My new counselor recommended a book a few weeks ago. <P>She hesitated to do so because she didn't know how I would take the title. Since I do work in the office where I go to church, this was a valid concern. <P>But the title intriqued me. And I love the book.<P>"If the Buddha Dated" by Charlotte Kasl. It's a small book - around 200 pages. Doesn't deal with how to find a date. No rules for attracting or keeping someone. But, rather, it deals with inner peace and self-knowledge and preparing your heart to love. <P>As a practicing Christian, I feel that this book is about getting in touch with your own inner spirit. It is about philosophy rather than theology. I'm pretty open-minded and I have found NOTHING objectionable in this book.<P>If anyone else has read it, I would love to hear from you.

This book is so good I'm moving this suggestion back to the top.

You and sWIFTTy have peaked my curiosity. Guess I'll have to go investigate!!<P>My self help library is growing ever larger!!

I am a very slow reader of self-help books but a voracious reader of novels. I like this book. It has such a sensuous feel in my hands - not to be confused with a sexual feel - and little chapters. I can read six small pages and it's a chapter. The book is fabulous.<BR>

I saw this book mentioned by someone else yesterday....I went to amazon.com and ordered it. I'll let you know how I like it (if I can remember).<P>I also went to the local library and checked out her other book "Finding Joy: 101 Ways...." I just started reading it last night. <P>While I'm not ready to date (been separated for 1-1/2 yrs), I have been working on "me" over this time and anything that can help is most appreciated.<P>Aloha,<BR>Mrs.O<BR>

Mrs. O - the thing this book is most about is most about is working on yourself. <P>Yes, it does mention ways to meet other people - but it is truly about getting your head and heart ready to give and to receive love.<P>I come from a conservative religious background and while I am still a member of that faith, I have absolute faith that there are other things believed by other people which are just as valid as my own beliefs. This book draws heavily on the philosophies of Suphism, Buddhism, and "Quakerism" but I have found nothing offensive in it so far and I've read well over half of it. <BR>

That's great, because I come from a pretty conservative spiritual point of view too. But like you said, there are other "teachers" who have things to offer; I think I have a pretty open mind, however I always try to run them by the Final Authority before I swallow them hook, line and sinker.<P>Thanks!<BR>Mrs.O<BR>

Just got the book from Amazon.com. Can't wait to start reading it after your enthusiastic recommendation.

I still recommend this book to everyone here who thinks they might, one day, date again.

Mrs. O. I want to know about "Finding Joy..." What do you think?

Eeeehhhh.....I only read a few chapters....a little too "ethereal" for me....sort of like defining joy by saying it is "the sense of joy, the feeling of joy, the thought of joy".....<P>I usually give a book about 5 chapters, then if I just don't get it, I'm outta there! HA!<P>That's not saying others wouldn't appreciate it.....<P>I just got the Buddha book and so far, so good.....<P>Aloha,<BR>Mrs.O<BR>

I just got my copy today!!<P>I have three books in the works right now so don't know if I dare start another....think I will save it for when I'm on vacation.

I just received my copy yesterday from Amazon. I am looking forward to reading it.<P>I have decided (once again) to not get involved in another relationship until I work on myself for awhile. <P>This sounds like a great book to get my head back on straight! I've already scanned a few chapters and like what it says. I also got the Sweet Potato Queen's Book of Love for some comic relief. I heard it was pretty funny.<P>Also, are you still providing summaries of the Book of Solomon?<P>

Hey Jen,<P>Haven't seen or heard much from you recently and based on this latest post, it looks like your current relationship may have fizzled <P>Sorry to hear the news and I hope you are doing ok. I'm glad that you are going to take some time to work on yourself as that is an important step for all of us.<P>Take care.<P>Shawn

Hey Shawn:<P>Yeah - I haven't been posting lately. But, I'm still around now and then. I may be here a little more now. <P>And, yes, another one bites the dust!!<P>It was going very well for a while and then red flags started popping up left and right that I couldn't ignore. sWIFTy sent me some info from the Buddha book that really made me think about what was happening. After much thought and a lot of heartache, I decided to end the relationship. It wasn't easy but I think I made the right decision.<P>I also realized that I am really not ready for a relationship now and the issues that inevitably surface down the road. I need to get myself "healed". So, I am working on myself. My therapist says that I am co-dependent and still suffer from low self-esteem and that is what is causing me to end up in unhealthy relationships. I do not want to hurt anyone else during this time, so I am going to stay out of relationships for the time being. And, read this book that has been recommended by so many.<P>How are things going with you?<P>Jen<P>

Jen,<P>There is a book entitled, “Co-Dependent No More” which you may want to consider looking into as well. I was also told that I had the tendency to be co-dependent and I bought the book, but have yet to read the whole thing. The book was recommended to me ratherly highly.<P>Anyway, things with me are going pretty well. I am at a crossroads or turning point in my life where I’m looking toward the future. I have finally allowed myself to reach the anger stage of this whole ordeal and am starting to feel better because of it. My current employer is not doing well so I now have the opportunity to change to a new a career, but since I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, the prospect of looking for something new is a bit scary. On the other hand, it may give me the chance to try something new so I’m excited about that! I’m also involved in a new relationship which is going very well. Still not trying to get too serious too fast, but enjoying every day as they come. <P>So all things considered, life is good <P>Good to hear for you and don't be a stranger!<BR>

Shawn:<P>I have that book as well!! And, have just started reading it. I also have "The Language of Letting Go" by the same author and that is a great daily devotional book for co-dependents. <P>Good luck in your relationship!<P>It's good to be back and hearing from everyone again.<P>Jen