Does anyone actually LIVE like this?!?!?

I probably would not try another book from Gabrielle Bernstein and/or Gabrielle Bernstein. Look, I hate to point out the proverbial turds in the punchbowl but I got about half way through this and couldn't continue. With all the daily affirmations, meditations, special preparations, etc, I started to wonder if anyone actually lives like this? I don't have time to meditate, reflect, pray, and set hourly reminders to say affirmations about the topic of the day. To the best of my knowledge, I don't know anyone that does. Does that mean everyone I know is unhappy? I don't think so. After listening to a couple of these self-help books from different authors, I've come to the conclusion that the only people that DO advocate these types of self-help books are self-help authors/speakers themselves!!! I've seen others walk with this trance-like self-hypnosis going on in the deeply religious and have to say that there are many similarities, but I digress.

Mainly, I had a hard time getting past the terminology she uses. The first term on the block is EGO. Gabrielle's definition of the EGO is that it is the harbinger of FEAR. Now, it's been a long time since I took philosophy in college, but as I recall Freud's definition was different. Basically, Freud said the EGO comprises psychic functions such as " judgment, tolerance, reality testing, control, planning, defense, synthesis of information, intellectual functioning, and memory." To merely cast the EGO into the role of FEAR-monger is dismissive of the other (ie - good) aspects of the EGO. I would rather Gabrielle would just say that FEAR in your life/mind is what is preventing LOVE from being a part of your life. Let's leave Freud out of it. He has other issues to atone for.
Next is "ING", which stands for INternal Guide. While it doesn't bother me that she constantly refers to her ING as a female and implies that the reader/listener should too, I was very unclear on what the role/function of the ING really is. Gabrielle defines the ING as "a power greater than you", but is careful not to use the G-word. Some of the meditations/affirmations instruct the reader/listener to thank the ING, while other times the reader/listener is told to write some observations to the ING in a journal. This sounds a lot like a set of thought practices and instructions addressed to your MIND/SELF that are constantly hammered into your psyche in order to elicit change in the way you think about things. So why not just say this? I guess it's easier to have a catchy term to refer to the allusion of a deity-like being within ourselves.... I know that's confusing, but how can the INternal Guide be "a power greater than you"?!?!?

Lastly is MIRACLES. Admittedly, I probably didn't get far enough into the book to get a clearer picture of her definition of the word. But I did hear one example where she was away from home, deathly ill and had a speaking engagement the following day. After praying for several minutes, a friend called her and told her to ask her doctor for a referral to a local doctor. When she did this, her doctor did refer her to a local doctor (holistic practitioner) who told her to pray over an injection of vitamins. Now maybe we do live in a time of lowered expectations, but that's what passes for a MIRACLE these days?!?!?! Back in the day it was the parting of the Red Sea, and now its the bright idea of a referral?!?!?!? I thought watching Oscar Pistorius run in the Olympics could be called a modern miracle of technology, but evidently that's nothing compared to a vitamin shot. COME ON!!! I have a problem with calling a referral and a vitamin shot MIRACLES. Why doesn't she just say "Look on the bright side!" and be done with it?!?!?!

Other minor infractions come from the author referring to herself as a "spirit junkie", and "having a rockin' good time throwing down the F-word!" (SPOILER ALERT: the F-word is Forgiveness) I got this picture in my mind that Gabrielle is kind of a self-help cheerleader.

With all this going on, I think Gabrielle genuinely wants others to be as happy as she purports to being. I think her message is basically two ideas:

1. Love yourself instead of beating yourself up all the time, and
2. If you love yourself, others will love you.

But in all this confusing terminology babble, the message gets a little obscured. Also, the book seems to be geared a little more towards women than men, but I'm getting the feeling that this is built into these types of books, as the same can be said of her mentor's books, Wayne Dyer. If I'd known that, I would not have purchased this book.

While I was able to discern the message, I must be a natural born cynic. I don't consider myself to be unhappy, but am interested in ways to be happier. (Who isn't?!?!?!) But with these turds in the punchbowl, I can't really drink the kool-aide.

38 people found this helpful

I found faith.

If you could sum up May Cause Miracles in three words, what would they be?

Faith.Support.Love.

What was one of the most memorable moments of May Cause Miracles?

I am only on day 6 but somewhere between day 2 and 3 I watched a video that she has as an extra. She explained what ING is, I was confirmed Catholic but never really liked organized religion. I'd rather not have people tell me how to interpret stories from a book. Gabrielle helped me to see spirituality in a new light. I see that it is my inner guide and that I can have faith in that. It is such a release to have faith in something.

What does Gabrielle Bernstein bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has a great voice and puts emotion into the words. I don't know how I would be able to read the book because being able to listen to the meditations is key for me.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Those who are certain of the outcome can wait and wait without anxiety.

Any additional comments?

Thank You Gabrielle!

31 people found this helpful

A new life day by day

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! This is "The course of miracles" for those of us who needs a new miracle with just enough work to get through on a daily basis. It is fantastic: Does not promise "A perfect Hollywood life" It helps you get the perfect life for you, with the tools you have within. The first self-help book to give hope - daily!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The person you become through this fantastic listen

Have you listened to any of Gabrielle Bernstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes: I bought "Spirit junkie" after beginning on this new travel. I think you get more from buying this book. Bernstein will guide you from page to page.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Your new life: It will happen"

24 people found this helpful

Need the book

Any additional comments?

I only got to the third day and found this course hard to follow on Audio. It would be better suited using the book. I love the content and I'm looking forward to completing the course, however the stopping and starting of the daily practices is just impractical .

23 people found this helpful

Impossible for Audiobook

The structure of this book is a daily lesson and meditation, and I guess when I got it I thought it would be more listenable. I do audiobooks on long drives, and this one was impossible to follow because of course I cannot meditate or journal when driving. There is nothing wrong with the author's delivery and I'm sure it's a great book if one is able to work through it in paperback, but there is not enough to listen to in this format.

14 people found this helpful

May the "Ing" be with you - This Saved My Sanity

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, anyone who is hurting, confused, lost and needs a path to inspiration.

What other book might you compare May Cause Miracles to and why?

A Course in Miracles, The Universe Has Your Back, Spirit Junkie

Which scene was your favorite?

The authenticity of the author.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Stop - Listen - Trust

Any additional comments?

I had a relationship ending about 90 days ago, 45 day's ago I began this journey and I will simply say that Miracles began showing up, and as I write this I feel like the luckiest man in the world.

Thank's Gabby for proving even a 52-year-old man can get "hip" and claim the title "Spirit Junkie" - David Brandless

I already referred an older colleague to this audio book, within 72 hours he was thanking me, a week later, his life has been transformed. No b.s., this is a tool in any Miracle Workers "toolbox"

Me? I was just a deeply hurting man after a relationship ending 90 days ago. I'm an unpublished author of my own life navigational strategy which led me to this resource. We all need a coach sometimes. Gabby has been my trusted coach for the last nearly 2 months.

Namaste' and Brightest of Blessings

11 people found this helpful

Skip this one

Would you try another book from Gabrielle Bernstein and/or Gabrielle Bernstein?

I love anything I can find on ACIM but this is so bad. Somehow, I don't feel like I'm getting words of wisdom from a teenager. I could swear this voice was Drew Barrymore in her earlier years. I couldn't finish this one - maybe it gets better.

11 people found this helpful

Hard to listen to this one

What would have made May Cause Miracles better?

More substance

Would you ever listen to anything by Gabrielle Bernstein again?

No

What aspect of Gabrielle Bernstein’s performance would you have changed?

Her reading was enthusiastic. I had no problem with the performance, it was the substance that was lacking.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from May Cause Miracles?

I cannot choose one particular scene, but I remember thinking that it was taking a long time to develop from the start. So, I skipped ahead to other parts of the book and there still seemed to be a lack of substance and clarity from my perspective.

Any additional comments?

I only listened to about an hour of this book, so perhaps I just did not make it to the good parts.

6 people found this helpful

Seriously this book has miracled my life

I have loved this guided journey into looking at my behavior and most importantly at my thoughts. Our thoughts really do create our reality, it is an amazing power to comprehend. May Cause Miracles enables us to be willing, able, and ready to create miracles. Do it, create the miracles you so long for and deserve!

5 people found this helpful

WILL cause miracles!

Would you listen to May Cause Miracles again? Why?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Her easy going nature makes this not only enjoyable but something my 14 year old daughter and I look forward to each day.

5 people found this helpful