KEEPING IT SIMPLE - some reviews

 Top reviews from the United States

T. L. Cooper

4.0 out of 5 stars Get in Touch with Your Inner Energy to Find Your Balance

Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2014

Verified Purchase

As a practitioner of yoga and meditation, Keeping It Simple: Imagine Being Whole by Audrey Austin intrigued me. Austin explores and explains each of the chakras in easy to understand terms complete with exercises to get the reader in touch with the individual chakras. She simplifies the mysticism surrounding the chakras and gives the reader a sense of the power of paying attention to one's chakras as well as the role each chakra plays in balancing one's energy and therefore one's life. Anyone looking for a better understanding of the basic idea of chakras or even those just interested in better understanding why they feels more balanced after yoga and/or meditation will find Austin's Keeping It Simple: Imagine Being Whole interesting.

Mary Belanger

5.0 out of 5 stars It Really is Possible to Heal

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2013

This manual is very well written which is to be expected of Audrey Austin who is a wonderful psychotherapy practitioner, author, and teacher. I was introduced to Keeping it Simple in 2011. At that time I was chakra illiterate. I had no idea that seven major chakras existed.

The manuscript is put together in a very sequential manner. The reader is given a methodical overview of meditation, psychospiritual therapy, and the chakra system. The straight forward approach on the practice of opening blocked chakras enables the reader to unite mind, body, and soul.

I have recorded the positive affirmations for each chakra. It is very comforting hearing my own voice as I meditate. I have been transformed into a healthier and happier person and am very grateful for Austin who has created such a wonderful resource on chakra meditation.

It really is possible to heal. Keeping it Simple has my Five Star rating because it has changed my life for the better.

Top reviews from other countries

Melly

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping it Simple is Simply Splendid

Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2015

Verified Purchase

I have this book in its original form and downloaded onto my Kindle. Of the two, I prefer the hard copy, as it can be tucked beside a sofa cushion for easy access.

Audrey Austin knows her topic, and presents it in straight-forward, uncomplicated terms. As a person, and as a writer, Austin shines with sensitivity--honestly and without pretense.

This slender book is a gem!

Dinner at Seven

 I currently have 77  publications available exclusively on Amazon sites.  You can check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  

I love writing but, unlike many authors, I am not locked into a particular genre.  I write literary, mystery, science-fiction, poetic, memoir, spiritual, personal growth, historical fiction, tragedy, and more.  

So if you read one book and like it, I hope you will buy another.  If you should read one book and discover it's not for you, then I hope you will buy another because no two books of mine are the same.

I have even written a romance novel.  It is titled Dinner at Seven.

The story begins in 1985 at The Carrington Club in Toronto.  Marsha feels in the doldrums until David arrives on the scene.  Love and romance flourist until deception and betrayal raise their ugly heads.  To escape, Marsha flies to Bermuda where the power of love cannot be under-estimated.

Thanks for visiting my author's page and checking out Dinner at Seven and all my books.

https://www.amazon.ca/Dinner-At-Seven-romance-novel/dp/1508636184/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1H06KIL7CP5X1&keywords=Audrey+Austin+dinner+at+seven&qid=1682953971&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+dinner+at+seven%2Cstripbooks%2C132&sr=1-1

Sara, a Canadian Saga

 

Sara, a Canadian Saga was my very first novel published by Wynterblue 15 years ago. It's available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook formats. https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin Sara, a Canadian Saga - based on the harsh reality of life during the days of the Great Depression we follow one family. The story starts in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The struggling economy is the deciding factor for Roy who makes the move to Toronto leaving Sara and their then two children behind in Prince Edward Island. Once he secures employment Sara and the children join him. More children follow and the Canadian Dream is more elusive than ever. Sara is available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audio Book format narrated by the talented Falon Echo.

Sara has received several ratings from 1 star to 5 stars. I guess this means it's a story that a reader will either love or hate. But if a book makes a reader feel any emotion, I am a happy author.

It's a story about family patterns repeating throughout very difficult depression years in Canada.

How I Experienced Matthew McConaughey's 'The Art of Living'

 I spent 5 1/2 hours on Monday, April 24th participating in Matthew McConaughey's 'Art of Living' on-line presentation.   They were, I believe, 5 1/2 hours well-spent although, as much as I was enjoying it, and benefiting from it, I felt it was a very long time to be staring at my laptop's screen.

Much knowledge, information, and wisdom was shared in this free programme.  Matthew's guests included Dean Graziosi who said, "If I don't own my life, who will?"  

A good question, I thought.  He talked about embracing change, having courage and confidence.   He reminded all that to offer advice that was not asked for serves to take away the confidence of another.    He said he didn't want to use persuasion or influence; he simply wanted one to experience it.

I agreed with him that offering 'unasked for' advice is a violation of another's emotional boundaries.

Another guest was Marie Forleo who talked about living our best life.  She shared my views of emotional manifestation into the physical.   She advised looking in the mirror, coming clean and being authentic.

Trent Shelton focused on the importance of asking good questions; the wisdom of having more questions than answers.  I was reminded of a dear mentor who years ago taught me that 'the answer is in the question'.  A line I remember that I found very appealing was, "Biography is not destiny".

Tony Robbins arrived and  talked about facing our fears.  I was reminded that my independence could be my achilles heel.  My mother always told me I was too independent for my own good.    There was talk about peeling back the layers and I thought of the onion that my clients and I spend a lot of time peeling.

Considering the points of view of others was an important point in conversation.  I thought of some people I've known who are stuck in one way of thinking.  They will say, I do it this way.  I have always done it this way and I always will.   

As for me, I'm forever a student, open to learning and I learn much more from friends with different points of view than I do from those whose views match my own.  

Matthew McConaughey spoke emotionally about green lights and, of course, that reminded me of the gifts I've received when experiencing synchronicity.  His words also reminded me of the importance of those pieces of the puzzle of life and to always keep in mind 'God's odd look'.   

Gratitude - to feel and express gratitude for successes but also to feel gratitude for the failures because we often learn more from failure than we do from success, if we are open to learning and growing.

In the 5 1/2 hours there was a lot happening.  My memory is far from perfect. I may be mistaken about who said what.   There was much to remember.  But these things I have shared in this post are some of what I received from the experience.

Of all that was shared in this presentation, what has stayed with me more than anything else are a few words I have adopted for my own use.   The reminder was that if I say the words "I can't", my actions are controlled by someone other than me.   If, instead, I say the words "I don't", I am making a choice.   

Here is what I've learned to do if I am feeling anxious or fearful about anything.  For example, I've been feeling nervous about being guest speaker at Women Alive this coming week so I've learned to say aloud the words, "I don't do fear".   

I believe repeating this mantra is helpful.   I will discover Tuesday evening if it truly works.  

Gratitude is key.  I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Matthew McConaughey's, "The Art of Living".   It felt good to  have some of my current thoughts agreed with and confirmed by others.   It felt good to have new doors opened offering me new thoughts from which to learn.  It matters to me that I keep an open heart and an open mind.   

As a psychospiritual practitioner I choose to work with and focus on emotional healing with the understanding and belief that our emotions manifest in the physical.  Emotional and spiritual healing is the goal of empowerment counseling.

These have been some of my thoughts about my experience.  Matthew McConaughey's recent book, GREENLIGHTS is one I plan to read.

Books make great Mother's Day gifts :-)

 

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin     

First Reviews for "Shh! We Don't Talk About That!"

 

First Reviews for 'Shh! We Don't Talk About That!'

So far, Shh! We Don't Talk About That has received only two reviews, but they  are very good ones.

Your positive reviews on Amazon or Goodreads mean the world to me.  Thank you.

Top review from Canada

Steve C.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and thought provoking

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on April 5, 2023

Verified Purchase

I almost passed this by because I thought it was about a different topic from what it is: 

An open and unvarnished account of some personal "paranormal" experiences. 

Thank you for this brave and honest book, Audrey Austin. .. I don't discount these 

things because I've spent more than fifty years understanding a simple but amazing 

experience of my own at age 15. .. I highly recommend this book. It will encourage 

readers to dust off their own clues about the rich breadth of life.

............................

 Mona A. Clark ..



    

Bought it on Kindle last night and binged the entire book. I was MESMERIZED. Highly recommended!

............................

From the author:

Shh! We Don't Talk About That! is a personal account of mystical, emotional, spiritual and, what some may call, paranormal, events that have been my experience during the past many years of my life.

The Biblical quotation, "Do not cast pearls before swine", has contributed to my virtual silence surrounding these experiences. It is with great care and caution that I have shared confidentially with a very few chosen people.

But now that I have reached the bragging age, I believe it is time for me to broaden my boundaries, enlarge my group of interested listeners, and share more freely those things I have primarily kept close to my heart.

“Let he who has ears, listen”.

This publication is not for everyone.
It is for you if you are blessed to be aware of your awareness.
It is for you if you are on an adventure of spiritual growth.
It is for you if you desire to know your authentic self.
It is for you if you have more questions than answers.

A dear friend and mentor once said to me,
“Beware the one who says he knows”.

I do not claim to know. I simply share some personal happenings that may be of interest to you.
Perhaps you have had similar experiences.

I hope the words I share in this publication will be helpful. Perhaps you thought you were alone. If so, I want you to know that I see you. I hear you, kindred spirit.

https://www.amazon.ca/Shh-Dont-Talk-About-That-ebook/dp/B0BZ2CSK9K/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1682538904&s=books&sr=1-1

Books available at the Community Market April 22, 2023

 These are the books for sale I'll have with me this Saturday, April 22nd at the Community Market, Ren Centre, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, for anyone interested, I will be offering chakra readings for $5. Hope to see you there.

Books make wonderful Mother's Day gifts.

All my books are available in Kindle and Paperback formats exclusively on all Amazon sites. Check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

POartRY and PROSE

To create POartRY and PROSE, I began by posting the photos of some of the many paintings I have created. Then, beginning with the first painting, I simply looked at it and allowed words to flow.

With regard to the cover painting these were my feelings. As the river disappears behind the mountain, I feel the urge to follow it. I want to know what lies behind the mountain.

As I filled these pages with words, I had no idea what I would be thinking about, writing about, praying about. I had no agenda. I simply followed the river of photos of my paintings.

When the river flowed behind the mountain of another page, I hung onto the urge, and I followed it.
When I was faced with another painting, I was faced with a decision. What shall I write? Will I write a poem? Will I write prose?

This manuscript has been a writing adventure. I had no idea what I would write until I began writing.
And how does this creation of a manuscript differ from the way I live, and have lived, and will live my life?

I am open to life. I am prepared to meet whatever it may offer. I wish you, my readers, the same.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

First Review of "Shh! We Don't Talk About That!"

 Shh! We Don't Talk About That!  has received it's first review.

Thank you, Stephen Calverley, for this review of Shh! We Don't Talk About that.

"An open and unvarnished account of some personal "paranormal" experiences. Thank you for this brave and honest book, Audrey Austin. .. I don't discount these things because I've spent more than fifty years understanding a simple but amazing experience of my own at age 15. .. I highly recommend this book. It will encourage readers to dust off their own clues about the rich breadth of life."

https://www.amazon.ca/Shh.../dp/B0BZ2CSK9K/ref=sr_1_2...

Shh! We Don't Talk About That!

 Look what arrived today! I'm as excited as I was when copy of my first novel, Sara, arrived fifteen years ago! I'll have a couple copies of this, my most recent publication, with me on Saturday, April 8th, at the Community Market, Ren Centre. "Shh! We Don't Talk About That!" is available in both paperback and kindle formats on all Amazon sites. https://www.amazon.ca/Shh.../dp/B0BZ2CSK9K/ref=sr_1_2...

Shh! We Don't Talk About That!

 https://www.amazon.ca/Shh-Dont-Talk-About-That-ebook/dp/B0BZ2CSK9K/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1679597891&s=books&sr=1-2

Available now in both Kindle and Paperback formats

exclusively on all Amazon sites.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Shh! We Don't Talk About That!

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 Shh! We Don't Talk About That! is a personal account of mystical, emotional, spiritual and, what some may call, paranormal, events that have been my experience during the past many years of my life.

The Biblical quotation, "Do not cast pearls before swine", has contributed to my virtual silence surrounding these experiences. It is with great care and caution that I have shared confidentially with a very few chosen people.

But now that I have reached the bragging age, I believe it is time for me to broaden my boundaries, enlarge my group of interested listeners, and share more freely those things I have primarily kept close to my heart.

“Let he who has ears, listen”.

This publication is not for everyone.
It is for you if you are blessed to be aware of your awareness.
It is for you if you are on an adventure of spiritual growth.
It is for you if you desire to know your authentic self.
It is for you if you have more questions than answers.

A dear friend and mentor once said to me,
“Beware the one who says he knows”.

I do not claim to know. I simply share some personal happenings that may be of interest to you.
Perhaps you have had similar experiences.

Community Market at the Ren Centre, Feb. 11 2023

I look forward to participating in the Community Market Event happening at the Ren Centre in Elliot Lake tomorrow, February 11, 2023.

These are the books I will have with me.  Of course these books, and many more of my publications, are available in Kindle, Paperback, including some in audiobook format on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

ABOUT MY BOOKS

Summer of 2022 I celebrated my 15th creative writing anniversary.

My most recent publication is titled POartRY and Prose. Just as its title suggests this publication is comprised of several of my many paintings displayed with my poetry and prose. My prior book was a science fiction novel titled "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light". Mother Earth can take no more. It's a sad day when a mother must give up on her children. Like the phoenix, the spirit and the environment of earth rise leaving behind destruction and devastation. The chosen seven are truly amazed when they discover why they have been rescued.

I wrote two novels during the isolation caused by the covid pandemic. One was "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light"The other was titled "The Observer - His Eye Is on the Sparrow".

"The Observer - His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is a story of three generations of women, yet the story of two souls. Karina, Anna, and Karen, three very different personalities yet each, while dealing with her own struggles, continues to repeat family patterns. This story, begun in NaNoWriMo's adventure of 2019, will touch your emotions and leave you with a smile. The settings of Bangalore, India and Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada share little in common; each offering its own colour and character. This is my first novel to focus on religion; in this instance the religions of Christianity and Hinduism.

A recent book titled "No Place to Lay Her Head ... a handful of moments" is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. In this book I share my journey through grief since the death of my partner, Brian, nearly three years ago. This book is cathartic but I hope of benefit to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Another short story titled The Man On The Bench; a metaphysical delight, is part of my recent writing adventure. You will also want to check out DRAMA - a Novel Idea which is a boxed set of my most popular novels: Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga. While individual novels are available in both paperback & Kindle formats; DRAMA is available in Kindle format only.

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, quotations, and sayings, that I hope will offer the reader inspiration and guidance. This book is currently used as an aid in meditation and healing circles and will, I hope, inspire you to be who you really are.

Other recent publications in both print and Kindle format include my first book of poems titled "Poetry from A to Z and a short story anthology titled "The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections."

"Dinner At Seven" is, I'm excited to announce, my 15th book but also my very first romance novel.

Arriving on the scene is Crabapple Court; a novella. Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format. More recently this book has been published in audio book format narrated by Earl Sewell and available on Amazon, Itunes, and Audibles.

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate & revenge that takes place pre and during civil war in the U.S. This novella is available in paperback, kindle, and audio book format.

Recompense is a recent novella that explores "older" people in the "new world" of chat room dating. A bit of a farce this one provides some enjoyable reading.

Prior to these publications I was kept busy with the creation, compilation and publication of a trilogy of anthologies containing short stories which keep the focus on social issues.

The books are titled SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Book Two - Shattered and Broken; Book Three - Weaving Alice. These 36 stories will make you laugh; make you cry; and certainly make you simply wonder at the human condition as it is experienced by many in our modern contemporary world.

I'm very excited to announce that "Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is now available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites.

It is my hope that one day I will have learned enough to narrate this book and transform it into an audio book.

My first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", is available in paperback and kindle formats but has now been released as my first audio book; written by yours truly; narrated by Falon Echo; and the cover design by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com This audio book is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

I'm thrilled to announce that "When God Gives Us Spring" is my second book to be released as an audio book. This audio book is written by yours truly; narrated by Earl Sewell; and the beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com It is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

Currently five of my many books are available in audiobook format. These five are "Sara, a Canadian Saga", When God Gives Us Spring", "Reawakening", "Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy", and "Beyond the Blue".

Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella, or a short story I hope you enjoy your reading experience.

Thank you to my readers. I much appreciate your encouragement and your support. I hope you know that your positive reviews are much needed and very welcome.

Places

 I've visited many places around our beautiful, small world.

In Canada, my home, I have been to Toronto, where I was born;  Caledon East, Aurora,  Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, Newmarket, Kitchener/Waterloo, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Elliot Lake where I currently reside.

In the States I have visited New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, Connecticut, and Hawaii.

In South America I have visited Puno, Peru; Lima, Peru; Cartegena, Columbia; and Caracas, Venezuela.

I have visited the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, of Bermuda, Antigua, Montserrant, St. Eustatius, Martinique, and Fiji.

I have visited South Korea and Thailand.

For five years I lived in New Zealand.

I didn't get to Europe, at least, not yet.

I was asked today if I would like to travel.  My answer is, I used to like to travel.  Now the only traveling I'm interested in is through my reading or by watching a good documentary.

There is only one place I would live other than where I am now and that is Summerside on Prince Edward Island.  But the fact is I am happy to be exactly where I am at this time of my life.

I live and I work in the Jewel of the Wilderness; beautiful Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.  Life has been kind to me and I have been enjoying small town living here for twenty-three years.  I feel that I am blessed. Because I have seen many interesting places around our small world, I can say with confidence that my travels have made me more appreciative of life in my small Canadian town.

I can't say that I've chosen my home town of Elliot Lake as a location in all of my publications, but I have in several of them including my most recent novel, "Struggle, To Reach The Bridge of Light."   You can learn more about this book and all my publications on my Amazon author's page which is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

Table Talk - Confidential Counseling

 

“CONFIDENTIAL COUNSELING for WOMEN”

“Table talk” 

You may feel alone walking your path toward personal growth and spiritual development.  Talk, Experiential, or Art therapy, to name a few examples, may be just what you are seeking.

You may be on a journey of emotional healing.  You may be grieving losses, dealing with relationship issues, or any one of many personal issues.

You may want and need an opportunity to talk with someone about confidential matters.

Over the years, here in Elliot Lake, in addition to authoring books focused on social issues,  I have offered personal counseling, in addition to meditation circles and workshops. 

It has been my pleasure to facilitate classes and Empowerment Workshops for  Women on topics including “Emotional Healing”;  “Grieving our Losses”; “Relationship Issues”; “Is Age Just a Number?”; Meeting Your Inner Child”; “The 7 Major Chakras”;  “Letting Go”; and “Forgiveness” to name a few.

I am a retired psychospiritual practitioner but through Confidential Counseling I am offering Table Talk for women one day per week. 

I am offering four individual one-hour sessions Thursdays, at 10 a.m., Noon; 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

To make your appointment you can email me: audrey@persona.ca or you can message me on Facebook.

My hourly fee is geared to your income.

Let’s have a cuppa tea and talk about it.  

Welcome 2023!