Living Deeply: The Art Science of Transformation in Everyday Life

by Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Cassandra Vieten, Tina Amorok

Living Deeply transcends any one approach by focusing on common elements of transformation across a variety of traditions, while affirming and supporting the diversity of approaches across religious, spiritual, scientific, academic, and cultural backgrounds. Each chapter in the book ends with Experiences of Transformation, exercises drawn from wisdom traditions or scientific investigations meant to enhance your direct experience of the material.

Opportunities to actively engage in your own transformation and that of our world are woven into the fabric of your everyday life. Learning more about the terrain of consciousness transformation can not only give you a map, but can help you become the cartographer of your own transformative journey. Research over the last decade at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) has systematically surveyed hundreds of people's stories of their own transformations, as well as conducting over 50 in-depth interviews with teachers and masters of the world's spiritual, religious, and transformative traditions.

No matter who you are,where you come from, or what your current path is - whether you seek to transform your life completely or simply make adjustments that will add a layer of richness and depth to your life - exploring the many ways that transformation is stimulated and sustained can hold great power. Weaving together cutting-edge science with wisdom from teachers of the world's transformative traditions this book explores how people experience deep shifts in their consciousness, and how those shifts can lead to healing and wholeness.

Research over the last decade at the Institute of Noetic Sciences has explored in depth the phenomenon by which people make significant shifts in the way they experience and view the world. Focusing in particular on positive transformations in consciousness, or those that result in improved health, well-being, and sense of meaning, purpose,and belonging, hundreds of people's stories of their own transformations were included in the research, as well as in-depth interviews with over 50 teachers and masters of the world's spiritual, religious, and transformative traditions.

Authors Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Ph.D., Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D., and Tina Amorok, Psy.D. - will begin conducting workshops based on the information they have gathered for this book. These workshops will blend the rigors of science with the deep wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions. Drs. Schlitz, Vieten, and Amorok will offer key insights from the decade-long qualitative and quantitative research study, of how people transform their lives. The workshops will include rigorous inquiry, group dialogue, and direct experience about the kinds of transformations in consciousness that change a person’s worldview to one that is more connected to others.

For more information about the Signature Education Workshops, please visit www.livingdeeply.org

Also available is a companion DVD.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Meditation, Buddhism, Psychology, Nonfiction

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2008

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally gave this three stars because I found the message very elementary. But then I also am one who has studied much of what this book covers. For the spiritually lost or uninitiated, I think this can be a great starting place or motivational tool. More important, doing the exercises and applying the messages conveyed within will give the reader the real meat of the matter.

Had I read this 10 years ago, I could see it deserving a solid five stars.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a terrific book! I was greatly inspired by the stories about the power of the mind to overcome even the most difficult of mental and physical barriers. In reading this, I have developed a new approach to difficulties I have faced and am facing. If you want to bring about a more peaceful life with greater awareness, this book could be the catalyst to help you achieve it.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much repetition from the same quoted persons. The authors interviewed a number of persons then tied their ideas and quotes together without adding any original content. After the first chapters one could predict most of the rest of the book. Unfortunately, this is what is passing for "research" in many books.

[Karen Lewin-Hicks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like the layout nor the way it was written necessarily. They detracted from the message. But I liked the message(s) once idealized what it was.

[Lindsey Retzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

was supposed to read this book for a class but didnt have the time or energy - good read because of the plethora of angles that were given and the perspectives taken into account - utilized western, eastern, and beyond perspectives to explain transformation. dense read and definitely need to annotate and reverse to fully understand but good stuff in there

[Joe Rafter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insight into deeper pursuit of personal breakthrough

Lots of testimonials from research provide a diverse spiritual background on personal breakthrough or transformation. Recommended for those with a serious commitment to breakthrough.

[Angelica Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prayer practitioners of my church, Eureka Center for Spiritual Living, read this as a group. It created lots of discussions and prayer practice.

[Camilla Leurs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of different perspectives on same thing. One I need to listen to again. Also gives nice Journaling exercises.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

An assortment of very long quotes with random commentary. Just felt a very lazy way to put together a book.

[Ann Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audio book is funny bcs there are many quotations and the reader aims to throw a different vocalization for each as if they were characters in a novel.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always expecting to be magically transformed just because I have read a book on transformation. So, once I put aside my disappointment that I would NOT have a life changing experience simply from reading this book, it became much more enjoyable. It is quite a fascinating synthesis of a very wide range of transformative theory and practice. I like that tips for personal practice were included at the end of each chapter. Not that I would be good about actually doing them, but I admire a good effort at combining philosophy and practice.

[Helen Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the untapped capacity of the human being. It is exactly what the name says...living deeply, which means exploring one's innate and spiritual potential. It is absorbing and a book to read and reflect, then flip back to chapters on healing and insights to the potential of the mind. This book helped me to understand the powers we have to change our lives and find true inner peace .

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help you understand spiritual transformation based on a survey and interview of luminaries in the consciousness movement. I used this book as part of an inquiry group where we used meditation, discussion, wisdom circles and listening to make sure each person was heard. It took us to places I did not predict.

[Jan Daker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes from the Institute of Noetic Sciences. The thinking is beyond what most people are comfortable & gives a glimpse of what is possible both within & without. Truly unique incredible thinking.

Took me awhile to plow through as each chapter needed time to both do the exercises plus time to absorb the new thinking.

[Zsalé Zsalé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! We are all connected

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to undeerstand the anatomy of transormation read this book!

[Joyce Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, this book is outstanding. It explains in larger concepts everything I've experienced on my spiritual path, and the exercise at the end of Chapter 1 is a must-do for any spiritual seeker.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Gives you the perspective check that you've been looking for, and an invisible gorilla.

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of wisdom and insight, I will probably read this book several times. If you're new to 'transformation' or been living deeply for years, this book will still prove useful and inspirational.

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting sociological research-based book on personal transformation. Well witeen with fascinating data and examples.

[katie barta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that attempts to apply a methodology to understanding transformation with insights and wisdom from all the heavy hitters in spirituality.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not life-changing but some nice anecdotes from other 'seekers'.

[Kathy Bardot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all, lots of useful and 'deep' thoughts and suggestions.

[Donald Gaw]

Very motivating.