🌟 Book Review: Living with Joy: Keys to Personal Power and Spiritual Transformation
by Sanaya Roman (Revised anniversary edition available)
I’m a big fan of self-help and personal growth author Sanaya Roman, who co-authored several books and courses with Duane Packer, creator of the Light Body series. Yes, tons of spiritual wisdom that still resonates, years later. As you might guess, this is pretty “woo woo” stuff—but wait! There’s an endorsement on the back cover from none other than renowned family and systems therapist Virginia Satir, who says:
“I like this book because it describes the way I feel about so many things.”
So yes, this is a mystical book—channeled, even—but it’s grounded in emotional intelligence and personal transformation, the kind that deeply resonates with seekers, healers, and sensitives alike.
Sanaya Roman explains that the book Living with Joy was “given” to her while in a state of peace and expanded awareness. Many creatives, artists, and scientists have described this kind of inspiration—insights arriving in the shower, on a walk, while drifting off to sleep. Some call it channeling, others call it intuition, divine inspiration, or communion with the higher self. Roman calls her source Orin, whom she experiences as a loving and wise spiritual teacher, always compassionate and positive.
Although I had read several other books in this series first, Living with Joy captivated me recently. Not only does it share heart-opening wisdom and spiritual guidance—it actually feels like a transmission. As I read, I find myself hopeful, happier, aligning with its optimism. The wisdom makes practical sense, but it also feels good to take in.
Keys to Living with Joy
The central idea is that joy is an “inner note you sound,” and that this joy supports the unfolding of your soul’s purpose. Love that!
Just check out the subtitles from Chapter 3: You Can Live Joyfully:
- Joy is an inner note you sound
- Joy comes from operating with inner-directedness
- The challenge is to create freedom
- Value yourself and monitor where you put your time
- What you love is what you are here to do
- You will have joy only when you settle for nothing less
- Every person has a reason for being on Earth
- All of you are pioneers, ahead of your time
- Playsheet – You can live joyfully
These subtitles offer a sense of the depth and direction of the book. This isn’t just spiritual fluff. There’s deep emotional and spiritual intelligence here. Each chapter ends with a “Playsheet”—a practical invitation to apply the teachings and integrate them into your life.
There are down-to-earth tools for working with worry, reflections on gratitude, and concepts like the “abstract mind,” which unites the brain’s left and right hemispheres—what she calls the genius state. There are chapters on building self worth, uniting sub personalities – pretty deep psychological work, made simple and spiritual. The teachings are timeless, even if the book was first published in 1986.
For me, as a lifelong spiritual seeker and therapist-in-training when this was published, reading this book again now feels like a fresh breath of air for my heart, mind, and soul. I can see that the choices I make at times, feeling “too busy” for more joy in my life – well that’s a clear choice. Procrastinating on that joy? I may feel busy but I’m working to take small steps, and notice those “mundane” things that bring me joy. Like a journal session on the porch in summer.
Joy – Energy Work to Good Work
Perhaps it’s no coincidence I was drawn back to this book just after completing a career coaching certification. Living with Joy speaks directly to that path: it reminds us that joy is a reliable compass for meaningful work and life purpose. That is the soul savvy path – to take care of the practical steps in a job search sure. And, to tune in to the energy and the spiritual side as well, so you are aligned in the big picture of meeting your desire.
A recent Red Rocks show brought a lot of joy … Yay music!
Want to sample it?
Here’s a fun way to explore the energy of these books. Visit orindaben.com and click on the Highest Futures Room under Free on our Website button. Select a book and receive a random quote. (And, check out tons of free material.)
Here’s what I received today from Living with Joy:
“You are a worthy individual, no matter what your past, no matter what your thoughts, no matter who believes in you. You are life itself, growing and expanding and reaching upward. All people are valuable, beautiful and unique. Every experience you have is meant to teach you more about creating love in your life.”
Boom! Inspiring, right?
Living with Joy offers more than insight. It offers a gentle, powerful invitation to align with your true self. It presents a step-by-step guide to spiritual growth, helping you:
- Discover your personal power
- Awaken to your inner truth
- Live with more joy, clarity, and purpose – and follow that organically to good work.
This message feels especially needed right now. If your spirit feels called, check it out. All of her books are in my library. I reread them periodically and have them handy for a helpful dose of spiritual inspiration.
In the love and light we all share,
Denise
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PS If this resonates, I would love to hear your comment below.
Let me know if you’ve read Sanaya Roman’s work – what’s your favorite one?!
