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honeycoffeereads's review against another edition
4.0
I thought the first chapter with Deepak Chopra offered a lot of insight into how we think and how we get wrapped up in our thoughts, our predictions to others, and how we based our decisions. He gives us some great insight on how to develop way to calm ourselves and lessen the effect our thoughts have on us, and how it can take us on negatively. However, for those who do not read a lot on spirituality, consciousness, etc...Chopra's writing might go over some readers head - at some points it did to mine!
Moving into the second chapter written by Debbie Ford, I felt the content fell a little short. She didn't really explain too much new information on how we fall for our negativity/negative parts of ourselves. I felt her prose fell into a loop of information of how people can live by listening to the skeptical/fearful/jealous parts of ourselves. I sorta felt like I could do a shot-game to how many times 'shadow' appeared within the text, and I would have been smashed by page 5....
I stuck with it until the last section which was written by Marianne Williamson. The last chapter brought together a loving culmination of both chapters, and how living with love for others is the most hopeful, positive way to live. I particularly enjoyed her conversational tone, which might be something readers feel is missing from the first chapter. I also liked her ability to explain how easy we can go into judgmental/sarcastic/skeptical mode because at one point love has been withheld or torn away from us, and going into a mental attack mode, is a reflex rather than offering up more compassion or love.
Moving into the second chapter written by Debbie Ford, I felt the content fell a little short. She didn't really explain too much new information on how we fall for our negativity/negative parts of ourselves. I felt her prose fell into a loop of information of how people can live by listening to the skeptical/fearful/jealous parts of ourselves. I sorta felt like I could do a shot-game to how many times 'shadow' appeared within the text, and I would have been smashed by page 5....
I stuck with it until the last section which was written by Marianne Williamson. The last chapter brought together a loving culmination of both chapters, and how living with love for others is the most hopeful, positive way to live. I particularly enjoyed her conversational tone, which might be something readers feel is missing from the first chapter. I also liked her ability to explain how easy we can go into judgmental/sarcastic/skeptical mode because at one point love has been withheld or torn away from us, and going into a mental attack mode, is a reflex rather than offering up more compassion or love.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
Audio-The first 1/2 of the book with speakers- Deepak and Debbie was fantastic. They brought new ideas and made me think . I found myself having those pesky ah ha moments. Good for my whole being, and challenging the grey stuff between my ears. My 'shadow' has been influencing me, now that I understand it better maybe I can work with it. WE'll see, but a little self examination never hurts. The last speaker just did not do anything for me.
elmyhelmos's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
shu_long's review against another edition
3.0
Many ideas that I've read other places. Lower rating is for myself, not because I consider the book not a good access point for others.
ardaigle's review against another edition
4.0
I have recently begun a jag of trying to be the "best me that I can be" which for me starts with reading. I picked up this book on a whim after perusing the anemic "self help" section at my local Barnes and Noble. I didn't know much about any of the three authors, although I had heard of Chopra, but the concept of having a dark shadow intrigued me.
After reading it, I'm still not sure what I think. The book is separated into 3 main sections, one per author, and follows a progression of explaining what the shadow is, and how we should deal with it in order to move toward enlightenment and fulfillment. The basic premise is that we should embrace all parts of ourselves, even the bad parts, ie, the shadow, because ignoring or pushing down that negativity only serves to stunt growth and the ability to be happy.
Personally I feel I sometimes take a head in the sand approach to dealing with problems, and definitely beat myself up too much for little transgressions, so for me I think this concept is solid. After reading it I have tons of pages earmarked and start my day with reflection in an attempt to acknowledge my flaws and let I negativity go. Only time will tell if this method will truly be my key to a better life.
After reading it, I'm still not sure what I think. The book is separated into 3 main sections, one per author, and follows a progression of explaining what the shadow is, and how we should deal with it in order to move toward enlightenment and fulfillment. The basic premise is that we should embrace all parts of ourselves, even the bad parts, ie, the shadow, because ignoring or pushing down that negativity only serves to stunt growth and the ability to be happy.
Personally I feel I sometimes take a head in the sand approach to dealing with problems, and definitely beat myself up too much for little transgressions, so for me I think this concept is solid. After reading it I have tons of pages earmarked and start my day with reflection in an attempt to acknowledge my flaws and let I negativity go. Only time will tell if this method will truly be my key to a better life.
chatb's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Especially Marianne's Williamson's chapter. As much as I love Deepak, his writing can be heavy and wordy at times. To have the book start off with his chapter was a bit daunting, which is why it took me so long to finish. Regardless, the text is full of quotes and insight. I'm glad my father passed this along to me for reading.
abbajane's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
All the stars I gave this belong to Deepak Chopra. His section was the only one that seemed helpful to me. Debbie Ford seemed more interested in describing in detail all the ways people could be horrible and Marianne Williamson was wayyyyyy to "woo-woo" religious for me. I wish this book was just Chopra.