The Proof: A 40-Day Program for Embodying Oneness [Hardcover]

As a long-time spiritual practitioner and reader of countless books on spirituality, I've discovered that it's rare to find books that explain simply and powerfully how to actually embody and live the principles that they teach. To me, this is what sets "The Proof" apart from many of the other books I've read: it shows you, in clear, simple, and direct language, how to experience Oneness in your life.

Over the course of 40 days, the 40 practices that Anakha brought through cover a wide range of aspects of Oneness, from Creativity to Desire, to Heartbreak to Forgiveness. The practices are down-to-earth and are easily doable by anyone - no fancy knowledge of hip, new-age jargon and concepts required. Most of the practices require a minimal amount of time to complete, and thus are easy to fit into a busy lifestyle. I didn't get as much from the parts of the book before and after the practices - they seemed a bit disconnected and more esoteric - so I'd recommend focusing on the practices to get the most value.

Another quality that sets "The Proof" apart is that it not afraid to explore the "shadow" of spirituality, and of life. Again, most books I've read (and most spiritual teachers) focus on the love and the light while ignoring, denying, and suppressing the dark side. In spiritual communities, I see this rejection of the shadow come through in ways such as greed, sexual misconduct, and abuse of power (think of the recent sweat-lodge deaths, for example). We need spiritual teachings (and teachers) who are willing to talk about and explore the issues that we all face and deal with, as opposed to simply intending to "create and manifest a new reality." I appreciate James' and Anakha's willingness and courage to explore this full spectrum of the human experience, and to honor our challenges and struggles rather than override them in syrupy-sweet "positivity."

Another gift of the book is that the principles and teachings go beyond the "me" and embrace the "we". Rather than being about getting something and simply feeling good, by applying the practices in your life you can be a sacred activist, creating change and healing for others and the planet.

Most importantly, while doing the practices, I noticed and experienced a palpable change in my life. I experienced a deeper sense of ease, synchronicity, and joy. Even while facing some of the more challenging aspects of Oneness, I felt my fears and resistances in my life begin to dissolve. My relationships became more fulfilling, and aspects of my work and relationships that were not working fell away. I also did the practices with a group of friends, and our community became stronger as a result.

And, it didn't take any long, arduous processes - I believe that the most effective spiritual truths are short, simple, and easy to understand - and that's what's presented here in this book.

I have a few problems with this book and the author.

The author has written several books... all on different ideas. He writes a book and then does a workshop tour. So far, he's written The Moses Code, The Kabbalah Code ..so we think maybe he's got a Jewish mysticism idea going on... but THEN he gets on this Saint Francis kick and now, with THE PROOF, he's left judeo-Christianity behind and he's going with generic New Age mysticism. It irks me that authors like Dyer and Vitale and Twyman just seem to pump out books for the purpose of selling books. (Joe Vitale actually wrote a book about how to write best-selling Self-Help books by using hypnotic Power Words!)

He wrote this book with a co-author (Anakha Coman)... if 'writing' is what you could call it. This book is a transcript of conversations they had about ideas of Oneness (a concept they leave sketchily-defined). The book is chockful of sentences like "...The way I'm experiencing [Oneness] in this moment is as a longing of the heart, a longing to remember..."

Each of these metaphor-strewn sections are just a few pages in length. There are 40 Practices (190 pages), the three lessons about "Achieving the Impossible" (30 pages) an Afterward and 14 blank pages labeled "Notes". Each section begins with a few quotes from famous authors and ends with an exercise. These 'exercises' consist, mainly, of a mindset of point of view for the day. ("...Today, practice finding a pace that connects with your natural rhythm and flow...") This material is straight New Age/Guided Meditation tape prose. While it is well-done, it is not innovative.

Finally, the author's premise is hollow. He lets us in on the gambit, unconsciously I think, when he shares that he discovered The Proof, first, by reading a book by a Mentalist (not the psychic kind.... the stage magician kind). He learns a technique that looks like mind-reading but is actually being aware the subtle clues you can pick up by close observation of a person. As he improved his ability to read those unconscious movements and expressions, he began to believe that he truly was reading their minds and that, at some deep level, we must all be One. This 'muscle-reading' technique is taught to the reader so that we can also experience the same revelation. (This is akin to Tony Robbin's Fire-Walk workshops where you learn the trick to walking across a pit of hot coals... thereby discovering that you are a powerful being who can achieve anything you desire.)

If you are a Tony Robbins or a Wayne Dyer fan... if Inspirational literature is something that turns you on... if you like flowery, conversational chapters about Rhythm and Breath and Sound and Heart... you will probably enjoy this book. If you were expecting a book with 'meat'... with clear instructions about real practices that would bring you to the undeniable truth of about the Interdependent Web of Life... you will probably be disappointed.

The Proof is a nurturing, real, deep and smooth read. It speaks directly to real life and tenderly guides the reader to see that the longing for authentic connection to life, ourselves and each other is possible and is the only elixer that satisfies. It is entirely non-denominational and non-judgementatl--honoring all people and perspectives while at the same time helping us see what we have in common. In a day when so many books lay out how to get what we want on a surface level, this book builds a bridge between our personal and planetary healing. It feels written by someone who has really walked the path --no frills, no promises--just real, honest and loving guidance. I will refer to it and read it over and over.