3.85

1

Dec 30, 2010

ugh you guys. i'm sorry. i know you are like, "joanna. why did you read this?" i don't even know. i am an agnostic! i don't know what i was thinking. i read part of it in o magazine (i know!) and it was nice! it was about reclaiming the healthy aspects of yourself and letting go of the self-sabotaging part of yourself that thinks an appropriate way to fix a bad mood might be a cookie and a hot toddy, and i was like, "oh hey this is nice. and is stimulating some thoughts," and i never imagined ugh you guys. i'm sorry. i know you are like, "joanna. why did you read this?" i don't even know. i am an agnostic! i don't know what i was thinking. i read part of it in o magazine (i know!) and it was nice! it was about reclaiming the healthy aspects of yourself and letting go of the self-sabotaging part of yourself that thinks an appropriate way to fix a bad mood might be a cookie and a hot toddy, and i was like, "oh hey this is nice. and is stimulating some thoughts," and i never imagined that this would be a book which would involve a lesson where you (i am not even kidding here) BUILD AN ALTAR and place said book on the altar with candles and flowers and some shit and PRAY TO GOD for him to heal you and your fucked up relationship with food. at that point, i said outloud, "oh you have got to be kidding," and then i read the rest of the book for laughs. FOR LAUGHS.

so if you want to read a book for laughs, i give this five stars, actually. A+++ highly recommend. ...more

0

Feb 23, 2011

I am almost done reading this book. It is very interesting and inspiring so far. I recommend this book to anyone who believes in Spirituality, not necessarily organized religion but believes in God. The book reminds you how mind and body are connected and how much God and connecting to him could help you in your weight loss journey. The book also awakes your subconscious mind inviting you to heal your inner fears that may hold you back from being dedicated to losing weight.

What I enjoy the I am almost done reading this book. It is very interesting and inspiring so far. I recommend this book to anyone who believes in Spirituality, not necessarily organized religion but believes in God. The book reminds you how mind and body are connected and how much God and connecting to him could help you in your weight loss journey. The book also awakes your subconscious mind inviting you to heal your inner fears that may hold you back from being dedicated to losing weight.

What I enjoy the most from reading this book is the style that Marianne Williamson (the author) uses to explain her point and the significance of it. Even though she does a lot of encouragements to try the healing methods that she is explaining for weight loss, her tone is not pushy in any way. She makes you want to follow her guidance without giving you any feelings of guilt even if you are not fully successful in the process. ...more

4

Jul 18, 2012

I didn't want to like this book, actually I'm not sure I like it at all. I am reading it because my over eating is making me uncomfortable and unhappy. What I am doing is fighting to keep an open mind and making an effort to do the exercises and as a result, I'm making better choices and I haven't been bingeing. I have been surprised that thus far it hasn't been a struggle. I know there are those who dislike the book because of the focus on God--some might appreciate the approach used in many 12 I didn't want to like this book, actually I'm not sure I like it at all. I am reading it because my over eating is making me uncomfortable and unhappy. What I am doing is fighting to keep an open mind and making an effort to do the exercises and as a result, I'm making better choices and I haven't been bingeing. I have been surprised that thus far it hasn't been a struggle. I know there are those who dislike the book because of the focus on God--some might appreciate the approach used in many 12 step programs where one is encouraged to choose their own conception of a Higher Power. ...more

4

Jan 31, 2012

Subtitle says it all: 21Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering your Weight Forever. Teaches taking care of our bodies as the holy temples that they are. Will change the way you think of what, how, & why you eat. High recommendation.

4

Mar 23, 2011

An amazing self-help book for women who find it difficult to lose weight due to emotional issues. Don't read this until you're ready to do the work though.

5

Oct 26, 2013

Love it! Totally amazing! I hv been dealing with my weight since I have been a teen. I have been dealing with finding myself since I was 30. Now at the sweet age of 49 I am doing the fun stuff aka the really hard stuff of removing the carpet and clean up years and years of unneeded unwanted dust ;) and thinking its time to go with the natural floor look. Heck! Let's get rid of the floor too ;D

If you are curious...get this book. It may not be what you can handle today but one day, if you are Love it! Totally amazing! I hv been dealing with my weight since I have been a teen. I have been dealing with finding myself since I was 30. Now at the sweet age of 49 I am doing the fun stuff aka the really hard stuff of removing the carpet and clean up years and years of unneeded unwanted dust ;) and thinking its time to go with the natural floor look. Heck! Let's get rid of the floor too ;D

If you are curious...get this book. It may not be what you can handle today but one day, if you are ready you will find it at the bottom of a shelf and say HEY! I need it. Or you will through out and some one falls over it and says Thank you God! Honestly if I would hv had this book as a teen, I would of said 'what's this crap'...what can I say...sweet teens :p If I would of found it in my thirties while finding myself...well I was just trying to like me...gratefully I did find me and I really like me :D in my 40's I ripped off the bandaid (my poor husband) ouch! Put it back on! Then I found prayers by Ms Williamson and started up my meditating and prayed every day and night. A mth later I found this book....talk about the Miracle of healing! For the first time in my entire I am healing...My hubby is seeing another side of me that I lost back in my early girlhood...

Oh! Btw, have a note book ready to take, make and keep thoughts for this book. Or by the hard copy like I did. And mark up the pages :D ...more

5

May 03, 2011

I have loved reading many things by Marianne Williamson in the past. So I looked forward to reading through this to see how I can better help myself as I attempt yet again to lose weight.

What I wasn’t expecting was how emotional this book would actually be. One of the core concepts behind this book is to get in touch your spirituality and healing your inner self. And you do this through exercises and journaling. If you are completely honest with the exercises and the journaling you can start to I have loved reading many things by Marianne Williamson in the past. So I looked forward to reading through this to see how I can better help myself as I attempt yet again to lose weight.

What I wasn’t expecting was how emotional this book would actually be. One of the core concepts behind this book is to get in touch your spirituality and healing your inner self. And you do this through exercises and journaling. If you are completely honest with the exercises and the journaling you can start to break through to the deep seated fears that may be keeping you fat.

I know that there were many things that I started looking at during these exercises. I know that I still have quite a long way to go on my journey, but at least I decided to take the first step.

This book may not be for everyone. You really have to be open to working through your issues. This isn’t a book that will give you instant solutions to your problems. It does provide you the tools to help you fix yourself.

In conjunction with the Wakela's World Disclosure Statement, I received a product in order to enable my review. No other compensation has been received. My statements are an honest account of my experience with the brand. The opinions stated here are mine alone.
...more

4

May 24, 2011

According to this book, obviously I am not living completely up to A Course in Miracles or I wouldn't have added this extra poundage. But this book gives me hope that as I rededicate myself to connecting to the divine perfection in all people, offering only love and keeping vigilance for thoughts only of the divine, which is my truest deepest longing, my physical body will return to its true and original size. How wonderful that I *don't* have to try to think of these (spiritual growth and According to this book, obviously I am not living completely up to A Course in Miracles or I wouldn't have added this extra poundage. But this book gives me hope that as I rededicate myself to connecting to the divine perfection in all people, offering only love and keeping vigilance for thoughts only of the divine, which is my truest deepest longing, my physical body will return to its true and original size. How wonderful that I *don't* have to try to think of these (spiritual growth and physical shrinkage) as distinct issues! I listened to the audio version (one 6hr49min track!). Probably want to borrow the print version from the library to take some notes. ...more

1

Jan 17, 2018

No way I can bring myself to read any more of this nonsense. Started the book, promptly am placing it on my "couldn't finish" shelf.

2

Sep 30, 2013

There are two parts in every chapter. The first part is written like some random rantings of a beginner life coach. The second part consists exercises. A few exercises were remarkable, but those specific exercises (talk to that part of yourself etc.) are typical exercises done by coaches and therapists since the beginning of time

2

Nov 28, 2010

I knew the book was a spiritual journey to weight loss, however, I didn't know it was going to be such a prayerful book. Some points are very valid, loving yourself enough to fuel your body with good foods and exercising and not being so ashamed of yourself that you pack on the pounds to become invisible. Just a little too much of the Diving Mind for my taste. Not what I expected.

3

Mar 16, 2015

I found this book to be interesting with several good ideas but not exactly what I need. It suggests that you do one lesson a day and includes assignments or activities with each lesson. I did not do that. I can see how that could be effective, but it was not something I wanted to do. I especially liked the prayers in the book.

3

Dec 26, 2010

I think this is a fantastic approach to weight loss from a holistic perspective. My three star rating is not so much about content as it was that I listened to this book on audio while driving. I am glad I did, though, because I know I want to revisit the book at some point. There are guided meditations that would be nice to listen to on audio, as opposed to being read, but not while driving! I love Marianne Williamson's approach and style and feel she has a lot to teach me/us. I will re-visit I think this is a fantastic approach to weight loss from a holistic perspective. My three star rating is not so much about content as it was that I listened to this book on audio while driving. I am glad I did, though, because I know I want to revisit the book at some point. There are guided meditations that would be nice to listen to on audio, as opposed to being read, but not while driving! I love Marianne Williamson's approach and style and feel she has a lot to teach me/us. I will re-visit this book at some future point.

PS: I should also note that she speaks of compulsive eating frequently and while I don't consider myself in this category a lot of her material applies broadly. ...more

2

Dec 16, 2010

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from a book with '21 Spiritual Lessons' as part of the sub-title. I primarily picked up the book because it touted combating compulsive overeating and a holistic approach to such. However, very little of it is of any use to someone who suffers from COE.

If you are one of those people who believe that God has the potential to cure you of anything that ails you, you'll probably get a lot from this book. (I am not one of these people but have all respect for those I wasn't sure what I was expecting from a book with '21 Spiritual Lessons' as part of the sub-title. I primarily picked up the book because it touted combating compulsive overeating and a holistic approach to such. However, very little of it is of any use to someone who suffers from COE.

If you are one of those people who believe that God has the potential to cure you of anything that ails you, you'll probably get a lot from this book. (I am not one of these people but have all respect for those who do.)

If you are one who realizes that COE is a serious matter as is weight loss and is aware that combating such takes a great deal of mental/physical/emotional effort, you may find yourself wondering 'Why am I reading this book?'

While it did have some useful tidbits for helping with the emotional & mental effort aspects, it is generally worthless. ...more

4

Feb 23, 2011

An excellent book with some very good lessons which really do aid in re-thinking a view of weight and food. A few of her suggestions I found slightly unhelpful, but only a few, the majority of her insights are very good and the course of actions she recommends are truly helpful and worthwhile. I'm starting over reading it again because there is a lot to digest even though it's not a very big book. Really processing the information takes time. But is worth it. I wouldn't let the title "spiritual" An excellent book with some very good lessons which really do aid in re-thinking a view of weight and food. A few of her suggestions I found slightly unhelpful, but only a few, the majority of her insights are very good and the course of actions she recommends are truly helpful and worthwhile. I'm starting over reading it again because there is a lot to digest even though it's not a very big book. Really processing the information takes time. But is worth it. I wouldn't let the title "spiritual" lessons throw you - I mean, maybe there are some people who have no belief in a spiritual side and maybe the book wouldn't be helpful for them, but I think most people could utilize the lessons here without having to embrace any particular belief system. It's really more about believing in yourself, regardless of any other spiritual or religious belief system you might have. ...more

4

Jun 21, 2017

I started this book a few years back, but never finished. So recently while on vacation, I restarted it. Let me tell you, the best way to immerse yourself in these lessons is to do them while undistracted on vacation. I felt completely inspired as I read each chapter, and could feel love pouring out of every cell of my body.

And then I re-entered the real world, and I suddenly realized that loving myself and loving others is not so easy when you have a house full of teens, a stressful job, a I started this book a few years back, but never finished. So recently while on vacation, I restarted it. Let me tell you, the best way to immerse yourself in these lessons is to do them while undistracted on vacation. I felt completely inspired as I read each chapter, and could feel love pouring out of every cell of my body.

And then I re-entered the real world, and I suddenly realized that loving myself and loving others is not so easy when you have a house full of teens, a stressful job, a neurotic high energy dog, a sink full of dishes, a pile of bills..... more than ever, I wanted to turn to food to ease the discomfort I'd left behind while on vacation.

This is exactly why this book became necessary. Every time I picked it up again, it reminded me to turn to God instead of food to bring me out of my misery. It taught me to be loving and gentle with myself, treating myself as a good friend instead of an enemy. It taught me that love is the answer for everything, even in weight loss.

I read this book quickly. I did many of the practices in the beginning of the book, particularly with journaling and reflection. But I skipped some of the more uncomfortable (or hokey) exercises. I think I'll probably work through this book again to dig deeper, and maybe do many of the exercises I skipped (even some of the hokey ones).

Marianne Williamson has a gentle loving voice in this book. Her writing style is easy to read, and it feels like she's a friend sitting with me as I worked through my weight issues. I definitely recommend this book to those who wish to turn around the weight battle, and who consider themselves spiritual. Those who don't believe in God or any divine being will not enjoy this book. But those who have even a little spirituality will find inspiration within these pages. ...more

4

Jul 05, 2019

I only did the first 18 exercises. This book is a lot of work. It’s taken me a year!

3

May 10, 2018

Pretty interesting overview of how to change your view about yourself, your health, and your relationship to food and exercise. It's based off of A Course in Miracles.

3

Dec 03, 2017

This is not for everybody.

On the one hand, Williamson offers some Wisdom Teaching in the area of over-eating and spirituality. That I loved. But she makes it sound like in order to lose weight, you have to achieve total and complete enlightenment (!)

Now, any book by Marianne Williamson is going to be intense and it's going to be about God. But she pours it out a little too thick. Which is also a very firm warning I'm going to give about the study and practice of A Course in Miracles: I don't This is not for everybody.

On the one hand, Williamson offers some Wisdom Teaching in the area of over-eating and spirituality. That I loved. But she makes it sound like in order to lose weight, you have to achieve total and complete enlightenment (!)

Now, any book by Marianne Williamson is going to be intense and it's going to be about God. But she pours it out a little too thick. Which is also a very firm warning I'm going to give about the study and practice of A Course in Miracles: I don't recommend it--It will get you digging up too much and can be extremely unsettling as a spiritual practice. Take it with a grain of salt. ...more

5

May 26, 2017

Loved this book. So much more than a "diet/weight loss" book. It is filled with wisdom on dealing with any compulsive behaviour and more.
My favourite lines from the book:
"The universe, being the handwriting of God, is a continuous flow of love. Yet the fear-mind seeks to block that love just as continuously as Spirit pours it forth."
"Yet you cannot take on the fear-mind directly. You don't get rid of it by fighting it, but only by transcending it, not by attacking it, but by replacing it."
Useful Loved this book. So much more than a "diet/weight loss" book. It is filled with wisdom on dealing with any compulsive behaviour and more.
My favourite lines from the book:
"The universe, being the handwriting of God, is a continuous flow of love. Yet the fear-mind seeks to block that love just as continuously as Spirit pours it forth."
"Yet you cannot take on the fear-mind directly. You don't get rid of it by fighting it, but only by transcending it, not by attacking it, but by replacing it."
Useful advice on so many levels. ...more

5

Aug 22, 2017

As someone struggling hard with weight and fitness issues, this book is actually unbelievably helpful. Personally my weight issues don't come from just the surface, I have deep work within to address and this book has helped me do so. I'm starting to unravel all the knots and barriers that are in front of me. I can't recommend it enough!

I will be going through it over and over again.

5

Aug 06, 2017

This book is not about nutrition for weight loss. It is about changing your thoughts to bring on physical change. There is a theme of connecting with a higher power to have a spiritual experience in order to bring on this new way of thinking.

4

May 12, 2019

Not just for weight loss

This is probably most helpful if you are familiar with A course in miracles. I don't have weight issues but I do have other vices. You can apply this information to whatever aisles you

5

Dec 18, 2017

4.5 stars.
I found a lot of profound truth in these pages. This “course” has helped set me on a path to greater well-being. Some of it was a little “out-there” for me, but I also have highlights and underlines all over the place. I’m glad this book found its way into my life.

5

Oct 25, 2019

Good

It's a good book for anyone that wants to deal with the root of a weightloss issue, and it's a spiritual solution to a spiritual problem.