Tag Archives: Books & Reviews

WILLPOWER: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

Book Review:  Willpower:  Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney

I tend to be an impulsive person so I was automatically captivated by the title of this book:  Willpower.   Written by the pioneering research psychologist, Roy F. Baumeister, in collaboration with New York Times science writer, John Tierney, Willpower has proven its weight in gold.

One of the most powerful messages of Willpower – is that lack of self-control is an all-pervasive problem.  A challenge that is only escalating in these modern times when there are more temptations than ever.  In fact, one-fourth of our waking hours are spent resisting urges.

So if you find yourself low on willpower there’s no need to hide in embarrassment.  Almost everyone else is just like you.

That doesn’t mean developing willpower is a hopeless endeavor.  The authors provide reams of scientific evidence to the contrary.  And they outline the essential knowledge and tips you need to succeed.

There’s a very good reason to focus on willpower:  happiness. 

Continue Reading →

Amazing Encounters with the Essence of Mind

Would you like a glimpse of what it would be like to sit in the presence of a great meditation master and be introduced to the essence of mind?

Then,  you’re in for a treat.

One of my favorite parts of In the Shadow of the Buddha, Secret Journeys, Sacred Histories, and Spiritual Discovery in Tibet by Matteo Pistono is the author’s description of his profound encounters with some of the greatest meditation masters of our time.

At the end of my review of this captivating read , I promised to also write about Pistono’s experiences in meditation.

So if you would like to get a glimpse of the luminous meeting of hearts and minds in the center of bustling London and against the icy backdrop of Tibet, please run right over and read my post Profound Encounters with the Essence of Mind at the What Meditation Really Is Blog.

The first few paragraphs are similar to the beginning of my review, but from there on the content is new.  Please enjoy!

If you liked this article, please share the link by using the share button below.  Thanks so much for your support!  Sandra

Secret Journeys, Sacred Histories, & Spiritual Discovery in Modern-Day Tibet

Matteo Pistono in Tibet

James Bond, Tibetan Style

Intrigue, adventure, and a profound spiritual odyssey await you in In the Shadow of the Buddha, Secret Journeys, Sacred Histories, and Spiritual Discovery in Tibet by Matteo Pistono.

This is a story of courage, conviction, and compassion that you won’t want to put down for a moment.

For more than a decade, Pistono skillfully eluded Chinese security forces while gathering heart-wrenching accounts of torture and atrocities regularly and repeatedly committed by the Chinese government in Tibet.  However, Pistono didn’t set out to be an espionage agent, nor did he train as the protégé of James Bond.  Continue Reading →