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REAL: The Inside-Out Guide to Being Yourself
‘Be yourself’ they said. ‘I want to be’ I said. ‘But who am I?’ Have you ever noticed that what you think about who you are, how you should be, how well you are doing changes? This is because our idea of who we are is created in thought and it is the nature of thought to change. Looking at this more clearly takes us on a breath-taking exploration into what is real about us. We discover what is permanent, unchanging. And it is never what we think. The first part of REAL looks at everything that cannot be true about who we are. It looks at what is transient, momentary and ever-changing such as our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, insecurities, habits, stress. These are all the things we can stop paying attention to because the only thing we know for sure about them is that they will change. And this leaves us with one important who are we? The second part of REAL explores what remains when our thought-created idea of self dissolves. It explores what is constant, what is always there regardless of transient thought and belief. By looking for the constant we get closer to the truth of us. When we live from this understanding, we have more freedom, integrity and wholeness than we had ever thought possible.
- GenresNonfiction
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2018
172 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 7, 2018
I don't know...
It took me a long time to read this book. I pondered much of what was being said, coming to the conclusion that I have heard it before, worded differently. Other ideas in the first part of the book I rejected initially, only to find myself taking a walk the next day, and understanding those ideas on a different level and feeling truth in them. I almost stopped reading the book before I got to the end of part one. I was finding it to be repetitious and depressing. Part two was a bit more uplifting. If you are familiar with A Course In Miracles and resonate with the language and perspective you will probably feel validated by this book. I prefer to hear this message in a different way. We all resonate differently to the same message. I agree with the message. The way it was laid out in this book had my head swimming.
It took me a long time to read this book. I pondered much of what was being said, coming to the conclusion that I have heard it before, worded differently. Other ideas in the first part of the book I rejected initially, only to find myself taking a walk the next day, and understanding those ideas on a different level and feeling truth in them. I almost stopped reading the book before I got to the end of part one. I was finding it to be repetitious and depressing. Part two was a bit more uplifting. If you are familiar with A Course In Miracles and resonate with the language and perspective you will probably feel validated by this book. I prefer to hear this message in a different way. We all resonate differently to the same message. I agree with the message. The way it was laid out in this book had my head swimming.
August 19, 2023
This book is a presentation of human thought that has been developing for several thousand years. Currently, it is recognized in Hindu, Zen Buddhist, and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, among others. Whereas Buddhism defines suffering as unnecessary dissatisfaction with life, Hindu and Buddhist offshoots present an entire theory of existence. Dimond never mentions the Eastern sources of her book, though from the people she quotes it is not hard to guess.
Whereas Buddhism is not a religion and nestles quite nicely alongside Christianity and other religions, Dimond's book is unlikely to do that. We are presented as flakes of a Universal Life Source that have no real alternate existence except as egos. We are not separate from God (just to pick a Name), but we are tasked with living through every conceivable experience as God seeks to understand itself. Understanding our purpose will free us from fear as our egos travel their lives. At death, our egos die but our godliness doesn't. It may rejoin the main Source or be recast to develop another ego.
This may seem impossible to Western readers, but millions of people think this way. If the book seems repetitious it's because the material has to be hammered into our heads before we come to understand it well enough to live it. After that, it is very satisfying.
Whereas Buddhism is not a religion and nestles quite nicely alongside Christianity and other religions, Dimond's book is unlikely to do that. We are presented as flakes of a Universal Life Source that have no real alternate existence except as egos. We are not separate from God (just to pick a Name), but we are tasked with living through every conceivable experience as God seeks to understand itself. Understanding our purpose will free us from fear as our egos travel their lives. At death, our egos die but our godliness doesn't. It may rejoin the main Source or be recast to develop another ego.
This may seem impossible to Western readers, but millions of people think this way. If the book seems repetitious it's because the material has to be hammered into our heads before we come to understand it well enough to live it. After that, it is very satisfying.
October 15, 2018
A lot of the books and ideas I am coming across at the moment all seem to be pointing to this idea that our understanding of human consciousness is limited. Whether it's buddhist, breath and body work, sci-fi, psychology and philosophy the idea put forward is that our thoughts/ identity is far from the whole picture. There is something behind that is still, understands everything and that connects all life. This book presents the idea of our thoughts being nonsense and our picture in our heads of our identity is unhelpful. I got the ideas put forward and the author clearly is very excited by it and has had her own revelations that seem profound. For me I found the examples mostly lacking and left me feeling like I get it but at the same time don't get it at all, or maybe don't trust the possibility of applying these huge notions to my life. I actually started to feel quite irritated by it but perhaps that is a sign of how difficult and frightening these concepts are. I feel more I will have to read a lot more to really believe what I read. Anyway it is helpful to remember to zoom out of our busy heads and try and go macro remember how all our thoughts are a construction that have arisen from a human mind with all its conditioning and limitations.
January 29, 2021
It was not what I expected.
I expected a discourse free of the BS of love, you are love, you are consciousness, you create reality, etc. Many undefined concepts, and contradictions. You are but you don’t. I exist because you create me. This stone doesn’t exist, is only a passing thought occurring in an inexistent brain, thought by nobody. Give me a break. May be I totally misunderstood, but then this ideas are too complicated or badly stated.
I expected a discourse free of the BS of love, you are love, you are consciousness, you create reality, etc. Many undefined concepts, and contradictions. You are but you don’t. I exist because you create me. This stone doesn’t exist, is only a passing thought occurring in an inexistent brain, thought by nobody. Give me a break. May be I totally misunderstood, but then this ideas are too complicated or badly stated.
September 10, 2024
Accessible wisdom about you
The advice in Real has close parallels with Eastern religious scripture, and to some extent the Christian gospels (including Mary), but they all cloud their teaching in parables and verse.
Real is much more accessible and effective at revealing the wisdom of you and therefore is helpful for shaking off the limitations of your ego and conditioned self.
The advice in Real has close parallels with Eastern religious scripture, and to some extent the Christian gospels (including Mary), but they all cloud their teaching in parables and verse.
Real is much more accessible and effective at revealing the wisdom of you and therefore is helpful for shaking off the limitations of your ego and conditioned self.
April 22, 2018
Very confusing read.
I felt confused by the way the author wrote never getting to the root of her point in each chapter. I don't get what she was trying to say. If everything is an illusion why do most of us live it?
I actually got aggravated and annoyed reading it as the message was as illusory as each chapters point.
I felt confused by the way the author wrote never getting to the root of her point in each chapter. I don't get what she was trying to say. If everything is an illusion why do most of us live it?
I actually got aggravated and annoyed reading it as the message was as illusory as each chapters point.
May 14, 2018
Inspiring, interesting and transformative book!
Clare’s writing is a direct and clear expression of Syd Banks’ 3 Principles teaching. I savored each chapter, reading the kindle book over several weeks. I wish there were printed copies I could gift to technology phobic friends. Enjoyable and uplifting book!
Clare’s writing is a direct and clear expression of Syd Banks’ 3 Principles teaching. I savored each chapter, reading the kindle book over several weeks. I wish there were printed copies I could gift to technology phobic friends. Enjoyable and uplifting book!
June 14, 2018
Eye-opening
Wow. What an amazing book. Truly eye-opening. I always wondered about this question 'Who am I?' And now it is just so easy to answer. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their own self image and are unsure who should they be. It is, indeed, easy. You are love. You are endless potential. YOU ARE.
Wow. What an amazing book. Truly eye-opening. I always wondered about this question 'Who am I?' And now it is just so easy to answer. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their own self image and are unsure who should they be. It is, indeed, easy. You are love. You are endless potential. YOU ARE.
June 17, 2018
If in doubt, buy it
With these little known books, I always wonder if the reviews are all from the author’s friends. I had never heard of this author prior to purchasing this book, but I am SO GLAD I purchased it! Deep truths presented clearly & concisely. I read it through, and I know I will re-read and come back to it often.
With these little known books, I always wonder if the reviews are all from the author’s friends. I had never heard of this author prior to purchasing this book, but I am SO GLAD I purchased it! Deep truths presented clearly & concisely. I read it through, and I know I will re-read and come back to it often.
September 6, 2018
Elegant
Clare Dimond writes beautifully, simply, elegantly, about who we really are. This is the stuff of the mystics and sages expressed in contemporary language. I have been profoundly touched by this book. I suggest everyone read it. Read it slowly and let the beautiful truth of you are settle in.
Clare Dimond writes beautifully, simply, elegantly, about who we really are. This is the stuff of the mystics and sages expressed in contemporary language. I have been profoundly touched by this book. I suggest everyone read it. Read it slowly and let the beautiful truth of you are settle in.
December 27, 2018
I found this quite a patchy book on the 3 Principles. In fairness, I didn't find it as accessible as other books I've read recently. That's not to say it's bad, just I struggled with my understanding regarding certain sections. As with all the books on the 3 Principles, it's something that I will come back to at a later date when, with a fresh pair of eyes, it might make more sense.
November 14, 2018
Lovely bookfor those who're looking inside
I choose to rate this book 5 stars, because it resonates with me from beginning to end.
It answers a lot of my questions and it came into my hands at the perfect time.
I choose to rate this book 5 stars, because it resonates with me from beginning to end.
It answers a lot of my questions and it came into my hands at the perfect time.
September 3, 2019
Love this book!
It will take a little bit of effort for American readers, as the author is a Brit and she uses some terms non-Brits may not get at first. Take your time, read over sentences two or three times. It’s worth it.
It will take a little bit of effort for American readers, as the author is a Brit and she uses some terms non-Brits may not get at first. Take your time, read over sentences two or three times. It’s worth it.
March 15, 2022
Such a good read!
This book is absolutely fascinating and one that I must definitely eat again. Its one of those where it can be difficult to digest in places so don't rush it, savor it, I've a fancy meal and really savor getting your teeth stuck into it!
This book is absolutely fascinating and one that I must definitely eat again. Its one of those where it can be difficult to digest in places so don't rush it, savor it, I've a fancy meal and really savor getting your teeth stuck into it!
December 29, 2018
Get REAL!
This is a refreshing read that further opened the door to the wisdom that is always already within me. I will now read again. 🤓
This is a refreshing read that further opened the door to the wisdom that is always already within me. I will now read again. 🤓
January 2, 2019
Finally got it thank you Clare!
Have read so many books on 3P and still couldn't quite get it. Now I finally understand Thank you thank you Clare
Have read so many books on 3P and still couldn't quite get it. Now I finally understand Thank you thank you Clare
January 9, 2019
Thought provoking
Literally thought provoking! Easy to read yet its simplicity allows you to reflect on the message. Will need to come back to this again and again.
Literally thought provoking! Easy to read yet its simplicity allows you to reflect on the message. Will need to come back to this again and again.
February 6, 2019
Great read !!!!
This kindle book “Real” was a truly enjoyable read, helped me a lot too, well worth a read highly recommended for anyone looking to find themselves 5 star
This kindle book “Real” was a truly enjoyable read, helped me a lot too, well worth a read highly recommended for anyone looking to find themselves 5 star
March 24, 2019
Wonderful book.
Clare's way of telling a story is great. I loved every page.
Clare's way of telling a story is great. I loved every page.
July 18, 2020
Another great book
A book about self discovery or undiscovery as we might call it. What ever stage you are doing in, I think this book has a lot to say to you. Give it a shot.
A book about self discovery or undiscovery as we might call it. What ever stage you are doing in, I think this book has a lot to say to you. Give it a shot.
November 10, 2020
The ideas were not new, but somehow the way they were presented made them feel completely new. Love.
December 18, 2020
You are not your thoughts? This lady is on something
November 13, 2022
honestly one of the best self awareness books i've read lately, i found myself thinking back on it quite often the past few weeks and noticed it did shift my perspective a lot
August 9, 2024
amazing
This book was so eye opening and so simply put which was great. I loved everything that was in the book and the message behind it all.
This book was so eye opening and so simply put which was great. I loved everything that was in the book and the message behind it all.
October 3, 2020
Decent read, quick and covering what one already knew but described in different words.
May 21, 2022
I didnt know what to expect from this one. And actually its very reassuring in a way.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews