Customer Reviews

Serenity: Simple Steps for Recovering Peace of Mind, Real Happiness, and Great Relationships

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Many of you know me as the author and co-author of the Positive Discipline series, but you may not know that my favorite book that I have written is the newly released "Serenity."

The philosophy discussed in Serenity has changed my life more than anything I have ever studied, and greatly influenced the many revisions of the Positive Discipline books. I first self-published this book with the title "Understanding: Eliminating Stress in Life and Relationships." It became very popular in recovery groups in Minneapolis (the manager of Charlie Orr's bookstore said it was the only book he ordered 200 at a time), so I changed the title for the next printing to "Understanding: Eliminating Stress and Finding Serenity in Life and Relationships." It was picked up by Prima Publishing and continued to sell well until they decided to try giving it another boost by changing the title to "From hereto Serenity." That title did not do well and all and the book went out of print. Since it is my favorite, I self-published again with the title "Understanding Serenity." A very short time later, Conari Press decided to publish the present edition as "Serenity" the subtitle is Simple Steps for Recovering Peace of Mind, Real Happiness, and Great Relationships."

I want to share just a few comments from others who have found this book as transforming as I have:

I want to thank you for the insights you provide in your incredible book, From Here to Serenity. I am trying to apply the principles you teach in every aspect of my life right now. I feel like I need to carry it around with me constantly to remind myself not to listen to my crazy thoughts, but to my heart instead. Barb McK

I admire your great knowledge and ability to write from your heart. Your book is amazing, just LOVE IT! Blanka Williams

One day I heard the podcast about "Understanding Serenity" (or whatever it's called now.) I wanted to pull over and buy it at the first bookstore I could find. I read through it voraciously. It covers so much of what I've been working on in terms of my self-development. I love the many analogies you give in the hope that one "rings true" for the reader. Thank you. You inspire me. Debbie Ramirez

I read your book on Understanding Serenity. Phenomenal! Barbara Helms-Bot

I'm reading From Here to Serenity and it has already had a "miraculous" effect on me. Usually I race through a new book, but I want to read this one slowly and "feel" each new insight... let myself experience each warm blanket of understanding before I move on to the next. Mary Parker

Jane Nelsen's 'Serenity' does what it promises: it delivers clear advice for recovering peace of mind, real happiness, and great relationships. 'Serenity' is philosophically reminiscient of Mills and Suarez' "Sanity, Insanity, and Common Sense," and Richard Carlson's "You Can Be Happy No Matter What!" Nelsen delivers similar explanations of the principles of thought and reality, and her explanations are just as clear and well thought-out.

Nelsen offers a deep understanding of the nature of psychological problems and problem-solving. Nelsen explores the basic nature of problem formation by exploring the negative and painful states of mind in which problems often arise. We often, according to Nelsen, struggle with painful problems, and feel as though we must fix our problems in order to return to a more relaxed state of mind. However, we are usually unable to fix our problems, or marshall the confidence and help that we need, in a troubled and distressed state of mind. Unwilling to allow ourselves to return to a state of relative peace, we often remain in a state of distress and are unable to solve the problems we believe we must solve in order to end our distress!

Nelsen argues: we should never feel afraid to privelege, support, and believe in the importance of a serene state of mind. She gently de-centers our common understanding of "problems" as fixed and static realities. She points out that we experience different realities depending on the fluctuations in our moods and thoughts. By questioning the idea that there is a fixed, definite reality 'out there,' which necessitates a fixed emotional reaction 'in here,' we are free to prioritize helpful, relaxed states of mind and helpful, compassionate and action-oriented styles of thought.

While maintaining a philosophical stance related to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychology of Mind, Jane Nelsen's work is highly integrationist. She strongly encourages her readers to fully use any self-help or psychological approach which is of benefit to them. She even speaks highly of "inner-child work," which some psychologists consider to be almost anathema to a cognitive-based work. Jane Nelsen does not concern herself with WHAT approach a person uses to help themselves, but with HOW we orient ourselves to whatever approach we use. Nelsen orients readers toward doing psychodynamic and depth-oriented work in a positive and relaxed state of mind -- seeing distressing emotions as signs that their thinking has become overly rigid and fixed, and that they need to begin again in a relaxed state of mind. In fact, Jane Nelsen is the only psychologist I can presently name who works primarily with behavior and cognition, yet who is able to acknowledge, applaud, and integrate the insights of psychodynamics and depth psychology.

In conclusion: 'Serenity' offers a simple yet profound explanation of the nature of real happiness and how it can be rediscovered. 'Serenity' provides a compelling philosophical understanding of thought, mood, and behavior. 'Serenity' teaches us how to experience peaceful states of mind even while we solve some our most difficult problems.

Jane Nelsen does not offer 'Serenity' as a substitute for therapy and other forms of mental health treatment and trauma work. 'Serenity' stands as a unique and successful attempt to integrate therapeutic approaches with cognitive approaches and the psychology of mind, which have been somewhat anti-therapy at times. Nelsen's work can be a companion to any competent form of treatment, while showing the reader exactly why treatment can be successful, and how she/he can determine when treatment has gotten off track.

'Serenity' presents a philosophy of life, and spiritual path, which is clear, simple, and effective. When taken to heart, this simple yet profound philosophy will orient readers toward meaning in life, while allowing us to deepen our experience of peace and joy.

J Jennifer Matthews
author of "Radically Condensed Instructions for Being Just as You Are."

SERENITY: SIMPLE STEPS FOR RECOVERING PEACE OF MIND, REAL HAPPINESS, AND GREAT RELATIONSHIPS applies four basic principles to improve relationships, enhance freedom from thought processes, and understand the roots of negativity. Simple joy is missing from too much in life: SERENITY identifies why - and how to return to it to achieve quality of life. Both new age and general interest libraries will find it a fine pick.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch