Home | Articles | Reviews | Links | Treatment Centers |eCatalog | About the Book

Spirituality for Dummies  
by Sharon Janis

This book totally blew me away! With a subtitle of "A Reference For the Rest of Us!" I was actually vain enough to think there might not be much in it for me. After all, as a confirmed 12 Stepper, I've been dealing with spirituality for years, right? Wow was I wrong! 

Janis, who is also known by the single name, Kumuda, has put together a volume of incredible richness and depth - all within the typical format of a Dummies book - you know, cartoons, a cheat sheet in the front, tips all along the way, icons, lists, steps, and even a CD almost locked in an envelope in the back - complete with the admonition that opening it means you've agreed to who knows what sort of licensing agreement.

Turns out this format may be more applicable than anyone thought - for we are dealing with the software of being, if you will.

Of course, it's the content that counts, and Janis scores here. Starting by defining Spirituality, she gently leads the reader to finding their own way through what for many is a bewildering array of options and belief systems.

For example, on page 17 she takes on The Difference between Spirituality and Religion - a subject dear to the hearts of 12 Steppers. With quotes from G. B. Shaw and the Dalai Lama, Janis manages to clarify the subject without dogma.

Chapter 8 has a good overview of spiritual practices - introducing several without making you feel like you have to move to the high mountains and don a robe and leave the world behind.

On page 190, she tackles humility and brings both humor and sanity to the subject.

In fact, Part IV is called Spiritualize Everything! She doesn't shy from difficult topics, like the difference between greed and divine abundance or how sex fits into a spiritual life.

If I had to attach a single word to this book, it would probably be 'allowing.' Janis is so gentle and non-judgmental in her approach, she makes a difficult subject seem a natural, normal and desirable part of life - just as it should be.

And she does this with humor. Consider Chapter 19, called Spiritual-Sounding Lines and What They May Really Mean. The first quote there is the lofty sounding "I am detached from all my material possessions." Her translation is "This may really mean: 'I'm flat broke and don't have a penny to my name.'"

The CD is amazing too - a wonderful resource that has everything from foot-stomping, hand clapping gospel to short sermons, to chants to Kumuda herself singing Amazing Grace in a way that literally sends chills up and down my spine and brings tears to my eyes.

This is a book you will read, and experience over and over again - a book for a life-time.

At least 5 cups of the best, richest and most enlightening coffee. 

Order Spirituality for Dummies now