I am reading The Secret: The Power  by Rhonda Byrne, the author of The Secret. Just like Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons, it stresses the power of love. I thought this would be very apropos to discuss since it’s Valentine’s Day.

Side bar: I am actually listening to the audiobook from Audible and Rhonda Byrne’s Australian accent sounds a lot like Nicki Minaj’s “Martha” accent. What? Yes, I did just mention Nicki Minaj and a powerful metaphysical New Thought belief in the same post.

The Secret literally changed my life in a hundred different ways and when I was looking at the reviews for this book, I just had to get it. The book is a little repetitive, but repetition is the mother of learning.

 Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book that you can do right now to increase the amount of love in your life.

“Let go of the things you don’t love about your childhood, and keep the things you love. Let go of the things you don’t love about your adolescent and adult years, and keep the good things. Just keep the things you love about your whole life.”

“Many people don’t know about the power of good feelings, and so their feelings are reactions or responses to what happens to them. They have put their feelings on automatic pilot, instead of deliberately taking charge of them.”

“Every single second is an opportunity to change your life, because in any moment you can change the way you feel.”

“So how do you fall in love with life? The same way you fall in love with another person — you adore everything about them! You fall in love with another person by seeing only love, hearing only love, speaking only love, and by feeling love with all your heart! And that is exactly how you use the ultimate power of love in love with life.”

“You are the driver of your mind, so take charge and keep it busy with your instructions by telling it where you want it to go. Your mind only takes off on its own if you are not telling it what to do.”

“When anything good happens to you in your day, give thanks. It doesn’t matter how small it is, say thank you. When you get the perfect parking space, hear your favorite song on the radio, approach a light that turns green, or find an empty seat on the bus or train, say thank you. These are all good things that you are receiving from life.”

“Remember it only takes giving love and good feelings a minimum of 51 percent of the time to reach the tipping point and change everything.”

“You have to talk about what you love to bring what you love to you.”

“Love is the highest feeling you have, then in descending order from love comes: gratitude, joy, passion, excitement, enthusiasm, hope, satisfaction — these are the good feelings. Then comes bad feelings, in descending order, boredom, irritation, disappointment, worry, criticism, anger, hate, envy, guilt, despair, fear.”

“Count the things you love nonstop, one after the other, keep listing everything you love until you feel amazing.”

“Don’t struggle to change the circumstances of your life. Give love through your good feelings and what you want will appear. You have to give good feelings first. You have to be happy first and give happiness to receive happy things. Whatever you want to receive in life, you must give first.”

The Power also features a lot of practical advice on how to apply the law of attraction in your life right now: if you want something in your life, prepare for it. If you want to be a millionaire, what can you do now to prepare for that? If you knew you were coming into a large sum of money next week, you’d probably get rid of lots of clutter and stuff you’d throw out if you had all the money you wanted, make space in your wallet, open a new bank account or figure out how you would spend the money. Or do you want to find your perfect mate? Do you live your life the way you would if that person was in your life right now? If you new your ideal lover could move in with you next week, you’d probably start sleeping on one side of the bed, make room in your closet, wear cute clothes to bed and set the table for two. Side bar: another amazingly good book called  The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction by Arielle Ford goes in to depth on this subject. Anyway, all of these things are things you can do now!

If you’re spiritual or into new thought and personal power — this book is a must read. If you’re open to the message, you will feel inspired and empowered. I am beginning to consciously apply the concepts in this book to every facet of my life and I want to challenge you to do the same.

If you don’t have time or energy to read, audiobooks from Audible and your local public library are perfect for your multitasking lifestyle. It’s a lot more progressive than listening to the garbage on the radio during commutes.

I’ve been reading one life-changing book per day since a couple of weeks before the new year and I cannot say enough about how much I have changed. I have evolved and I can’t wait to compare my progress at the end of the year. I’m planning to compile of list of all the positive aspects that came from this resolution.

I am really knocking these books out and always looking for new suggestions. Please feel free to share any books that have changed your life in the comments.

Peace and Love,

Last week I “read” Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons. I put read in quotes because I actually listened to the audiobook. Yes, that still counts especially because I’m shelling out a small fortune on Audible.com. If you, like me, don’t always have time to read an actual book, audiobooks are AMAZING! I have an Audible.com membership and I’m just knocking theses books out. Is that reading cheating? Maybe… maybe not. I wish I could remember this guy’s name, but a very intelligent man, an ivy league professor actually used the word “read” when he was talking about listening to audiobooks. I discovered Audible through this person. He was on some radio show. Anyway, I’ve probably already read 6 (or more) books on Audible just in the last 2 weeks that I have yet to do a blog post on. You can try Audible now and get a free audiobook download with a 14 Day Trial. This is how they got me hooked.

What’s cool about audiobooks besides the fact that you can multitask is that you can play it over and over again, they don’t take up any space, so you won’t have to worry about clutter. I really am addicted. You know when you’re working, you just need some ambiance or noise to get in the zone. Well, this is so much more productive than listening to Pandora or having some junk reality tv playing in the background.

I should mention that I only got the Audible membership after downloading all the books I wanted from my public library, not much of a selection. That’s an issue.

Ok, so back to Super Rich. It was narrated by Black Ice and I think he is an amazing spoken word poet, but I was looking forward to Uncle Rus, lisp and everything. So that was a big shocker. Next, I think I describe the book best when I say it is the hip hop yogi version of The Power of Now or The Vortex. I think most people will be surprised to know that the content of this book is far deeper than anyone could expect from the title. If you read Do You! and you’re thinking this is a follow up, you will be a little thrown off. Where Do You! was more practical and action-oriented, Super Rich is extremely spiritual. Side bar: I read Do You! a couple of years ago and I should mention that it is also a life changing book. I literally got my dream job (at the time) after reading the book and putting its techniques to practice.

Super Rich focuses heavily on mediation, yoga sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and giving. In this book, Russell teaches us how to live in the moment, how to enjoy the journey, how to treat every moment like we’re rich already and so much more. He talked about how we have to take pride in everything we do. If it’s a job we hate or think is beneath us, we have to do it like it’s our dream job. He also mentioned the importance of not chasing money and how he can’t stand people that are all about money and nothing else. Russell teaches us that if we want to be super rich, we have to be super givers.

It’s well worth a read especially if you’re spiritual and you’re interested in learning how to attract the life you want by giving and living in the now.

P.S.
Super Rich is doing well on Amazon, check out where it ranks on the following charts:

• #2 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Motivational
• #4 in Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Happiness
• #7 in Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Motivational

 
One of the ways that helps me choose my next book is reading the reviews and rankings on Amazon, but I’d love to hear your feedback. Do you have a life-changing book that you think I should read? Please share in the comments or e-mail me.

I actually met Russell Simmons briefly a few years ago, he was at one of Kimora’s events. (She gave him the idea to name this book Super Rich). Anyway, he was nice and humble.

Do you watch his show, “Running Russell Simmons”? I’ve seen a couple of episodes. The highlight for me was hearing Amber Rose’s voice. I’d never heard her speak before.

 Besides reading one life changing book per week, one of my new year’s resolutions was to meditate for 15-20 minutes per day. I have a hard time sitting still and “quieting my mind” so it’s not easy for me to meditate. The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships has been one of the most life changing books I’ve read this year. I don’t believe in all of Esher and Jerry Hicks theories or philosophies, but a lot of what they (or “Abraham”) explain, makes sense to me.

Besides, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle,  The Vortex was one of the most eye-opening books I’ve read not only this year, but perhaps my whole life. Because The Vortex made such an impact on me, I decided to get Getting Into The Vortex: Guided Meditations CD and User Guide a couple of weeks ago. I figured it would help me stay on track and disciplined with my daily meditations.

The book is basically the same stuff that I read in The Vortex, so you may be able to get this book/CD set and understand the just of The Vortex. The CD consists of a preface, intro and 4 meditations: general well-being, financial well-being, physical well-being and relationships well-being.

It puts me to sleep every night, so this isn’t something you want to use if you’re at work or in a car. I’ve transferred it to my iTunes and I play one of the tracks once I’ve written in my journal and I’m ready for sleep. Something about it is just super relaxing. If I’m in a bad mood or had a rough day, this makes me feel infinitely more at peace.

This is probably one of the dopest meditation sets ever! I can honestly say that when I’m listening to this, it feels as good as (if not better than) getting a facial at a spa or laying out on the beach knowing you don’t have to do anything. Sounds like a sales pitch a little? I just think everybody who is open to the law of attraction and positive thinking needs to know about this. You don’t have to take my word for it, read the over 211 reviews on Amazon. As I said when I posted my review of The Vortex, if you’re open to the message, this can change your life. If nothing else, you will feel more at peace in situations that would have normally been stressful.

 Besides reading one life changing book per week, one of my new year’s resolutions was to meditate for 15-20 minutes per day. I have a hard time sitting still and “quieting my mind” so it’s not easy for me to meditate. The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships has been one of the most life changing books I’ve read this year. I don’t believe in all of Esher and Jerry Hicks theories or philosophies, but a lot of what they (or “Abraham”) explain, makes sense to me.

Besides, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle,  The Vortex was one of the most eye-opening books I’ve read not only this year, but perhaps my whole life. Because The Vortex made such an impact on me, I decided to get Getting Into The Vortex: Guided Meditations CD and User Guide a couple of weeks ago. I figured it would help me stay on track and disciplined with my daily meditations.

The book is basically the same stuff that I read in The Vortex, so you may be able to get this book/CD set and understand the just of The Vortex. The CD consists of a preface, intro and 4 meditations: general well-being, financial well-being, physical well-being and relationships well-being.

It puts me to sleep every night, so this isn’t something you want to use if you’re at work or in a car. I’ve transferred it to my iTunes and I play one of the tracks once I’ve written in my journal and I’m ready for sleep. Something about it is just super relaxing. If I’m in a bad mood or had a rough day, this makes me feel infinitely more at peace.

This is probably one of the dopest meditation sets ever! I can honestly say that when I’m listening to this, it feels as good as (if not better than) getting a facial at a spa or laying out on the beach knowing you don’t have to do anything. Sounds like a sales pitch a little? I just think everybody who is open to the law of attraction and positive thinking needs to know about this. You don’t have to take my word for it, read the over 211 reviews on Amazon. As I said when I posted my review of The Vortex, if you’re open to the message, this can change your life. If nothing else, you will feel more at peace in situations that would have normally been stressful.

If you’re not aware, I’ve challenged myself and you to read one life changing book per week and last week I read Linchpin: Are You Indispensable by Seth Godin. I’ve already been practicing much of the things Godin shares in his book most of my life. The biggest thing you’ll get out of this book: don’t settle for mediocrity. Our world is changing. It’s no longer good enough to just show up to work, your business, school or your life and just do what is expected of you. We need to go above and beyond, challenge the system, rock the boat, be original and break the rules if we want to be successful, no… exceptional. If you need some motivation about how to step… no jump your game up or how to catapult you life’s vision to the next level, this is a must read. Imagine if everyone woke up tomorrow and decided to be a linchpin. Do you know how much we will have progressed in just one day? Everything in our world would be infinitely better. Shake things up, make life more exciting, make a change, get yours, kill it, shut it down in 2011 and beyond. Get in beast mode. Be a linchpin!

If you’re not aware, I’ve challenged myself and you to read one life changing book per week and last week I read Linchpin: Are You Indispensable by Seth Godin. I’ve already been practicing much of the things Godin shares in his book most of my life. The biggest thing you’ll get out of this book: don’t settle for mediocrity. Our world is changing. It’s no longer good enough to just show up to work, your business, school or your life and just do what is expected of you. We need to go above and beyond, challenge the system, rock the boat, be original and break the rules if we want to be successful, no… exceptional. If you need some motivation about how to step… no jump your game up or how to catapult you life’s vision to the next level, this is a must read. Imagine if everyone woke up tomorrow and decided to be a linchpin. Do you know how much we will have progressed in just one day? Everything in our world would be infinitely better. Shake things up, make life more exciting, make a change, get yours, kill it, shut it down in 2011 and beyond. Get in beast mode. Be a linchpin!

The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships is the book I’m reading this week. It’s similar to The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in a lot of ways. I heard about this book through Oprah. No, not personally through her, but through The Secret. If you’re not ready to get the message, it will go completely over your head. If you believe in the Law of Attraction, this is definitely something you should get your hands on. The concepts can be abstract or hard to grasp, but so that you can get the just, I’ll simplify what I’m getting out of it.

It’s about relationships and stresses the importance of your relationship with yourself. Being truly happy with yourself is the first step to attracting the friendships, intimate relationships and familial relationships that you want in your life. It does go into intimate relationships in detail and a few other different types of relationships. You can figure out how to be happier in the relationships you’re in by just realizing that it’s all in your power.

I realize that for some of you, this will seem completely foreign and you won’t be into it. That’s fine. It can be a life changing book if you’re ready for it. The cover makes it look a little out there. (You remember Erykah Bady did her tour and it was entitled, “The Vortex”. I have no idea if she is into Esther and Jerry Hicks and all of that, but maybe all of that will turn people off to this book). I can admit that I thought it was a little weird and I was very hesitant to read it. Yes, I want to read life-changing books and be progressive and conscious and all of that, but I’m not into doing anything too far to the left. All that being said, the book was very commonsensical and again just reiterated the power of being very conscious of your thoughts, shutting off negative self talk, learning to enjoying our lives, ourselves and our relationships — right now.

After reading these last few books, I definitely feel more at peace, hopeful, happy, grateful, positive, fearless, appreciative of all of life’s details… I could really go on.

How are you all doing with the Throw Away 50 things challenge? The book suggested a 2 week deadline, but let’s go on and extend it to December 31, 2011. Why not start the new year with a fresh, clutter-free start. I’ve progressed to the point where I have stuff boxed up and ready to go, but there’s still more I want to get rid of. You’ll remember I just did a big purging a couple of months ago. It’s not like I’m a hoarder or anything, but there’s always stuff to get rid of if I really think about it. Now, when I’m deciding I just ask myself if the “thing” fits into my dream life. If it doesn’t, I toss it in the “get rid of it box”.

The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships is the book I’m reading this week. It’s similar to The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in a lot of ways. I heard about this book through Oprah. No, not personally through her, but through The Secret. If you’re not ready to get the message, it will go completely over your head. If you believe in the Law of Attraction, this is definitely something you should get your hands on. The concepts can be abstract or hard to grasp, but so that you can get the just, I’ll simplify what I’m getting out of it.

It’s about relationships and stresses the importance of your relationship with yourself. Being truly happy with yourself is the first step to attracting the friendships, intimate relationships and familial relationships that you want in your life. It does go into intimate relationships in detail and a few other different types of relationships. You can figure out how to be happier in the relationships you’re in by just realizing that it’s all in your power.

I realize that for some of you, this will seem completely foreign and you won’t be into it. That’s fine. It can be a life changing book if you’re ready for it. The cover makes it look a little out there. (You remember Erykah Bady did her tour and it was entitled, “The Vortex”. I have no idea if she is into Esther and Jerry Hicks and all of that, but maybe all of that will turn people off to this book). I can admit that I thought it was a little weird and I was very hesitant to read it. Yes, I want to read life-changing books and be progressive and conscious and all of that, but I’m not into doing anything too far to the left. All that being said, the book was very commonsensical and again just reiterated the power of being very conscious of your thoughts, shutting off negative self talk, learning to enjoying our lives, ourselves and our relationships — right now.

After reading these last few books, I definitely feel more at peace, hopeful, happy, grateful, positive, fearless, appreciative of all of life’s details… I could really go on.

How are you all doing with the Throw Away 50 things challenge? The book suggested a 2 week deadline, but let’s go on and extend it to December 31, 2011. Why not start the new year with a fresh, clutter-free start. I’ve progressed to the point where I have stuff boxed up and ready to go, but there’s still more I want to get rid of. You’ll remember I just did a big purging a couple of months ago. It’s not like I’m a hoarder or anything, but there’s always stuff to get rid of if I really think about it. Now, when I’m deciding I just ask myself if the “thing” fits into my dream life. If it doesn’t, I toss it in the “get rid of it box”.