REVIEWS

Relax with this gentle but straightforward book

Self-help books abound in bookstores and libraries. In each, the tone is different. Some are straightforward with good practical advice. Others are quite strident and offer tips, perhaps, that are invaluable to the writer but do nothing for the reader. If what you are looking for is straightforward info with a gentle tone, you should turn to Yanni Maniates' Magical Keys to Self Mastery: Creating Miracles in Your Life.

The stress of everyday living does not offer anyone much time for self reflection. The time we spend reading a book that is meant to improve our circumstances should offer insight to finding our true selves not the ones we offer to the world. We all need a plan--a road map, in essence to finding who we really are. The mission might be perilous; but the author guides us for the long haul in this wise and wonderful book.

I found Chapters 3 and 6 to be most on the mark. Chapter 3 offers information on “Using Meditation to Relax and Manage Stress.” We all know when we are under extreme stress. Yanni explains the effects stress has upon us. He offers good ways to help us relax.

Parents will welcome the methods Yanni cites in Chapter 6 "Meditating with Your Children: Relaxation, Communication and Quality, Time for your Family." We all know about the terrible two’s and three’s, but what about the period of adolescence? These growing cycles cause great anxiety and frustration in a family. Having concrete methods to cope will make the problems easier to solve.

Magical Keys is not a book you can give the once over. It is a reference tool for all those tough times when the answers to life's most difficult problems seem impossible. It's a good read on a not-too-stressful day, too.

Sandra Pianin is a freelance writer and reviewer who lives in New York City. She is a frequent contributor to ladies-room.net.