Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Your Present: A Half Hour of Peace
Book Review: Your Present: A Half hour of Peace
Summary: 5 Stars
This s the BEST Meditation CD I have ever listened to! Susie's voice is so calming, and she takes me to a place I have never been before....VERY RELAXED! I highly recommend this CD to anyone who needs to relax! (which would be EVERYONE!!!) RELAX and Enjoy!Book Review: A Guided Imagery Meditation
Summary: 4 Stars
A relaxing voice and soothing chords of music are a welcome change from a world where stress is endemic and relaxation a bonus few enjoy. For anyone who has ever practiced meditation or yoga, this technique is both comfortable and familiar. Calming words guide the listener through the stages of relaxation, the goal to release pent up stresses and concerns, to find an island of peace in the cacophony of the world we live in. With her perfectly modulated tones, barely above a whisper, Susie Mantell reinforces the step-by-step release of all that interferes with recognition of the core self, letting go of toxins and worries with a series of deep breaths, first visualized at the edge of the ocean, where hints of the murmuring waves reinforce the experience.
A healing light (color of your choice) enters the body, soothing, restoring, the mind free to embrace the limitless boundaries of imagination. From the edge of the ocean to a deep, fragrant forest, the listener is asked to envision a bridge, which may or may not be taken, but is there if desired. The coup d' grace is the "Present", a gold box tied with a bow; when opened the gift contains whatever the subject desires, a manifestation of possibilities, unfettered by external interference. (A caveat: the "Present" reminds me of the current non-fiction bestseller, "The Secret", an association that is positive or negative depending on the customer's point of view.) There is nothing new here in terms of ideation, but the CD is nicely structured, effective and user-friendly.
Using audio stimulation and visual suggestion, this half-hour meditation asks nothing of the listener but to embrace the journey, use whatever is helpful and return again when the need arises. Because it is potentially effective on so many levels, simple relaxation, pain management, or stress relief, this CD has broad appeal, perhaps only a brief, refreshing nap. What is most significant about this meditation exercise is the acknowledgment that many people must give themselves permission to break from routine and refresh the spirit, a soothing half-hour of self-indulgence to nourish and stimulate the connections of body and mind. The message is empowering: "Each time the voyage changes- an oasis from a stressful schedule, or a prelude to a deep, restful sleep", a worthy addition to any meditation library. Luan Gaines/2007.
Book Review: Warm breezes, dry sands and shimmering light
Summary: 4 Stars
For all those times you're under stress
and don't feel all that great
Just pop this CD in the slot
and sit and meditate
Half an hour's all it takes
for this inspired choice
Background music sets the mood
for Susie's soothing voice
It helps you find that perfect place
where you can just let go
Align your spine and let yourself
go drifting with the flow
Inhaling when the wave comes in
exhaling to release
Your tensions will be washed away
leaving your mind at peace
It's not something that'll change your life
The content's not that deep
But when at first I tried it out
I drifted off to sleep
A good gift for your busy friends
when things aren't going right
so they can dream of warming breeze
dry sands and shimmering light
Amanda Richards, April 26, 2007
Book Review: Simple and Effective
Summary: 5 Stars
"Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" contains guided imagery that is clear and uncomplicated, making it very easy to attain the goal of this CD, the first time one listens to it. Your muscular stress centers will relax, your mind will be calmer, your breathing slower and deeper, with an overall sense of having truly rested. Susie Mantell's method is a quiet journey, a way to counter the constant rush of 21st century life, and it's the simplicity of it that makes it work. It has several uses: I tend to take on stress and stiffness in the neck area, and this CD greatly helps me with this; also, you can use it if you have compulsive behavior patterns to "break the habit." Feel like going to the refrigerator for yet another snack? Put this CD on instead and you won't feel like it in 30 minutes. It also helps tremendously if you're having trouble going to sleep.
I especially enjoy the imagery of the way "things that are causing stress" are "released to the sea," and there is no particular "higher power" or spiritual system mentioned, which I appreciate; as a Christian, there is nothing to conflict with my faith on this CD, and it should be adaptable to any belief or way of thinking. The gentle and pleasing music by Daryl Kojak is in the background, except for the few extra minutes at the end, to either become alert, or take a few more moments of rest, and Ms. Mantell's voice is soothing and her reading well spoken. The packaging is excellent, and in a slip-case, making it a lovely gift presentation. Ms. Mantell says "Something wonderful is about to happen"...and it does, when you receive life with calmness and serenity.
Book Review: My First Relaxation CD - Great!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was going through some stressful times and read about how I might benefit from meditation and visualization. Being new to it, I didn't really know where to start. At first it felt a little odd but since I never did it before, I went along with it and felt surprisingly relaxed after only trying the first 10 minutes or so. The hard part is if I listen to it when I first go to bed, I end up falling asleep within minutes because it's so relaxing! This CD has made me a believer in meditation and visualization.