Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment

This book is truly a delight. The authors, Ariel and Shya Kane, deliver stories of everyday life with a twist of transformation (which they define as an anthropological look without judgment into how you are living your life). We are all perfect representations of us. This book shows that if we bring awareness to our lives the opportunities for expansion are endless. I would highly recommend this book as well as the Kanes' other two books, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation and How to Create a Magical Relationship. These books can bring you out of an ordinary life and into a spectacular one. Reading the words in this book took me on a journey by teaching me about an easier way to live my life. With stories about Intuition, Love, Compassion, etc. the Kanes' teachings of Instantaneous Transformation is presented in such a way that is easy to understand.

A Connecticut Reader I love this book. It was not what I expected it to be but I came upon it at exactly the right time. About the time I first picked it up, I noticed that I had been harboring a secret, lifelong "disdain for the ordinary". Deep down I was convinced I knew what was really important in life and I saw little or no value in the ordinary events and encounters of my day. In my arrogance I thought they were neither important nor worthy of my full attention. I looked past them and spent a good deal of my time and energy looking for "the big things", often ignoring what was right in front of me. So, you can imagine what I was thinking when I saw the title of this book - it couldn't possibly be about anything "ordinary" because it was talking about "enlightenment" for crying out loud! Truth is it WAS about ordinary things AND it was extraordinary. It opened the door to a whole new way for me to experience what shows up in my everyday life as an adventure and as an opportunity to tap into the full richness of what life has to offer. The Kanes are masterful story tellers and many of those they tell in this book touched me deeply. I bought copies of the book for family and friends and sent one to my almost 87-year-old Mom. She read it in one sitting and called to say thank you. During the call she said the story about Mary and her daughter had really moved her. With a few tears and some emotion, she told me that when she read it she really got in touch with her compassion. I found myself just hanging out on the phone with my Mom and being there for her as she was there for me. Wow. It was just an ordinary thank you phone call from my Mom - but I was there for it this time - very sweet. Perhaps these stories will touch you as well. I hope that they will.

Being Here is one of those books that you will hesitate to lend, so be sure to get it back if you do lend it! You will also want to give it many times as a gift. Ariel and Shya Kane write stories with elegance and compassion about being human and how living in the moment regardless of the circumstances is a deeply rich and moving experience. Their stories have the true stuff life is made of... the real juice!! Their stories are fun, engaging and light. The magic of this book lies in that once you read it, a whole world opens up and life starts showing up as a miracle to be witnessed, like getting a new set of eyes. How do they do it? I have no idea, but the peace of mind, sense of wonder and fortitude of spirit that was awakened in me with their simple stories are something I want to share with everyone I meet. Truly brilliant. Bravo.

"A need to tell and hear stories is essential to the species Homo sapiens--second in necessity apparently after nourishment and before love and shelter. (Reynolds Price) So, if you love a great story with an enlightening twist, "Being Here" is a book you cannot miss. In this new title, the Kanes invite us into their intimate world, shining their unique perspective onto the events and fabric of their lives. Whether they live through the death of a loved one, a hurricane or the unfortunate activation of the seat-warming button in their car in the middle of summer, they shine their light on the gift contained in every moment and situation. Their writing style is very engaging. The stories range from deeply moving to funny, all consistently delivering the message that every moment is a life lesson and a gift for the one who is here to look and discover. Beyond the obvious appeal and wonderful entertaining value of the stories, "Being Here" is a profound invitation to experience life more directly, with compassion and in lining with your true heart's desire. A fantastic book.