Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

The Transformation Experience: Shifting Paradigms for Success by Jay Jackson is a Christian reflection on the way we see ourselves, others and our lives, and how our beliefs can emerge, persist and become limiting. The book outlines how we can take responsibility for our thoughts and inner states, and so change our outer realities. Each section of the book begins with a biblical quote, and each section invites the reader to ask him/herself questions such as Who am I? What am I really afraid of? What am I grateful for? Does it matter what others think? If I had one year/month/hour left what would I do? It is in pondering and answering such questions that we can begin to change ourselves on the inside, face and let go of our fears, understand we are all one and all God’s children, and embrace our new, stronger, real transformed selves.

The Transformation Experience: Shifting Paradigms for Success is motivating and thought–provoking. It may appeal mainly to Christians due to its references to biblical quotes. Jay Jackson puts his beliefs and theories across with clarity. His concern is for people to move out of lives that are dull and lack passionate meaning and purpose, and he shows the reader why life may be like that. The author’s notion that our limitations and fears are the result of our own thoughts and self-defeating behaviours (cause and effect) fits well with modern psychological theories of self-help and recommendations for understanding ourselves. I liked the references to biblical verses and the way these are linked to each section of the book – the power of gratitude, mental/emotional states, acknowledging the source of our own talents, energy vibrations, staying centered, maintaining our rhythm, equality in gender, and cause and effect. The series of questions in each section will help readers think more deeply about themselves and achieve clarity about what matters most in life.

I felt there were many quotable phrases and I especially liked the final section; “Our Greatest Fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.” I can see this book transforming the thoughts of those who feel frustrated or stuck in life and who believe there must be a way to find the confidence and strength to make changes within themselves and live more attuned to themselves, others and their Creator. Jay Jackson’s enlightening, challenging and encouraging words offer hope and motivation, and the means by which we can begin to take responsibility and understand what needs to happen in order for life to feel balanced and more purposeful.