Robert Holden is a leading psychotherapist who coaches leaders in business, heath care, politics, and sports. He is the author of ten bestselling books including Happiness NOW. In this superb paperback, he examines some of the pathways and practices that can transform our lives. Early on, Holden writes: "The fear that something is missing somewhere in you or in your life is the greatest illusion of all. It is a rogue thought that can wreak havoc with perception, creating much self-doubt, self-criticism, and self-attack." This can be a major block for us until we realize that shift happens once we see ourselves as sacred and practice unconditional self-acceptance. True transformation is possible only when we see that we are not our mistakes or our suffering. And Holden's good news is that we can detox our ego with compassion, forgiveness, and lovingkindness.

According to the author, our minds think at least 2,500 thoughts an hour all through our lives. The trick is to be able to choose the brightest and best thoughts from the bunch. Holden also advises us to practice the Golden Rule with our feelings: "Be kind, be courteous and be open to every feeling you meet. Feelings are like little people — when you treat them well, they treat you much better. They will also reveal gifts they might otherwise have withheld."

The author does not bow down to the work ethic, the obsession with self-improvement, or the struggle to make it big. That's too much effort expended on making it happen and pushing the river. Holden interprets pain and struggle as a signal to relax and let go. He also says that control means that we are trying to do life on our own. It is built on the shaky foundation of fear and will eventually come crashing down on our heads. Trust, on the other hand, is an express train heading away from fear.

Holden demonstrates a high level of energy in this thematically rich paperback. Other chapters cover worry as a block to creativity, anger as stifling a gift, defenses as keeping old wounds alive, illness as a call for love, laughter as a state of mind, staying open all hours for miracles, and getting off your "yeah, but." Even though this review is being published several years after this book was released, we're glad we discovered this "oldie but goodie." Plenty of wise counsel here on everyday spirituality that is down-to-earth and practical. Most of this thought was seeded by Holden's study of The Course in Miracles.