Spirituality for Dummies is for smart souls who know that we are all really beginners when it comes to understanding spirituality. Like all books for dummies, the layout is filled with lots of information boxes, bulleted lists, humorous cartoons, quick tips, and pithy quotes (from Marcus Aurelius to George Carlin).

Fortunately, author Sharon Janis put a lot of research into this informative discussion on spiritual growth. As a result, she maintains a solid voice that transcends the cluttered and sometimes superficial format. Spiritual practices, such as yoga and mediation, are briefly explained along with how to cultivate spiritual values and rise above suffering. At times she offers the kindly voice of experience: "When I'm able to give something to another person, I know it is God giving through me. Then, rather than expecting anything in return I am grateful for having been of service." At other times she is the voice of a well-educated teacher: "Ex means 'out of,' while status is a 'fixed condition.' This means that, in a way, the more fixed conditions you have to move out of, the more ecstatic you can become. Therefore every trouble in your life is really a beautiful gift to be unwrapped." --Gail Hudson


Book Description
A quiet voice within is telling you that there is more to life than what you can perceive with your five senses. Sometimes you feel that the material world, with all its cares and vanities is a veil of illusions beyond which lies a truth that transcends race, gender, ethnicity, status, family, job and worldly ambitions. Christ, Buddha, Muhammad, Lao-tsu, Plato, and other spiritual teachers down through the ages dedicated their lives to the pursuit of that that higher truth, and their words live on to inspire us. Because it extends beyond matter, spirituality cannot be fully expressed in words, but the spirit exists inside you, and hearing the right words may trigger your own awakening to higher perception.

A book that will exhilarate your mind and inflame your soul, Spirituality For Dummies puts you on the path to living a more spiritual life. Author Sharon Janis simplifies not-so-simple concepts from an array of spiritual disciplines and shows you how to: Incorporate spirituality into your everyday life Uplift relationships with all the people in your life Strengthen the connection between body and mind Fulfill your dreams through affirmations Grow through adversity Use spiritual practices to bring meaning into your life

In plain English, Janis explores spiritual ideas from a variety of religious and philosophical texts in combination with relevant psychological and scientific research. Topics covered include: Uncovering your own spirit and expanding your awareness How science and spirituality fit together Spiritual practices to energize your body, empower your mind, and nourish your spirit Cultivating compassion, truthfulness, humility and other spiritual virtues Moving from greed and worldly attachments to spiritual freedom Seeking spirituality in every moment

Spirituality For Dummies also includes a bonus audio CD featuring more than 60 minutes of inspirational music, including: Gospel songs from the Agape international choir Eastern songs and chants performed in their native languages Christian chanting by the Desert Fathers

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first humble step. Spirituality For Dummies brings spirituality down to earth to help you on take your first humble steps toward higher consciousness.


From the Inside Flap
Back of the book: Ever Wonder what spirituality really means- and how you may be able to use it to enhance your life? These pages will enlighten you by simplifying not-so-simple concepts. This guide brings spirituality down to earth for you with explanations of spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and prayer.


From the Back Cover
"A volume that opens the heart, exhilarates the mind, and inflames the soul." Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith Find out how to incorporate spirituality into your everyday life Ever wondered what spirituality really means — and how you may be able to use it to enhance your life? These pages will enlighten you by simplifying not-so-simple concepts. This guide brings spirituality down to earth for you with explanations of spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, and prayer. all this on the audio CD Bonus audio CD includes over 60 minutes of inspirational music Gospel songs from the Agape international choir Eastern songs and chants performed in their native languages by the author and other singers Christian chanting by the Desert Fathers Discover how to: Uplift relationships with the people in your life Strengthen a connection between mind and body Fulfill your dreams through affirmations Grow from adversity Use spiritual practices to bring meaning to your life Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers


About the Author
Sharon Janis spent a decade living a monastic life and producing videos on Indian spiritual philosophy before moving to Hollywood for an award-winning TV and film career.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A fun and easy guide to exploring the higher self.

Today, more people than ever are searching for meaning in their lives-and exploring a sometimes confusing array of spiritual practices and traditions. Without complex doctrine or far-out philosophies, this friendly guide demystifies spirituality and shows you how to incorporate spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation into your daily life. In down-to-earth terms, the author explains: What spirituality is -- and isn't -- in easy-to-understand language Spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, mantras, rituals, prayers, and affirmations The advantages and challenges of practicing spirituality alone or in a group The "role of the soul" in various religious traditions, as well as concepts like karma, dharma, and reincarnation How to incorporate spirituality into everyday life A 60 minute audio CD is included with the book, which is filled with beautiful music that enriches the text and helps the reader better understand spirituality.

Not merely a compendium of abstract ideas or complex theories, Spirituality For Dummies brings an elusive subject down to earth.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Abbot George Burke, author of An Eagle's Flight: Autobiography of a Gnostic Orthodox Christian:

With her characteristic (and considerable) clarity, skill, humor, and insight, Sharon Janis has given all of us who seek to walk in the spirit as complete a guide as I have ever seen -- and more. Whether you read Spirituality For Dummies straight through like a textbook or bits at a time in random order, you will come away wiser and more aware of your own spiritual potential. It is a true 'soul friend.'  — George Burke

Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith, Agape International Center of Truth

Spirituality For Dummies is a Mecca for those who are sincerely seeking the genuine meaning and practice of spirituality. Sharon Janis fuses mystical insights drawn from the east/west approaches, resulting in a volume that opens the heart, exhilarates the mind, and inflames the soul. No matter upon which rung of the spiritual ladder you now stand, expect to be catapulted to the next level of awareness through practice of the wisdom-offerings in this scripture of Truth.  — Michael Beckwith

ACCREDITATION