Here I Am: Using Jewish Spiritual Wisdom to Become More Present, Centered, and Available for Life [Paperback]

Leonard Felder (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 30, 2011

During stressful times, it’s easy to get caught up in feeling anxious, tense, foggy, and overloaded. Here, a popular psychologist shares easy-to-use techniques for managing and rebalancing these emotions and helps you to find your calm, strong center. Dr. Leonard Felder draws from his work with clients over the last thirty years, and incorporates traditional Jewish prayers and blessings that have been used for centuries to refocus the mind. The author has a long history of multi-faith counseling and dialogue and has made these stress-management practices resonant with people of all religious backgrounds who are looking for more awareness, clarity, and calmness when faced with stress-related emotions.

In this book you'll learn how to:

   • Regain your equilibrium when you feel pulled in too many directions
   • Outsmart your moody, anxious brain
   • Know when to intervene and when to let go in a situation
   • Respond with wisdom when someone treats you harshly
   • Find inner quiet and peace when you feel agitated
   • And much more



In each chapter, Felder includes examples drawn from his client's experiences and explanations from mind-body psychology and neuroscience to support the effectiveness of this kind of mindfulness practice.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.shambhala.com/images/illus/HereIAm_DiscussionGuide.pdf">Click here to view this book's Discussion Guide</a>.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book will help people. Dr. Felder finds useful responses to modern problems in ancient wisdom.”—Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

“Dr. Leonard Felder has a marvelous talent for illuminating profound wisdom teachings in a way that readers can understand personally and bring into their lives to nurture and deepen their own spiritual practices.”—Rabbi David A. Cooper, author of God Is a Verb  

“I always feel warmly about self-help books that suggest things I’m tempted to try. Leonard Felder’s simple, engaging book on using Jewish spiritual techniques for stress relief falls into that category for me. As a self-help book on stress management for Jews and non-Jews, Felder encourages readers to fill in whatever terms they wish for ‘God’ and ‘soul’ and provides lots of alternatives; but for Jews who are comfortable with these terms, this book offers a double reward—both as a mindful therapeutic practice and as a way of reconnecting to Jewish prayer.”—Reform Judaism magazine

About the Author

Leonard Felder, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in West Los Angeles who has written twelve books on personal growth that have sold over one million copies. He leads discussions and workshops throughout the country at both synagogues and churches, and numerous interfaith events. He has also appeared on over 200 radio and television programs, including Oprah, The Today Show, CNN, The CBS Early Show, NBC Nightly News, National Public Radio, Canada AM, and BBC London. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Trumpeter; First Edition edition (August 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590308441
• ISBN-13: 978-1590308448
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #618,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Using mysticism to get rid of tension August 30, 2011

By Israel Drazin TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Leonard Felder, a Los Angeles licensed psychologist, who appeared on over 200 radio and television programs, offers his readers an eight part easy to follow program to rid people of stressful situations, control their emotions, and make them holy. His method, as the final term "holy" suggests is based upon his understanding of the teachings of Jewish mysticism. He assures his readers that his ideas can help people of all faiths. His methods include meditations and prayers, as well as scientific techniques.

His first solution, for example, focuses on the biblical statement, said by the prophet Samuel and others when they were called by God: "Here I Am." He explains how using his technique can help people change their focus from one that stresses them to one that puts them at ease.

His fourth teaching, to cite another example, teaches his readers how to let go or, at least, reduce a person's involvement. This is one of the prime reasons for stress.

His second lesson involves a phenomenon that most people do not know exist, the Zeigarnik Effect. The human brain focuses on what is incomplete or negative. Thus when people see a bunch of random sentences, they forget the majority of coherent sentences and the brain concentrates on the sentences with missing words or incomplete thoughts. This trait is generally good because the brain is problem solving. But in the wrong context, it can depress people who are unable to forget what they did wrong while they don't remember the many things they did right. Felder explains how to overcome this natural phenomenon.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jewish Sources for Mindfulness--And More September 9, 2011

By Judith Rivin

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

No matter what one's religion (or lack of), this book offers grounded spirituality and practical guidance for life's biggest challenges. Right now the chapter "When Someone Treats You Harshly" is giving me a new perspective and new tools. After many years I've made unexpected shifts in dealing with a difficult person.

This book uses Jewish spiritual sources to create mindfulness. It's both extremely accessible and deep. The best "therapy"; the best guidance, I've had in years. The book and discussion guide provides an excellent framework for a support group.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read September 12, 2011

By Daniel J. Sterling

Format:Paperback

Here I Am... is a carefully crafted guide to help one deal with many of the stressful situations in life. I have used some of the methods Dr. Felder presents personally and in volunteer work counseling seniors. They work! I gained valuable insight into all of the methods and their applicability from the many examples drawn from his own counseling work.
The writing is very clear and informal.The loving care he takes with us, his audience, with his clients, with others he talks about is beautiful to see/feel and,for me, very inspiring

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jewish Meditation Primer for Everyone May 24, 2012

By Lynda Lippin VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I wasn't expecting too much from this book. I have been reading Judaica, and Jewish Spirituality and meditation books for the last 15 years and there isn't too much I haven't come across. This book manages to present short, easy to understand and implement meditative practices that are ecumenical yet grounded in the spiritual practice of Judaism. The "Hineini. Here I Am" meditation alone is worth the price of the book. It's that effective!

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional study group material. March 2, 2013

By Lyn and Dale Fox

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Very thought provoking. I would highly recommend it for two or more to discuss... Topics are real-life experiences we've all gone through.

5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful Book February 5, 2013

By Daisy Lewis

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Loved this book --- it had spiritual advice, but with a non-denominational flavor --- very insightful & enjoyed trying what the author suggested.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good easy to read book July 10, 2012

By Highland Park

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book and hope to read it again. I wish I bought the hard copy though becasue there are sections I would like to refer back too but too hard to do on the kindle.