Enlightenment isn't a mystical state that requires years of effort to achieve. It is a practical lifestyle that you can have right now.
In Practical Enlightenment, Ariel and Shya Kane share a refreshing approach to living life without worry, stress or anxiety - a way of living where your past no longer dictates your present or future and you experience your own perfection. Through humorous and touching stories of real people in real life situations, the Kanes show you the easy way to live an enlightened life - no effort required!
Enlightenment is a lofty topic. Hearing the word summons images of European philosophers surrounded by books or Eastern monks mediating on rocks. However “Practical Enlightenment,” this latest book from Ariel & Shya Kane, offers a very real approach to enlightenment for our current modern era that is outside the norm of what most of us are taught (basically, that we need to experience pain, difficult circumstances and/or suffering in order to have a sense of well-being, happiness and fulfillment).
This book is a guide to successfully achieving and experiencing what many who came before us were seeking, but without the pain and suffering: a sense of inner peace and well-being, a balance between knowledge, our own intuition and the ability to enjoy the journey of discovery that life offers us. And it works! Without even trying, I felt a deeper sense of ease and kindness in myself and in the way I treated others around me after reading this that continues each time I pick it up.
This book is a perfect combination of vivid anecdotes - from the Kanes' own personal lives and from their experiences with individuals with whom they’ve worked - and exciting explorations of the topics addressed in these stories. The Kanes touch on universal subjects that all of us humans struggle with: dealing with stress, conflict resolution, upsets, knee-jerk reactions, prejudice, making a difference in the world and much more. I love how real and relatable this book is and how directly I experienced the principles in the book without the effort of trying to apply them. If you’re looking for enlightenment, get this book!
There are books preserving tales full of wisdom. They are told from generation to generation. This book is full of true stories and experiences by Ariel and Shya Kane and many of their friends telling about living the life to the full. These are true tales about being here, being kind to oneself, finding and discovering own truth and oneself. I was inspired and experienced enlightenment many times in every chapter. Ariel and Shya created something amazing with this book, as with all their books. This book is superiorly well written. The stories flew and drew me into the moment. The authors achieved also something else pretty incredible. It least in my case. Just by reading the book I was able to observe my thoughts and my mental responses non-judgementally and quite early during the read of the book I noticed that when I tried to hurry through the text then there was something there for me to look closer. And when I came back, drew a breath and slowed down, a moment of recognition, release and a smile followed. Something that I tried to resist and denied doing so, became apparent, lost its dramatic effect, and I could let it be, could let it go. This was simply amazing. I read in Ariel's and Shya's books every day (at least in the morning) and tap inspiration to be kind, be in the moment, from many wonderful resources that Ariel and Shya offer with their work. I am glad that in this book I have now another wonderful resource to tap from. I recommend this book to anyone who searches to find out who they really are in every single moment, to find their own centre, to discover how amazing life is just where you are, and how amazing you are.
Practical Enlightenment takes a look at the nature of our existence and teases apart the specific ways we think, feel, and respond within ourselves and to our environment. For example, I used to think being upset was weak or at least embarrassing. Without realizing it, I would pretend everything was "cool" to others and myself. The result of this strategy was a series of internal and external outrage that plagued my ability to have successful relationships or feel well in myself for any length of time. I was constantly seeking out causes and strategies to get rid of the "bad behavior." I would also rationalize and blame my behavior on other people or circumstances. There is a great chapter in Practical Enlightenment called "If you get upset, try saying "YES!" The authors' idea is that feeling upset is not a flaw. It is a normal experience that can pass if I don't resist it or try to get rid of it. If I allow myself to feel the feeling of upset without judging or criticizing or acting out, it can pass before I know it and I'm free to get on with my life. Lately, I don't feel the need to blame others or dramatize the "story" of my childhood to try and feel better (which never worked). This is just one of many brilliant chapters! Another is "Listening Your Way to Enlightenment." The authors Ariel and Shya Kane explain how to listen from the speaker's point of view. This has had a profound effect on the noise in my head! I was always busy thinking about what I was hearing, and heard very little of the actual content. I would have to ask for a repeat or just pretend I knew what was said and wing it in response. Listening from the speaker's point of view is a huge shift for me that impacts my marriage, careers and my ability to enjoy being present. This is an easy book to read and can be read randomly, or cover to cover. I so appreciate that the Kanes have taken the time to spell out the "how to" of loving life!!
It’s a bit hard to put into words how truly amazing this book is. The experience of reading it is almost like a spa treatment - as I turned the pages, my worries and concerns fell effortlessly away and I experienced a deep feeling of peace and wellbeing. It is also an incredible, practical guidebook for living life without stress and anxiety. I’d read a lot of books on personal development over the years, and while they often made sense to me conceptually, I could rarely put them into practice. This book is the real deal. The practical, transformational approach the Kanes outline in this (and in all their books) really works - it has made a profound shift in my own day-to-day quality of life - my sense of happiness, love and success keep expanding in ways I never thought possible. If you’re searching for a way to turn enlightenment from a concept into a reality, and to have more fun and less stress in your life, give yourself the gift of this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I used to wonder & question if enlightenment only happened for a few chosen people - like Buddha, Jesus or the Dali Lama. But deep down I knew that it had to be possible for everyone. This book is the answer. Enlightenment is possible for all of us! I love how Ariel & Shya Kane introduce enlightenment as a life style and not an achievement. Since reading this book, I am feeling comfortable being me and I'm having fun and experiencing satisfaction in my life. The authors' "practical" approach gave me easy access to enlightenment. It really is the most amazing book I have found.
It is possible to have enlightenment in our lives. Ariel & Shya Kane’s newest book, Practical Enlightenment, contains stories that bring the reader on a journey of discovering new possibilities. “It’s All About The Little Things” is one of my favorite chapters. After reading it, I saw how our culture is forward thinking, which can lead to missing out on sweet moments in our everyday lives. Practical Enlightenment includes being there for a sip of coffee, a smile from the person passing you on the sidewalk, and really being with your family and loved ones.
I loved how the book painted a clear picture, showing that enlightenment is possible from where you are right now.
The book was given to me by a close friend. Usually I would not take the time to read a book like this but the book really engaged my interest. I found myself identifying with lots of chapters in the book. I re-read it often and have bought copies for my friends. Do yourself a favour and read this book. Enjoy