Review of It's Not About the Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance (Hardcover)

This is a really different way of looking at money.The author gets you to think about what emotional reactions you have to common financial situations (e.g. I hate thinking about money, I love piling it up, I WANT that car!).Basically he says we might feel manyof these at various times, and the way we were raised may have a lot to do with the dominant patterns.Then asks if acting on those emotional impulses is really working for you.Without criticizing, he gives ideas on ways to lighten up on yourself, how to get out of your rut...and states that often just trying a different behavior, and observing that the world doesn't come to an end, allows you to get increasing control of your reactions over time rather than always being driven by your unconscious drives (or your parents' unconscious drives).

It's really easy, fun reading.As I read about the eight "archetypes" or common patterns he points out, I admit I felt a bit superior to some...but when he got to my main pattern it was scary how accurate he was!Actually several patterns can apply to a person at different times or in different situations, so there's a lot of hands-on advice.(The little online quiz took about 2 minutes and confirmed pretty much how I'd classified myself using the book.)

The interweaving of Eastern thought and quotations was interesting without being gimmicky.I got a lot out of this book and I'm no spiritual guru.

At the back is a "Conscious Investor" chapter that I thought would be a rehash of every other financial self-help book.But instead of the usual "you can beat the market" cheerleading, it's a clear explanation of a pretty rational way to invest.The appendix "Nuts and Bolts" is like a one-chapter basic financial advice book...the key things to know or find out about, without having to read a whole book.(This chapter's about the money at least.)

Bottom line, it's useful, thought-provoking, fun without being insubstantial, and gives concrete advice for managing your irrational relationship to money...and pointers on money nuts and bolts too.



Click Here to see more reviews about: It's Not About the Money: Unlock Your Money Type to Achieve Spiritual and Financial Abundance (Hardcover)

Review of What's Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West (Hardcover)

The first few reviews of this book written by my fellow Amamzonians were exactly what I expected to read. Reviewer Tom Swift spouts racists nonsense about " total world conquest ", while Mohammed Irfan Shariff toes the ultra conservative Sunni line that condemns anything Sufi.

Tragically it seems that prevailing views, both within the Muslim world and without, have effectively smothered the voice of rational, forward thinking, Islam.

Feisal Abdul Rauf presents the reader with a very well laid out, well crafted, highly logical and even handed presentation of the challenges that face Islamic nations and the rest of the world as we try ( some of us at least ) to find ways to coexist in mutually beneficial ways. Personally, there wasn't anything in this book that I hadn't read or experienced previously. The history of the rise and spread of Islam has been written about by many authors, each with his or her particular bias. What the good Imam has done however, is to provide a wonderfully thorough context in which to examine the history of Islam via vis it's relationship with the western world.

I challenge Tom Swift to attend Friday prayers at his local mosque. What he will experience is a sincerely warm greeting and a willingness to share very openly about Islam's core beliefs. I did this back in the late 90's and was deeply moved, not only by the personal contact, but by the Imam's firm declaration that the United States was, and I quote, " the best place in the world to be a Muslim ". I respectfully remind Mohammed Irfan Shariff, that many of Islam's greatest achievements in science and philosophy were accomplished by Sufis and that many of the world's Sufis are devoted to the Qur'an and are deeply observant Muslims.

The author ends this book with numerous, realistic, well considered recommendations, that will in all likelihood never see the light of day. Frankly, the status quo of mistrust and hostility are very important to many of our world's leaders. If they can't distract us by pointing a finger at the" evil other ", their own corruption and incompetence will be exposed. It's easier to hate, and it turns out it's much more financially remunerative, too. Even the media ( particularly in the USA ) has given up on in depth reporting in favor of slickly delivered shards of violent, negative images. Evidently, there's no profit in peace.

Still, I recommend this book very sincerely. If things are ever going to get better in this tragedy filled world, it will be people like Feisal Abdul Rauf who will show us the way.

I'll end this review with a personal note. I found myself in Malaysia in February 2004.Given the fact that Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim nation, and that my country was pursuing a highly unpopular war in Iraq, I was a bit apprehensive as to how I would be received. What I found was a people who went out of their way to assure me that the Malaysian people didn't hold individual Americans responsible for their government's policies. It was made very clear to me that to treat a guest with anything other than generosity and respect was un-Islamic.



Click Here to see more reviews about: What's Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West (Hardcover)

Review of Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today (Paperback)

In "Wisdom Distilled from the Daily", Joan Chittister modernizes the Rule of Saint Benedict and applies it to modern living.Each chapter covers a different aspect of the Rule, including such topics as prayer,work, mindfulness, hospitality, peace, and listening.

Her stories fromthe desert sages are wonderful and extremely funny, and several of herinsights are insightful and very helpful.I found the chapter on obediencein particular to be one of the most pithy, eloquent, and well-writtensummaries on such a loaded topic that I have ever encountered.One cantell that she is a clinical psychologist from that chapter!

The onlycriticisms I have are that the content is definitely dated:many of herspecific images no longer apply, especially in world politics, her languageis occasionally didactic and flat."Prayer is not magic.Prayer isnot..." and so on.Also, a minor linguistic point:she tends tostart each chapter with an image, relate the image to the topic, discussthe topic, and then return to the image. This is fine for occasional use,but grates on repetition.Also, those not familiar with Christianity,especially with monastic communities might want to do some backgroundreading first, as some of the images are quite specific.Overall, a veryinteresting discussion on how to apply the Rule of St. Benedict to today'sworld.

Product Description
Wise and enduring spiritual guidelines for everyday living -- as relevant today as when The Rule was originally conceived by St. Benedict in fifth century Rome.

From the Publisher
An examination of how the Rule of St. Benedict is still a relevant model for contemporary spiritual growth and connecting with God, with others, and with the inner self.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today (Paperback)