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119 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical strategies for improving well-being, October 29, 2007
This review is from: How to Heal Toxic Thoughts: Simple Tools for Personal Transformation (Hardcover)
Author Sandra Ingerman is a therapist and self-described shaman practitioner. In her introduction to this book, she explains that shamanism is an ancient form of spiritual healing, and she talks about how shamans help address what is going on "beyond the skin," or at the unseen level of the spirit. More simply put, Ingerman suggests that instead of appropriately expressing our negative energy (eg, making a statement such as "I am frustrated"), we frequently and harmfully project our negative energy out into the world. Therefore, her book strives to teach readers to change their patterns of reaction and to transform their negative energy into something more positive.
Although the above might sound overly mystical or new-agey, in reality, Ingerman's book is quite practical. It is filled with helpful exercises, many of which are similar to techniques I use in my work as a psychologist. The very first exercise involves simply breathing deeply into the abdomen (aka diaphragmatic breathing) and reflecting; other breathing exercises utilize conscious breathing to attain calm or balance. Many of the exercises also employ various visualization techniques, but again, these are presented in a fairly concrete, straightforward manner (eg, imagining a place in nature that you love). Ingerman incorporates additional modalities as well, from those that are more verbally-oriented (words of energy, decree statements, and journal writing) to those that are a bit more abstract (various protective techniques used to shield yourself from negativism in a toxic world).
One of the things I liked best about this book was Ingerman's emphasis on choice--ie, although things happen to us that we cannot control, we can ALWAYS choose how we respond to the events around us. This is something I frequently discuss with my clients, as acknowledging choice can go a long way towards reducing depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Although some people might shy away from the somewhat spiritual nature of this book, it is a well-done self-help guide offering clear, simple guidelines for moving towards greater positive well-being in your life, and it is likely to appeal to a wide audience.
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95 of 96 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Find the Light in You and Let it Shine", October 25, 2007
This review is from: How to Heal Toxic Thoughts: Simple Tools for Personal Transformation (Hardcover)
Sandra Ingerman lays before us a banquet of methods to renew, enlarge, and explore the boundaries of our potential in body, mind and spirit in "How to Heal Toxic Thoughts." It is so filled with ideas for change that work, and is so imbued with a positive vitality, that no matter what your state of mind is when you start this splendid book, you will find it transforming. Ingerman gives you exercises to implement her methods that are valuable, and I especially appreciate the plant experiment on page 28, which makes people "...become more conscious of the energy behind their thoughts and emotions throughout the day." The words we use, our intentions, and our reactions, all have an enormous impact not only for us, but those we interact with and think about, and Ingerman gives us step by step instructions to make the necessary changes within and without.
How do I know Ingerman's ideas for change work? Because I have used similar processes over many years to heal my mind and soul, and here they all are, in one superb little book. And no matter how far one has come in achieving inner peace and surrounding oneself with positive energies, there is always higher ground to go to, and more growth and improvement to be made. I am sure that wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you will find at least one life-changing jewel in this book. For me it was in Chapter 3, where I learned to "breathe through my heart." Another beautiful visualization for me was on page 93, where it is told how the Native American Chumash tribe "surround their energy in a blue protective egg."
This small but mighty book has a lovely layout, nice readable print, and good quality paper. Sandra Ingerman is a marriage and family therapist living in New Mexico, and has written several other books which I look forward to reading. May she always walk in beauty!
"It is who we become, not what we do, that changes the world" (page 107).
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77 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elise Cummiskey O.M., April 27, 2007
This review is from: How to Heal Toxic Thoughts: Simple Tools for Personal Transformation (Hardcover)
What I love about Sandra Ingerman's books is that she always gives us ways to go about making the changes we need. We are not left hanging with a problem with no solution . Her sugestions are so clear and make so much sense. All her suggestions are doable and sustainable . This is what the world needs now solutions that clear out the negative sludge and replace it with positive action. I loved this book and I am passing it on .
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