Ariel & Shya Kane: Catalysts for Instantaneous Transformation

Working on Yourself Doesn't Work,
A Book About Instantaneous Transformation

Review in Awareness Magazine, December 1999 issue

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The search is over! "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" is all you will need to make the transformational shift that can dramatically alter the course of your quality of living-for the rest of your life. Unprecedented by far, this book takes an authentic look at transforming our lives, as opposed to changing our lives. Yes, according to Ariel & Shya Kane there is a difference between transformation and change-so vast is the difference between the two that one's life may be completely transformed in a matter of minutes.

This simple, yet profound book teaches us how to live in the moment. What also impresses me about this book is the easy to read double spacing that is used. As a book reviewer and author, I have read literally hundreds of books and this is the first book that immediately drew me in, as my eyes relaxed I felt welcome to become a part of the experiences portrayed in the book.

Very well written, with an excellent award winning photo on the cover taken by Ariel Kane, I was enchanted by the intimate ambience that these pages portrayed, as if the Kanes were in my living room sharing tea with me while expressing with clarity the process of "Instantaneous Transformation". This process starts with listening.They suggest that you read the book as though hearing it clearly. With an open mind, devoid of preconceived ideas i.e.: The Zen like "beginners mind" Hence, closing the door on our patterns or "perception problem" which has caused many to live life as though deaf and blind- frantically searching for the next fix me workshop, only to feel disillusioned later. By the way, the Kanes tell us that disillusionment is a welcome experience! When we know where we are, we are in a position for something long forgotten within us to shift and be free!

Awareness is another step in the process. The Kanes brilliantly state that "Transformation is an experience, not a concept, and that the mind can only hold concepts, therefore experiences devolve into concepts! This is why working on yourself doesn't work - you must be engaged in your life and aware of how you are living; Change involves doing something. Transformation is a way of being."

Observation and reviewing our prejudices are integral in the transformation process, as is the ability to delve into the truth of our memories finding out that many of them are fiction rather than fact. Forgiving allows us to "Birth in the present."

The Kanes' concept of "Instantaneous Transformation" can be summed up by one of my favorite passages in the book: "There is a modern day philosophers stone-Being in this moment-And what it does is transform ordinary, mundane lives into exquisite, magnificent lives."

Ariel and Shya Kane actually "walk the talk". They have generously shared personal experiences which inspire and touch the heart, enabling us to open our hearts to the loved ones in our lives who we may hold a resentment against, yet yearn for the closeness that is missing. It is possible to heal relationships and savor each and every moment. There is no good or bad. The burden of judgment, and old ideas may be left by the wayside, as we take up a higher path of love, as we bask in the sunlight of the spirit simultaneously being in the here and now.

This book is refreshing, truthful, sincere, authentic and written with insightfullness and clarity. I have definitely benefited from the experience of reading this book. I've learned the difference between decisions vs. choices. "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" taught me that "Choices are the expression of your heart" and I choose to give this book a rating of 10+. A must for the library of every seeker of truth.

Maryel McKinley C.A.D.C.

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