James Baraz - Awakening Joy: 10 Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness

Praise for Awakening Joy

In our pursuit of happiness, this moving book should be a dog-eared, worn-out companion. As you work through this elegant material, you will find yourself laughing a little longer, dancing a little more, and awakening to the beauty of what lies inside you and in those nearby.

D ACHER K ELTNER , Professor of Psychology, UC Berkeley, and author of Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life

This book is an inspiring gift that will open your heart to the presence of love and joy in everyday life.

F RANCES V AUGHAN , P H .D., psychologist, and author of Shadows of the Sacred: Seeing Through Spiritual Illusions

This book should be read by every person who cares about making this a better world. It can enhance the joys of working to develop a wiser and more compassionate society, and help make us both happier and more effective in challenging times.

D ANIEL E LLSBERG , author of Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers

Faith, hope, and love have long been considered the essential virtues of the religious life. James Baraz has done us all a great service by elevating joy to its rightful place alongside the trinity of sacred emotions.

P ATRICIA E. DE J ONG , Senior Minister, First Congregational Church of Berkeley

This is an inspirational and practical resource that helps us identify where we are or are not experiencing joy in our lives. This original book addresses the primary obstacles or beliefs that hinder our access to joy, and includes timeless practices and ways in which we can expand, cultivate, express, and experience more joy in our lives and within our own nature. Well-written, informative, and a significant contribution to everyones well-being.

A NGELES A RRIEN , P H .D., cultural anthropologist, and author of The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom

I have been deeply touched and inspired by James Barazs accessible, practical wisdom. His genuine caring for people and enthusiasm for life generously pours forth and permeates everything that he teachesnow in the pages of this book.

R ABBI M ARGIE J ACOBS , Institute for Jewish Spirituality

Awakening Joy is a wise treasure house of valuable information, anecdotes, potent quotes, and creative suggestions to step into ones power and live life to the max. This book is a rich, inspiring resource Im excited to share with my yoga students.

G ABRIEL H ALPERN , founder and director of the Yoga Circle (Chicago)

To awaken joy in oneself and others is one of lifes great skills, a skill taught by sages across the centuries, and now distilled in this book.

R OGER W ALSH , M.D., P H .D., University of California Medical School, author of Essential Spirituality: The Seven Central Practices to Awaken Heart and Mind

Grounded in brain science and positive psychology, and illuminated by the practical wisdom of Buddhism, this book shows you many effective ways to have more happiness, love, and inner peace. Honest, powerful, and profound, each page comes alive with Jamess warm and friendly voice, sharing his own hard lessons and the stories of others, and guiding you toward an unshakeable joy of your own. A gem.

R ICK H ANSON , P H .D., founder, Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, and author of Buddhas Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom

To:
Arnold Baraz, who taught me how to love,

Neem Karoli Baba, who showed me that love and goodness are all around if you look for them,

H.W.L. Poonja, who helped me reclaim my natural joy, and

Jane Baraz, my life partner, who teaches me to keep letting in the love and sending it out, no matter what.
James Baraz

To my son, Elias, and the late Buddy-gi, my fountains of joy, and to an emerging world where love and compassion make all the Earth beautiful again.
Shoshana Alexander