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TENTATIVE CONTENTS

GROWING THROUGH JOY

by Shepherd Hoodwin

 

Acknowledgments
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
 
Part 1: Growing Consciously
 
Chapter 1 Cultivating the Habit of Happiness
Happiness is partly a habit in the way we approach our lives. We can learn to be happy in all that we do.
 
Chapter 2 Growth
There are two parts to every growth experience: having it, and coming to understand it.
 
Chapter 3 Growth with Awareness
Each person is growing, but usually growth is unconscious, and therefore, often painful. Awareness is the key to growing joyfully.
 
Chapter 4 The Speed of Growth
It is neither better to grow quickly nor slowly.
 
Chapter 5 Evolution Through Creative Play
The more we play at what we have chosen to do, the more easily we grow.
 
Chapter 6 Joy
Joy can be experienced in any circumstance, although in painful situations, the joy is not in the situation itself but in transcending it, in using it as an opportunity to open more deeply to higher energies.
 
Part 2: Essence and Guides
 
Chapter 7 Essence
As we integrate all our aspects--especially our essence, or soul--with our conscious selves, we become whole.
 
What Is Your Essence?
Essence Boredom
Integrating with Your Essence
Essence Contact
The Big Picture
Initiative
Identity
Like Parents and Child
The Coming Forth of Your Essence
The Technicolor Self
 
Chapter 8 Working with Spirit Guides
We each have a nonphysical support team.
 
Part 3: Spirituality
 
Chapter 9 The Larger View
We are individually connected to the whole.
 
A Fountainhead
Universal Energy
Reality
Words
Seeking
 
Chapter 10 Life Course
We improvise on the framework we set up before each lifetime.
 
Destiny
Free Will
The Value of Acknowledgment
Where to Live
Names
 
Chapter 11 New Age Modalities
There is a place for every approach.
 
Right for You
Meditation
Out-of-Body Experiences
Dreams
Pyramids
Creative Visualization
Affirmations
 
Chapter 12 Mastery
Spiritual mastery is developed by taking responsibility for your life.
 
The Universe-ity
Being Unlimited
The Truth
Knowledge
Self-Understanding
Changing Your Beliefs
Maintaining Spiritual Movement
The Spiritual Path
Comfort in the Body
Suffering
Crises
Unpleasantness
Busy-Mindedness
Asking
Being Spirit-Full
Completing the Physical Plane
 
Part 4: Perspectives on Self
 
Chapter 13 The Beautiful Self
We are perfect in our imperfection and worthy of our own care.
 
Needs
Perfection
Appreciation
 
Chapter 14 A House Divided
Self-judgment and invalid comparisons create unnecessary inner conflict.
 
Pure Emotion
Safety
Self-Judgment
False Humility
Comparisons
Mastering Duality
Avoidance
Guilt
Wanting
 
Chapter 15 Handling Difficult Emotions
The way to joy is not through denying our painful feelings, but through understanding and healing them.
 
Naming Pain
A Great Opportunity
Fear
Doubt
Anger
Hate
Release
Priming the Pump
Layers of Emotions
Valuing Emotions
Detaching from Feelings
Whatever You Are Feeling
Balance
 
Chapter 16 Working with Yourself
We can use simple methods for self-clarification to great advantage.
 
Finding Yourself
Generating Answers
Changing Your Life
To Someone Seventy-Five Years Old
 
Chapter 17 Choices
Choosing from your heart allows things to work out in the highest way.
 
Lessons
Priorities
Decisions
Solutions
Keep It Moving
 
Chapter 18 Achievement
There is a balance to be found between achieving and being.
 
Accomplishments
Movement
Obstacles
Try and Try Again?
Experiments
 
Chapter 19 Affirming Life
We can experience enjoyment in our bodies by being in harmony with our souls.
 
The Meaning of Life
Suicide
To Someone Considering Suicide
Comfort
The Pursuit of Joy
Spontaneity
Being Carefree
Happiness
A Lighter View
Enjoyment
Knowing
 
Part 5: Following the Path
 
Chapter 20 Transcendence and Self-Knowledge
Taking a higher perspective allows us to see our lives clearly.
 
Chapter 21 Integration through the Heart
Through the heart, the whole self can come together.
 
Chapter 22 Acceptance and Taking Action
In acceptance, we may take appropriate action to change situations when they can be changed, and are at peace when they cannot.
 
Chapter 23 Opening to Wholeness
We can continually open to a larger sense of who we are.
 
Part 6: Present in the Now
 
Chapter 24 Silence--the Great Mother
All creation springs from silence.
 
Chapter 25 Releasing Fear of the Current Instant
Fear of experiencing ourselves keeps us from being present in the instant we are living.
 
Chapter 26 Engaging with the Uniqueness of Each Moment
We experience power and effectiveness by addressing the unique elements present in each moment.
 
About the Author
Glossary
 


 

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