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In the Flow of Life
The inlet and outlet of the infinite flow of God are within you. With extraordinary clarity, Eric Butterworth reveals life-transforming spiritual principles to keep you in the flow.
In the Flow of Life calls you to live from the exhilarating and empowering realization that you are the expression of God flowing forth into the world. Living in the flow of God will change your life forever!
In the Flow of Life calls you to live from the exhilarating and empowering realization that you are the expression of God flowing forth into the world. Living in the flow of God will change your life forever!
- GenresNonfictionSpirituality
178 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1982
80 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 23, 2021
TLDR: Overall, meh.
Pros: The best chapter - The Art of Getting Along: (my take in sum) reminders about taking responsibility for your own thoughts and interpretations about others' actions and external circumstances. Ultimately, we ascribe meaning to events and we are in control of the meanings we ascribe. A liberating idea (originally from Eastern philosophies and in the West, existentialism). Thinking changes feelings which also influences behaviors (cognitive psychology) - focus on what we can control and view others through a filter of loving acceptance. Stay above the fray; ground yourself in love and generosity. This chapter was worth my time.
Cons: I did not like the writing style. Some call it straightfoward but to me it read like memos from work. Made it hard to get into the book. There were also some anti-education sentiments: while I acknowledge there is a difference between spiritual knowing and knowledgeable conclusions based on evidence, both are useful and necessary. These are not mutually exclusive concepts. In Chapter 5 (I believe), he does an about-face and has some kinder words about school experiences, but the earlier chapter left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, he uses the phrases "research shows" and "scientists discovered" ( try becoming a researcher or scientist without school, Butterworth!) without referring to specific studies or providing any references for these findings (which appeared to be picked through to fit his thesis and oversimplified). Finally, he referred to a lot of people I had never heard of (New Thought people, mostly) and instead of providing context or a brief description, he just says, "According to [person in New Thought Movement])..." and, at first, I was looking up these people to obtain context, but that got tiring and detracted from the reading experience.
I think there were some insights gained, but there are other better written sources with more depth to choose from.
Pros: The best chapter - The Art of Getting Along: (my take in sum) reminders about taking responsibility for your own thoughts and interpretations about others' actions and external circumstances. Ultimately, we ascribe meaning to events and we are in control of the meanings we ascribe. A liberating idea (originally from Eastern philosophies and in the West, existentialism). Thinking changes feelings which also influences behaviors (cognitive psychology) - focus on what we can control and view others through a filter of loving acceptance. Stay above the fray; ground yourself in love and generosity. This chapter was worth my time.
Cons: I did not like the writing style. Some call it straightfoward but to me it read like memos from work. Made it hard to get into the book. There were also some anti-education sentiments: while I acknowledge there is a difference between spiritual knowing and knowledgeable conclusions based on evidence, both are useful and necessary. These are not mutually exclusive concepts. In Chapter 5 (I believe), he does an about-face and has some kinder words about school experiences, but the earlier chapter left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, he uses the phrases "research shows" and "scientists discovered" ( try becoming a researcher or scientist without school, Butterworth!) without referring to specific studies or providing any references for these findings (which appeared to be picked through to fit his thesis and oversimplified). Finally, he referred to a lot of people I had never heard of (New Thought people, mostly) and instead of providing context or a brief description, he just says, "According to [person in New Thought Movement])..." and, at first, I was looking up these people to obtain context, but that got tiring and detracted from the reading experience.
I think there were some insights gained, but there are other better written sources with more depth to choose from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2023
This is one of my favorite books by Eric Butterworth. "In the Flow of Life," Butterworth, who perhaps is responsible for the saying,"Go with the Flow" writes about what it is like when we are in the flow...that outside things no longer bother us, we no longer react and we keep our center with the realization that things happen for a reason. It's how most humans learn.
Another enlightening aspect of the book is how he uses the expression, "This too shall pass." He writes that all things good and bad pass away...everything changes...nothing remains the same. This is a challenge for those who fear change. But he explains that even if we achieve a great victory or have success in an endeavor, we must move forward and not rest on our laurels. It's moving forward that counts, not living in the past.
This book has a great deal of wisdom, common sense and is a signpost toward living a fuller and more positive life. Butterworth incorporates the great teachings of Emerson, Thoreau, Browning and other writers who understood these profound truths and tried to live them daily.
A very inspirational and easy book to read and understand. Highly recommended!
Another enlightening aspect of the book is how he uses the expression, "This too shall pass." He writes that all things good and bad pass away...everything changes...nothing remains the same. This is a challenge for those who fear change. But he explains that even if we achieve a great victory or have success in an endeavor, we must move forward and not rest on our laurels. It's moving forward that counts, not living in the past.
This book has a great deal of wisdom, common sense and is a signpost toward living a fuller and more positive life. Butterworth incorporates the great teachings of Emerson, Thoreau, Browning and other writers who understood these profound truths and tried to live them daily.
A very inspirational and easy book to read and understand. Highly recommended!
June 4, 2017
Good book.
I enjoy reading books from Unity. Eric Butterworth's book showed me more of how to live a more fulfilling life while here on this plane and know that there is life after this one.
I enjoy reading books from Unity. Eric Butterworth's book showed me more of how to live a more fulfilling life while here on this plane and know that there is life after this one.
January 16, 2018
Inspiring
This book is for anyone and everyone who desires to live life fully and freely! It is written in a simple and direct style that quickly captured my attention.
This book is for anyone and everyone who desires to live life fully and freely! It is written in a simple and direct style that quickly captured my attention.
July 21, 2021
I love Eric's messages, and thought provoking interpretations of biblical passages. Very inspiring and insightful writer.
September 29, 2021
3.5 Good but I prefer others of his books.
March 7, 2022
"Knee deep in the flow of life!"
September 22, 2013
A great message and wisdom that bears repeating over and over again in this world where it seems we 'go against the flow' perpetually. Love Eric Butterworth
November 13, 2015
I loved this book and will return to it many times in the future. It will sit with my other Eric Butterworth classic, Spiritual Economics. Really could be read over and over.
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February 7, 2016Actually, I didn't get far. I don't believe in the kind of Unitarian self-help mysticism of this book.
June 8, 2014
Love Eric Butterworth!
November 18, 2018
” In The Flow of Life" is a timeless gem that will, for many people, be the catalyst that will help bring about the changes they may be struggling with.
It is an effortless read, with an uplifting message that brings hope that as we become aware of our thoughts we can truly transform our lives by living in the flow.
It is an effortless read, with an uplifting message that brings hope that as we become aware of our thoughts we can truly transform our lives by living in the flow.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews