Eight stages are presented, starting with hearing the call to go home. All the stages are carefully accompanied by interesting scripture stories highlighting biblical journeys. This is combined with creative and unique prayer practices, photography and writing coming from Paintner.

This book is often compared with 2 others from the writer, “Eyes of the Heart” and “The Artist’s Rule” because of the similar journey presented, with readers traveling towards their souls’ frontiers in order to discover God’s hidden presence. In this book we see the identification of the 8 stages of this exact journey, together with indications on how to follow the steps with the purpose of making transformative, intentional journeys.

All exploration phases are presented as requiring a specific practice like being uncomfortable, embracing something that is not known to packing lightly. Paintner highlights how divine attentiveness can be cultivated through patience, opening one’s soul and deep listening.

In the 8 chapters you will find theme reflections, one innovation to the lectio divina practice, creative exploration advice through writing and photography and a scripture story that fits.

What Do People Say About “The Soul of a Pilgrim”?

One of the best ways to see if a book is great is to take a look at reviews written by people that actually read it. Obviously, the subject is one that is subjective since the reference to God is always popping up. However, generally speaking, most of the reviews talk about this book as being a true inspiration, an eye opener and a guidebook.

“The Soul of a Pilgrim” is so often referred to as a moving, creative book that is a great companion when you are on a spiritual journey. Although biblical references are presented all throughout the book, you can relate to what is presented without having to believe in the highlighted God.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that this is a book you do want to consider in the event you want to be on a journey towards becoming happier and if you do believe in a spiritual higher power, no matter what that power is, you will have a great experience when reading “The Soul of a Pilgrim”.

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Teachings gathered from Ramana Maharshi are arranged best on topics like silence and solitude, work and renunciation, discipline and self-inquiry or peace and happiness. When you read this book you are faced with a Q&A format that evokes that feeling of being, all with an outstanding teacher. You basically get to open the door to some of the really intimate teaching sessions he had in the past.

What Do People Say About The Book?

Obviously, this is the type of book that you will either love or hate. However, if we are to analyze most of the reviews written by readers online, it is quite clear that the vast majority say that this is a really good book you are going to appreciate. This is summed up by a 4.5 stars review on Goodreads, which is quite hard to get given the fact that hundreds of people read it.

One of the things that do stand out is that many readers say that the book is hard to read. This is because of it being a “cocktail” of spirituality and philosophy. Everything is presented in such a simple way that it becomes quite hard to properly digest. There is a pretty good possibility that someone recommended you the book and already told you that it is the type of read you want to go through properly. Many that read it end up re-reading it numerous times and they find out many different things every single time.

The story of Ramana Maharshi is not one that is new. At a tender age he simply relinquished all belongings and possessions, his family and basically everything in order to be completely reborn, start a brand new life. This is exactly what he did. Contrary to popular belief, he did not write books. People were writing down what he said in his teachings and so many of the important teachings he offered were completely silent. If you are feeling down, this is the type of book that will point out many different things in a really simple way, offering you a new view on life.

You may also want to know that readers often say that this is the last spirituality or personal growth book that they had to read until they understood what life is all about. With such a presentation you can clearly understand why the reviews are positive.

Obviously, some people did not appreciate what was written. This is not necessarily because of the teachings in most situations. Reviews highlight that the connection was just not achieved at a personal level, which can always happen with such a “heavy” book.

Final Thoughts

The Spiritual Teachings Of Ramana Maharshi is one of those books you want to go through at least once if you are interested in self-growth, spirituality and development. You might not like it but you will surely find some really valuable lessons that will help you on the long run.

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If you just look at the title you surely expect to read something about how you work through the darkness, a book filled with metaphors to help you go through period of suffering and doubt. You do not get that. Joan Chittister has subtle approaches, staying true to the “contradictions of life” part of the book title. The author basically uses opposite pairs and oxymorons in order to help the reader re-evaluate, with redefining experiences as being the main goal. The focus is put on negative emotions like: confusion, solitude, loss, doubt and frustration.

A great thing about Between The Dark And Day is that emotions are fully taken seriously. However, we are also pointing towards looking beyond the surface of things, asking those things that are really important in life. As a simple example, chapter 2 shows us talk about frustration being a cover-up for a thing that we did not yet face in life. Frustration is highlighted as being something we subconsciously use as an explanation for various attitudes we developed. Such concepts are not unique in the book. You will hear about many interesting ways of looking at life.

Uncertainty is something we always see as being a negative aspect of life. In reality, according to Joan Chittister, uncertainty should foster “the spirit of invention and possibility”. Then, the reader is told about how failure should never lead to despair as it should drive us towards doing something worthwhile. The idea that success comes from failure is not new but it is presented in a really interesting way in this book.

On the whole, we are looking at quite an inspirational book, one that you expect will talk about resigning to god but that offers so much more than that, with minor religious mentions. The only problem is that the content in the book is a little repetitive at times. Much of the content is reliant on anecdotes and quotes that come from an external source. The main concern of the writer is the idea, not the style of writing. Most theology books have such an attached complaint coming from readers.

Even with the critics, the work done by Chittister is definitely revelatory for most people. It does not matter what religion you have. Wisdom will be found inside this book.

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Biography Details

Jorge Bucay was born in a modest family living in Buenos Aires, in a neighborhood known as Floresta. His first encounter with the working environment was early in his life, when he was only thirteen years old. Up until now, he has worked in a wide variety of domains but also found his way back to the written word. He worked as an insurance agent, a clown, a taxi driver, an educator, an actor, a warehouseman and even as a doctor on duty or radio collaborator. He has also become known as a television host but what he is mostly famous for are his worldwide read books which have had a great impact on readers.

Main Studies

Jorge Bucay has an MD from the University of Buenos Aires. When he graduated, he became a specialist in mental illnesses at the Pirovano Hospital from Buenos Aires. The way in which he defines himself is a professional helper always searching for new ways of helping people worldwide. He is widely known for the therapeutic teaching conferences he attends as well as his popular books. When asked why he started writing books, his answer is always related to ways in which he could help people so he considers his books more like therapeutic tools rather than ways of presenting information for the public or helping people enter new worlds.

Published Works

Jorge Bucay has published numerous books that have become popular around the world and which have been translated in more than 17 languages that make them easy to access. His purpose has always been that of creating interesting written therapeutic tools for people in need. We all need to discover the world with different eyes sometimes and this is only one of the benefits that come from reading his books.

First Books and His Series

His first book was published in 1986: Cartas para Claudia. For this book a second edition was created in 2007. In 1994, he published the book entitled Recuentos para Demian followed by Cuentos para pensar in 1994. From 1994 to 2007 many other interesting books have reached the market and have been well received by the public.

Five of his books also constitute his popular series known as Hojas de Ruta or Roadmaps in English. The first book from the series is entitled in English The Road of Self Dependence. The next ones on the list of English translated versions are The Road of Tears, The Road of Encounter, The Road of Happiness. The last book from the series is The Road of Spirituality.

Bestsellers around the World

The books published by Jorge Bucky have become best sellers around the world, especially in Mexico, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Chile, Greece and Spain. In 2006 he was awarded the Premio de Novela Ciudad de Torrevieja. All of his books can be easily found online and purchased for prices that are totally worth paying for when considering the value of his written words. He has a lot of things to teach all of us and the way in which he does it is through his books.

Principles Shared Around the World

Through his books, Jorge Bucay has found the right way in which to communicate with people around the world and share common principles that are more or less familiar to all of us. We all get encounter in our life experiences that are similar to those described in his books but we are not always aware of these feelings or the meaning of the experiences we live. While reading his books, the readers get self-awareness and a deep understanding of themselves and their relationships.

Amarse con los Ojos Abiertos

Amarse con los ojos abiertos is one of the most famous books written by this author. It has become so popular because many people have simply found themselves or discovered who they really were just by reading it. Sometimes we all need someone to just show us the obvious because we are too caught up in our life to realize it on our own. As Jorge Bucay says in the book, it is quite challenging sometimes for a person to reveal what is happening to himself or his needs and feelings. We can all talk all day long about other people and what we notice in their behavior but when it comes to our self-analysis and talking about it, things get more complicated and we start considering it impossible.

The Bottom Line

Challenges are an integral part of our life and the way in which we know how to love. Maybe we should all just learn to give up on fantasy and leave a life without conflicts, exterior or interior ones but one that is full of love and respect for the world we live in. Jorge Bucay is now famous worldwide for everything that he has managed to do in therapy and by writing books that are meant to heal people as he has said on various occasions. His books are his personal therapy tools for people and have been created with love for the human kind and the desire to bring change into the world. He has a way with words and it is impossible to read his books and not rediscover yourself or learn new things about the world we live in.

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Yes Please – Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is definitely a comedian that has a special, sassy one-line based humor. You will surely enjoy this read from the titles of the chapters. How can you go wrong with something like “Plain Girl Versus The Demon” or “Treat Your Career Like A Bad Boyfriend”. What is interesting is that the book offers some pretty interesting lessons but they are given in a really hilarious way. The book is great for people that are righteous and real.

You Are A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living An Awesome Life – Jen Sincero

Do you currently need some self-help and you do not know how to get it? The book might offer exactly what you need at the moment. Do not just go to the book store and grab the first self-help book you will find. There are many other options that are currently available, with this one being among the very best. To make matters even more interesting, the read is fulfilling. Why not take advantage of this? Give it a try!

The Soul Searchers Handbook – Emma Mildon

This is a book that covers a lot, including the New Age. Some of the topics that are covered include crystals, aromatherapy, auras, chakras and yoga. You can learn more about this in a pretty simple language, one that can be understood with ease. The tone is also one that is really easy to relate to. What this book does is kick off your spiritual and sassy life through hacks that you will surely appreciate. The soul will be entertained and the book will surely enlighten you.

Modern Romance – Aziz Ansari

If you have love problems and you are now looking for your soul mate, the book can be seen as a must read. You will surely appreciate the humor that it offers and you get to learn a lot about the current state of things with love, dating apps and much more. Every bit of information that is offered is witty, frank and honest, with Aziz Ansari being incredibly honest with all that is presented. Many that read the book report that they both cried and laughed while reading it so you can be sure that emotions will stand out almost immediately.

High: A Party Girl’s Guide To Peace – Tara Bliss

There is this thing known as FOMO. This means Fear Of Missing Out. The book that we mention here is perfect for every single person that is affected by this. Tara Bliss is a yoga teacher and a life coach. The work that she did with the book is interesting as the writing reveals memories associated with her. This does include detoxing, binging and various practices that eventually led towards her finding peace, a purpose and passion.

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things – Jenny Lawson

We all make bad decisions in our life. The book is perfect for you in the event that you want to reflect on some of those really bad decisions. It helps you to laugh about everything and you will be able to find humor in all the past mishaps. Jenny Lawson is incredibly open in this book. She shares information about past mistakes associated with anxiety and even mental illness.

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It does not matter what your spiritual view is or what your religion is. The spiritual books that we will present below offer concepts and information that practically any person can use in order to improve. The subject of spirituality is approached with the use of various styles, tools and voices. However, all the books have one thing that is common: trying to help people to uncover hidden desires while also giving them the tools that are needed to handle personal success wishes.

Make sure that you consider the spiritual books below and that you read them. They may need to be re-read since some of the concepts are quite difficult to comprehend and adopt from the first read. At the same time, we should highlight the fact that it is necessary to keep an open heart and an open mind. Only after you do that you will be able to properly benefit from reading such spiritual books. Take a look at those below and remember that they are presented in no particular order.

Danielle LaPorte – The Desire Map

This is seen by many as a bible for understanding the dreams of your life. The author managed to basically put so much thought into what is written and we can say that every single sentence is really interesting. Do consider The Desire Map, a book of 2 parts that does include many worksheets, thought pieces and exercises you can use. However, the only problem is that you will need to spend a lot of time in order to be able to grasp all that is highlighted. This does take dedication. We all have dreams and it is really hard to make them reality. However, by going through this book, you will be able to properly differentiate between the dreams that you think you have and those that you really have.

Deepak Chopra – The Book Of Secrets

This is a book that basically uses The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success and goes in deeper. Deepak Chopra is well-known and respected all around the world. The Book Of Secrets brings in a really interesting plan that guides us towards a desired life. You get access to 15 secrets that are outlined, aiding you to notice various signals that appear in a life and that you may miss without even realizing it. You will be able to break the mindset that you have at the moment, helping in discerning between bad and good choices that will lead towards modifying your destiny.

Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist

Many do not see this as a spiritual book but this is definitely something you have to consider. If you did not read this Coelho masterpiece, you will have to. There are so many interesting life lessons that appear. You need to read every single line since you never actually know when you will be able to find something that will help you improve. It is one of the few books that you will surely love every single time you read it.

Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life

This is a spiritual book that you will go through really fast but you will love it. The author basically highlights different lessons that were learned during her life. Everything is honest and raw. The compassion that you see in this book is incredible and there are so many connections that are established between physical ailments and emotional counterparts. What we love the most is exactly this physical explanation of the emotions one feels. A truly addictive book. Remember that no matter how bad your life is at the moment, there are ways to heal and get out of predicaments. It is a guarantee that you can go over anything. This is one of the lessons that have to be learned by every single person out there.

Pam Grout – E Squared

In the event that you want to read something about spirituality that also includes real wit, you will love this read. The author offers really interesting views on the manifestation of what a person really wants in a way that seems conversational, although it is really complex. We basically learn a lot, including what happens when our prayers and efforts are not answered. It is a book that will go through the mind, reaching the philosophical sludge that offers a positive thinking that is hard to replicate.

Rhonda Byrne – The Secret

Rhonda Byrne was a television producer and managed to write this book that is seen by many as the top spiritual book ever written based on the 2004 movie that had the same name. We are basically talking about the laws that are associated with attraction: asking the universe what you really want, believe in that and then keep your mind open so that you can receive it. The Secret does have a historical basis in the New Thought movement of the nineteenth century. What resulted was a true cultural phenomenon, a bestseller that is simply incredibly useful.

Howard Cutler – The Art Of Happiness – A Handbook For Living

Howard Cutler was inspired by the Dalai Lama. There is no secret in that. The result of this inspiration is a spiritual book that is basically focused on those teachings but that is aimed towards an audience that has a Western thought. This handbook will talk about how important it is to attain happiness during everyday living. It is highlighted that life has the purpose of finding happiness, which in turn will determine a person’s mental state. Make sure that you take this book and that you read it. We guarantee that it will be relevant even twenty years from now. It basically touches you without using religion or spirituality, in a way that is so easy to understand.

James Redfield – The Celestine Prophecy

This is the first book written by James Redfield and definitely the best one. Ever since the initial publishing, it ended up being the most successful novel that was self-published. A part of the book is an adventure story while the other one is a spiritual insight into much more than just culture. The plot may seem a little corny but all the insights that are offered are going to captivate you. Just make sure that you go over the story and you try to understand the life lessons that are highlighted through the story.

Eckhart Tolle – A New Earth – Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose

Just as the name implies, we are talking about a book that will help you to minimize ego while also feeling life as it truly is. Ego is seen by many as being the real source of outer and inner conflict. New Earth did gain a lot of popularity after it was selected by Oprah as one to be included in the book club but there is a certainty that is unrelated: the spiritual book makes you a better and more successful person. Success is something that we all want. Just make sure that you understand what success really is. For that, you will need to also read the book that is presented below.

Deepak Chopra – The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success

There is no top of the best spiritual books that were ever written without this book, no matter what blog you read out there. This is a statement to the quality that is offered. Arguably one of the best spiritual books ever written, Chopra allows you to understand how important success is in life. At the same time, you manage to see that success may not be exactly what you initially thought it is. For the author success is basically defined as being happiness. Success is not actually limited to how much money you make, which is a reality that every single person out there should understand. Read the seven laws and make sure that it is quiet around you when you read the book. You will need to properly understand what is highlighted.

What Is Your Favorite Spiritual Book?

We are sure that some of the spiritual books that you love are not included in this list. Spirituality, happiness and success are all concepts that are really hard to define because of the fact that they are all subjective. It is vital that you understand the fact that what may inspire you may not be suitable for someone else. We do understand this and we want to invite you to tell us and others what the best spiritual books are according to what inspired you during your life. We are quite sure that there will be some really interesting reads that are highlighted. There are so many incredible spiritual books out there that should be read and that can change a person into an individual that is a lot better.

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Quick Review

If you are particularly in a hurry and you do not want to stick for long, The Power Of Positive Thinking is a book that tries to teach you the following:

• How to understand the reason why positive thinking is really good – realistic examples included
• How to apply the positive thinking principles on a day-to-day basis
• How to achieve life success by applying positive thinking principles

The Christian Foundation Behind The Book

Norman Vincent Peale was a Christian and a minister. It is obvious that what he writes has a Christian foundation. The Power Of Positive Thinking does reinforce prayer and positive thinking, at the same time. There are many different examples inside that show how people used positive thinking and faith in order to succeed and go over various difficulties. Although the Christian foundation is strong, you should not be narrow in your approach to the book.

We saw that some did not want to read because of religious reasons. Even if you are not Christian, you can learn a lot from the book and it is recommended. You can simply jump over the religious aspects or you can read them in an objective way. This is a book that is mainly focused on positive thinking as a foundation of success and happiness.

Controversy

While The Power Of Positive Thinking is a really great read, we need to acknowledge the fact that some of the principles that are presented are based on anecdotes or on statements that are not properly referenced. It is a little bothersome to see statements like “according to a renowned physicist” since there is no mention about the name of that physicist. This is exactly why the book is highly controversial and many believe that just ramblings are presented. You may have problems in believing what you read if you have a pure math based foundation and belief system.

A Really Good Read

While many use terms like “incredible” or “horrible”, all based on personal opinions, if you are able to maintain a high objectivity level, there is absolutely no way to deny the fact that “The Power Of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale is a book that has to be considered since it can help improve one’s mindset. It is not at all difficult to read and you will just need an open mind to be able to take in that part of the information that is really good for you. After all, we are all individuals and ideas need to be adapted to our own way of thinking.

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Biography – Personal Life

Just as with most successful self-help writers out there, Hay’s success comes from a violent childhood. When she was just 5 she admitted to having been raped by one of her neighbors. Also, her mother was poor and remarried to a violent stepfather.

When Louise Hay was 15, she dropped out of school and did not get her diploma as she was pregnant. Exactly on her 16^th birthday she gave the baby girl up for adoption and moved to Chicago, making her living through low paying jobs. By the time she reached 1950, she was living in New York. Louise also changed her name and started to look for a career as a model. Success was achieved as she managed to work for big names in the industry like Pauline Trigere and Bill Blass.

In 1954 Louise married Andrew Hay, a highly successful English businessman. However, this did not go too well for her since after fourteen years of marriage, Andrew left her to follow another woman.

The Foundation Of Her Motivational Work

After those 14 years of marriage, Hay was devastated. However, this is where she found the 48^th Street First Church Of Religious Science. Based on the work of Florence Scovel Shinn, she started studying New Thought. She was also highly influenced by Ernest Holmes, Religious Science founder.

In the early seventies we saw Louise as a practitioner of Religious Science. She thus took part in spoken affirmations and eventually became really popular as workshop leader. Hay continued her studies in order to learn as much as possible about meditation, self-help and spirituality.

Cancer

Around 1978 she was hit hard by life with a cervical cancer diagnosis. She believes now that because she held on to resentment for the childhood rape and abuse, she actually contributed to the onset of the condition. Conventional medical treatment was reduced and she followed a regime based on therapy, forgiveness, reflexology, occasional enemas and nutrition. While no doctor can confirm this story as they all passed away, this is the claim that she made.

Books

The first book written by Louise Hay was “Heal Your Body” and it appeared in 1976. It was basically a small pamphlet that contained various bodily ailments. The pamphlet was eventually extended and enlarged. The new version was the highly successful “You Can Heal Your Life”, which was published in the year 1984. In February 2008 the book was ranked second on the New York Times best-sellers list under miscellaneous paperback category.

Hay Rides

Hay Rides was the name that Louise gave to the support groups she created in order to help people that were living with AIDS or H.I.V. Just a few people initially participated and sessions were held at her home. As time passed, hundreds of individuals attended in West Hollywood’s large hall. The work that she did with the AIDS patient brought her fame. She even appeared on Donahue and The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1988. That is what basically made You Can Heal Your Life a best-seller with over 50 million copies sold.

Hay House

In the year 1984, Louise Hay launched the Hay House Publishing Firm. By 1988 we saw Reid Tracy join as accountant. He eventually became the CEO. Business flourished and quickly attracted writers. At this point in time we see Hay House publishing audio and regular books by Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue and Deepak Chopra, among a total of over 130 writers.

Life Movie

In the year 2008, a movie called You Can Heal Your Life was released. It is basically a movie that talks about Hay’s life and features her teachings and how she managed to apply them. There are many notable authors and speakers that appear in the movie like Gay Hendricks, Doreen Virtue and Gregg Braden. Michael Goorjian (Emmy winning director) was responsible for directions.

As you can see, Louise’s life is an inspiration. She started from the bottom and reached the top, all with sheer will power and a wish to help others and herself. Never deny the importance of positive thinking. You never know what life throws at you but you can overcome anything.

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