Being Here

by Ariel Kane

Throughout time, stories have been used to teach, inspire, entertain and enlighte. Being Here, Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment is a collection of stories that will allow readers to transform their ability to experience living.  We are all taught how to learn, analyze and improve, yet we have little training in how to simply be. Despite our many advances in technology, there is a gap in our ability to be satisfied, have peace and well-being in ourselves. Being Here uses stories to illustrate a new possibility for approaching life; one that produces well-being and satisfaction, where upsetting events – even death and loss – don’t have to affect one’s ability to have a brilliant life. Touching and profound, the stories in Being Here form a practical guide to living a fulfilling life. They address such topics as forgiveness & compassion, following your heart, dissolving upsets and of course, the unlimited possibilities unleashed by Being Here.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2007

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. I'd really thought the book would be filled with thoughtful tales of enlightenment along with tips on living life in the present. Instead the short stories were rather meaningless and dull. Not much insight to be gained here (in my opinion, of course).

[Shukra Abayomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book and indeed of Ariel and Shya Kane's enterprise is living in the moment and dissolving problems through awareness, i.e., simply taking note of your 'problem' will make it go away, even more than action plans or rigid regimens.
This book consists of short chapters; stories under different themes, like dissolving mechanical behaviours, forgiveness, and compassion. I really enjoyed this book and found myself struggling with whether to annotate or not, eventually giving in and underlining in pencil.
The short story delivery system made sure I was not bored, and I added a challenge to pick out all the relevant lessons for myself within each.
I will revisit many chapters of this book.

[booksbyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good set of short chapters with 'true' stories that have a moral/message in them about how to live life. Very readable style and interesting although I found the subtle 'sell' regarding their workshops a little irritating at times. Probably dip into this again - useful tool for me as a teacher too.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice blend of stories that can give your mindfulness journey a touch of reality. We all encounter events like this in our day to day lives, but are rarely cemented in the present and we miss out on important sights and lessons.

[Justice Mandhla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different book of transformation offering ordinary yet profound life strategies