Customer Reviews

Touchstones: A Book Of Daily Meditations For Men

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I use this book to try to make sense out of life stresses. It's a small pocket book, nicely printed. There's one page corresponding to each day of the year. Each page starts with a quote from diverse folks: Einstein, Twain, Thoreau, Shakespeare, Woody Allen, etc. Then there's a small essay about a way to approach the day. In some ways, it's a supplement or even a substitute father, making gentle suggestions about the ways that the world works, and good ways to encounter and appreciate it.

I stumbled across this awesome book while desperately seeking solace and advice following the (unwanted) end of my 19-year marriage. While not an alcoholic, I've seen how the 12-step program can change people's lives, so I wasn't put-off by the references to it in the text. In any case, the focus on 12-step principles is low-key, and the book uses a number of other sources of wisdom to help the reader become more self-aware, calm and centered during the storms, large and small, of life. My well-worn copy is now in its sixth year of use. It's been so helpful that now just the act of picking up the book starts to calm me down!

My husband has used this book for about ten years and has found it tremendously helpful. It lives next to his chair in the den, and he spends about 30 minutes with it in the morning while I'm still asleep. He reads the daily entry and meditates on the suggestions and affirmations on each page. He's commented that it provides comfort without being sugary, and he values the thoughtfulness of each entry, the low-key approach, and the wide range of sources quoted. I've browsed in and believe that it would be helpful to anyone, regardless of one's spiritual orientation... or lack of same.

He recently bought a new copy to send to a friend who is having serious problems in his life, and we hope that its calm wisdom will help him as well.

I first came across this book at my brother-in-law's house. I picked it up and dipped in briefly, liked the thought I read and then put it down. Ever since leaving his place that day, the little book has regularly come to my mind, and the simply truth I read on the page that day. I feel an affinity with the book, partly because it is understated and never showy. It is serious, without being melancholy; it is deep, without becoming stereotypical. Reading it is like having an intimate conversation with a trusted friend, except the dialogue is inside, and silent. It makes me feel good knowing its there, for me to open and dip in again, to feel what I felt the first time I picked it up all those years ago: this is true.

This little book is so refreshing for the much needed bread crumb of inspiration that required so little time on a daily basis. I use it in conjuction with David Ricco books. A must for any person that is learning to keep the Adult Child at bay.

I have used this gem of a book personally and in the wilderness program, Galena Ridge, I operate for at-risk teens. The beauty of the book is encapsulated in the April 1st reading....every experience we have, every choice we make, is a "medicine wheel" telling us much more about ourselves than it tells us about others or the world around us. The reflections in this book take on new meaning with each reading, helping us learn about ourselves as we embrace our courage to grow and change.

This book is the cornerstone of recovery for men and used by men as an aide in recovering from addictions, co-dependency. While not conference approved literature it parallels much of it in its focus.

I was given this book 20 years ago and have just recently gotten into the habit of reading it every morning. There are some days when the reading really hits me but even more when it doesn't. My main complaint is that there are many readings specifically directed towards men when only a few of those really have to be. It didn't get 5 stars because I have other daily reading books that speak to me much more often and others that I don't bother with or really hate. See my other reviews if you want to know which ones. This one is certainly worth buying.

While this book is aimed at men in recovery, it could apply to any man. It addresses many of the problems that we men face with a masculine and practical (as opposed to a generic, theoretical and esoteric) approach to spirituality.

The entries are arranged with a relevant quote at the start, a short meditation on the quote, and finally a short affirmation (Today I will do x) as a conclusion. The quotes come from many traditions both religious and secular, the meditations are succinct and can serve as a jumping off point for your own thoughts, and the affirmations offer a practical way of putting the whole thing into practice.

I have a paperback copy and the Kindle edition as well and I read it just about every day. The Kindle allows me to carry it easily when I travel.

I have been reading editions of this book daily for over 20 years, and it is the most gentle yet usable reader I have found to start my day. Aimed at men, its benefits are not confined to the 12-step community, but can be utilized by any man who has the desire to grow up, and become a responsible, happy adult.