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    The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life

    The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life

    by Dennis Merritt Jones


    eBook

    $4.99
    $4.99

    Customer Reviews

      ISBN-13: 9781440635755
    • Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
    • Publication date: 04/17/2008
    • Sold by: Penguin Group
    • Format: eBook
    • Pages: 320
    • Sales rank: 290,580
    • File size: 440 KB
    • Age Range: 18 Years

    Dennis Merritt Jones has been involved in the human potential movement and the field of spirituality for the majority of his life as a teacher, an author, and a keynote speaker. He writes a free weekly MindfulPurpose e-Message available through his website, DennisMerrittJones.com, and is a regular columnist for The Huffington Post.

    Table of Contents


    To the Reader: About the Word "God"     xi
    Foreword     xiii
    Introduction     1
    What Gift Do I Bring?     5
    We All Live Downstream     8
    The View from the Freeway Isn't That Good     11
    It's Not What You Say     14
    Things Don't Change, We Do     17
    What Is Your Message to the World?     20
    Elvis Has Left the Building     23
    Seek Sangha     25
    Make Today Big with Blessings!     28
    Love Is All You Need     31
    Great Expectations!     34
    Express Thyself     37
    Plateaus, Peaks, and Valleys     39
    The Rhythm of Reality     42
    Love, Serve, and Remember     45
    That's My Story ... and It's Stickin' to Me!     48
    Come to the Edge     51
    The Universe Is Calling...     54
    Standing Guard at the Temple Gate!     57
    Just Give It All Up     60
    Piercing the Veil of Evil     63
    Seek Balance in All Things     66
    The Force Is with You     69
    Going to the Mountaintop     72
    It's All a Matter of Priorities     74
    Resolve to Evolve     77
    Obstacles: A Matter of Perspective     80
    Shedding the Light in Dark Places     83
    How Much Is Enough? Part One     86
    The Divine Paradox: Part Two     89
    Give Way to Abundance: Part Three     92
    Keep Your Goals from the Trolls     95
    Discover the Real Eighth Wonder of the World     97
    Never Ever Give Up!     100
    Use It or Lose It     103
    A New Way of Being Human     106
    I'm Not Lost, I Am Exploring     109
    If Your Life Were a House     112
    What Defines Your Wholeness?     115
    The Power of Gratitude     118
    Life Cycles     121
    Surf's Up!     124
    Are You Living a Life of Self-Betrayal?     127
    Set Yourself Free     130
    Be-cause of Peace: Part One     133
    The Namaste Daisy Chain: Be-cause of Peace: Part Two     136
    Grow Deep and Stand Tall     139
    The Blessing of Mistakes     141
    Take a Global View     144
    What Do You Love?     147
    Divine Surrender: Your Defining Moment     150
    Free at Last!     153
    Everywhere I Look     156
    The Wisdom of Release     158
    He Who Laughs...Lasts!     161
    Feed the Dog     164
    Seek the Sacred in the Ordinary     167
    Except Ye Become As Little Children     170
    Weeding the Garden of Your Mind     173
    The Sacred Includes You!     176
    Good Things Can Grow in the Dark     179
    It's Your Call     182
    As Within, So Without     185
    Through the Eyes of God     187
    Are You Seeking a Spiritual Life, or Is It Seeking You?     189
    Wherever You Go, There You Are     192
    Mind Meals: What Are You Feeding Yours?     195
    Keep Your Eye Single     198
    You Are God's Seedling     201
    The Wonder of It All     204
    Choose Your Own Way     207
    Genius and the "D" Word     209
    Shedding the Light on Enlightenment     212
    You Have More Power Than You Think     215
    It's All God     218
    When Unexpected Visitors Come Knocking     220
    Relationships... Who Needs Them?     223
    Launchings and Landings: Take None of Them for Granted     226
    Step into Your Power     229
    Are Your Mind and Body in the Same Place?      232
    The "Self" Travels Light-ly     235
    How to Be Perfectly Imperfect     238
    Finding the Blessing in Betrayal     241
    Become the De-Terminator     244
    You Are One of a Kind, Like It or Not!     247
    Appreciate the Gift     250
    How Will You Live?     253
    Spiritual Fitness: Journey or Destination?     256
    Make the World a Better Place-Choose to Be Happy!     259
    Stepping into the Mystery of "I Don't Know"     262
    Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say     265
    What You Think of Me     267
    To Assume...     269
    Give It Your Personal Best     271
    Creating the Cracks     273
    May I Quote You?     275
    It's All About Relationships     278
    Unconditional Love: The Ultimate Symphony     280
    The Bliss of Divine Annihilation-A Peak Experience     283
    As Within...     286
    What Will You Contribute to the Continuum?     289
    Acknowledgments     293
    Recommended Reading     297
    About the Author     301

    What People are Saying About This

    From the Publisher

    Praise for  THE ART OF BEING:

    "May this book be your special friend, an introduction to Power and Presence...the essence inviting you to be you."
    —Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith, Agape International Spiritual Center

    "If you are seeking more peace, presence, and calm comfort, this book must accompany you on your journey."
    —Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, Author of the New York Times best seller, If Life Is a Game, These the Rules: Ten Rules for Being Human

    "If you want to close the gap between your humanity and your divinity, read The Art of Being."
    —Walter Starcke, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Double Thread

    Praise for Your (Re)Defining Moments:

    “In Your (Re)Defining Moments, Dennis Merritt Jones wisely guides his readers into a joyful exploration and discovery of their Original Self that was shot out of eternity into this three-dimensional world to deliver their gifts, talents, and skills as only they can.”
     —Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Life Visioning: A Transformative Process for Activating Your Unique Gifts and Highest Potential
     
    "This noble work is filled with truths that can take your life to a new level. Dennis Merritt Jones brings a wealth of experience, insight, and vision to the table. His thoughtfulness and eloquence speak loud and clear."
     —Alan Cohen, author of Relax into Wealth
     
    “In Your (Re)Defining Moments, Dennis Merritt Jones offers a compass that leads us inward to the authentic Self, that unique spark of Life we were the moment we were born. Dennis reminds us that we still are that unique being and proves it by giving us clear, practical, loving guidance on how to courageously bring our authentic Self to daily life. When you read this book you will embark on the journey of becoming who you were born to be.”
     —Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, MCC, author of the New York Times-bestseller If Life Is a Game, These Are the Rules
     
    “Each of us has been created for the purpose of fitting into a divine mosaic that works in perfect harmony with everyone and everything else, and the next major expansion of consciousness on this planet will inevitably occur when we as individuals embrace our own nature and begin working with each other and the physical world with an attitude of cooperation and reverence. It is this truth that is so evidently present in Dennis’s new book, Your (Re)Defining Moments.”
    Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon, Spiritual Leader for Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “Here is a book for those who have read the books, done the workshops, but still sense their own epiphanies are simpler, deeper, closer. If personal identity as we have come to know it is a socially constructed wilderness, Dr. D. paves a direct path through the classic conundrums of consciousness—the sovereign Self of western civilization, the transcendent No-Self of mysticism and the east, and the pristine Now Moment that thrives only in our choice to honor its worth.”
    Dr. Barbara E. Fields, executive director of the Association for Global New Thought, director of Gandhi King Season for Nonviolence, director of The Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former program director of Parliament of the World's Religions
     
    Your (Re)Defining Moments is a powerful antidote to aimless and hollow living. Dennis Merritt Jones has crystallized a path of awakening to free us from the trance states of limiting personal assumptions and inauthentic purposes. Reading this wonderful book is like a deep caress...a precious homecoming with the miracle and magic seeded in each of our souls.”
    Dr. Roger W. Teel, Spiritual Leader at Mile Hi Church in Denver, Colorado
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones's newest work, Your (Re)Defining Moments, makes the powerful distinction between personal discovery and personal 'uncovery.' Ours is not a journey forward but a vertical plunge inward to what has always existed. Liberating and gloriously written, Your (Re)Defining Moments is a treasured contribution to a welcomed renaissance in spiritual literature.”
    Dr. David Ault, author of Where Regret Cannot Find Me
     
    “Through personal anecdotes and probing questions to the reader, Your (Re)Defining Moments gives us access to an engaging self-study on the nature of being and how to live a thoughtful and authentic life.  Dennis Merritt Jones’s down-to-earth style and direct approach to spirituality makes reading this book enjoyable and soul-satisfying.  Balanced with sincere kindness and a gentle sense of humor, this book takes on big ideas such as redefining original sin, re-examining the pursuit of happiness, and admitting we have to let go of some of the past, to make room for what can be.  Dennis’s latest book confirms why I have been a longtime fan of his writing: it’s inspiring, thought provoking, and encouraging.”
    Edward Viljoen, author of The Power of Meditation
     
    Your (Re)Defining Moments offers a most compelling and convincing opportunity for us all to remember who we have come here to be.  In this book, Dennis Merritt Jones brings a gift of extraordinary insightfulness to everyone who seeks spiritual awakening.”
    Rev. Dr. John B. Waterhouse, president of Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “You could spend a lifetime searching for your authentic Self, and defining who you are. Or you could read Dennis Merritt Jones’s beautiful new book Your (Re)Defining Moments and be gently fast-tracked through the process. Life begins with each moment, with each choice. This is an easy one.”
    Lissa Coffey, celebrity lifestyle and wellness expert and author of What’s Your Dharma: Discover the Vedic Way to Your Life’s Purpose
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones’s writing reminds me of a cashmere blanket—warm and comfortable without being too heavy. This book encourages the reader to rework their lives without being preachy or overly challenging. A perfect read before bed.”
    Rev. Kathianne Lewis, DD, Senior Minister & Spiritual Leader, Center for Spiritual Living
     
    Your (Re)Defining Moments by Dennis Merritt Jones is a must read for everyone on the spiritual path.  He is a true Spiritual Master who graciously shares his wisdom, allowing it to unfold in your own mind as gently as a rose opens to bloom. Dr. Jones has written a modern, 21st century guidebook for seekers of truth and students of spirituality. I predict this book will be used as curricula by many teachers.”
    Chris Michaels, author of The Power of You
     
    Your (Re)Defining Moments...is an amazing book! Dennis Merritt Jones is masterful, guiding us to a deep state of soul remembrance. He reminds us that we were born to be fully expressed and that each moment is an opportunity to choose greatness.”
    Cynthia James, author and speaker

    Praise for THE ART OF UNCERTAINTY:

    "The Art of Uncertainty inspires and provides practical tools that can benefit all."
    —Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul
     
    “With The Art of Uncertainty, readers can chart a course for learning how to live in the "I don't know" while maintaining a sense of inner-peace and optimism. This simple but beautifully wise and practical book is a gem. Don't step into the unknown without it.”
    —Claudia Abbott, Science of Mind magazine

    “With warmhearted clarity and transcendental common sense, Dennis Merritt Jones addresses the complexities, obstacles, joys, and ultimate fulfillment of walking the spiritual labyrinth home to the True Self. This is a book to read, reread, practice and embody.”
    —Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation~Fulfilling Your Soul's Potential

    “Masters throughout the ages have taught us to come to the edge of our current belief system and take a leap of faith beyond the known...If you are ready to expand your vision of a life worth living this is a book you will want to read.”
    —Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap

    “Dennis' new book arrives with divinely right timing in my life and in the life of anyone contemplating next steps. How good it is to have this guide to leaning wholeheartedly into the mystery of change and walking in faith toward the full expression of one's potential.”
    —Dr. Kathy Hearn, Community Spiritual Leader, United Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones is a brilliant and gifted teacher. His newest work is not only insightful, but gives great tools for each of us to live a life of joy: No Matter What!”
    —Mary Morrissey, author of No Less Than Greatness

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    The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life helps readers become inspired and stay inspired, with motivational and uplifting writings that can be read daily, supported by "Mindfulness Practices," or action steps to make it simple. Ultimately, the understanding at which the reader will arrive is that spirituality, the "art of being," is actually a lifestyle, a way of walking our sacred earth every day. The Art of Being is a user-friendly manual to guide you to become acutely aware of how to live more mindfully on a day-by-day, hour-by-hour, moment-by-moment basis and thus create more peace and happiness in your life-and in the lives of those around you.

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    From the Publisher
    Praise for  THE ART OF BEING:

    "May this book be your special friend, an introduction to Power and Presence...the essence inviting you to be you."
    — Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith, Agape International Spiritual Center

    "If you are seeking more peace, presence, and calm comfort, this book must accompany you on your journey."
    — Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, Author of the New York Times best seller, If Life Is a Game, These the Rules: Ten Rules for Being Human

    "If you want to close the gap between your humanity and your divinity, read The Art of Being."
    — Walter Starcke, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Double Thread

    Praise for Your (Re)Defining Moments:

    “In Your (Re)Defining Moments, Dennis Merritt Jones wisely guides his readers into a joyful exploration and discovery of their Original Self that was shot out of eternity into this three-dimensional world to deliver their gifts, talents, and skills as only they can.”
     —Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Life Visioning: A Transformative Process for Activating Your Unique Gifts and Highest Potential
     
    "This noble work is filled with truths that can take your life to a new level. Dennis Merritt Jones brings a wealth of experience, insight, and vision to the table. His thoughtfulness and eloquence speak loud and clear."
     —Alan Cohen, author of Relax into Wealth
     
    “In Your (Re)Defining Moments, Dennis Merritt Jones offers a compass that leads us inward to the authentic Self, that unique spark of Life we were the moment we were born. Dennis reminds us that we still are that unique being and proves it by giving us clear, practical, loving guidance on how to courageously bring our authentic Self to daily life. When you read this book you will embark on the journey of becoming who you were born to be.”
     —Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, MCC, author of the New York Times-bestseller If Life Is a Game, These Are the Rules
     
    “Each of us has been created for the purpose of fitting into a divine mosaic that works in perfect harmony with everyone and everything else, and the next major expansion of consciousness on this planet will inevitably occur when we as individuals embrace our own nature and begin working with each other and the physical world with an attitude of cooperation and reverence. It is this truth that is so evidently present in Dennis’s new book, Your (Re)Defining Moments.”
    —Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon, Spiritual Leader for Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “Here is a book for those who have read the books, done the workshops, but still sense their own epiphanies are simpler, deeper, closer. If personal identity as we have come to know it is a socially constructed wilderness, Dr. D. paves a direct path through the classic conundrums of consciousness—the sovereign Self of western civilization, the transcendent No-Self of mysticism and the east, and the pristine Now Moment that thrives only in our choice to honor its worth.”
    —Dr. Barbara E. Fields, executive director of the Association for Global New Thought, director of Gandhi King Season for Nonviolence, director of The Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former program director of Parliament of the World's Religions
     
    “Your (Re)Defining Moments is a powerful antidote to aimless and hollow living. Dennis Merritt Jones has crystallized a path of awakening to free us from the trance states of limiting personal assumptions and inauthentic purposes. Reading this wonderful book is like a deep caress...a precious homecoming with the miracle and magic seeded in each of our souls.”
    —Dr. Roger W. Teel, Spiritual Leader at Mile Hi Church in Denver, Colorado
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones's newest work, Your (Re)Defining Moments, makes the powerful distinction between personal discovery and personal 'uncovery.' Ours is not a journey forward but a vertical plunge inward to what has always existed. Liberating and gloriously written, Your (Re)Defining Moments is a treasured contribution to a welcomed renaissance in spiritual literature.”
    —Dr. David Ault, author of Where Regret Cannot Find Me
     
    “Through personal anecdotes and probing questions to the reader, Your (Re)Defining Moments gives us access to an engaging self-study on the nature of being and how to live a thoughtful and authentic life.  Dennis Merritt Jones’s down-to-earth style and direct approach to spirituality makes reading this book enjoyable and soul-satisfying.  Balanced with sincere kindness and a gentle sense of humor, this book takes on big ideas such as redefining original sin, re-examining the pursuit of happiness, and admitting we have to let go of some of the past, to make room for what can be.  Dennis’s latest book confirms why I have been a longtime fan of his writing: it’s inspiring, thought provoking, and encouraging.”
    —Edward Viljoen, author of The Power of Meditation
     
    “Your (Re)Defining Moments offers a most compelling and convincing opportunity for us all to remember who we have come here to be.  In this book, Dennis Merritt Jones brings a gift of extraordinary insightfulness to everyone who seeks spiritual awakening.”
    —Rev. Dr. John B. Waterhouse, president of Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “You could spend a lifetime searching for your authentic Self, and defining who you are. Or you could read Dennis Merritt Jones’s beautiful new book Your (Re)Defining Moments and be gently fast-tracked through the process. Life begins with each moment, with each choice. This is an easy one.”
    —Lissa Coffey, celebrity lifestyle and wellness expert and author of What’s Your Dharma: Discover the Vedic Way to Your Life’s Purpose
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones’s writing reminds me of a cashmere blanket—warm and comfortable without being too heavy. This book encourages the reader to rework their lives without being preachy or overly challenging. A perfect read before bed.”
    —Rev. Kathianne Lewis, DD, Senior Minister & Spiritual Leader, Center for Spiritual Living
     
    “Your (Re)Defining Moments by Dennis Merritt Jones is a must read for everyone on the spiritual path.  He is a true Spiritual Master who graciously shares his wisdom, allowing it to unfold in your own mind as gently as a rose opens to bloom. Dr. Jones has written a modern, 21st century guidebook for seekers of truth and students of spirituality. I predict this book will be used as curricula by many teachers.”
    —Chris Michaels, author of The Power of You
     
    “Your (Re)Defining Moments...is an amazing book! Dennis Merritt Jones is masterful, guiding us to a deep state of soul remembrance. He reminds us that we were born to be fully expressed and that each moment is an opportunity to choose greatness.”
    —Cynthia James, author and speaker

    Praise for THE ART OF UNCERTAINTY:

    "The Art of Uncertainty inspires and provides practical tools that can benefit all."
    — Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul
     
    “With The Art of Uncertainty, readers can chart a course for learning how to live in the "I don't know" while maintaining a sense of inner-peace and optimism. This simple but beautifully wise and practical book is a gem. Don't step into the unknown without it.”
    — Claudia Abbott, Science of Mind magazine

    “With warmhearted clarity and transcendental common sense, Dennis Merritt Jones addresses the complexities, obstacles, joys, and ultimate fulfillment of walking the spiritual labyrinth home to the True Self. This is a book to read, reread, practice and embody.”
    — Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation~Fulfilling Your Soul's Potential

    “Masters throughout the ages have taught us to come to the edge of our current belief system and take a leap of faith beyond the known...If you are ready to expand your vision of a life worth living this is a book you will want to read.”
    — Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap

    “Dennis' new book arrives with divinely right timing in my life and in the life of anyone contemplating next steps. How good it is to have this guide to leaning wholeheartedly into the mystery of change and walking in faith toward the full expression of one's potential.”
    — Dr. Kathy Hearn, Community Spiritual Leader, United Centers for Spiritual Living
     
    “Dennis Merritt Jones is a brilliant and gifted teacher. His newest work is not only insightful, but gives great tools for each of us to live a life of joy: No Matter What!”
    — Mary Morrissey, author of No Less Than Greatness

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