Book Review: ROCK AND WATER

The Power of Thought

The Peace of Letting Go

by Scott Cooper

‘Change your thinking’!  We have all heard this idea and have been assured of it’s benefits; but what exactly does it mean? How do we actually change our thinking? Scott Cooper, in his new book, ROCK AND WATER, breaks down the process. He looks at our moods and attitudes, invites us to investigate our core beliefs and shows us how to work with our mistaken ideas. Through bringing our beliefs and daily thoughts into awareness, he has us investigate what is skillful and desirable and what is not. And then he suggests and leads us through exercises that can help us shift  those thoughts and beliefs.

But he doesn’t stop there. Scott also brings awareness and investigation to the process of acceptance and surrender, the aspects of our nature that he equates to water. What and when do we need to stop trying to change? What do we have no power over or is just not worth our time and attention? And when we just accept and surrender in these areas, we can experience life flowing together between actively changing our thinking and letting go, to lead us to greater peace and happiness in our lives.

Review by Rev. Ruth Barnhart, a staff minister at Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.

ROCK AND WATER is available from Stepping Stones Books and Gifts.