Romancing the Ordinary

Description

The long-awaited new book from Sarah Ban Breathnach, encourages us to work out what most excites and moves us, what makes our heart miss a beat. By exulting in the ecstatic experience of daily life - by romancing our soul - we can truly flourish. ROMANCING THE ORDINARY is organised as a yearbook, celebrating a spirituality of the senses seasonally, monthly and weekly. Sarah Ban Breathnach introduces the concept that women are endowed with not five, but seven senses: Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch, Scent, Knowing and Wonder. Each day's reflection, each week, will highlight one of the senses drawing on myth, literature, poetry, film, music and drama. By exulting in the ecstatic experience of daily life, by romancing your soul - working out what excites or moves you to tears, what makes your heart miss a beat, your knees shake and soul sigh - Sarah Ban Breathnach shows you how to embrace your magical, mystical, sensitive and spiritual Essential Self, restoring weary and jaded feminine souls.

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Customer Reviews

BEWARE
READER BEWARE!Let me preface this review by saying that in reading the forward, I was expecting this book to have a Christian perspective based on her references to God. I was not familiar with Sarah Ban Breathnach (had no idea that she apparently practices kabbalah), was given this book as a gift and thought it sounded like a refreshing read. Boy was I wrong. What I found when I began to read it were wican/new-age ideas woven in with biblical references. Oh, she is subtle about it in many places, but I found many instances of just plain blasphemy. For example she says that Solomon built the temple through harnessing the demonic powers of a worm through a magical ring that he had been given by an angel. Her conclusion was that demons must not be so bad after all and can actually be used for good if we harness their power. WHAT??!! She also says to pray to God the Mother as well as the Father. I agree that God has characteristics that are mother-like in His nature, but she is challenging that God should even be referred to as "He". Based on other references to men, I think her divorce must have made her somewhat of a man-hater - call me crazy. The recipes and ideas for cleaning your home and making it a pleasant place to be are nice, as are her suggestions to appreciate the little things, but there are plenty of books that offer those ideas without blaspheming God and encouraging people to conjure spirits and believe in magic and mysticism. This is NOT just an innocent, light, inspirational read. If one is not firm in their faith or is new to it, this could steer them in a BAD direction. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK. If I could give it zero stars, I would. I am not even going to give it away, I am going to burn it.

2010-05-17 (southern US) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 1

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Romancing the Ordinary
Loved this book. I read this one first b/f her first book and it is my favorite. I bought copies for family members as well. Just a wonderful, insightful book. Would highly recommend it.

2008-12-22 (Covington, LA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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An Inspirational Read
Sarah Ban Breathnach has been one of my favourite authors for a while now. I picked up Simple Abundance a couple of years ago, and it came to me just at the right time. I eagerly followed up on Sarah's work with The Simple Abundance Companion and Something More, but I found Romancing The Ordinary to be her best work yet. The book is a light and inspiring read, and like your best friend, Sarah encourages you to come in a little closer and share in some "secret women's business". And almost everything she suggests - from creating a Holiday Memory Book, to mixing your own bath salts - are easy, fun-filled ideas to help you find beauty in the ordinary.
I loved this book so much that almost every third page has been highlighted with quotes and ideas that have inspired me. And I would encourage any reader, who is looking to bring a bit of romance back into the every day, to pick up a copy of this gorgeous book.



Zara Stevens
Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories

2008-07-07 | (Author - Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Sweet and simple
Reading the other reviews I was surprised to see how many people appreciated the asthetics of this book in hardcover - I'm almost sorry I have the paperback version!

I have not read any of Ban Breathnach's former books, so my review does not suffer from comparisons to what most reviewers consider to be a far superior book "Simple Adundance". However, I will be sure to hunt that book down now, given the glowing reviews it has been given.

I found this book to be sweet and simple. I appreciated the structure of the book and liked that there were not dated entries - I feel this gave the book a more flexible, organic feel. Some of the entries were quirky, others insightful and a few were almost bizarre. But I feel the purpose of this book was to give people a focus for seeing the gifts in their own lives, most of which we don't see in the manner of not seeing the forest for the trees.

I recommend this book, although I have my usual complaint of the seasons always being for the northern hemisphere, leaving us southern hemisphere people wondering what to do with 7 pairs of socks in January, the height of our summer.

2005-12-20 | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 4

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TOO MUCH GOD FOR ME
I bought several sets of tapes for my family gift giving but when I played one I decided to put them in the charity box instead. Far too much religion in it. Self improvement and joy of living does not HAVE to be god related. I am sorry because I really do think she has great talent. If she could just write and leave religion out of it.

2005-12-05 (Maine USA) | Helpful Votes: 11 | Rating: 3

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Moving On: Creating Your House of Belonging with Simple Abundance

Description

Building on the success of Sarah’s previous books, Moving On expresses a new-age inclusiveness that allows people of all faiths and belief systems to enjoy her positive outlook on life.

Inspired by her own life experiences and requested by avid Ban Breathnach readers eager for another volume, Sarah helps readers to understand themselves and to use those insights to create a home that truly suits their spirits and their lives.

"We do not know how to move on," Sarah observes. "We have learned to let go, but not move on." This keen insight differentiates this book from other self-help books dealing with life changes.

Sarah helps readers cope with what she calls, "the myriad demands of uprooting one’s life," and teaches them to not only move, but to finally create what she calls, "your own house of belonging."

Like the other books in Sarah’s acclaimed Simple Abundance series, Moving On is what Sarah calls "part meditation, how-to-manual, and memoir."

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Customer Reviews

Learning to Belong
While looking for a way to find my way "Home" after being set adrift yet one more time, I am learning to create my own sense of belonging. Gently and creatively Sarah "brings her game" to those who have lost all that was normal. Thanks!

2009-12-14 (Atlanta, GA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Not meeting my expectations
I am currently in the process of reading this book and so far find it to be a memior of the emotional turmoil the writer experiences after 'simple abundance'. She OFTEN quotes MANY other authors which has me wonder.... who is writing this? Sara Breathnach or is it a collection of womens discoveries and insights? When I first read the synopsis it was about how people often let go but don't move on. They acknowledge what stops them, let go, and then stay where they are. I didn't expect it to have anything to do with house cleaning.

However, the universe's 'coincidences' in life are amazing. I recently completed a house cleaning, physically and spiritually. A month later I begin this book, and tonight my mother who saw my living space for the first time in years, spoke to me about 'teaching me' the 'next level'. At first I was upset that she focused on how the carpets are old and that I don't vacuum enough rather than acknowledge and appreciate the beautifully clear, clean space I created. But then I thought.... wow! It was almost verbatim to the chapter I read this morning which, with all honesty I thought sounded a little 'victim-like' in the way Sarah blames women's' mothers' for not teaching us how to create a home. When I read that, my first thought was that - yes, I don't remember my mother teaching me how to be a 'proper homemaker' but I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LIFE, and I figured it out myself. But then she showed up differently and she brought it up. What wondrous ways the universe works.

As mentioned, I haven't finished it yet. As of now, I'm conflicted. Like anyone who understands transformation, spiritual work, or coaching, you'll get these beautiful 'coincidences'. On the other hand the writing itself doesn't yet feel that profound, more like a lot of sharing with some deep quotes. If anything else hits me as I read or when I finish, I'll write another review.

2009-02-21 | Dancing coach (New York, NY) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 2

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Excellent
After Simple Abundance -- a book I found so amazing -- affected her life by it's huge success, Moving On keeps the reader in on this woman's growth and wonderful life affirming suggestions.

2008-11-26 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Life changing
This book is a beautiful, deeply personal, and wonderful work. I feel that this book has changed my life, because the author is so genuine and open about her own heart. Her honesty causes me to realize things about myself or put into words emotions that I could not yet figure out. I hope every woman will read this book. This book found me in a crisis of my life, and has helped me to get through it. I am grateful for it.

2008-08-25 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Ready to move on too
I love it when a book finds you in the exact moment you need it. This one has. The content is inspiring and speaks to me about the things that make up the tapestry of my life right now. The author knows what I've gone through and what I need to strive for in the next chapter of my life. Love this book. Perfect for those who never dreamed of being at this stage of life at this age but still intend to thrive.

2008-05-31 | kitchen goddess (Stratham, NH) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity

Description

"When money is plentiful, this is a man's world. When money is scarce, it is a woman's world." Unearthed in a 1932 Ladies Home Journal, this quote is the call to arms that begins PEACE AND PLENTY, Sarah Ban Breathnach's answer to the world's-- and her own personal-- financial crisis. As only Ban Breathnach can, she culls together this compendium of advice, deeply personal anecdotes, and excerpts from magazines, books, and newspapers-- particularly those of the Great Depression-- to inspire readers who are mired in today's financial difficulties.

Focusing on her own personal path, Sarah Ban Breathnach will relate never-before revealed details about how she fell from the financial top to the bottom. Readers will immediately see how deeply she understands the plight of those trying to maintain a happy and comfortable home, while at the same time not even knowing if they will be able to make the mortgage to keep that home.

Sarah has proved to be the voice of comfort for years to women who are spiritually bankrupt, and now she will reach to those who are financially strapped, showing them how to pull themselves out of their psychic and fiscal crises while providing deep comfort and reassurance throughout.

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Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy

Product Details

• ISBN13: 9780446563598
• Notes: BUY WITH Coolness, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and checking to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Ready: New

Description

Quotes, poems, meditations and practical exercises for every day of a woman's year include thought-provoking, inspirational messages, money-saving suggestions, gardening and decorating ideas, and thoughts on personal fulfillment. 30,000 first printing.

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This book features 366 essays penned from a woman's perspective. Sample topics include gratitude, harmony, self-nurturing, positive body image, the importance of scented linen closets, and many others. Each essay sports a pithy quote from (surprise!) the likes of Kahlil Gibran. Viewed uncritically, it's hard to argue with Simple Abundance's earnest admonitions to appreciate life, in all its messy imperfect excellence. And the fact that serenity and happiness are each in dreadfully short supply can excuse some of the treacly writing. But Breathnach sometimes lapses into what can only be described as her "Martha Stewart on Prozac" voice, and the results are aggravating to the extreme: "If you've been hesitant to strike up a reciprocal relationship with your guardian angel, don't be." Fans of guardian angels will greet these feel-good essays every morning with the rising sun, a cup of mint tea, and a bluebird chirping on the windowsill, and be happy. Skeptics will prefer their coffee very black.

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Customer Reviews

Daily Nourishment
I have had this book since the end of last year and look forward each day to reading the daily passage. I highly recommend this to any woman who needs to reconnect with her "self" and remember those things that get lost amid the daily grind.

2010-05-07 (Coeur d Alene ID) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Cover yourself with comfort...great way to find yourself
Super way to find yourself in a lost world .We as gals so often need a way to just be ok within , this book will help take you there.

2010-04-02 (Georgia) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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One of my Top 3 all time Book Faves !
I was just talking to my sister about this wonderful book. I've had it many yrs now, since I first saw Sarah on Oprah. SInce then, I've had it close by me where I can readily open it and read it. I love how it goes by the days, but usually end up reading more !
I have learned so so much from this book and continue to !
It has changed my life in some ways, also, it's so COMFORTING, and full of knowledge.
I have written in the front that if someth happens to me, I NEED to have this book with me please. the other 2 are "God Calling" and "you can have God's help with your daily problems", by Norman Vincent Peale.
Thank you Sarah, for this book !!

2010-03-20 (Vancouver, Wa) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Daily Pick Me Up
Someone brought this book to the writers' group I belong to and read from it. I was so impressed I asked if I could borrow the book. The other writer agreed that I could. When I got it home and read some more "days" I knew I had to have my own copy.

I try to read the page for each day as it comes. I find I receive a blessing and a "pick me up" every time. When I miss a day, I feel as though I have forgotten something. Then I read two days together.

2010-03-13 | Margaret Garrett Irwin (Oakhurst, CA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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life changing
This book has changed my life in many ways. I have given this inspiring book to many friends over the Holidays and now we have a monthly meeting to discuss what that month has brought to our lives and to share our experiences. I highly recommend this book to all.

2010-02-14 (ny) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self

Description

From the author of Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy comes a guided excavation for women who suspect that there's something more to life than the top layer pursuits of money, sex, and love. In service to these restless souls who want to scratch beneath the surface, Ban Breathnach offers tidbit-sized essays that help women unearth pay dirt--their reason for being. Using archaeology as her frame of reference, Ban Breathnach suggests imaginative exercises at the end of each chapter, which she refers to as "Field Work." Although it occasionally feels overdone, the archaeology metaphor works well--helping readers unearth their past choices and circumstances to better understand the soul's current mission. Early in the book, Ban Breathnach offers this enticing invitation to go on a spiritual dig: "Besides the fact that your soul is one of the last unlooted sources of the miraculous, with discoveries as spectacular as any found in the Delta of Venus or Egypt's Valley of the Kings, you can embark on a soul trip and be back before anyone even notices you're missing. They might be curious about that gleam in your eye and that flush on your cheek, but I'll never tell if you won't. Are you game? We're heading to the sacred site of your soul." --Gail Hudson

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From the author of Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy comes a guided excavation for women who suspect that there's something more to life than the top layer pursuits of money, sex, and love. In service to these restless souls who want to scratch beneath the surface, Ban Breathnach offers tidbit-sized essays that help women unearth pay dirt--their reason for being. Using archaeology as her frame of reference, Ban Breathnach suggests imaginative exercises at the end of each chapter, which she refers to as "Field Work." Although it occasionally feels overdone, the archaeology metaphor works well--helping readers unearth their past choices and circumstances to better understand the soul's current mission. Early in the book, Ban Breathnach offers this enticing invitation to go on a spiritual dig: "Besides the fact that your soul is one of the last unlooted sources of the miraculous, with discoveries as spectacular as any found in the Delta of Venus or Egypt's Valley of the Kings, you can embark on a soul trip and be back before anyone even notices you're missing. They might be curious about that gleam in your eye and that flush on your cheek, but I'll never tell if you won't. Are you game? We're heading to the sacred site of your soul." --Gail Hudson

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Customer Reviews

wonderful book with refreshing insight!
I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased several more for friends! Very inspirational and written as only a woman could.

2010-03-09 | jetlu (Grand Blanc, Michigan United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Words of Wisdom
I've lost count of how many times I've purchased this book. It insinuates common sense into the complexity of being human. It offers new perspectives on everything from daydreams to worries. It has a calming influence and it encourages self reflection. This book is meant to be savored, and made personal. I suggest you read it with a pencil or highlighter in hand because it's okay to make notes along the way that you can go back and find later. I've given this book many times as a gift and each time the reciever says - how did Sarah know me so well? All of Sarah's books are works of thought-provoking art.

2010-01-21 | deborah2752 (Pollock Pines, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Something more!
My favorite book...I've bought several copies to give to friends...it reminds you of who you really are!

2009-11-12 (Cumming, Georgia) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Something More
The book was delivered in a few days and it looked new. It was a hard cover and was in excellent condition.

2009-06-06 (Santa Fe, NM) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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my best friend
This book was given to me by one of my closest friends and has kept me company ever since. When I need a lift or a confidence boost or even re-assurance (especially to do with men)ive often looked to this book. I live in Melbourne but my closest friends and family are all in New Zealand, so this book has been my constant companion. Just to hear other stories that can lift you up and make you believe that it will all be ok and that your not alone, is very empowering. Women have been struggling with our authentic selves since we gave up a piece of ourselves to make Adam, what were we thinking? Not of ourself of coarse, that hasnt changed! I hope you like me, is in the search for something more....

2008-12-16 | kiwiheidz (Melbourne, Aussie) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Simple Abundance Companion

Product Details

• Up: New
• Notes: BUY WITH Self-confidence, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and appointment to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• ISBN13: 9780446673334

Description

This workbook is based on the author's popular workshops and expands more upon the wisdom provided in her best sellers Simple Abundance and Something More.

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Before Simple Abundance was a bestselling book, it was a highly successful workshop taught by author Sarah Ban Breathnach. Returning to the workshop format, Ban Breathnach has written this workbook-style companion guide. Devised as a month-by-month course, this 12-chapter book offers reflective lessons on topics such as "Choice As a Spiritual Gift," "The Love of Play," and "Sacred Connections." At the end of each chapter Ban Breathnach lists "Soul Assignments," which include penetrating questions alongside lighthearted assignments: going on "creativity excursions" or learning to "color outside the lines" of life.

Ban Breathnach possesses a contagious playfulness that permeates the book's workshop structure. Critics call her frivolous, but fans call her inspirational. Even her resources promise a good time, including her amusing appendix on "Cinematherapy," which lists suitable movies for every chapter. (For example, chapter 3, "Romancing the Soul," could be enhanced by watching Love in the Afternoon or A Man and a Woman.)

"Consider this workbook a personal tutorial," she writes. "Just you and me.... But please let's think girls' night out instead of study group as we sift and sort. Gratefully, I've finally learned to choose fun over earnestness any day of the week, and I'm not going back. How about you?" Not a chance, Sarah. Not a chance. --Gail Hudson

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Customer Reviews

Great deal!!
I was really impressed that I could actually get a book for dirt cheat and still have it be in such good shape. I was very happy with my purchase and would look for other books from this seller.

2010-04-13 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Sarah's Suggestions
So far, I have found this book to be a good tool for focusing on some positive ways to reconnect with my truly creative self. For those who aren't willing to take a few creative risks, this book might not be helpful, as it is full of suggestions for manifesting abundance on many levels. If you liked the book Simple Abundance, this might be a good follow-up to try.

2007-07-23 | Tall Reader (Belchertown, MA United States) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Excellent
Would do business with this seller again. Fast shipping and product in great condition.

2006-07-05 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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simply abundant (Like 'The Journey:Where seagulls dare to f
simply abundant with pearls of wisdom......simply learning how to breathe again...to reconnect with myself again...to retune to my inner child again....simply beautiful. Still haven't found a book though as good as 'The Journey:Where Seagulls Dare To Fly' (www.amazon.co.uk)...therefore 4 stars only!

2001-02-11 (England) | Helpful Votes: 14 | Rating: 4

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Simple but not Simple
Simple can be a negative word in some contexts. However, simple is beautiful as Sarah writes about it. When I began my own simplicity movement 15 years ago I felt all alone and sometimes felt like caving in and jumping back on the materialistic bandwagon.

I discovered Sarah's books several years ago and I've been simplifying every part of my life eagerly and with glee. It is like I have lost 100 pounds. All those extra things I added onto my life since birth rarely gave me lasting happiness.

I think a couple of other outstanding books in this vein are The Romantic's Guide by Michael Webb. It shows how you can be simple and yet "The World's Most Romantic Husband." Also, Simple Living is a good read.

2000-04-28 | Helpful Votes: 114 | Rating: 5

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