Wonderful! Even better than Upside-Down Thinking

Fascinating, comprehensive, and inspiring! I read a lot of spiritual books (just like Mark Gober) and this book does an excellent job on giving a global synopsis (review of the spiritual enlightenment field). It gives many insights from studies, teachers, theories, techniques, etc. However, my favorite part is how Mark frames the book, starting with "What is the overall intention of your life?" - a timeless question for most human beings. Then outlining his transition from a Physicalism to 'One Mind', all while elegantly elaborating on many different subjects. Finally, at the end, coming back to answer the initial question through the his new lens of being. It is a splendid book and I definitely recommend it, over the first book too (The End of Upside-Down Thinking). There is some overlapping of content between the books but it's just the right amount. When I read them again or when I recommend them to a friend - I'd probably start with 'Upside-Down Living' first and follow it up with the more anecdotal and detailed 'Upside-Down Thinking'. Enjoy!!

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Love

This book is a fundamental guide for anyone seeking to understand and redirect it's life compass! Mark's reasoning, research and explanation abilities are a gift. Thank you, I enjoyed immensely!

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Vague re-working of authors prior book

Very esoteric and vague references to his prior book. Nothing new. I loved his prior book so I had high hopes.

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life changing. keep it coming!

This is a life changing book! To the author, keep it coming! Enjoyed it very much.

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A North Star

Just what I needed to better understand my awakening. Good medicine. Thank you Mark Gober.

Great Logical Next Step

If like me you have read End To Upside Down Thinking, and wondered what are the logical next steps, this is a great read. It may not be compelling without reading End To Upside Down Thinking first. If you want more from the first book, this is a must read.

Magical thinking presented as science

I’m very into woo woo hippy bullshit and regularly meditate and follow many of the prescriptions in this book, but the way things are presented here feels deceptive(?). I can’t really explain it, but the ideas presented here seem to go against the internal logic presented at the start of the book. The beginning talks about scientific studies that indicate there is potential for a universal consciousness, very cool, interesting stuff. Then about half way through things shift to mediums and new age mysticism, reincarnation, and finally achieving “enlightenment”, how to go about doing it and what it’s like.
From my study in Zen Buddhism, which this book draws a lot of influence from, “enlightenment” doesn’t work how it’s presented here. It doesn’t solve all of your problems, as described in this book. And the fact that it’s being presented as something that many people experience frequently and that it’s something to strive for seems paradoxical.

In conclusion, a lot of the practices presented are extremely useful, but they are presented in a way that feels slimey, almost as if the author doesn’t fully understand the topics he’s pulling this information from and is simply another new age mystic trying to make a buck.

If you’re interested in this I’d suggest reading Brad Warner’s books or really any old book on Zen Buddhism.