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April 2011 Newsletter Good Books The Power of Receiving: “Whatever we don't include, we marry, go to work for, or give birth to.” “The world will give only as much as you can receive.” —Amanda Owen In The Power Of Receiving, Amanda Owen writes about fulfilling the desires, dreams, goals we have for our lives, a topic already explored by thousands of writers within the self-help genre. Owen's approach is unique, going beyond identifying, attracting, and manifesting, to actually receiving what we desire. It all begins with developing an understanding of the wholeness inherent in receiving and giving. The book includes twelve interesting exercises designed to help readers practice receiving. The very first step, in the first exercise, is a simple warmup: Accept All Compliments. This sounds so easy, but it was very revealing when I tried it. I especially like that all of the exercises are conveniently summarized in the final chapter. As readers begin to strengthen their capacity to receive, they move on to write and attract a goal, and cultivate a healthy relationship with it. By referring to your goal as “someone,” Owen demonstrates a way to easily shift how you think about, communicate with, relate to, and feel toward your goal. Two chapters are devoted to understanding and working with what lurks in the shadow and stands between you and your goal. Using the little circle of what you exclude, separate from and outside of The Big Circle of all that you include, Owen provides a simple, visual representation of the forces at work within each of us. When it comes to manifesting your desires, what's out wants in, or else. The book offers practical things you can try when facing one of life's common disappointments: working toward something that never quite seems to materialize. Owen offers a possibility that makes complete sense: some of us are missing out on a dream because we didn't know we needed to receive it. I highly recommend The Power of Receiving, especially if you recognize yourself as someone who prefers to do it yourself and has difficulty receiving. “The purpose of this book is to transform your thinking about life and work.” “You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to.” —Chris Guillebeau Chris Guillebeau is a thirty-something writer, entrepreneur, world traveler, and non-conformist. On his website, he admits he writes “for a small minority of people interested in living life on their own terms while making a dramatic, positive difference in the lives of others at the same time.” If you've been led to believe this can't be done, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Guillebeau spent four influential years as a volunteer aid work in West Africa, followed by a return to the U.S. to work on a graduate degree in International Studies. When asked by friends what he was going to do next, Guillebeau eventually responded, “I'm going to start my own social movement.... The Art of Nonconformity.” This is the heart of his compelling life, work, and story: “How to Live a Remarkable Life in a Conventional World.” “... on a train ride between Slovakia and Hungary a couple of years ago, I figured out that the cost of visiting 100 countries would be roughly equal to that of buying a new S.U.V. When I saw how relatively little that was, I felt encouraged. I gave up the hypothetical large vehicle and received the world in return.” Just so you know, Guillebeau is now well on his way to reaching his goal “to visit every country in the world.” So far the count is at 151 out of 192 countries. He is also actively partnered with Charity: Water in Ethiopia sharing royalties from the sale of this book. If you're withering on a conventional vine, wanting to “create an opportunity for change,” or just launching your life, you'll find plenty of inspiration in Guillebeau's writing on life, work, and travel. The book might make a wonderful gift, and a world of difference, for a high school or college graduate you know, or someone with a passion for traveling the world. Take time to visit Guillebeau's website too: http://chrisguillebeau.com
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phone: 651-644-7766 • mail@LaurieMattila.com • www.LaurieMattila.com Bless the time spent here… seeking listening dreaming.
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