Ask And It Is Given

[Don]

I want to add some of the books that Steve has recommended. Ask And It Is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks really looks very interesting. I went to their web site and got even more interested relative to the wisdom that seemed to eminate from their written and verbal content. The only thing that I am having trouble with is accepting the channeling of Abraham through Esther.

Can anyone recommend this book or is their newest one - The Law Of Attraction better ?

Also, how do I get past my hang up about channeling ?

[Paul Park]

I've recently read "Ask and It Is Given" and "The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent." I have ordered their new book as well. I can't recommend one over the other. They cover similar material but have different exercises. I have enjoyed them both.

I have steered away from channelled info in the past, but was drawn to these books and the information feels right to me, so I'm going with it. I find many similarities to Wayne Dyers writings on the power of intention and to Gary Craig's "The Palace of Possibilities."

Paul

[mviara]

Don, if you are new to Abraham, I recommend reading their quarterly journals (in addition to their books). You can find them here. Choose the Newsletters (actually try the other categories too) from the drop-down list on top. These articles were my first introduction to Abraham, and made me decide to buy "Ask and it is given".

You can also get a free online download of their CD "Introduction to Abraham". It gives the history of the whole thing, and summarizes their main teachings.

I also attended one of their Art of Allowing workshops (costs $150) at Sedona, AZ. It was a very valuable experience. Abraham always seems to find a better way to present the same stuff that it is in the book. After a one hour talk, they answer questions from the audience on the issues they have in their lives, or about anything. For example, in this particular workshop, some of the questions were:
* Do aliens exist? (The answer is yes. But it is much longer than that.)
* [From a mother of five kids] How to bring up kids without trying to discipline them all the time, but allow them to have fun?
* [From a Mormon person] How to reconcile teachings of Abraham with what he still believed from his Church?
* [From a woman whose husband had what she called "a death wish"] I'm sick of taking care of him. Should I leave my husband?
* [From an overweight woman] I've tried all kinds of stuff, but it didn't work. How exactly can I use your teachings to help me lose weight?

In my opinion, if you like the books, listening to the audio of their past workshops would be very useful (I think it costs about $50 per recording)?

It is hard (for me) to convey in words why I am so impressed with Abraham. It just feels "right". I'd recommend getting into this gradually, with as least investment of time and money as you are willing, starting perhaps with the online resources and the book.

[Dolazy]

For me the book "Ask and it is given" has been the most effective self-help book of all. I've been practicing it for about 2-3 months and I like the results a lot. I too have difficulty accepting the channeled information, but somehow the teachings do 'feel' right. And the processes really really work.

[magnet1978]

I really like their new Title The law of attraction: The Teachings of Abraham. I really like the way Loa: THe teachings of Abraham is written, of their 3 books, this is by far my favorite. That could be because it is new and I have been over the other 2 many times, but I feel it is the most useful of the 3.

[Richful]

Also, how do I get past my hang up about channeling ?[/quote]
Hi Don, an idea I've been toying with might help you here.

Consider that the source of Esther's information is of no importance, the information itself is where we need to focus. If the ideas they present intrigue you, give them a chance.

I had this pointed out to me recently. I'm interested in occult/spiritual work and read a lot of books but have trouble settling on one teacher/teaching or another. I'd read something get all inspired and then do some research on the author and find they have some "unsavoury" characteristics for a spiritual teacher, so I'd ditch the book and move on.
Problem is none ever turn out to be perfect. So a wise friend of mine pointed out that no matter how "human" the teachers turn out to be their message may be a true insight into reality. Fools and philosophers aren't that far apart.

If we put the ideas through the crucible of trial, give them a go, and they work then fantastic! If not move on.

I still haven't settled on a specific path, but then I found Steve's blog. He's a great example of trying ideas despite the source, love ya work mate!

Good luck with the exploration

Trust the message not the medium (no pun intended)

[Belle]

Originally Posted by mviara

It is hard (for me) to convey in words why I am so impressed with Abraham. It just feels "right". I'd recommend getting into this gradually, with as least investment of time and money as you are willing, starting perhaps with the online resources and the book.

I feel the same way Mviara does. It's hard to convey in words why I like the Abraham materials so much, but they are the main reason I'm where I'm at today.

I just got The Law of Attraction, Abraham-Hicks' latest book, but I haven't read it yet. I love Ask and It is Given - the processes have been amazing for me. When I first read the Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent, I wasn't that impressed with it, but I've found that over time, it's actually one of those books that I reread now and I get something new out of it each time.

I subscribe to their weekly workshop CDs (if you're interested in their work, I would highly recommend their CDs), and they uplift me beyond words. At their workshops, people get into the "hot seat" to ask questions, and the answers just flow. I attended my first workshop in San Antonio this past September, and it was wonderful.

I had actually been familiar with the Abraham materials for quite a while but my main problem was getting over the idea of channelling, too. If you look at it all from the viewpoint of quantum physics - that we're all energy - I think it's easier to get over feeling funny that the information is channelled. Because if we're all energy, and we're all connected, then a group of entities like Abraham doesn't feel so strange at all.

Of course, that's all well and good to approach it from the point of energy, but actually, for me, well, I got over the idea of channelling when my little sister passed on last summer. If you had asked me before that, I would have said yes, I believe that our spirits survive physical death but you know, I wasn't really sure. But afterwards, I just knew. And so the whole channelling thing was no longer a problem.

I seem to recall that Abraham was on a radio program or something, and someone called in, very upset at the idea of channelling, and brought up the Bible, and Abraham said, "Well, how do you think the Bible was written?"

[Dolazy]

Originally Posted by Belle

I seem to recall that Abraham was on a radio program or something, and someone called in, very upset at the idea of channelling, and brought up the Bible, and Abraham said, "Well, how do you think the Bible was written?"

That's a fantastic answer! I love it. I have been a Christian myself and I know they believe the bible to be a sort of channeling (although they don't use that word) by God.

[Velvet]

I love Abe-Hicks's philosophy, and I just try to ignore the fact that it comes from a supposedly channeled being. For all I know, Esther and Jerry are complete sheisters (I hope not), but the message is a good one, and the exrcises are really helpful.

[Larry]

Ask and It's Given has to be one of the most positive books I've ever read and as far as all the self-help books, this book has worked best for me as well. It's nice because they don't leave you alone trying to figure things out by yourself. The second half (the processes) of the book is very practical and help in just about any situation. I'm not sure about "channeled" books, but if they're helpful and work well for you, that's all that matters. Another series of books I've been reading are the "Seth" books. So far, I've found them a really good read.

Has anybody else read any of the Seth books?

[Wabi-sabi]

I have read "Ask and It Is Given" and believe in the Law of Attraction but it seems according to Abraham our purpose in life is to party. I was disappointed they didn't refer to any sort of spiritual purpose for our being.

Do they elaborate on any spiritual matters in their other teachings? Do they teach anything about say Jesus or Buddha or angels or anything else like that or is it all about feeling good?

[Dolazy]

Originally Posted by Wabi-sabi

I have read "Ask and It Is Given" and believe in the Law of Attraction but it seems according to Abraham our purpose in life is to party. I was disappointed they didn't refer to any sort of spiritual purpose for our being.

Do they elaborate on any spiritual matters in their other teachings? Do they teach anything about say Jesus or Buddha or angels or anything else like that or is it all about feeling good?

According to the Roger Walsh, author of Essential Spirituality, the goals of spirituality are the cultivation of kindness, love, joy, peace, compassion, wisdom and generosity.

And the Abraham Teachings (Ask and it is Given) encourage the readers to achieve emotions that are higher on the Emotional Guidance Scale. At the top of that scale you find: joy, knowledge, empowerment, freedom, love, appreciation.

So although this list is not identical to the goals of spirituality, I must say that there is a great overlap.

I remember Abraham referring to Jesus as that great one. However, Abraham also says that the bible is not a good representation of the teachings of Jesus because the message got lost in the many translations.

[Wabi-sabi]

Originally Posted by Dolazy

And the Abraham Teachings (Ask and it is Given) encourage the readers to achieve emotions that are higher on the Emotional Guidance Scale. At the top of that scale you find: joy, knowledge, empowerment, freedom, love, appreciation.

It seems if Abraham are advanced beings with the ability to communicate with us they would have more to teach than feeling good and getting new cars. Maybe if we buy enough tapes and books or pay to attend enough seminars they will eventually reveal the meaning of life.

[yasi_joy]

that is the book that chaged my life
i LOVEEEE IT its is awSOMEEE

here is summary for people who have not read it yet:

Ask and it is Given
"A Twelve Point Synopsis of Abraham-Hicks’ Teachings

1You Are a Physical Extension of That Which is Non-physical.

2You Are Here in This Body Because You Chose to Be Here.

3The Basis of Your Life is Freedom; the Purpose of Your Life is Joy.

4You Are a Creator; You Create With Your Every Thought.

5Anything That You Can Imagine is Yours to Be or Do or Have.

6As You Are Choosing Your Thoughts, Your Emotions Are Guiding You.

7The Universe Adores You for it Knows Your Broadest Intentions.

8Relax into Your Natural Well-Being. All is Well. (Really It Is!)

9You Are a Creator of Thoughtways on Your Unique Path of Joy.

10Actions to Be Taken and Possessions to Be Exchanged Are By-products of Your Focus on Joy.

11You May Appropriately Depart Your Body Without Illness or Pain.

12You Can Not Die; You Are Everlasting Life.

[Dolazy]

Originally Posted by Wabi-sabi

It seems if Abraham are advanced beings with the ability to communicate with us they would have more to teach than feeling good and getting new cars. Maybe if we buy enough tapes and books or pay to attend enough seminars they will eventually reveal the meaning of life.

What is more important than feeling good then?

And they did reveal the meaning of life with the phrase The basis of life is freedom, the purpose of life is joy.

[Wabi-sabi]

Originally Posted by Dolazy

What is more important than feeling good then?

And they did reveal the meaning of life with the phrase The basis of life is freedom, the purpose of life is joy.

"If it feels good, do it" does not ring as spiritual truth to me. If I believed in the devil, I think that is the type of guidence I might expect.

What about loving your neighbor or finding our way back to God, spiritual growth, selflessness, helping others and all that stuff. What is with all the great spiritual teachers the world has known? I guess they meant well but look at all the orgies they missed out on?

On the Hicks-Abraham website I read that Abraham encourages smoking because it is relaxing and if your teenage daughter is sexually active you should encourage her to continue because it is what she wants to do and to impose your will on her may hurt your relationship. Something just isn't right here.

[justin]

Originally Posted by Wabi-sabi

On the Hicks-Abraham website I read that Abraham incourages smoking because it is relaxing and if your teenage daughter is sexually active you should encourage her to continue because it is what she wants to do and to impose your will on her may hurt your relationship. Something just isn't right here.

Sources, please? Not a call out, just genuinely curious.

[Wabi-sabi]

Originally Posted by justin

Sources, please? Not a call out, just genuinely curious.

I think its Hicks-Abraham.net or .com. You can easily find what you are looking for by looking through the list of topics. If I remember correctly, smoking and teenage sex are covered in the articles.

[justin]

For what it's worth, citing your sources with links--especially when dealing with issues that could possibly discredit someone--will make your argument much more solid. I went ahead and did the research. The talk of cigarette smoking you referred to can be found here. And the "teenage sex" one can be found here.

[Dolazy]

Originally Posted by Wabi-sabi

On the Hicks-Abraham website I read that Abraham encourages smoking because it is relaxing and if your teenage daughter is sexually active you should encourage her to continue because it is what she wants to do and to impose your will on her may hurt your relationship. Something just isn't right here.

I find it a challenge to accept this as well. For me it's an exercise in open mindedness.

You know these things are under heavy influence of culture and religion. If you are a moral person who believes in good and bad, then the idea of a teenage girl being sexually active seems just plain wrong. You wouldn't have any doubts about it.
However, if you were to ask a number of psychiatrists and philosophers whether sexual behavior under 16 is healthy or not and you might hear different answers. They aren't so sure.

It's hard to let go of moral bias.

Francis

[madgeylou]

i havent read the books in question, but if your teenage daughter is having sex, and you forbid it, isnt that like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube? not gonna happen.

better to work on your relationship with her so that if she runs into trouble, she will turn toward you for help and guidance as opposed to running away.

also, if someone else wants to smoke, why do you care? not everyone has to live by the same moral compass.

there is no one right way for people to live. --daniel quinn

[Wabi-sabi]

Thanks Justin. I will need to learn how to do that link stuff.

My point is only that Abraham, as a spiritually advanced being, does not ring true for me (just me). The smoking and sex thing are only "by the way" material as far as I'm concerned. I mostly was looking for some sort of spiritual teaching to enhance the claim that "Ask and It Is Given" is channeled from the beyond instead of just a good book written by Esther Hicks.

[KeithHandy]

Originally Posted by Velvet

I love Abe-Hicks's philosophy, and I just try to ignore the fact that it comes from a supposedly channeled being. For all I know, Esther and Jerry are complete sheisters (I hope not), but the message is a good one, and the exrcises are really helpful.

I listened to the audio clips on their website, and I was so impressed by the woman's personality shift that I decided it ultimately doesn't matter if all they're doing is "putting on a great show".