5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Helpful, Hopeful Gem, September 14, 2008
This review is from: Your Personal Renaissance: Twelve Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling (Paperback)
I loved this book!
Your Persona Renaissance supports an integral process of finding or refining clarity about what we want to do with our unique talents. Diane Dreher, the author of bestsellers such as The Tao of Personal Leadership and Inner Gardening has a knack for revealing her supportive heart in every word--encouragement and inspiration jump off the pages. Based on a combination of leading-edge research, practical steps for self-growth, and engaging stories about human creative capacity, the book provides guidance for culling out what really matters. It's perfect for recent college graduates and those of any age who wish to re-think their careers or dive more deeply into new creative ventures.
Dreher supports each of the Renaissance practices she discusses with current research from neuroscience, positive psychology, and vocation development. The reader moves through the practices in this order: Faith, Examen, Community, Contemplation, creativity, Reading and Reflection, Exercise, Discipline and Dedication, always with an eye on what motivates and fulfills.
Dreher's love (and extensive research of over one hundred artists, scientists, scholars, etc. from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment) of interesting, creative people captivates the reader with the engaging narratives sprinkled about in each chapter. Who knew John Locke studied medicine, tried diplomacy, and was urged by friends to become a minister? If Locke had chosen any one of these paths, the Enlightenment may not have been so enlightening. But following "his calling to help people gain greater understanding," Locke became a philosopher--not the expected choice, and probably the most unpopular choice, but the one he wanted--lucky for anyone interested in democracy. Most of Dreher's stories about multi-talented people of the past contain surprising facts--so the book serves as an interesting history lesson, as well as an intelligent self-help guide.
Dreher shows us how our personal choices contribute to the greater good. Here again, she uses interesting examples to highlight the importance of deeply listening to our inner nudges no matter where they may lead us, not only for our own gain, but for the world's benefit, as well. A central message of the book is: Contribution to the greater whole magnifies the meaning of our lives. Perhaps that's key to understanding the purpose of one's life purpose? Dreher tell us St. Teresa of Avila "reminded people `to take care that they do not hide their talent; for it may be that God has chosen them to be the edification of many others, especially in these days.'" "Being the edification to many others" usually isn't the central thought most of wake up with in the morning. This book allows us to take time to contemplate, recognize, and act upon our central part within the larger scheme of things--not from a place of narcissism, but from an authentic intention to contribute.
At the end of each chapter, the reader finds several appropriate do-able activities for practicing the chapter concepts. As the reader makes progress, Dreher is there along the way with congratulations and affirmations. She applauds each step, because right up front in the Introduction she lets us know "one powerful secret": "Small actions over time produce monumental results." She knows and practices this secret well.
Throughout Your Personal Renaissance mentor extraordinaire, Diane Dreher shows us that it's our day to day choices, those seemingly "little things", that over time combine to bring about important positive changes--whether putting together a plan for improved personal health or launching a new career--taking our next necessary step is what a dynamic self-growth process is all about--the surest way to a personal Renaissance--and a hopeful direction for society, as well.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for finding your true self!, June 8, 2008
This review is from: Your Personal Renaissance: Twelve Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling (Paperback)
I loved this book. The points are clear and concise, the exercises are very helpful, and the intention behind the book is straight from the heart. You can actually feel Dreher's warm support every step of the way. I'd recommend "Your Personal Renaissance" to anyone who is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for re-awakening your talents!, August 19, 2008
This review is from: Your Personal Renaissance: Twelve Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling (Paperback)
Even if you have found your calling, you'll revel in rediscovering yourself in the rich stories, both Renaissance and current, and revitalize the joy of sharing your unique gifts!
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