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Conversations with Humanity #2
The Only Thing That Matters
The interesting thought that “98% of the world’s people are spending 98% of their time on things that don't matter” opens the latest book from seven-time New York Times best-selling author Neale Donald Walsch, who says with gentleness that this is the reason so many lives are filled with sadness and turmoil, and that the world itself seems continually on the brink of calamity. This circumstance, Walsch says, is nobody’s fault. We simply haven’t been told or taught what does matter—or, if that question has been answered for us, the answers we’ve been given have not been accurate. Yet now, the author declares, the human race is receiving an invitation from Life Itself, in the form of a palpable energy shift in 2012 and beyond, to address the question directly—and people everywhere can feel it. Some sense this shift much in the way they can sense, in the sleepy hours of the morning, that it is time to wake up. Others experience frustration at how things are going right now, but they also feel a muted excitement stirring deep within, a restless readiness to respond to a soft but persistent inner voice that has lately been saying: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. Walsch says that this inner voice is correct. One’s life does not have to be a series of worrisome and challenging crises involving finances or relationship or health or family, and neither does the world at large have to be a container of constant calamity surrounding its governance and ecology and culture. In his latest book, The Only Thing That Matters, he offers a formula, elegant in its simplicity, that will immediately uplift the life of anyone who embraces it—and that could change the World Entire.
234 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
105 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Neale Donald Walsch
261 books1,864 followersNeale Donald Walsch is a modern day spiritual messenger whose words continue to touch the world in profound ways. With an early interest in religion and a deeply felt connection to spirituality, Neale spent the majority of his life thriving professionally, yet searching for spiritual meaning before beginning his now famous conversation with God. His With God series of books has been translated into 34 languages, touching millions of lives and inspiring important changes in their day-to-day lives.
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 23, 2019
Hace tiempo leí los tres primeros libros de Conversaciones con Dios y me encantaron. Así que cuando vi este libro en la librería, me lo llevé a casa sin pensar. Lo bueno, que me ha gustado tanto como los mencionados antes, lo mejor, que no sabía que era una trilogía y me he leído el último jaja... Sin duda, una muy buena lectura.
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October 19, 2012
Wow! I can honestly say, I have never read a book like this one. Ever. And I've read most of the Conversations With God series. I've gotten a lot out of the works of Neale Donald Walsch over the years, though I did find Happier Than God a bit confusing on the first read. That said, The Only Thing That Matters really, and I mean really, stands out from the pack. There's some mind blowing stuff in this sucker. A couple times, I just put the bookmark in, closed it, and stared at the back cover while I assimilated what was just communicated. This is Book 2 in the Conversations With Humanity series, I haven't yet read Book 1, but I didn't find that to be any hindrance whatsoever. You know, it's really great when a self-help book actually helps you better understand your self, your place in the grand scheme of things, and how to improve your experience of both. The Only Thing That Matters lays it all out in a way that is easy to understand (once you get past startled). It also contains five powerful gifts that will change your life if you let them. It's ironic that a book on spirituality and oneness can be so unique, the author truly outdid himself on this one. I swear, I'm not just saying that. FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
November 22, 2012
Book: The Only Thing that Matters by Neale Donald Walsch
What to say about this book or how to even start reviewing it? It took me a while to sit down and try to put into words what I experienced while reading the words from Mr. Walsch. Not in a bad way at all. The message is meaningful yet puzzling, common sense yet Utopian, matter of fact yet an illusion. And it sticks. And you know it's true and you believe it.
There will be no spoil alert here. I won't describe what is the only thing that matters. You need to read it to find out, which is a message you probably already know and just need to be re-minded of. The content is different than that of any other authors who ignites in us the passion about the one subject: the law of attraction. Here, the message is being delivered in a totally casual way, as if the author is your friend and is talking to you, and in some instances, as the text implies and suggests, you feel like you are the one writing the book. It gets convoluted at times, because there's an overload of information being revealed almost all at once. But it's not discouraging. It's refreshing. It's needed. It's a spiritual voyage. You need time to absorb this message, by going back to some of the chapters and digesting it again and again. And it will make sense. And it will be the only thing that matters.
This is a book to be kept by your bedside table. And read and re-read many times until the message is clear and infused in your mind and soul like you're supposed to know. Good luck and good reading!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
http://youtu.be/O13eR24d9Ro
What to say about this book or how to even start reviewing it? It took me a while to sit down and try to put into words what I experienced while reading the words from Mr. Walsch. Not in a bad way at all. The message is meaningful yet puzzling, common sense yet Utopian, matter of fact yet an illusion. And it sticks. And you know it's true and you believe it.
There will be no spoil alert here. I won't describe what is the only thing that matters. You need to read it to find out, which is a message you probably already know and just need to be re-minded of. The content is different than that of any other authors who ignites in us the passion about the one subject: the law of attraction. Here, the message is being delivered in a totally casual way, as if the author is your friend and is talking to you, and in some instances, as the text implies and suggests, you feel like you are the one writing the book. It gets convoluted at times, because there's an overload of information being revealed almost all at once. But it's not discouraging. It's refreshing. It's needed. It's a spiritual voyage. You need time to absorb this message, by going back to some of the chapters and digesting it again and again. And it will make sense. And it will be the only thing that matters.
This is a book to be kept by your bedside table. And read and re-read many times until the message is clear and infused in your mind and soul like you're supposed to know. Good luck and good reading!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
http://youtu.be/O13eR24d9Ro
December 26, 2015
I came across this book in a restaurant, downtown Kristiansand, Norway. Reading the back cover got me startled and intersted on the spot: You are a kind and gentle soul...or you would never have even picked up this book, much less looked at its back cover. Now that you have this book in your hands, you should be aware that you brought this book, and all that it has to say to you. A book like not many out there, one of the best i've read in a long time, memorable for its insights and mind opening ideas, if you are reading this it sure must mean you must read this book <3 Made me a better person, straving for more with renewed hope and frame of mind <3 I Happy :) Be blessed
May 14, 2022
I was slightly familiar with Walsch's "Conversations with God" books before, but this one was absolutely fantastic and life-altering. I checked it out from the library, but I think this is a book that I need to buy so I can study and refer back to it regularly as well as make notes in. I would recommend this book to anyone since it is not aligned with a particular religion and Walsch offers ways for non-religious/agnostic readers to think about the concepts he is presenting as well. Another thing I like is that the book is written as a journey for the reader and Walsch has a conversational style that makes you feel like you are talking with a trusted friend. Overall, a very inspirational book and I need to read it again!
January 22, 2013
Another excellent read from NDW, I never regret reading one of his books! This one is full of spiritual wisdom that reads like you are remembering common sense you've always known, but haven't thought about in a while. He even makes sure to emphasize that it is all information that you already know, at the soul level - you just need to reconnect to it. Depending on your religious beliefs, you might find some of his opinions to question or argue with, but overall I think this one is full of a lot of important ideas that could apply to followers of any religion.
January 23, 2015
Mostly recycled ideas from his other books but still worth a read through
November 25, 2017
Another spet closer to the thruth
April 7, 2018
While it's a nice book, I felt like I was just reading rehashed CWG material. For me this book was nothing new.
October 22, 2019
Was a good read.
Read
September 30, 2020wooo loved it,
its been a really long since I read a deep one, an abstract one
its been a really long since I read a deep one, an abstract one
December 4, 2021
It's ok.
May 25, 2025
Прочитал на чешском. Называется Jidiné, na čem záleží.
October 28, 2013
At first I found the author’s style a bit confusing – I didn’t remember the Conversations with God books having the same erratic style, but then God wrote them! Then I got a few nuggets or something, and decided I would keep on with the book a little more. Then, finally, I decided I would definitely read the book to the end, and re-read the God books.
Neale tells us about the body, the mind and the soul. He declares that the body and the mind don’t die, any more than the soul dies. I still don’t understand how the body doesn’t die – isn’t it generally buried and dissolves, rots away? On checking the book again, I see he says that the body and mind transmogrify. I looked up this word – it means “to change in appearance or form, esp. grotesquely”. He says that “the largest portion of the Essential Energy that was your Body and your Mind changes form, continuing to exist as part of the Totality of You”. This aspect of our body and mind later reconstructs itself at the instruction of the Soul. The Soul’s identity will never be changed. “Only the Essential Energy of the Body and the Mind has been reassembled, in a new version of Life Expression.”
There was a lot in the first part of the book I didn’t really understand, but I kept reminding myself that this was the man who talked with God, and kept on. (Of course, we all talk with God, and we all are God, really.)
Neale talks of the Agenda of the Soul, The Sacred Journey, the Divine Purpose and Completion. He says the “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Completion” are one and the same thing, the Kingdom of Heaven being not a physical location but a State of Being – the state of being “complete”.
Dispersed throughout the book are various “soul knowings” - wise statements. For instance, “All fear is but a distorted form of love.” And “Everything you do moves you forward on the path of evolution.”
Neale reveals that The Only Thing That Matters is WHAT ONE DESIRES, which was probably not what we thought it was. He is not referring to our personal desires but to the desires of the One.
We are given the basic tools for our Sacred Journey – Gratitude, Recontextualization, Compassion and Forgiveness.
As regards Gratitude, we are given a morning prayer – “Thank you, God, for another day and another chance to be my highest Self.” When presented with a problematic experience or circumstance, we can say: “Thank you, God, for helping me to understand that this problem has already been solved for me.” And finally, no matter what happens we can say:”Thank you, God, for the perfection of this outcome, of this moment, and of my life.”
As regards Recontextualization, “you realize that whatever is happening right now is happening in order to provide a context within which you can be and experience the next grandest version of the greatest vision you ever held about Who You Are”.
Regarding Compassion, this gives us freedom from self-blame and lack of self-worth and from frustration with others, in an instant.
Regarding forgiveness, this gives us freedom from all hurt, damage or injury in any way from any source. But forgiveness is not necessary, so it is Forgiveness Forgone that is a powerful tool we can use to reach completion.
The Addendum contains edifying instructions on various types of meditation. I especially appreciated Neale’s thoughts on how to do Walking Meditation.
To sum up, I found this to be a challenging, edifying, inspiring, uplifting book (and it is also humorous). It is worthy of being read several times. I greatly recommend that you read this book despite my initial reservations on its readability
Neale tells us about the body, the mind and the soul. He declares that the body and the mind don’t die, any more than the soul dies. I still don’t understand how the body doesn’t die – isn’t it generally buried and dissolves, rots away? On checking the book again, I see he says that the body and mind transmogrify. I looked up this word – it means “to change in appearance or form, esp. grotesquely”. He says that “the largest portion of the Essential Energy that was your Body and your Mind changes form, continuing to exist as part of the Totality of You”. This aspect of our body and mind later reconstructs itself at the instruction of the Soul. The Soul’s identity will never be changed. “Only the Essential Energy of the Body and the Mind has been reassembled, in a new version of Life Expression.”
There was a lot in the first part of the book I didn’t really understand, but I kept reminding myself that this was the man who talked with God, and kept on. (Of course, we all talk with God, and we all are God, really.)
Neale talks of the Agenda of the Soul, The Sacred Journey, the Divine Purpose and Completion. He says the “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Completion” are one and the same thing, the Kingdom of Heaven being not a physical location but a State of Being – the state of being “complete”.
Dispersed throughout the book are various “soul knowings” - wise statements. For instance, “All fear is but a distorted form of love.” And “Everything you do moves you forward on the path of evolution.”
Neale reveals that The Only Thing That Matters is WHAT ONE DESIRES, which was probably not what we thought it was. He is not referring to our personal desires but to the desires of the One.
We are given the basic tools for our Sacred Journey – Gratitude, Recontextualization, Compassion and Forgiveness.
As regards Gratitude, we are given a morning prayer – “Thank you, God, for another day and another chance to be my highest Self.” When presented with a problematic experience or circumstance, we can say: “Thank you, God, for helping me to understand that this problem has already been solved for me.” And finally, no matter what happens we can say:”Thank you, God, for the perfection of this outcome, of this moment, and of my life.”
As regards Recontextualization, “you realize that whatever is happening right now is happening in order to provide a context within which you can be and experience the next grandest version of the greatest vision you ever held about Who You Are”.
Regarding Compassion, this gives us freedom from self-blame and lack of self-worth and from frustration with others, in an instant.
Regarding forgiveness, this gives us freedom from all hurt, damage or injury in any way from any source. But forgiveness is not necessary, so it is Forgiveness Forgone that is a powerful tool we can use to reach completion.
The Addendum contains edifying instructions on various types of meditation. I especially appreciated Neale’s thoughts on how to do Walking Meditation.
To sum up, I found this to be a challenging, edifying, inspiring, uplifting book (and it is also humorous). It is worthy of being read several times. I greatly recommend that you read this book despite my initial reservations on its readability
April 27, 2018
All that matters is you and you and you.....
This old world will pass and we shall be born again. Not in the distant future but NOW. Do we want to be part of this new creation? or do we just want to settle in for second best? The wind blows where it will, we do not know where it comes from or where it goes.
If we wait for our lives to change for the better, we will wait forever because we are the force that will change our situation. If you think you can do this alone, you will get more discouraged day by day. But yes, you do have to do some self reflection and Neale Donald Walsch will help you get through it, around it and give you that little push to move forward.
But wait! This is not an accomplishment, this is getting back on track, getting your life in order and many times you have to start from the beginning and many times you have to start over and over again. It's the circle of life.
It took many years for you to get where you are and it will take maybe just as many for you to return to your true self (soul). Beginning will bring you the peace that passes all understanding. It's not going to be at the finish line, there is no finish line.
You will slowly remove your mask(s) and become like a child again. Your inner child will resurrect and you will be on the road to discovery once again.
So you had detours along the way, everybody has. Like in the movie: Moonstruck "Get over it.".
We tell ourselves: "It's a Jungle Out There." Yes, it is and that is why we need people, we need friends, we need support. But even beyond friends and familiarity we need to reach out and get out of our comfort zone or we will wither away. We love our independence but we were made to become interdependent. It really takes a village. We can't afford to fly solo, this will destroy us, we will become fearful and doubtful. We will not be able to grow and eventually our spirit will die.
In the movie: "The Man from La Mancha", Don Quixote is on his death bed, he has fought the good fight and he is very much distraught about how his life is ending and that his dreams have not been accomplished. he withdraws into himself and accepts his fate. But there are a few of his closest friends who remind him that he (Don Quixote) was responsible for them to see their dreams come to fruition, that he was the force that awakened them from their own death, the death of their spirit. Don Quixote raises his head and starts singing: "The Impossible Dream" and his physical body completely worn out, expires. Quixote didn't accomplish his dream alone.
Just like Jesus, Quixote needed a response to his own reality and every day we must be born again. Everyday we put aside our differences and we begin again looking at our lives through the eyes of the other. This might cause some discomfort. By placing ourselves into another person's shoes, another person's biases, beliefs, attitudes and convictions but this is what it means to accept our dilemma together and this is what it means to rise above it, together.
We are transformed together not in isolation. We are light for one another. We are co-creating a new world.
This old world will pass and we shall be born again. Not in the distant future but NOW. Do we want to be part of this new creation? or do we just want to settle in for second best? The wind blows where it will, we do not know where it comes from or where it goes.
If we wait for our lives to change for the better, we will wait forever because we are the force that will change our situation. If you think you can do this alone, you will get more discouraged day by day. But yes, you do have to do some self reflection and Neale Donald Walsch will help you get through it, around it and give you that little push to move forward.
But wait! This is not an accomplishment, this is getting back on track, getting your life in order and many times you have to start from the beginning and many times you have to start over and over again. It's the circle of life.
It took many years for you to get where you are and it will take maybe just as many for you to return to your true self (soul). Beginning will bring you the peace that passes all understanding. It's not going to be at the finish line, there is no finish line.
You will slowly remove your mask(s) and become like a child again. Your inner child will resurrect and you will be on the road to discovery once again.
So you had detours along the way, everybody has. Like in the movie: Moonstruck "Get over it.".
We tell ourselves: "It's a Jungle Out There." Yes, it is and that is why we need people, we need friends, we need support. But even beyond friends and familiarity we need to reach out and get out of our comfort zone or we will wither away. We love our independence but we were made to become interdependent. It really takes a village. We can't afford to fly solo, this will destroy us, we will become fearful and doubtful. We will not be able to grow and eventually our spirit will die.
In the movie: "The Man from La Mancha", Don Quixote is on his death bed, he has fought the good fight and he is very much distraught about how his life is ending and that his dreams have not been accomplished. he withdraws into himself and accepts his fate. But there are a few of his closest friends who remind him that he (Don Quixote) was responsible for them to see their dreams come to fruition, that he was the force that awakened them from their own death, the death of their spirit. Don Quixote raises his head and starts singing: "The Impossible Dream" and his physical body completely worn out, expires. Quixote didn't accomplish his dream alone.
Just like Jesus, Quixote needed a response to his own reality and every day we must be born again. Everyday we put aside our differences and we begin again looking at our lives through the eyes of the other. This might cause some discomfort. By placing ourselves into another person's shoes, another person's biases, beliefs, attitudes and convictions but this is what it means to accept our dilemma together and this is what it means to rise above it, together.
We are transformed together not in isolation. We are light for one another. We are co-creating a new world.
Read
July 19, 2013""The you that you are is god, in particular form. you are deity individuated. you are an aspect of divinity. and so is everyone and everything else"
a favorite sentence, i took out the caps. there is some other good stuff here too, like the "life is god" rap i've been on for a while now such as,
“Completion is achieved by each aspect of Divinity achieving its particular expression of fullness.”
“Life” is that which is larger than any individual or any particular belief system. It is that which animates all existence. Its energy is found everywhere. Without its energy, nothing that is, is.. All that ever was, is now, and ever will be arises out of life.”
a favorite sentence, i took out the caps. there is some other good stuff here too, like the "life is god" rap i've been on for a while now such as,
“Completion is achieved by each aspect of Divinity achieving its particular expression of fullness.”
“Life” is that which is larger than any individual or any particular belief system. It is that which animates all existence. Its energy is found everywhere. Without its energy, nothing that is, is.. All that ever was, is now, and ever will be arises out of life.”
August 11, 2014
Clear, concise, compelling... Most importantly, this sincere message from Neale is deeply heartfelt. I especially enjoyed the chapter that which I, the reader, co-authored with Neale, the author. Only, it is not the "I" that you and I are so conditioned to identify as. And Neale... joining me beyond the idea we have that this mind-body thing with a name is all I am.
This series, Conversations With Humanity, is an important series at this time in history. The message is being taught by other teachers and appearing more and more. This is an excellent read, with a conversational and friendly voice.
This series, Conversations With Humanity, is an important series at this time in history. The message is being taught by other teachers and appearing more and more. This is an excellent read, with a conversational and friendly voice.
September 27, 2020
Es gibt keine Zufälle. Und dieses Buch ist mir tatsächlich durch Zufall in die Hände gefallen - wurde dann aber bewusst mitgenommen, da ich Neale Donald Walsch bereits von einem Vortrag kannte. Was zu Beginn etwas wiederholend, langatmig und "ach das kenn ich ja schon" war - entwickelte sich zu einer wunderbaren Leseerfahrung. Sehr wertvoll und wird zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt im Leben bestimmt wieder von mir gelesen.
June 12, 2014
A perfect book, with perfect reminders at the perfect time! Even when you "know" a good portion of the content of a book, it sometimes takes another's wording in just the right way to get across the message in a whole new, "it stuck" kind of way! Very thankful for this book, and what it will mean from here on out!
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Took me forever to read though, because it has a lot of deep thinking points.
Bottom line: Love and Fear
Love one another.
I am reading these books as I can get them from the library, so they come as they come! I feel blessed to be exposed to this message and have the space and time to grow from them.
Bottom line: Love and Fear
Love one another.
I am reading these books as I can get them from the library, so they come as they come! I feel blessed to be exposed to this message and have the space and time to grow from them.
May 30, 2013
The Only Thing That Matters is an inspiring book. It is about what really matters in your life. Daniel Walsh, God, your True Self, encourage(s) you to follow the Path of the Soul and to become the Totality of You.
November 12, 2012
Nothing new in this but I loved it, he explained some of the concepts a bit more clearly. Very inspiring.
September 4, 2013
A life changing book, or at least a thought changing book that will effect my life in very positive ways.
Read
February 11, 2013Brilliant, challenging and more than worth the time spent reading.
March 7, 2013
I read it 3 times, made tons of notes, ear marked just about every page. Plunged me into major turmoil while I got my head around the implications of it all. Loved it.
June 30, 2013
Brilliant and challenging. Underlines galore and dog-eared pages. Can't wait to re-read it!!
March 7, 2017
Neale's must-read once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece after Conversations with God!
I'm blessed to be brought to his trilogy again, for which I'm eternally grateful!
I'm blessed to be brought to his trilogy again, for which I'm eternally grateful!
February 1, 2014
I have read a lot of books in my lifespan, but none better than this. This is a MUST READ.
It explains all the unanswered questions I had @ life.
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER.
It explains all the unanswered questions I had @ life.
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER.
July 10, 2014
There aren't new concepts but im finding it hard to read and digest. It probably needs a second read in order to fully grasp it.
June 2, 2015
It is always good to be reminded of all of this. Always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews