Dare to Be Yourself: How to Quit Being an Extra in Other Peoples Movies and Become the Star of Your Own

by Alan Cohen

Overview

In this powerful map to self-discovery, Alan Cohen draws on sources from Buddhism to the Bible, from Gandhi and Einstein to A Course In Miracles, sharing many of his own radiant moments of revelation on the spiritual path. He shows how we can let go of the past, overcome fear, and discover the power of love in our lives. Once we are engaged in the work of truly being ourselves, each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, each choice a lesson in commitment, each relationship a renewal of God's work.
Dare To Be Yourself will dramatically enlighten, empower, and enliven you as you awaken to life and love and the unique gifts that are yours to give the world.
"Alan Cohen has a rare and precious quality. He inspires happiness, and the message itself is as pure as his heart." -- Hugh Prather

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780449908396
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/14/1994
Edition description:	1st Ballantine Books ed
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.13(w) x 8.02(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational titles, including the bestseller A Deep Breath of Life. He is a contributing writer for the #1 New York Times bestselling series Chicken Soup for the Soul, and his work has been featured on Oprah.com and in 101 Top Experts. Cohen's books (which have been translated into 24 different languages) and seminars have touched the lives of millions who have found the courage to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

Read an Excerpt

Introduction
 
Many years ago there lived a well-loved Jewish sage named Rabbi Zusya. Rabbi Zusya was renowned throughout the world for his gifted insights as a scholar, teacher, and healer.
 
When the time came for Rabbi Zusya to leave this world, his students gathered at his bedside. During a tender moment the Rabbi began to weep.
 
"Why do you cry, Rabbi?" asked one of the disciples. "If anyone is assured a place in Heaven, it is you. You are one of the greatest and most revered spiritual teachers in the world!"
 
Rabbi Zusya turned his head softly toward the one who spoke, and looked him in the eye. His gaze was piercing, as one who can see through this world to another.
 
"I will tell you why I weep, my dear one," the sage replied. • Ίf , when I approach the gates of Heaven, the angel who meets me asks, 'Why were you not a Moses?' I shall answer with conviction, 'Because I was not born to be a Moses.'
 
"And if the angel challenges me, But neither did you perform the feats that Elijah did,' I shall firmly respond, 'My mission was not the same one that Elijah was sent to accomplish.'
 
"But there is one question that I fear being unable to answer: 'Why were you not a Rabbi Zusya?' "
 
If I had to sum up my adventure here on earth, I would say that it has been a series of lessons in becoming who I truly am. Mahatma Gandhi entitled his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Perhaps my autobiography will one day be called, The Story of My Experiments with Being Myself.
 
At one of my workshops an older gentleman raised his hand and stood up to speak. "I tried being myself once," he quipped. "But it didn't work—I realized I didn't have enough experience!"
 
The entire audience laughed with him, perhaps because there was a poignant truth behind his statement, one with which everyone in that room could identify. All of us are seeking to more fully be ourselves. Sometimes our treasured self comes forth in a joyful moment of self-discovery, and sometimes we find ourself through challenge and apparent conflict. No matter what route we take, we all share the awesome journey to the mountaintop of self-awareness.
 
Two hundred years after Rabbi Zusya left this world, a little girl came to claim her place in life. At the age of twelve, Jennifer Capriati knocked the tennis world for a loop. Before she had both feet set in adolescence, Jennifer was competing in first class circles, challenging and defeating some of the most formidable adult stars. Not surprisingly, she created quite a sensation among her colleagues and in the media.
 
When asked by an interviewer if she hoped to be the next Chris Evert, Jennifer answered, "No, I want to be the first Jennifer Capriati."
 
Perhaps it is the same unapologetic confidence in herself that Jennifer manifests on the court. She knows that the only way she can truly succeed is to be what she is, rather than an imitation of someone else. Like Jennifer, you and I have come to the earth with a perfectly individual purpose, one which only we can fulfill as unique and gifted beings. It is only when we give way to our own greatness that we find true satisfaction and success in finding our soul's destiny.
 
It is to this spectacular journey that this book is dedicated. Dare to Be Yourself is a celebration of the courage we demonstrate in stretching to discover and claim our own beauty.