Rating: Summary: A wonderful testimony of the power of A Course in Miracles Review: The Spirit had prompted me to buy A Course in Miracles three years before I read Marianne's book Return to Love. However, the Course was like Greek to me so I let it sit on the shelf. Sometimes when I passed by that shelf it felt like the book was trying to jump into my arms. I keep saying to myself, "later, I'll read it later." Then in 1993 after reading Marianne's account of the Course's message I thought, "If she can do it, I can do it." She helped me believe I could understand the Course. I decided then that even if it took the rest of my life, I would never stop trying. Well I'm happy to say that it didn't take my whole life. I can now read and understand the Course myself. It has saved my life!!!! I am eternally grateful for Marianne's courageous example. Thank you Marianne!!!!!
Rating: Summary: This book is truly a gift . . . Review: I was given a copy of A Return to Love by an acquaintance. She was a woman in the healing field, and I was seeing her due to dealing with an illness that left me disabled for many years. After I read this book and returned it to it's owner, it wasn't until years later, after having my heart severly broken, that I went to pick up a copy of it for myself.This book describles in a perfectly understable, warm, and sometimes humerous voice, what The Course in Miracles is all about. I must admit, I never heard of The Course in Miracles, and as of present, I just ordered a copy of it for myself and started reading it. Since The Course is such a technical book (and probably the most difficult to understand next to the Holy Bible), Ms. Williamson helps us out a little with outlining the basic principles and ideas of The Course in Miracles. Whether you're problem is in the area of God, love and relationships, self-esteem and self-love, money, illness . . . she touches upon them all. Just recently, I've begun to listen to some of Marianne Williamson's audio tapes, which are based on her many lectures around the world. I must say she is a captivating, charming woman who radiates intelligence and warmth -- not to mention her wonderful sense of humor. I just get such comfort from her . . . her tapes, and this book in particular. This is one of those books that you can read again and again, and continue to gain insight and peace from it. It's wonderful to have such people as Marianne Williamson bring her messages of love and peace to the people, and helping us look at ourseves and God in a different light. This is a MUST for anyone on a spiritual journey. My only complaint is that Marianne Williamson doesn't write enough books.
Rating: Summary: Pursues the spiritual, without alienating the personal. Review: A book called "A Course In Miracles" is unique in it's degree of wisdom.But, people sometimes experience it as an affront to their current belief system.Though it's authors have great wisdom, they didn't master 'people skills'.The book can leave some wondering "This isn't a cult thing, is it?".Because, the 'high and lofty' ideals can feel "too good to be true".That's where "A Return To Love" comes in.Marianne Williamson brings these high and lofty ideals 'down to earth'.In ACIM, the 'personality/individuality/emotion' element is nowhere near as well represented as the 'spirit/God' element is.But when your 'personal/individual/emotional' side is included equally well, the void and alienation feeling disappears.This is the strength of this book.It presents the 'spiritual/love/God' ideals, whilst successfully making your 'individuality' not feel like a 2nd class citizen.Respect to both aspects of existence is given(Which is not to say that ACIM intended for your individual self to be left out.No, it's merely a communication gap that the author didn't quite account for.A gap which this book succeeds in bridging). M.Williamson is the mediator between ACIM ideals and the majority population.Only a minority of people could go 'straight to' ACIM.Because of "A Return To Love", many people who initially felt ACIM to be in competition with their own wisdom, will now realize that it is no threat.Williamson is a 'people person' whose book is an invaluble option/addition to "A Course In Miracles". "Positive thinking" really is neither 'positive' nor 'negative'.It is 'truthful' thinking.Williamson shows her faith in this fact via her sombre expression on the cover photo.She is well aware that 'love' equally accompanies our sad emotions as it does our happy ones.She does away with the 'sentimental' definition of peace and harmony, replacing it with a permanently helpful 'unconditional' definition. In closing: This author brings a very lofty and intellectual piece of work down to earth, in a very compassionate expression, making it easier to relate to.Nulifying the fear factor of such far-reaching ideals.Beautiful stuff!
Rating: Summary: THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE Review: I first read this book in 1993 after seeing Marianne Williamson on Oprah. I could feel the warmth and love coming from this woman on the TV. This was a very difficult time in my life. This book helped me look at myself, but most importantly, to look at others in a different light and with a loving eye. I learned how to stop blaming people for my failures and how to see my failures and experiences as valuable lessons. This "Course in Miracles" has truly made me recognize the miracles that occur in my life daily. I wish I could personally thank Marianne Williamson.
Rating: Summary: Please read this book!! Review: I can't say how much this book has meant to me. Every time I have read it, the truth and the spiritual wisdom of Ms. Williamson's words strike deeper and deeper. She writes is a gentle flowing manner that speaks to the simplistic life of just learning how to love yourself because we are all extensions of God and the Universe and therefore are expressions of pure love. When you finally realize that in spiritual reality, all there is is love, then all your problems are immediately solved, and you finally realize these problems were never "real" in the first place.This is the "holy instant" or the miracle of "atonement" of which A Course in Miracles teaches. Even though I have never met Ms.Williamson personally, she has made more a difference in my life than anyone else.
Rating: Summary: The most Mind Stirring, Soul Touching Audio Book EVER! Review: I first came upon this Audio book about 8 years ago, and have yet to find an Audio book that reaches as deep into you as this one does. A Return to Love is a great Book, but it is a truly incredible Audio book! The tone of her voice, and the way it's spoken is so PERFECT, that you hear every word, and feel she is talking directly to "YOU"! I have listened to 100's of Audio books over the years, and STILL have not found anything close to this one. Deepak, Millman, Lucado, Dyers, Bach and as much as I hate to say it, even Mariannes other audios don't hold the magic this one does. If someone has found an audio that gets as deep into your soul as this one does, PLEASE write me and let me know what it is. If you have not listened to this audio book yet, and are looking for some spiritual enlightenment, you have no idea what your missing out on here! Buy the Tape, even if you have read the book!!! Time and time again, I have gone back and listened to this tape, and it never loses a bit of the magic I felt the first time I heard it. This Audio will remind you of so much you have forgotten through the years. The best Audio book I have EVER, EVER listened too! I have given these Tapes out many, many times as gifts to friends and got many people to listen to them, and I have yet to come across anyone that is not entirely blown away and touched deeply by them. This is an Audio Book you will listen to AGAIN, AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. ~~~~~ "MARIANNE, PLEASE DO AN UNABRIDGED VERSION OF THIS AUDIO BOOK!!!!"
Rating: Summary: An Incredibly Moving Book Written About the Subject of Love Review: It has been several years, now, since I've read this book and I'm still talking about it! This book unequivically changed my life. Marianne basically tells us, with the help of "A Course in Miracles", that LOVE is the only thing in our lives that is not an illusion. Everything else is. Think about it . . . it's so very simple, yet society tends to make things so complicated. This book helps us to look past the dysfunction in our lives and in our society and to focus on what is TRUE, what is LOVE. The other thing I like about this book is Marianne's candidness about her own life in the Introduction of the book. She's got a great sense of humor and she allows you to have comfort in knowing that she is an ordinary person, just like you and me. And her interpretation of Unconditional Love is simply beautiful! Thanks Marianne! Please write more!
Rating: Summary: Thought Changing Review: I first discovered this book 2 ½ years ago. I specifically say discovered, for it's like unearthing a treasure. I can't begin to express the impact this book made upon my life & continues to do so. Williamson explains in vivid detail how thoughts & perception can literally alter your life. Happiness isn't something we're innately in contact with, it requires cultivation, something we actively choose every moment of everyday. Anguish & suffering is a part of the human condition, but it doesn't have to consume your life. Oftentimes modern society is so consumed with success, competition, and acquiring material things, we forget the concept of joy is also a part of the human condition. We have a right to anticipate it, but it doesn't just saunter up & plop in your lap. It's labor intensive. I found concrete steps on how to redirect my energies & thoughts, and eventually my reality. What value does life hold if we can not love, permit ourselves to be loved, & be joyful? This book is the ultimate "how to" improve your consciousness book. I refer to it every time I feel a bit blue. It's really my blueprint of reaffirming or correcting my thought patterns. I've highlighted points crucial for my life & refer when necessary. Most importantly it works without fail. That is indeed the true litmus test. I also strongly recommend Williamson's various cassette lecture series. If you're weary because of some negative things you may have read about Williamson I urge the reader to disregard them. Truthfully I don't care if she has some inconsistencies in her life, don't all humans? You're not moving into her home, you just want to benefit from some profoundly wise & inspiration advice. The basic truth is, the principles she details quite simply work. I am forever grateful to her & have purchased this book for my friends. If you desire to live & not just exist, this is a great gift for yourself & loved ones. Enjoy.
Rating: Summary: Wow ! Review: Praise to this book! I was just not expecting to have it change my life! I walked into the bookstore looking for something to help me with my ocassional destructive behavior and prayed to be led to the right one. I picked this edition up, sat on the floor, and was totally taken aback with just the introduction! I devoured the book in a short time and have decided to take a second run at a much slower pace. This book helped me to put "my purpose" and my self destructive behavior in a much clearer light. My husbands tells me he has definately seen a change in my personality. I know I've changed - I feel it - I feel wonderful!
Rating: Summary: New Age Nonesense Review: Marianne Williamson is a New Ager who has found a way of capitalizing on troubled people by distorting the Bible using the book, "A Course in Miracles" as her guide to leading them to enlightenment. As an out of work actress her philosphy first appealed to the Hollywood Wackos and by word of mouth spread to the mainstream of society. Too bad Amazon doesn't have -0- star ratings. Don't waste your money on the gobbledegook.
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