges I was facing in my life. Dr. Dreaver's stories from his own life make this far more than just another how to book. I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from the words in this book and highly recommend it! 5 Stars Plus!
Rating:
Summary: The Way of Harmony
Review: Jim Dreaver has been teaching people about the connection between body, mind, and spirit for more than twenty years. His latest book, The Way of Harmony: Walking the Inner Path to Balance, Happiness, and Success, is intended to help people "clear away any conflict or confusion in your mind, harmonize the energy in your body, and tap into the joy that is your true nature." Dreaver says that people are not their thoughts or emotions, and that the spiritual and material are not separate, but part of one reality. He calls this the "core insight," and he has devoted his book to explaining how each person can use this insight to balance and enrich their lives. He starts with an explanation of how to let go of physical tension and worry, so that healing energy is free to flow throughout the body. He then moves to the mind, emphasizing that "the body and mind are not separate." What affects one also affects the other. After that he discusses ways to waken spirituality, followed by creating harmonious relationships. He says that "people struggle with their relationships so often because they don't really know themselves. Relationships are relatively effortless when you know who you are, when you are inwardly free." Dreaver finishes with chapters discussing work and money. Contrary to what many people believe, it isn't necessary to give up material pleasures in order to be spiritually rich. He says that "a spirituality that is divorced from the social and economic realities of our age doesn't serve anyone," warning however that "if your spiritual well-being depends on how much money you have, you're not free." Money is like everything else--it needs to be in balance with life. What he wants people to understand, Dreaver says, is "that you are not your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, personal history--nor are you your work. It is this understanding that will set you free and allow you to move in the world . . . without stress, with genuine ease and balance." In The Way of Harmony, he provides practical guidelines to achieve that understanding and balance.
Rating:
Summary: The Way of Harmony
Review: Jim Dreaver has been teaching people about the connection between body, mind, and spirit for more than twenty years. His latest book, The Way of Harmony: Walking the Inner Path to Balance, Happiness, and Success, is intended to help people "clear away any conflict or confusion in your mind, harmonize the energy in your body, and tap into the joy that is your true nature." Dreaver says that people are not their thoughts or emotions, and that the spiritual and material are not separate, but part of one reality. He calls this the "core insight," and he has devoted his book to explaining how each person can use this insight to balance and enrich their lives. He starts with an explanation of how to let go of physical tension and worry, so that healing energy is free to flow throughout the body. He then moves to the mind, emphasizing that "the body and mind are not separate." What affects one also affects the other. After that he discusses ways to waken spirituality, followed by creating harmonious relationships. He says that "people struggle with their relationships so often because they don't really know themselves. Relationships are relatively effortless when you know who you are, when you are inwardly free." Dreaver finishes with chapters discussing work and money. Contrary to what many people believe, it isn't necessary to give up material pleasures in order to be spiritually rich. He says that "a spirituality that is divorced from the social and economic realities of our age doesn't serve anyone," warning however that "if your spiritual well-being depends on how much money you have, you're not free." Money is like everything else--it needs to be in balance with life. What he wants people to understand, Dreaver says, is "that you are not your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, personal history--nor are you your work. It is this understanding that will set you free and allow you to move in the world . . . without stress, with genuine ease and balance." In The Way of Harmony, he provides practical guidelines to achieve that understanding and balance.
Rating:
Summary: Looking for a Gift? Give the Gift of "Being Present"
Review: There is no greater gift than being a part of someone's life when they are ready to "shift" to a new level of awareness. I found The Way of Harmony to be a helpful tool in my journey, thank you Jim. As a yoga, pranayama and meditation guide to many beautiful people I found this book to be uplifting, joyful and a reminder that the truth of you who are is uncomplicated, easy to access, and can be taught by anyone, even Jim's son Adam is a wonderful teacher in the book. If you enjoyed BE HERE NOW from the 70's you will love the simplicity and the depth of The Way of Harmony. I came on line only to order more copies as birthday gifts for my sons and read all the reviews, couldn't agree more with all of them. Thanks to Jim for taking the time, and being so honest with "who" he is, it helps all of us, bless you and your son Jim. Namaste, Susan
Rating:
Summary: Looking for a Gift? Give the Gift of "Being Present"
Review: There is no greater gift than being a part of someone's life when they are ready to "shift" to a new level of awareness. I found The Way of Harmony to be a helpful tool in my journey, thank you Jim. As a yoga, pranayama and meditation guide to many beautiful people I found this book to be uplifting, joyful and a reminder that the truth of you who are is uncomplicated, easy to access, and can be taught by anyone, even Jim's son Adam is a wonderful teacher in the book. If you enjoyed BE HERE NOW from the 70's you will love the simplicity and the depth of The Way of Harmony. I came on line only to order more copies as birthday gifts for my sons and read all the reviews, couldn't agree more with all of them. Thanks to Jim for taking the time, and being so honest with "who" he is, it helps all of us, bless you and your son Jim. Namaste, Susan
Rating:
Summary: An exquisite book about realizing one's potential
Review: This is one of the best books I've read about rediscovering our highest potential in a long time. The author writes lucidly from his own experience and provides wonderful insights and tools for awakening to what it means to be truly alive. I felt a sense of joy and recognition from the first page.
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