You're Not Who You Think You Are: A Breakthrough Guide to Discovering the Authentic You

I received this book as a Christmas gift and being a pragmatic, black or white type of individual, I was a bit suspicious of the giver's intention. This book seemed the antithesis of what I would want to spend my time reading. I put the book aside in my `when I get around to it pile'. Surprisingly I got around to it very quickly when I was battling a very aggressive cold and could not tolerate one more moment of daytime TV. I have to admit I was intrigued after the first few pages, and by the third chapter, I was hooked. This book is truly enlightening and what I appreciated the most was the lack of sugarcoated touchy-feely nonsense that most books of this type profess. This book has substance and an attitude. I finally understand that I have the power to make friends with my ego instead of letting my ego run my life how it sees fit. This book has perpetuity and I have already re-read and marked passages in it - something I have never done in any book. I knew I was an Albert Clayton Gaulden convert when I started spouting a passage or two on regaining our internal footing and personal power to a friend. The best part is that there were no pronounced eye rolls from her - she listened! I would recommend giving this book a space on the top of your `must read' pile.

Albert Clayton Gaulden is widely known for the Sedona Intensive program where he helps people take a good, hard look at themselves and change those behaviors that distract them from living the lives they imagine. Now in his third book, You're Not Who You Think You Are, Albert takes readers on a journey to uncover their true selves. Part memoir, part self-help guide, Albert's newest book inspires us to look at ourselves in an honest way and gives us clear steps on how to find true purpose in our lives. After reading Chopra, Dyer, Ford, Katie and all of the the other spiritual teachers for so many years, I am thrilled to find an author who challenges me to wake up and get real with myself.

It's about time the gloves come off--and this book gently but firmly removes them as well as the sunglasses. You're Not Who You Think You Are was a "sit down and read it all in one go" book--once I started, I had to read on. Through personal anecdotes and Gaulden's inner and outer guidance we are urged to give ourselves a long, hard look--now! What do we see and is that really who we are? What is standing in our way to the peace and love and acceptance and joy we all want to experience? Love and service are the ways in which we change Karmic debt. When the blaming and naming stop, when we see the Ego and our struggles and stubborness for what they really are--roadblocks to all that we truly want--what is there? Us as we really are and a fabulous chance to see through the veils of illusion and truly know our God nature. This couldn't be more timely reading. Gaulden is Golden. Highly recommended!

With honesty and compassion, Albert Gaulden has shared with us the key to the mystery of personal enlightenment. You're Not Who You Think You Are is a powerful guide for cleaning up and reconstructing one's life. In this book, you will discover who you really are, why you have been pretending to be someone you are not, how to be who you really are and stay the course as your authentic self. By sharing his own personal journey, Albert encourages us to go within to find the answers to all of our questions and solve the problems that we face. As a grateful graduate of The Sedona Intensive, I can testify to Albert's own authenticity. He is an extraordinary teacher with great insight into the human condition. Albert is probably one of few who practices what he preaches and loves what he practices. What a gift!

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/08) Transpersonal psychologist and founder/director of Sedona Intensive, Albert Clayton Gaulden spent many years in his own recovery to find the inner power within himself. With the help of Swami he was able to recognize the three selves: the low self (ego,) the middle self (mediator), and the High Self (God within). With this knowledge and self transformation, Gaulden created pathways to help others achieve the same change, removing preconceived notions and focusing on the authentic self. Timely and very effective, this book spells out clearly the changes we have to make to get past our destructive behaviors and move to a place of peace within, and most of all, coming to terms with who we really are. Using personal stories, case studies, checklists, and encouragement, Gaulden gently provides the reader a step-by-step process to discovering the authentic self. Without going into detail, I feel the chapter headings/stages reveal the content of the book very well: Converting the Ego; Answering the Question, "God or No God?"; Out of the Darkness and Into the Light; karmic Mirrors; You're Not Who You Think You Are; Forgive and Forget-Me-Nots; Bringing Your Brother to the Light; The Love Chapter: All You Need is Love. I have to admit I've read many books on this topic, "worked" on my own selves as well as assisted clients and facilitated workshops on finding the authentic self. However, this is the first book I've been able to go through and on every page declare a big "yes." Written with compassion as well as simplicity Gaulden dispels all mysteries associated with transformation. "You're Not Who You Think You Are" by Albert Clayton Gaulden is one book I highly recommend and endorse as a must-have in your library.