I Had It All the Time: When Self-Improvement Gives Way to Ecstasy

Flat-out, one of the best self-help books I've ever read (although the author would contend you don't need any 'help', that you already have all you need within!)It's a fun, light read. I'm assuming the author wrote regular entries into a journal and then compiled/stapled it into a book. It's very high level/not deep advice which makes for a light read. But it's VERY inspiring and helps you to love yourself in the moment.The book title explains exactly Cohen's principle: that everything you aspire to create, experience, contribute and be, is already within you, innately. Rather than having to outside of yourself and look for 'it' in another product, pill, course, workshop or guru, you only have to recognize that 'it' is already yours, it's already there, and always has been.I'll be honest, I even wrote up chapter summaries of this book and gave to friends, that's how much I enjoyed it. And it's one of 11 books on my "fire" shelf in my library. You know, the one shelf I would grab if the house were on fire.My favorite analogy/story in the book is when Cohen talks about one of the Polynesian or Hawaiian cultures. Whether babies are CONSTANTLY held/never allowed to touch the ground for the first 3 or 4 months of their lives. They're viewed as angels and they want their light to not be encumbered in any way.Cohen says we ALL have this same light shining through us; that we can't go get more light. We simply have to remove the rocks from our bowl that are blocking our innate light from shining brightly.You'll have to read the chapter. But it's awesome. And was my favorite chapter in the book. Good luck!

Another pearl of wisdom by Alan Cohen. I LOVE his books. I admire his ability to tell a great story and pack a ton of wisdom in small and easy to read books. Many sentences pack such a punch that they make brilliant, wise and beautiful quotes. Wish I could write like him. ;-)Highly recommended!

Alan Cohen is one of my favorite authors and I had read all of his books like "The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and several others. One day I inputted his name in the Amazon search bar, and VOILA! Books by Cohen that I hadn't read! So I bought this one ("I Had It All The Time") and "A Course in Miracles Made Easy". Cohen is conversational, uses humor well, and pulls me into his world. I like it.

As a seeker who had been deeply passionate about finding 'the right way to live' or ' how to live a happy life', I have read 100's of books that have sincerely helped, but not in the profound way that this one has. As I follow Alan's work through many avenues (youtube, audible, print, podcasts, etc.), I appreciate how he guides individuals who are looking for water to the stream, rather than just giving them a cup of water every time (an analogy he's mentioned before). The idea from this book is that you're already whole, you are in need of nothing, and while that may seem hard to understand now, I am confident that if you were lead to purchase this book, that you are ready for it's message, and I know that it will give you the peace that you have been 'seeking'.

I purchased this book over a year and a half ago, but I never got to writing a review. However, that just shows how prominent it is in my daily life that it would make its way into my consciousness (thus, prompting me to write it now). Anyways, I love self-improvement books in general, not because I have particularly low self-esteem or anything, but because I just love the feel-good boost it gives. Well this book was definitely unlike the dozens of other self-help books I have bought before it and after it. Cohen ingrains such a basic, but powerful principle. His spirituality just lifts you up and helps you recognize the amazing being that you are, RIGHT in this moment. we are not becoming (like the caterpillar in the cocoon), we ARE butterflies. His book reminds me that whatever happens, whichever moment I find myself in...I am suppose to be there right now, and it's just beautiful. I would encourage you to at least read half of it before you decide to shelf it away, and I almost guarantee you'd want to finish!

"I Had It All the Time" is the best of a group of powerful calls to wake your mind up and "see the light" of what is bothering you. In fact, its style of brief stories is compelling in that they are short and to the point. The best part, one doesn't have to read this book, chapter by chapter or in order. You can pick it up and open it to any page and get a life lesson. I keep it by my bedside table, just for that purpose. It is not a new book, but is perfect for any generation. And, I have used it for reference in many ways throughout the years.

A wonderful book full of helpful and inspiring essays, and some useful practices to try as well. It is a breath of fresh air!

This is one book I highly recommend to anyone who is feeling confuse about spirituality, religion, meditation, being, life purpose etc. Even though it was written in 1995, the content and context is as relevant for today, in fact alot more relevant. Alan Cohen writes from his heart, you can feel his essence and humanness through the pages. I love his illustrations, quotes and the last part where it said Burn the Bible (not literally) but rather to live the truth within ! If you are seeking the truth, read this book and then burn it too, write your own and live the truth ! Lots of clarity and integration for a seeker like me, thank you Alan Cohen.

Enjoyed it immensely such common sense spoken...if only we could all find value in reading this book 😀 I loved it

All time great

Informative.

Another fantastic and open eyed approach to life and all that comes our way. I would highly recommend this read.

very good