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69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational Short Read: Companion Book to Movie, Yet Self Sufficient, February 22, 2010
This review is from: The Shift: Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning (Hardcover)
The Shift is a companion book for the movie with the same title, both of which are self-sufficient. Nonetheless, I recommend reading the book before seeing the movie, as it will help you grasp much of the significance. The book doesn't give away the plot of the movie, though it refers to it once in awhile.
Like the other 30-some books by Wayne Dyer, this one is filled with inspirational quotes from famous spiritual teachers and classical holy texts, personal stories, and parables. This one, however, is only 112 pages and can be read easily in a day or two. It can be read several times and you will still get something out of it.
The original title of the book and movie was "From Ambition to Meaning," and interestingly, there are only four chapters, each with one of these words. The first chapter, "From," discusses the void where we came from and how in the womb, we are doing nothing but being lived by "all creating energy that seems to do nothing, and at the same time leaves nothing undone." Wayne cites quantum physics to validate the nothingness from whence we came. We are reminded that everything in the material world is truly like what it came from. Ergo, we are truly spiritual beings having a temporary human experience. And "our real self is the loving observer of our sensory experiences." He leads us to the conclusion that "nonbeing and love are synonymous." We are given tools on how to get back to the Nothingness, such as meditation, feeling the oneness, and surrender. We are even challenged to give away one item a day, anything we do not use on a daily basis!
Before we realize that, however, nearly all of us get sucked into "Ambition," which is the title of chapter 2. Here we learn how our false self develops as we identify with the ego. This entails beliefs such as "Who I am is what I have, what I do, and what others think of me." This "somebody training" involves learning more lies such as "I am separate from everyone else, from what's missing in my life, and from God."
In chapter 3 ("To") we make the U-turn back to our "fromness." There comes a time in everyone's life when they see that the inauthentic self is a lie. This doesn't mean the loss of ambition, but rather that our drive is now directed toward a life based on meaning and purpose. Some signs that we may be ready include: the ego's "mantra of more" becomes less attractive; we find ourselves doing less; we shun the spotlight to work in the shadows; we believe in unity more than separateness; we begin to realize we're connected to Spirit; we begin to trust the wisdom that created us. Next, Wayne tells us what to expect and gives a 7-point summary of our U-turn. He describes four qualities of the shift from ambition to meaning: surprising, vivid, benevolent and enduring.
In the final chapter, "Meaning," Wayne tell us how he told his buddy Ram Dass many years ago, "All of my life I wanted to be somebody. Now I finally am somebody--but it isn't me." All the fame and wealth did not satisfy him and he didn't feel fulfilled till making the shift back to his authentic self. Wayne describes the four virtues that constitute our original nature: reverence for all life, natural sincerity, gentleness and supportiveness. "Today," Wayne declares, "my life is almost 100 percent devoted to service in one way or another. Each day begins with a prayer of `Thank you.'" He describes the three most important things to watch for during the shift: the shift from entitlement to humility; the shift from control to trust (in yourself, others and God); and the shift from attachment to letting go.
Great little book packed with inspiration and encouragement! With the tendency we are heading in for shorter books at smaller prices, this makes a really great gift to yourself or to someone who is over 30 and perhaps beginning to question life's meaning and his/her purpose.
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45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add This to Your Must-Read List, March 1, 2010
This review is from: The Shift: Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning (Hardcover)
Recently I received in the mail a free copy of "The Shift: Taking Your Life From Ambition to Meaning" by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. I had responded to a Facebook query regarding individuals who were willing to review new books published by authors under the auspices of Hay House. As a metaphysical teacher and Law of Attraction disciple, I am a long-time fan of Louise Hay, and as such I am always interested in the works published through Hay House.
I recommend this book highly to anyone who desires real change and transformation in their life. I especially recommend this book to anyone who is addicted to "doing." If your doing results in feelings other than peace, contentment and happiness, then you probably are experiencing some level of stress on the emotional, mental and physical level, and you probably are looking for a way to change that.
This book can help you with that.
I received this book at the perfect time in my own awakening and transformation. As of the end of February, I officially stepped into the "to" phase of transformation (the book is divided into four phases ~ "From," "Ambition," "To," and "Meaning" ~ and the feelings of clarity, peace, relief and optimism that I experienced while reading Dr. Dyer's words, are indescribable.
Each of us comes from a place whose essence is pure "Being." Yet, we live in a world that over-values "doing" and under-values "being." This contrast can cause a lifetime of pain, struggle, and illness. Dr. Dyer's book characterizes this contrast through personal and anecdotal examples of relatable life situations. I was able to see myself in his words, to measure the choicepoints that I have experienced in my own life, and to measure my progress (to use a very "doing" term) in my own deliberate and conscious inner transformation.
In my opinion and my experience, this book illustrates beautifully how to get back to our Authentic selves, and as a result, we can do, be and have a life experience of our dreams.
I highly recommend this book. It is on my personal "Must Have" listed, and I have added it to my "Wisdom Tools" list on my web site ([...]).
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bravo, March 22, 2010
This review is from: The Shift: Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning (Hardcover)
Although this book is not up to Wayne's normal writings, it is a small book with a simple message. It did possess a really good meditative thought in Chapter 2 part 3, "Who I Am Is What Others Think of Me."
Page 45: Throughout life, we're bombarded by ego messages attempting to convince us that our worth comes from observations and opinions of others. Once again, this false self proclaims as truth that something or someone external to us is responsible for our validation. Self esteem stems from internally held positive beliefs about ourselves, not the approval of others.
Page 46: Believing that who we are is defined by what other people think of us cripples the joyful spontaneity of or authentic selves. If others disapprove, and their opinion defines us, then we modify ourselves or shrink from view. The fact is that who you are has absolutely nothing to do with any thoughts or opinions that exist in anyone else in the world. Period! Wayne has done an excellent job of getting this one point across and I say Bravo Wayne! A well needed teaching and the understanding of it sets ones spirit free to fly!
For those of you who struggle with the opinions of others and are seeking approval from others, this book will set you free! It will put you on the right path to freedom that you never felt before. A must read.
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