Customer Reviews

The "G" Spot: The Ecstasy Of Life Through Gratitude

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I usually look at books such as this one with a guarded perspective. However, I have to say, after reading Sumner's book I am impressed. She makes no grandiose promises of a life-altering nature, just simple, really sound advice and encouragement. I like to think I live a life of trying to reflect personal gratitude (the reason I was drawn to this book), but after reading it I gained a much deeper perspective which really allowed me to more deeply examine WHY I feel gratitude and is the gratitude I express truly sincere for ALL things.

I was especially impressed when I saw the differences between real happiness and pleasure-seeking. It wasn't until I read the book I realized how obvious it seemed, yet we often live our lives as though the two things were mutually exclusive, which they most definitely are not.

It worked well for me and I will be recommending it to others.

The author has collected various stories with different perspectives and opinions on the subject of genuine gratitude as opposed to empty words or habitual non-feeling gratitude.

At first I was surprised to read that it was difficult for some of the people she interviewed to explain real heartfelt gratitude. When I attempted to answer the question in the way it was asked in the book, my answer was more habitual than true heart energy. I saw in my own life where my gratitude was not real. It was what was expected of me or was what I had been taught I should do. It's not easy trying to break the cycle gratitude by guilt, but some of the exercises in this book are very helpful with my ongoing self discovery.

This book is definitely not your typical book about Gratitude.
This book will not tell you how to think, it gives you stories and exercise that allow you to review your own opinions and attitudes.

I especially liked the chapter on integrity. The personal responsibility that accompanies the words of gratitude are more than mere empty words, they have a powerful energy when congruent with actions.

If I am truly grateful for what I say I am grateful for, then it makes sense that I should act with respect. I am grateful for my husband, so instead of being a nagging wife, when I treat him with respect, he returns that energy and treats me with respect. So I can be grateful for my husband, grateful to be able to show him my love and gratitude in my actions, and grateful for the respect he shows me as well. My behavior of gratitude congruent with my actions gives me more to be grateful for.

This book is more than a quick read, it is an introspective journey.

The first part is a quick introduction explaining what personally motivated Sumner Davenport on this journey. The Afterword section is just as riveting. She explains that it was difficult for many people to explain the deep meaning of gratitude and how platitudes were the pat answer for many. Her desperation for real answers led to the answers she shares in this book.

It is more than a feel-good book, it is a book to make you think.
I like how she tied the title and its meaning to the deep levels of real passion in life. She is right when she says that many people fake a lot of things, and some even fake gratitude. I am guilty of saying I was grateful when I really wasn't. Being honest when I wasn't feeling grateful has helped me to see the value of authentic gratitude.

The examples in this book are fresh and unique. The chapter on colors is a new idea for me, and one that has given me a fresh look at some of the pain in my life. The chapter on focusing deeply on one area of gratitude was difficult at first and now it has expanded my understanding of my own WHY.

Each chapter holds a jewel. Sumner Davenport has done a good job of presenting an easy way to see the truth in one's own life- if they are willing to look deeply and lovingly at themselves.

I appreciate that this book is available in many formats, so I don't always need to pack the paperback when I travel.