For People Who Truly Want to Change Themselves

books:


	• The Life We Are Given (Inner Work Book) George Leonard Tarcher, 2005 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 11 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

For People Who Truly Want to Change Themselves

If you really want a method that will lhelp you make changes to yourself and in your life, this book will point the way. After reading this book, and following the ITP as set forth in it, at the age of 60 I began running and 6 months later completed a marathon as my first road race (in the middle of my age group). I'm now 65 and have consistently followed the Integral Transformative Practice outlined in the book to work at making myself a healthier, more creative, loving, and wiser person. Be aware, however, that the ITP is WORK--but the method is highly effective.

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many paths, many practicees

The authors have been leaders in the human potential area for many years: Michael Murphy is the founder of the Esalen Institute, and George Leonard is author of a number of books. In this collaborative work, they present an overview of a course they developed at Esalen, described as an exploration of the twelve aspects of human functioning outlined in Murphy's book "The Future of the Body..."

In the introduction to this book, they write, "Every person on this planet can join in the process of transformative practice that began with our ancient ancestors." Chapters include specific instruction in various forms of affirmation, Katz (a series of body movements), mental imaging, meditation and other structured practices, and the authors note "many fine practices, many paths exist... Many, many activities can be considered practice. Even something as commonplace as gardening can be a practice if done for the sheer love of it, as an expression of the gardener's soul." The authors obviously have a commitment to helping advance, as they say, "the realization of every citizen's positive potential... inherent in every aspect of our lives, from the most common to the most extraordinary."

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For beginners - yay, for advanced - nay

First off I'm really sorry to rain on this parade of 5-star reviews only. As with any book, I say: "buy it if you want to, you can always send it back" - don't let my review put you off getting this book if you feel you want it.

I however, will be sending this book back. Why?

Because it's full of stuff I, and most likely everyone who has done some reading in the self-help and self-improvement section, already know(s).

Let me explain:

This is what "Integral Transformative Practice" (ITP) consists of:

1 - A simple routine (called "ITP Kata") of Tai Chi or Chi-kung like exercises and stretches, to be done 5 times a week or more.

2 - Affirmations

3 - Exercise (cardiovascular and strength)

4 - Healthy diet (low fat in this book :-) ) and

5 - Meditation

Now, as you can see you can most likely create your own little routine with books you already own.

There's a bit about the importance of doing this work within a group of dedicated ITP practitioners (nay for a loner like myself), and some info about energy work (ch'i if you prefer) and such.

It was a bit dissapointing because there are no grand promises, no new and exciting revelations. It's simply "Do this stuff and you'll be healthy and happy."

So, in conclusion: Good for beginners, bad (or at least boring) for your average hardcore self-help nut.

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Great for Beginners

Despite all of the respect I have for Leonard and Murphy with their theoretical work in various fields and their other books, I found "The Life We are Given" to be two things: a simple, and somewhat effective practice, and prematurely self-congratulatory.

Before reading on, if you are someone who is looking for a way to transform your life and to create new and healthy habits--if you don't already have a practice of your own--I DO recommend this book. The program is simple, logical and very encouraging. Not to mention it's simply a great place to start.

The book is basically a concoction of meditation, Yoga, fitness, affirmations, and a healthy diet. Obviously these are things you can practice on your own, seperately, but I suppose the ITP is a convenient way to combine these if you're unfamiliar with them otherwise.

Now for my problems with the book.

1) Despite having an acute interest in transpersonal practice, meditation, yoga, and other "spiritual" disciplines, my "New Age" radar goes off a few times during this book. Even though things like visualization and affirmations can be effective, they're just as effective in different mental forms...i.e., not so sugar-coated. I may be splitting hairs here, but I prefer my practice to be described to me in terms that will make sense beyond "your hand cares for your heart."

2) The other qualm is the self-congratulatory tone of the book. Murphy and Leonard are amazing men, who have contributed a lot, but they seem to stand on a pedestal here as if they've stumbled across something groundbreaking, when its not. The ITP is simply a recipe of practices that already exist on their own and that CAN be practiced on their own. And at the risk of sounding a bit pompous, it doesn't take a genius to decide they want to engage in healthy growth in mind, body and soul on their own.

So I reiterate, if you are looking for a positive change in your life (body, mind, and soul), and are not currently practicing anything and know very little about these practices, then this is a relevant book. Otherwise, the book says nothing that hasn't been said before. On top of that, the authors sound like they think it's never been said before, which is obnoxious.

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Integral Transformative Practice

I just finished The Life We Are Given(TLWAG.) The examples and techniques are interesting, and I am incorporating the ideas in my schedule. We'll see if it has the desired final results.

Clearly the holistic approach to total fitness (sould, mind, body)should yield the best results.

My only complaint is regarding the anecdotal commentary, and reference to experiences of study groups, often going back 20 years. The authors could have spent more time on the meat and bones of methodology and less time saying which group experience what type of weight loss and so forth. TLWAG is valuable as an instructional book, but not as journal of past experiences.

Still, it is a good read, even with the extraneous commentary. I would strongly recommend the book.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

Two pioneers of the human potential movement offer this new edition of their classic work, updated for a new generation of readers.

George Leonard and Michael Murphy's groundbreaking human realization program has helped thousands of people harness their potential and capitalize on their ability for growth to enrich their lives. Through balanced and comprehensive long-term practice, we can transform our lives using Integral Transformative Practice, or ITP, a program developed by Murphy and Leonard and followed by thousands of people worldwide.

Drawing upon the authors' combined seventy years of experience in the study of human transformation, The Life We Are Given presents an extensive program for realizing the potential of body, mind, heart, and soul, both for individual actualization and community improvement. With inspiring true stories of the struggles and triumphs of ITP workshop students interwoven into the authors' detailed program, this important book provides a rich source of motivation and guidance for the seeker.

Perhaps even more relevant today than when it was published to great acclaim ten years ago, The Life We Are Given urges readers to begin that most important of human journeys: the journey toward a better, more fully realized self.

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