Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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89 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Personal and transformative experience, January 31, 2005
*****
Cheryl Richardson's latest book, "The Unmistakable Touch of Grace" is different from her other books in many ways. It is extremely personal; she says that she has shared personal stories from her life more in workshops than in her books in the past. This one is very honest and transparent---and all about grace.
I think that she wrote this book to wake the reader up to the presence of grace in all of our lives---grace from a Higher Power. She manages to write the book outside of religious traditions, so that whatever your religious beliefs, I think you will find that the concepts can be easily applied without offending. Cheryl's own spiritual path as an adult began with Al-Anon, and continued through different spiritual groups and orientations, some of them Eastern. I found that her experiences in Al-Anon were representative of spiritual awakening in general, no matter where it happens. She found much richness in various Eastern groups, but again, the concepts are universal. It seems that she takes great pains to make the book open and accepting for people of all or even no faith.
I think that a person who believed in any Higher Power would find much about grace, mindfulness, silence, forgiveness, etc. to apply to their life. If you are a strong believer of any faith at all it will strengthen your faith. Also, though, if you are a reader who has no faith in any Higher Power whatsoever, I can imagine that you would still appreciate the author's journey as good food for thought.
Throughout the book there are very short and simple exercises (mostly ponderings on thoughts and questions) to enable the reader to have an encounter on some level with grace. I think that's the best part of the book---that it delivers to the reader a profound experience of a sometimes illusive spiritual concept. This is not just a book ABOUT grace. When you finish the book, you will have EXPERIENCED grace. For this reason, I think the book really delivers.
When I first ordered it from Amazon, I was a little disappointed in the price for the much lower quality paper and printing (although it is a hardback book, the paper inside is mass market paper). However, after I read it, I know I got my money's worth. I loved the book, loved feeling like I am safe and cherished in the Universe no matter what things might happen to me (even painful things and suffering), and am very glad I read it. I can't imagine anyone else not feeling the same way...
*****
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46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recognize The Power Of Grace, March 7, 2005
"Have you ever considered that events that were painful, disappointing, or unfair may have occurred to nudge, or perhaps even shove you in a more positive direction?" -Cheryl Richardson
According to life coach and bestselling author Cheryl Richardson, grace is a kind of spiritual intelligence that flows from Divine Source. It is available to everyone, and as we step into this flow, we become aligned with a larger vision for our lives. Our awareness increases, and we suddenly become aware of signs, symbols, and messages that leads us to our higher good.
The Unmistakable Touch Of Grace shows us how grace knocks on our door in a variety of ways. When we begin to see situations and people with spiritual eyes, we notice how grace sustains, nurtures, protects, and guides us. Richardson shares many compelling and profound examples of grace from her own life as well as from friends, colleagues and clients. By awakening to the presence of grace in life, she promises readers that anxiety, fear and uncertainty about the future will gradually be replaced with the comfort and security of knowing:
* You are not alone
* You have a higher purpose for your life
* You have what it takes to face any life challenge
* You are a student in the school of life
* You have the peace and happiness you desire already within you
One way grace touches us is through what Richardson calls "spiritual change agents". These are the people who raise our level of consciousness in some way, as well as support our spiritual progress. While loving and empathetic individuals may ignite grace in our lives, the author reminds us that challenging and difficult relationships do so as well. What could look like rejection from one point of view could very well be protection when seen through the eyes of grace.
She goes on to describe the effects of grace-such as a profound awakening to beauty and evolving to new levels of wisdom-and how grace introduces itself in work, relationships, and quietude. We are challenged to search for the evidence of grace, and each chapter ends with several experiments designed to help us recognize the power of grace in our own life. Becoming a "spiritual scientist" will alter our view of the world forever, and dramatically increase our ability to see the influence of grace, she asserts. We are invited to "dance" with grace, which includes partnering with a Higher Power, surrendering to the "music", and trusting Diving timing. Also at the end of each chapter is a resource section of books, audios, and websites to help further spiritual exploration.
I found this book so timely and encouraging that I'm beginning to read it again--from the beginning--committing to do the experiments and journaling exercises at the end of every chapter. In a world often marked by cynicism, religious disenfranchisement, self-imposed isolation, anxiety, information overload and spiritual disconnection, The Unmistakable Touch Of Grace is a brilliant beacon of inspiration and hope. Richardson shows us that grace isn't reserved for mystics, monks, or saints but may be received, recognized, appropriated, and imparted by everyone. Her humility, candor, and enthusiasm are refreshing. I get a strong sense that Richardson is someone who walks her talk, rather than a teacher who admonishes "do as I say, not as I do." And, quite frankly, this sense of integrity is one of the most refreshing elements of The Unmistakable Touch Of Grace.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helps You Begin to See Grace at Work in Your Life, December 1, 2005
Cheryl Richardson defines "grace" as "a kind of spiritual intelligence, a form of energy that comes from the Divine Source. This energy is available to each and every one of us at any moment. When we connect with and trust this Higher Power and follow its lead, we step into alignment with a larger vision for our lives." In "The Unmistakable Touch of Grace," Richardson reveals the ways in which grace has touched her own life, as well as the ways we can open our own lives to this power.
Grace is always available to us. A free gift from God, we merely need to open ourselves to its influence. We need to be awake and alert to see grace at work in our lives. As we surrender our lives to God, we will become more aware of the ways God is shaping our path and helping us to fulfill our life's purpose.
Richardson encourages her readers to keep a journal to help them figure out what is and what is not working in their lives. Each chapter in this book concludes with an activity to do in this journal, providing a self-help course right within these pages. She insists that such a journal need not be limited to written words, but may also include photographs, drawings, or meetings with friends. Whatever works to help you become more aware of your life is welcomed here.
Richardson also emphasizes that grace often works through other people in our lives. She suggests taking stock of our relationships. Both those who support us through thick and thin and those that challenge us have something to bring to our lives. "Sometimes the people who have the most powerful effect on our lives are the ones who cause us the most pain." Every conversation can become an opportunity for growth.
In addition, she encourages us to trust our inner gut, because that is where God speaks to us. Through prayer and meditation, we can come to center our lives, and become more aware of the steps God wants us to take.
Richardson acknowledges that opening ourselves up to grace will not always be easy. There will still be pain and disappointment. There will be times when the way will not always seem clear and we may end up in a place that we did not expect. God and God's grace will not steer us wrong, however. Ultimately, if we open ourselves up to God's influence, we will be exactly where we are meant to be.
Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur is editor of The Spiritual Woman Newsletter [...]
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