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Reviewssee below for the following
1.The Book of Testaments. A practical guide for spiritual realisation - STEPHEN CHONG
2. Diaphanous Auroras - DR MARY CASOLIN
3.A Slice of Life With All The Cream & Filling - HAYLEY HOHN |
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Contributor Stephen Chong reviewed by Hazel Menehira:
The Book of Testaments. A practical guide for spiritual realisation.
Reviewed by Hazel Menehira FTCL. 14/04/2010
In today's explosion of 'how to,' 'aspirational,' and 'self-realisation' books it is refreshing to discover one that is a sincere and solid work by a new writer.
Stephen Chong's The Book of Testaments is a direct appeal read which offers insight linked with practical application. Whilst the title rings of a Christian approach this guide to self realisation is spiritually based on God (life) and God (universe)-God by whatever name, making the text accessible to a wide readership of varied traditions. Its practicality will be of benefit to individuals, businesses, organisations, educators and counsellors. Stephen presents his Testaments drawing on an extensive background of study and experience as a professional development coach. It is this life work which gives the book its integrity and sense of dedicated authority and wisdom. Of greatest value are the practical exercises which accompany each Testament as it is defined. The relaxation exercises and focus on a personal sense of purpose suggested in Testament 3:Attention, here and now, is a perfect example of Chong's style of linking sprit, mind, and physical well being.The many dimensions of love, unconditional, personal and spiritual come to the fore throughout the Testaments, but whilst varied perspectives of the human condition are explored, the text does not become maudlin or too abstract to inspire and benefit readers. Once again it is the down to earth practical application of strategies to deal with everyday situations which gives firm guidance toward self realisation. Testament 6: Pure love is who you are- express it, and Testament 10: Life is love, expressed, focus on the value of improving communication skills in varied situations both with loved ones and also with the human family in order to express "graces of compassion, empathy, openness and understanding."
The author has drawn on an extensive bibliography which has accompanied his own professional journey. Many of the concepts have appeared in other inspirational books, but in this volume he has carefully couched them, ensuring that his personal approach gives a new and stimulating dimension. If there is any weakness in presentation it is the length of sentences, but the style of the author and the rhythm of his writing is soon accepted and comprehension is assured. Simple tables and diagrams are interspersed with Stephen's own personal anecdotes. The latter are easy reading and incorporate levels to reflect upon.
Stephen Chong's philosophy, guidance, and the techniques that he offers can assist a reader to establish and develop life changing processes. Testament 5: reads "Announce and become, express and fulfil, experience and know the true self." There is no doubt that in producing this book the writer has done exactly that and his motivation to benefit others has been achieved.
Hazel Menehira FTCL. |
Contributor Dr Mary Casolin reviewed by L De Rosa:
Dr Mary Casolin's Diaphanous Auroras is presented in a slim book of poetry. Each poem is packed with knowledge and never assumes the reader's inability to understand. This shows Dr Casolin's deep respect for her readers and is most likely her way of honouring their intellect, as she does her own.
The poet delves into her life with tremendous perception and reflection. She draws on history, literature, geography, mythology, music and nature. Dr Casolin's poetry reflects a depth of knowledge, extensive research and tremendous insightfulness. Her ability to capture all of life's elements reflects not only a poet's mind but that of the scientist's, the naturalist's, the humourist's, the lover of animals, and the lover of humanity. The mystery of her verses can be solved if the reader delves into his or her own mind and soul and can manage to connect with this author's past, her passions, her love and her mischievous sense of life.
If we can appreciate the pain of loss of love, be it a sweetheart who dies or the death of one's prized cat, if we can appreciate that compassion grows from a deeper understanding of life and that joy draws from the same well, then we will be able to see this poet's outstanding gift to us in her first book of poetry Diaphanous Auroras. Each poem signifies a time, a place, a memory or a dream for this poet. It is part of her journey into a life which she was not frightened to face and comes out the other side a better person, richer in human understanding and self-appreciation.
Her poems are masterpieces. There is no thought, no emotion or passion which Dr Casolin does not explore. Her work honours women and the challenges we face. Her poetry is a testimony of the trials and triumphs of Dr Casolin's generation - that of the daughter of migrants and is a tribute to her culture affirming all writers, especially women writers.
Her poems deserve recognition as a fine example of highly descriptive, deeply passionate … profoundly educated pieces of writing, without a doubt "Under the Master's Hand" p.20. |
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Contributor Hayley Hohn reviewed
by Dr M Casolin:
In her first book of poetry A Slice of Life With All The Cream & Filling, Hayley Hohn draws the reader's attention to the fact that in determining our own destiny we must remember, "That all is not to be controlled" (p. 78). Nevertheless, you must listen "To the truth set deep within your heart" (p. 79). The truth acts as a buckler, shielding us from the "Shadows", those fears that burden our souls and waste our efforts.
Even in her contemplation of death and the deceits of life, she is aware of "A glow that can now become a flame" (p. 128), for those who have the backbone to follow truth. The poem "Talk" challenges us to: "Talk with our hearts, not our minds" (p. 129), for our hearts are aware of a greater truth. We should not allow the fear of darkness to cripple us, but enable:
"The glory of truth Awaken to eternal love" (p. 132).
Perhaps the most important search of all for any individual, is the search to find himself or herself, so that the rage and the fury of fear and separation are dispelled and a courageous new beginning can be given to a life.
One of my most compelling reasons for reading and reading and reading is not so much to find out more about other people, as to find out more about myself, in what I accept, agree with, or even find distasteful.
In the quiet hours of contemplation when I escape to the serene sanctuary of my own mind, truths crystallize. After reading Hayley's book, I felt it hardly necessary to secrete myself in the hidden recesses of my own thoughts, as so often I identified her ideas as already my own. This will probably be the case with many other of its readers.
A Slice of Life is a collection of poems with universal appeal. Its message challenges the reader to recognize the reality of the human condition and to espouse the principles of spiritual generosity towards all other members of the human race.
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