He argues that, while formal religious affiliation may be waning, spiritual practices remain relevant because they can cultivate bonds to the self, others, the natural world, and the transcendent. Ter Kuile explains the significance of a variety of religious practices, including pilgrimage, prayer, and meditation, and proposes ways to capture their significance through everyday activities ("anything can become a spiritual practice--gardening, painting, singing, snuggling, sitting") by focusing on intention, attention, and repetition. This approach leads to inventive explorations of social trends; for instance, the famously cultish appeal of the Crossfit fitness program is explained in terms of vulnerability and community. In ter Kuile's understanding, religious traditions are "inherently creative" and therefore good starting points for considering personalized, meaningful spiritual practices.

    That wish has come true for us. Now what? In this radically illuminating book, Alan Cohen delves into one of the world’s most venerated wisdom texts for answers and brings the lofty and enigmatic concepts of the Tao Te Ching down to earth in fresh, easy-to-grasp language with practical, personal examples we can use to uplift our daily lives.Most other interpretations of the Tao march through the stanzas one by one. Here Alan Cohen calls forth the ancient verses around themes that are central to our modern lives —from love to work to the lessons we learn from pain. Then he brings each message to life in short vignettes where he imagines himself a student of Lao Tse and interacts with the master directly and intimately. He invites you to join the ancient sage and the contemporary seeker as they wend their way through the challenges and triumphs of the same journey you’re taking yourself.

    Strawberry ice cream. Making faces at monkeys in the zoo. Dog dishes that say "Good Dog." Carolers singing around a Norwegian spruce. Sun burning off the morning fog. Cabanas. It's the little things that make life worth living, and they can be found by the dozens in this obsessive, quirky, and utterly captivating compendium with over 950,000 copies in print. A pure, unadulterated listing, it offers not a single explanation, aside, or footnote, but reading it is as irresistible as eating popcorn. Randomly selected and catalogued over the course of twenty years-and illustrated with joyous and jewel-like precision by the gifted artist Pierre Le-Tan-14,000 THINGS is Barbara Ann Kipfer's perfect antidote to the all-too-frequently-mentioned things we should be unhappy about.It's a celebration of almost everything that's ever made us smile. And that itself is reason number 14,001.

     "Usually people associate a sense of unbound presence with epiphanies in life-being present at a birth, or a death. People lose themselves in sexual union, in nature, or in the presence of a heart-wrenching beauty. In those moments they forget to keep up the story about the one having the experience, and all that is left is the actual experience." In Passionate Presence, internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher Catherine Ingram shares her insights and wisdom for connecting more intimately to the experience of our daily worlds. Through her popular interactive Dharma Dialogues (dharma meaning truth, or "the way"), she has helped thousands of spiritual seekers everywhere in their quest for awakening by encouraging them to give up the quest. Now she brings nearly thirty years of experience to a book that shows us how to recognize these everyday miracles, and become more cognizant of life's greatest gift: our own passionate presence. Based on "non-dual" teachings that rely on direct experience, with numerous stories illustrating her points, Ingram takes readers on an eye-opening journey that will help them to: o Know the seven traits of passionate presence: silence, tenderness, discernment, embodiment, genuineness, delight, and wonder o Relax in simple presence to dissolve barriers between people, foster better communication, and create inner peace and harmony o Discover why true aloneness can never be lonely o See how tender mercies can purge intense feelings of anger and much more. Filled with illuminating anecdotes and personal reflections, Passionate Presence reveals our true natures and opens the doorway to the divine in all of us. Inspiring and profound, it is certain to gain a wide and devoted readership.

    Ezra Bayda has good news: life’s challenges aren’t obstacles to our path—they are the path. Understanding that liberates us to use every aspect of what life presents us with as a way to live with integrity and authenticity—and joy.  In this, as in all his books, Ezra’s teaching is Zen made wonderfully practical, in a way that can apply to anyone’s life. Meditation is the foundation, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s about learning to take the practice of presence we cultivate in meditation to all the rest of our complicated lives. Doing that empowers us to navigate our journey with the integrity and authenticity that are what a satisfying life is all about.

    Stop Fixing Yourself: Wake Up, All Is Well provides the simple path to living an enlightened life. De Mello tells us that if you are watchful and awake, all that is false and neurotic within you will drop away and you will begin to live increasingly from moment to moment in a life made whole and happy and transparent through awareness. Awareness transforms you from a seeker to a finder, opening your eyes to the reality of the love, peace, and beauty that has always surrounded you. Awareness will set you free. In Stop Fixing Yourself, De Mello’s down-to-earth teaching method helps you discover true awareness, releasing the divinity all around you and making your life meaningful, beautiful, and prosperous.

    

    It's about learning to eat properly for your health." -Vitor Belfort, UFC two-time world champion"Mike Dolce's the best in the business."-Chael Sonnen, UFC world title contender"Mike Dolce's knowledge of nutrition and strength & conditioning has led him to be one of the most highly sought-after coaches in the sport." -Joshua Carey, Bleacher Report"You can learn a lot from this man right here." -Ariel Helwani, AOL's MMAFighting.comABOUT THE DOLCE DIET: LIVING LEANCalled "the patron saint of weight cutting," Mike Dolce has coordinated the high-profile weight loss for many of the world's top athletes, including...* Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, UFC / Pride FC world champion* Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort, UFC two-time world champion* Thiago "Pitbull" Alves, UFC world title contender* Chael Sonnen WEC / UFC world title contender* Gray "Bully" Maynard, UFC world title contender* Nate "Rock" Quarry, UFC world title contender* Mike "Quicksand" Pyle, WEC world champion* Jay "Thorobred" Hieron, IFL world championAs well as fan favorites...* Michael "The Count" Bisping, The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner* Jake "Juggernaut" Ellenberger, UFC veteran* Ed "Shortfuse" Herman, The Ultimate Fighter 3 runner-up* Chris "The Crippler" Leben, UFC veteran* Duane "BANG" Ludwig, UFC & K-1 veteranand many more!For the first time in print, Mike Dolce shares the same the principles, recipes, and strength-training workouts he uses in MMA's elite fight camps and how they can be used by YOU!INSIDE you will learn:* Recipes used in MMA's top fight camps with gluten-free & vegan options* Easy to follow sample meal plans with gluten-free & vegan options* Strength & Conditioning exercises with instructions & photos* Workout plans used by today's top athletesWHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DOLCE DIETThe Dolce Diet, three words about Living Lean: 1. Simple 2. Inspirational 3. Effective. Thank you, Mike Dolce! You've made staying in shape easy! ~STEWART M. The Dolce Diet, Love it! My Little-Boy-2-B has been on it for 5.5 months! This diet is truly amazing for moms pre & post baby! Yes, The DolceDiet is prego friendly! Plenty of the RIGHT kind of food that tastes great! ~THE H2H WAITRESSStarted two weeks ago. Lost 13 pounds so far. Yea! Love the recipes! So do my kids! Thank you! ~DAWN H.Body fat down 4% in 2 months?! Yessss! #LIVING LEAN ~MOLLY C.The Dolce Diet, started 410, down 50 lbs. so far. ~ JOSH W.The Dolce Diet, 13 lbs. lost in 4 weeks! People are asking what I'm doing...Telling them LIVING LEAN! ~MIKE S.Real talk! The Dolce Diet is the Einstein, da Vinci and Jesus of losing weight all wrapped up in one...gluten free wrap that is. ~MIKEY F.Another 5 (lbs. lost) on The Dolce Diet. 25 pounds down in 2 weeks, 100 to go! #LivingLean! ~JOHN P.

    And it is guaranteed to lead you to these things, because every step of the way is blessed with Cosmic Power. The Cosmic Power that comes from the center of the Universe, from the Source of all creation, from the Infinite Intelligence in Whose Mind all the things you want in life were first contemplated, as well as the way to obtain them. The Mystic Path is for men and women who are dissatisfied with things as they are, for those who hear a faint whisper that things can be entirely different. For the plain fact is, things can be miraculously different - every tick of the clock can bring new victories, new rewards, new and exciting successes that you can bask in and point to for all to see. If you will only let this book light up the Mystic Path to Cosmic Power for you, and by it be enlightened. What does the Mystic path reveal to you: There is a way out - the greatest secret on earth - The miraculous message of Mysticism - How to perform right action; The strange case of hypnotized humanity - How to wake up the world of wonder - The confessions of a famous nobleman - Your single greatest technique for newness - what the New Awakening does for you - How to walk the Mystic Path - How good things happen to you - Men who have walked he Mystic Path; How you can be happy right now - Your field of diamonds - How to contact Higher Power - Fifteen ways to gain new strength - Twenty special secrets - Answers to questions about love - How to handle difficulties with people; A vital secret for you - How pain magically disappears - Lights along the Mystic Path - and much, much more...

    In a world of iPhones and connectivity to social media and email, we are all in constant connection with one another. Then why are so many people feeling burned out, distant from colleagues, and abandoned by family and friends? In this new book from the bestselling author of Running with the Mind of Meditation, the Sakyong uses the basic principles of the Shambhala tradition--meditation and a sincere belief in the inherent wisdom, compassion, and courage of all beings--to help readers to listen and speak more mindfuly with loved ones, co-workers, strangers, and even ourselves. In this easy to understand and helpful book, Sakyong Mipham provides inspiring ideas and practical tips on how to be more present in your day-to-day life, helping us to communicate in ways that elevates the dignity of everyone involved. Great for families, employees and employers and everyone who spend too much time on Facebook, Instragram, and feel -disconnected- in our -connected- world, Good Conversation is a journey back to basics.

    Stop trying to put yourself into a box of what spirituality “should” look like—because, honey, being yourself is spiritual.This is what Sah D’Simone shares in Spiritually Sassy, a guide for a generation that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and freedom both in life and on the spiritual path. A queer, brown, flamboyant, immigrant spiritual seeker, Sah is a voice for anyone who wants to grow in creative ways. To be of service and make an impact on the world. To embrace their fierce, funny, and fabulous selves—even the parts they might feel ashamed of or figure just aren’t “spiritual” enough. With Spiritually Sassy, Sah distills the art of living well in our modern world into eight radical yet totally attainable steps. By incorporating scientifically backed principles of modern psychology with time-tested Buddhist techniques—and a heavy dose of sassy sauce—Sah will help you unblock your heart, befriend your mind, and live your truth out loud. In other words, he’ll help you find your sass. Highlights include:- Clear out old ways of thinking to make room for a new story that reflects your fabulous heart—and quiets your inner critic- Overcome imposter syndrome and know you are worthy of love, abundance, and joy- Get out of your own way in a big way- Uncover your true self to become spiritual—and sassy—AF- Get real about your dreams and goals, and learn powerful manifestation practices to help make them happen- Embrace your superpowers—the gifts and talents that help you live your purpose- The importance of looking beyond yourself to your community, your tribe, and how you give back- Plus—tons of practices for meditation, breath work, mantra, movement, journaling, working with your mind, and more“It is my mission in life to help you find your sass, whatever that means for you,” writes Sah, “so it can radiate out and touch everything you do.” Spiritually Sassy isn’t a quick fix, spiritual bypassing, or entitlement. It’s a life-embracing path to awakening in modern times. Dive in to uncover your most radically authentic and spiritual self—and get sassy AF.

    What they have in common is a hunch about human psychology: that it's our constant effort to eliminate the negative that causes us to feel so anxious, insecure, and unhappy. And that there is an alternative "negative path" to happiness and success that involves embracing the things we spend our lives trying to avoid. It is a subversive, galvanizing message, which turns out to have a long and distinguished philosophical lineage ranging from ancient Roman Stoic philosophers to Buddhists. Oliver Burkeman talks to life coaches paid to make their clients' lives a living hell, and to maverick security experts such as Bruce Schneier, who contends that the changes we've made to airport and aircraft security since the 9/11 attacks have actually made us less safe. And then there are the "backwards" business gurus, who suggest not having any goals at all and not planning for a company's future. Burkeman's new book is a witty, fascinating, and counterintuitive read that turns decades of self-help advice on its head and forces us to rethink completely our attitudes toward failure, uncertainty, and death.

    Our polarized, divisive culture seems to be without heroes and role models. We are adrift in a dark sea of disillusionment and distrust and we need "human lighthouses" to give us hope and direct us back to the goodness in each other and in our own hearts. Steve Pemberton found a lighthouse in an ordinary man named John Sykes, his former high school counselor. John gave Steve a safe harbor after Steve escaped an abusive foster home and together they navigated a new path that led to personal and professional success. Through stories of people like John and several others, you will identify how the hardships you have overcome equip you to be a "human lighthouse," inspiring those around you. The humble gestures of kindness that change the course of our lives can shift the course for America too. With a unique vision for building up individuals and communities and restoring trust, The Lighthouse Effect opens your eyes to those who are quietly heroic. You will reflect on the lighthouses in your own life and be reminded that the greatest heroes are alongside us--and within us.

    Every other skill will fall short in helping you remember your real nature. This book reveals the closely guarded secret of wise men and women.Few greater gifts can be given to someone than to learn how to truly develop a method to grasp their own consciousness and unlock a remarkable scope of understanding of both themselves and the universe. Life-changing books are few in number, but here is one that conveys a remarkable breakthrough. No one will be the same after absorbing the contents of this mind-enlarging volume.

    If you're ready to make some serious changes around here, You Are a Badass will help you: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, blast past your fears so you can take big exciting risks, figure out how to make some damn money already, learn to love yourself and others, set big goals and reach them - it will basically show you how to create a life you totally love, and how to create it now.By the end of You Are a Badass, you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.