Dreaver says that people are not their thoughts or emotions, and that the spiritual and material are not separate, but part of one reality. He calls this the "core insight," and he has devoted his book to explaining how each person can use this insight to balance and enrich their lives.
He starts with an explanation of how to let go of physical tension and worry, so that healing energy is free to flow throughout the body. He then moves to the mind, emphasizing that "the body and mind are not separate." What affects one also affects the other. After that he discusses ways to waken spirituality, followed by creating harmonious relationships. He says that "people struggle with their relationships so often because they don't really know themselves. Relationships are relatively effortless when you know who you are, when you are inwardly free."
Dreaver finishes with chapters discussing work and money. Contrary to what many people believe, it isn't necessary to give up material pleasures in order to be spiritually rich. He says that "a spirituality that is divorced from the social and economic realities of our age doesn't serve anyone," warning however that "if your spiritual well-being depends on how much money you have, you're not free." Money is like everything else--it needs to be in balance with life.
What he wants people to understand, Dreaver says, is "that you are not your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, personal history--nor are you your work. It is this understanding that will set you free and allow you to move in the world . . . without stress, with genuine ease and balance." In The Way of Harmony, he provides practical guidelines to achieve that understanding and balance.
Nonetheless, I think Jim has done a very fine job with his latest work, THE WAY OF HARMONY. It is not the most cutting edge or original work on personal growth that I have ever seen (and what truly is original in spiritual matters?) However, it IS one of the clearest, most succinct and easy-to-understand guidebooks to contemporary living.
This book would seem particularly useful for beginners in introspection and self-awareness, because it is so straightforward and comprehensible, free of jargon and far-fetched theories. The exercises are practical and uncomplicated, and can be useful even for readers with busy schedules and complicated lifestyles.
On the other hand, more experienced and advanced seekers may sometimes be startled at the depth and profundity of some of Jim's insights, presented so concisely and unassumingly that they appear deceptively simple. This style is greatly aided by Jim's forthright disclosure of his personal experience and struggles. He is obviously not a novice, and "knows wherefore he speaks".
Finally, I appreciated Jim's willingness - and ability - to tackle difficult issues that most of us face as we attempt to live more consciously and spiritually: money, relationships, and careers. I found these chapters particularly relevant.
I hope Jim will continue writing and sharing his insights. His growing reputation as a thoughtful and thought-provoking teacher is appropriate, and well-deserved.