Change Can Be Good -- And Usually Is

Friday is Book Day on the blog, when we take a look at books – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommended reading: Making a Change for Good, Cheri Huber.

Every wants to change something in their life. Well, just about everybody, anyway. I know of very few people who don't want to change something. So this book by Cheri Huber will be right on target for tons of folks -- and you may be one of them.

Here's the book description from Amazon.com...

"According to Zen teacher Cheri Huber, we are conditioned to think that if we were only a little better in some way, we would be happy: “Life isn't the way it should be and it's my fault!” But, Huber says, no amount of self-punishment will ever make us happy or bring us control over life’s problems.

"The help we are looking for is really found in self-acceptance and kindness toward ourselves. By simply allowing ourselves to be guided by our innate intelligence and generosity, which are our authentic nature, we are able to be compassionately present to what’s happening now. Compassionate self-discipline—the will to take positive steps in life—is found through nothing other than being present.

"When we are present and aware, we are not engaged in distracting, addictive behaviors. If we simply cultivate our ability to pay attention and focus on what is here in this moment, our experience can be authentic, awake, honest, and joyful.

"The book includes a guided thirty-day program of daily meditation, contemplation, and journaling."

I like the idea of the month-long program. I also like the idea of daily meditation, contemplation, and journaling. I have found each of these practices to be extremely useful and wonderfully beneficial in the lives of many, many people.

As one reader reviewer, this text represents the very best of modern Buddhist teaching. Here is a sample review from Amazon by reader Patrick D. Goonan:

"I am a personal growth coach with a background in psychology, world religions and biofeedback. I work everyday with people who are trying to change their lives, which as you know is often a tall order. I've always admired Cheri Huber's simple, practical and effective approach and this book is certainly one of her best.

"Although this book is based on Buddhist thought, it can be used by anyone of any faith. It approaches change from a perspective of non-judgmental awareness, unconditional self-acceptance and seeing that beating yourself is and always has been futile.

"In addition to her fine presentation of content which is gleaned from a variety of areas including cognitive therapy, Buddhist thought and developmental psychology, she provides a structure. Specifically, the book contains a guided 30 day retreat which I think it EXCELLENT in every respect of the word... that's code for it really works!

"This is one self-help book that is worthy of the name...."

Conversations with God says that "God is Change." All things in life change all the time. The question is not whether things are changing, but whether they are changing for the better or for the worse, at our direction and intention or in ways that are out of our control.

If you have not discovered Cheri Huber's writings yet, this might be a very good time to bring yourself that experience. -- NDW