Embracing the Present: Living an Awakened Life

Rating:
Summary: A companion book to the first which offers excellent insight
Review: I caught the tail end of a radio interview with the author talking about this book. I thought it would be one of those "stop and smell the roses" numbers. It was that, but soooo much more. The author shares what he learned while going through a series spiritual "awakenings". The core concept he emphasizes is the importance of embracing the present: being in the moment as opposed to obsessing about the past or imagining the future where fear, neediness, anger, expectation and hurt reside. He explains that there is peace and love in the present. He also writes about control, the fear of being alone, relationships, judgement and the roles they play in our lives. As I was reading this book, I was reminded of a Zen saying that I had heard once, "When the student is ready, the teachers will come". I feel stronger, calmer and more centered as a result of reading and adopting the concepts in this book. I was really searching for that in my life. O! ne cool thing is that this book seems to speak to that part of you that already knows the truth, but is usually ignored once "reason" and reaction take over.

Rating:
Summary: Read if you're ready...
Review: jacobson's "teachings" are so lucid, so simple, so zen-like, that one might miss the inner core of what he's expressing if one is looking for more convoluted, complicated, "sophisticated," teachings(e.g., ken wilbur). i have utilized this material in my work with psychotherapy clients and continue to explore, at depth, this material in my own healing. i have his other book and do not find the material repititious, but rather expansive and all-inclusive. highly, highly recommended to all on a path of joy and healing.

Rating:
Summary: The Real Deal
Review: Leonard Jacobson's writing reminds me of a friends observation - "People with knowledge write books. People with wisdom write poetry". Leonard has wisdom. Most pages have short paragraphs that carry an essential truth in a digestible form. If you like Ekhardt Tolle' you ought to read this. It's clearer and somehow communicates deeper.

Rating:
Summary: Read if you're ready...
Review: We all know that there is an inevitable contradiction in trying to live in the present moment. Because trying involves some extent of dissatisfaction of the present state, the moment we try to do anything, we cease to live in the present moment. Although I have no doubt that this book, along with many other books that are designed to help us live in the present moment was written with the best of intentions, there is no way around this contradiction. The most writers, teachers, and leaders can do is help people become more aware of their own experiences and hope they are ready for such a transformation in their consciousness. This book is indeed a book that helps us do this (if we are at the right stage). If you are reading this review, you are most likely interested in this material and perhaps you are interested in it because you are ready for such a transformation (or perhaps not). If you truly feel in your heart that this book is right for you at this time, it may help you transform your life. If it does not feel right, I might recommend "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato since it speaks to a wider range of developmental stages. Sato's fascinating book is quite revolutionary and it might change your understanding of life quite radically so be warned if you decide to read it.

Rating:
Summary: From disappointment to gratitude
Review: When I first recieved this book, I was put off by the layout with some pages only having a line or two on them--like a poetry book. But then I got into the content. In just the first 50 pages, the author displayed different takes on things that had puzzled me for years and that no other self-help book had revealed to me before. Priceless stuff.