Review: Miracles Now - 108 Life-Changing Tools

I'm going to be honest, I probably wouldn't pick up a book with the title Miracles Nowunless I was recommended it to review, which is, of course, why I've been reading this new self-help book from Hay House.

Why wouldn't I have been drawn to it by the title? Because I don't believe miracles happen that often. Sure I understand their place in the background to major religion, and I really understand the desire for a miracle when faced with such things as, say, life-threatening illness, but at heart I'm a bit of a skeptic.

But having read it I realise I'd have been missing out if I had let the title put me off. Miracles Now, by Gabrielle Bernstein, has the subtitle 108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow and Finding Your True Purpose. What it describes are quick and simple ways of tackling a wide range of common problems that crop up in everyday life, from stress, insomnia and job worries to stage fright and learning when to say "no".

The sections are brief too - from just a couple of paragraphs to maybe a couple of pages, no more. Very easy to turn to for reference in times of trouble. The techniques are explained simply and can be done quickly. They include things like short meditations, breathing exercises, positive affirmations and the good old trick of wearing an elastic band on your wrist and pinging it to remind yourself to "snap out" of a bad habit.

Publisher Hay House said about the book: "Miracles Now by New York Times bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein will help readers clear stress and find peace - even if they only have a minute to spare... Inspired by some of the greatest spiritual teachings, Bernstein offers up spirit-based principles, meditations and practical, do-them-in-the-moment tools to help readers burst through blocks to live with more ease."

Miracles Now has social media junkies like me in mind. Each section ends with a 140-character description - ideal for tweeting (along with the hashtag #108Miracles) as well as repeating as a mantra. And Gabrielle even offers advice for those harassed by unpleasant posts in their Facebook feed: "Forgive and delete".

Despite my issue with the title, Miracles Now is a book I am sure I will continue to to refer to. The useful techniques that it describes for dealing with life's little problems could maybe classify as mini-miracles, although I still think I still prefer to keep the word "miracle" in its big sense for the blind suddenly being able to see, a cure for cancer, world peace, an end to poverty and a way to stop global warming. Nevertheless, I guess even the big things can start small, with something like a deep breath, a smile and a bit of optimism.

Gabrielle Bernstein's earlier books include May Cause Miracles: A 6-Week Kick-Start to Unlimited Happinessand Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Discovering Self-Love and Miracles. She also created the CD MediDating.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/
Miracles Now: 108 Life-Changing Tools for Less Stress, More Flow and Finding Your True Purpose
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/review-medidating-for-fearless-romance.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/soul-centred-transform-your-life-with.html