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Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart: The Taoist Path through Stress and Spirituality

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It was in the early '90's that I was experiencing emotional burnout equivalent to an extended 'dark night of the soul'. It was then that I first began reading this author's work while in search of tools to bring light back into my days. Reading Dr. Seaward's books, and even hearing him speak at our Unity Church, I learned even more! I felt I had 'past the course' and could, in some ways teach it myself. Then this year I got 'sent back' a few years when problems with major surgery left me in great pain and some what homebound. Then I discovered his new book, 'Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart.' With it, I was able to take a deep breath and begin to explore hope again. I found exercises in this book that stretched and strengthen the 'muscles' of my soul. Am I 'all well'? Not yet! Have I found a path back? Most certainly! His first book, 'Stand Like Mountain' was my textbook on life that I've treasured for many years. Now, just when I most needed it, as I go though major 'winds of change' his sequel, Quiet Mind has come to give me 'winds of grace.' With humble gratitude, I encourage everyone to give themselves this reason for hope, 'A Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart.'

If you are like me, you have spent many years exploring the vast array of self-help, spiritual, and psychological "fix-it" books available. Although I definitely gleaned lots of interesting information from my countless readings, I somehow had not yet been able to fully understand the innermost workings of my own mind/heart/spirit. I had begun a journey of my own, many times over, but just kept going in circles because I couldn't find the best way to begin. Which school of thought to study in? I had begun to see similarities and overlapping messages, but I still couldn't pull everthing together and make sense of it.

I owe tremendous gratitude to Brian Luke Seaward for helping me to see farther inside myself than I'd ever been able (or dared) to before. I was first introduced to his work in late 2002. Since that time I have learned valuable lessons that have helped me to cope with extraordinarily stressful situations, deal more effectively with the unknowns in life, and to, ultimately, be more than ever someone who can still retain some sense of peace, joy and hope even living in this world as it now sits in the midst of tremendous turmoil. Mr. Seaward has graciously gathered so much priceless information here and made it understandable in theory, yet completely applicable to one's own life. This book could really be your only text for a class called "Self, Stress, and Spirituality 101".

With true sage wisdom, a smile, and a twinkling eye, he has collected the most precious jewels: teachings handed down through the ages, wonderful anecdotes, and specific exercises to help you map your course. Brian Luke provides you with a compass to bravely navigate the depths of the waters of your very own soul. If you follow the simple steps herein, you will learn to still your mind, strenghten your heart and stand tall in your divine spirit, sailing into the headwind toward a welcoming horizon of peace.

If you've got stress, a sagging spirit, or just want self-awareness, go Seaward!

Being an avid fan of Dr. Seaward's books, when Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart hit the book stand I was excited. His book, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, has been by my bedside for years; a constant source of Spiritual light to still my often troubled soul.

When his new book came out my first thought was, "How will this compare, or how can I give up what is already infusing me with Divine Wisdom.

"Wow" can only describe the excitment reading this wonderful book....Dr. Seaward's own transformed radiance flows into the words,simply bursting into my own mind and heart. The synthesis of light pouring from Quiet Mind, Fearless heart, fused light within me to truly quiet my inner turbulent waters,leaving me with a calm and peaceful clarity.

Both books now grace my bedside table, and when needing to be inspired, my heart simply chooses one or both to take me back into the light of my quiet and fearless Soul.

Thank you Dr. Seaward for your endearing gift of Spirit through wise and graceful writing.

Mary Linda Landauer
Columbus, Ohio

"Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart"

In many ways, it takes a great deal of courage and conviction to
stand up in today's society, and an unfailing commitment to one's
personal beliefs. When the markets are geared for more, and instant gratification everywhere one turns...we stress and get overloaded. A very deep and personal connection to nature and the natural environment, is in my mind, essential to staying grounded and acknowledging the truth for what it really is.

Now, more than ever before, it seems that humans are on the very threshold of change, positive change we pray for, we hunger for it, we desperately need it to nourish our souls.

In "Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart", Dr. Brian Luke Seaward shares his life's journeys and stories of uncovering the courage and conviction that reside within each of us; those "nuggets" of spirit and wisdom, faith and belief that help to bring our "fearless hearts" forward to help unlock our mind sets for new opportunities to grow and flourish.

With his profound wisdom and grace, Brian Luke Seaward carries the reader along to share in many experiences and gives specific
examples and excerises in how to calm the mind, open the heart, be open to change, have the courage to change, and how to reach the higher level of awareness that can only enrich our lives.

Had I been aware of Dr. Seaward in late 1989, 1990, and in the ensuing years, my own personal journey to "hell and back" of becoming a single Mom to three sons, would have definitely been
traveled with greater self-esteem and awareness of my own spirit and my beautiful strengths. It has been a very unique path of
self-discovery and faith, building a lot on what Dr. Seaward relates as to the "muscles of the soul."

I am filled with deep gratitude and joy to become aware that souls such as Brian Luke Seaward have such profound and positive
impact upon others. I strongly believe that his words need to be in the fore-front of todays' headlines--we need good news--we need to share in the truths that we can all become more loving,
compassionate and caring, and the steps that will get us there.

What a beautiful, contempory work of the heart's soul that has the great potential to help many in today's world. Many insightful exercises and pearls of wisdom entertwined. I heartily recommend it for great reading and soul searching!

With gratitude and thanks to you, Brian Luke Seaward!

Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart is an inspirational read. Brian Luke Seaward is a master at pulling from a vast array of resources to compile an easy to understand self-help book. It is clear that Dr. Seaward has done a vast amount of research and reading and readily shares the insights and knowledge he has gained. Whether he is conveying amazing facts about our DNA or the number of media messages the average human being is bombarded with each day or relating the ancient traditions of the Mayans or the Essences and how these traditions can be applied to the human struggles of today, he keeps us enthralled. In Quiet Mind Fearless Heart he gives us a great insight into the Hero's Journey we as humans all take and his ability to relate our journeys to ones taken by other Hero's be they real (Lance Armstrong) or born of the minds of great authors (Bilbo Baggins/Lord of the Rings) or Hollywood directors (Nemo) he brings deeper understanding to the trials and tribulations we all experience. As he quotes such notables as Carl Jung, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Joseph Campbell, Maslow, Freud or Jesus we gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in and the paths we have chosen. He uses not only ancient myths, symbolic metaphors and archetypes but the tales exemplified by Luke Skywalker and Dorothy in Kansas to help us see we are not alone but unique in the paths we have chosen. Whether he is sharing information from the Wisdom Keepers or from a former student we can easily see the relevance these stories play in our lives. Quiet Mind Fearless Heart is filled with simple exercises and meditations that are of great benefit to those who are either in the middle of a major life crisis or those just dealing with the life issues encounter each and every day. Dr. Seaward indicates humor is one of the best coping mechanisms for stress and there are humorous tidbits found through out the chapters. Because stress is an unavoidable phenomenon today I highly recommend this book to everyone - young and old. Dr. Brian Luke Seaward is articulate in his words, imaginative in his ability to encourage us to find our way and compassionate in helping us to understand the human condition. The insights can be profound. Dr. Seaward has a gift with the English language that touches you to your soul.

This book was my introduction to Brian Luke Seaward who has an absolutely marvelous style of writing that is warm and practical yet sprinkled with humor. Over the past twenty years or so I have sought information from various sources on leading a balanced, healthy lifestyle--both emotionally and physically. This book has many insights about leading such a life but is done in such a refreshingly honest, delightful way. The sensibility of Brian Luke Seaward made it seem as though I had found a kind friend who was gently guiding me through some of life's harsh realities and reassuring me that life needn't be so stressful. I'm sure many other "gems of wisdom and inspiration" are to be found in his previous books which I anticipate reading. Thanks to you, Dr. Seaward, for sharing your life experiences with those lucky enough to pick up one of your books!

This book makes claim of an attempt to integrate Taoism and Joeseph Campbell's research into the substrates of mythology. I have interest in both Taoism and Campbell's writings but found nothing compelling or particularly interesting about this book. It seems to me bite-sized tidbits and antedotes of reactions to things the author heard on NPR, factoids and loosely illustrative personal accounts comprise the bulk of this book. These choppy paragraghs of "insight" are just a fuzzy nebula of the degree to which these ideologies can be overlaid. Associations do not necessarily cohere. While some bits may be thought provoking, most of the text is New Age/Self-Help pulp which tries to incorporate and transcend Eastern Philosohpys, doing justice to neither. There's a good amount of poised ego and hubris in the voice of the author, which doesn't feel Taoist. I see the author at Vic's Espresso in Boulder, sitting and having epiphanies into his laptop. Good for him.

Finding true inspirational teachings on life is not an easy task.
Brian Luke Seaward's relections on living are simple and to the point. The lack of spirituality leads to stress--The lack of stress reflects spirituality.

I happen to come across this book a few weeks ago at a local bookstore. The title and cover caught my eye. I had never heard of the author, but was intrigued. Like so many people I am going through a time time with cancer. I found the author's writing style extremely warm and his knowledge quite impressive. To me the exercises in the book were the most helpful. His words and insights have given me a new found hope in my own journey. The intertwining of Taoism and Joseph Campbell (a favorite of mine) was unique and quite refreshing. I highly recommend this book to everyone, particularly if you are looking for answers to some of life's more difficult questions. I can see where this would make a nice gift too.

I have read books by Wayne dyer, jon kabot-zinn and deepak chopra but I find seaward's writing style is like having a conversation with a wise and friendly sage. His knowledge of stress and spirituality is unquestionably the best and it's clear that he is sincere and genuine with his message.I found this book to be the essence of practical taoism- which is to say a fine balance of theory and examples, concepts and exercises,and he has a great sense of humor, which is so refreshing in this time of global stress. I highly recommend this book for anyone, like me, who is grieving the loss of a spouse, or navigating the shoals of life's difficulties.(and it's obvious to me that the reviewer for publisher's weekly didn't read the book!)