Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation

Customer Reviews

First of all what a relief it was to find that there is nothing to change about myself. I was relieved to just sit back and enjoy the book without trying to get some new way of being a "better" me. I did need to notice how I am in my life, but in a non-judgmental way of seeing what I find. Many of my mechanical behaviors or automatic ways of being that are not true expressions of myself have and continue to disappear. In their place what I am founding is me. And in turn a more satisfying, enriching and loving life.

In the chapter called "Ida" Ariel writes of the bittersweet happenings leading up to the death of Shya's mom Ida. Through reading this story I came away with a truer understanding for the word forgiveness. I find myself having more compassion for others around me before judging them for what I do not know of in their lives.

I especially liked how the Kanes explained each concept they present thoroughly. Of course I had heard the word "listening" before, but I had never heard of how true listening could lead me into transformation. The concept of being happy over feeling sad was one that really touched me. In the past I often choose to be or appear to be happy over what I was really feeling. And in doing so I missed out on other enriching moments life presented. I had read about "the beginner's mind in Zen," but I never really experienced it before as a way of being all the time. Where each moment is new and by letting life unfold itself without trying to turn it into something it's not, life has become an exciting adventure.

Some ideas may not be new but the Kanes have presented them to me in a way I can understand and incorporate them into in my daily life. I certainly have a clearer and truer sense of myself after reading it. I highly recommend buying and reading this book, as it has been a major key in supporting transformation in my life and could be for your life too.

The Kanes single out awareness, the process of self-observation without judgement, as the key to transformation -- a radical shift in one's way of being that happens when you get into the moment. It's not about hard work -- it's easy and gentle. The book is straightforward and down-to-earth -- no need to venture to far-away lands to learn the mysteries of the universe. The Kanes demonstrate the reality of day-today enlightenment on every page. I highly recommend this book.

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