Through her book The Bliss Mistress Guide to Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary, author Edie Weinstein shares some of her personal stories and experiences from her life, while inspiring us to become our own bliss mistress, or bliss master. With over 50 years of experience, Edie speaks to the heart and soul of each one of us, as she shares some examples that bond us within the human family. From losing spouses and parents, to making new career and life choices, Edie presents a resource that is real and calls us to take action in our own life.

As we go through the journey of life in this physical dimension, along the way we create so many stories and experiences that make up the multiple facets of our being. We shape and color our life, grow and expand our being, and connect with others forming infinite sacred bonds.

Sure, we may not always choose the exact circumstances, or people in our life. Sure, we may not always get what we want, or expect. However, we always have the choice of how we will respond to anything and anyone in our life. We always have the choice of whether we will live with love, joy and bliss, or fear, misery and suffering. We always have the option of whether we choose to live life in an ordinary or extraordinary way!

About the Author

The Bliss Mistress Guide to Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary is written by Edie Weinstein and published in 2011.

Edie, also known as The Bliss Mistress, is a colorfully creative career journalist and author from Pennsylvania. Her life path has also included being a motivational speaker, inspiring BLISS coach, licensed social worker and PR Goddess. She is a graduate of the New Seminary in New York City and an ordained Interfaith Minister. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in 1981 and a Master of Social Work Degree from Rutgers University in 1985.

In 1988, along with her late husband Michael, she co-founded Visions Magazine, a monthly publication focusing on alternative health, psychology & spirituality. Currently she is a freelance writer, writing for a growing number of venues including Beliefnet, VividLife, Wisdom Magazine, and Elephant Journal.

To learn more about Edie and her work, visit www.liveinjoy.org

Book Format & Content

The Bliss Mistress Guide to Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary invites you to take a step into the life you have always wanted and be the mistress or master of your own bliss.

It is a small book, that captures the author’s bliss-filled and playful spirit in a big way. The book is around 130 pages, divided into 30 chapters, with an extra supplementary chapter that includes an interview with the Dalai Lama. It is a quick and easy read that one can read in order, randomly, or also as the author suggests by covering one chapter (one topic) per day for the entirety of a month to allow for a reflection and integration period each day.

The book is part of the self-improvement, self-help and inspiration genres, and features several practical aspects to move us into reflection and action within our own lives. Each chapter features a personal experience story (or several) from the author’s life. At the end of each chapter are several reflection questions for the reader to answer based on the theme/topic explored. Since the chapters are not connected in any particular chronological order, but can each stand on their own, this allows the reader the flexibility to move around in the book based on what they may be called to at any point in time.

Some of the topics and themes covered include: dealing with grief, synchronicity, self-love, self-care, gratitude, courage, abundance, release, present moment living, and of course many that deal with living in an extraordinary, bliss-filled way. Chapter 30 also includes something cute the author calls “Bliss Bites”, which are quotable tidbits of wisdom that can also serve as reflection exercises.

The first step is to recognize that you were born with senses that drink in the wonders of the world around you.

Edie Weinstein, The Bliss Mistress

Personal Commentary

I had the pleasure of meeting Edie at the annual Grail Lady Faire, which is a transformational event for women that takes place at the Grail Springs Retreat & Spa in Ontario. And as the Universe seems to work in various serendipitous ways, Edie shared her book with me, which I am now sharing in this review with you.

While it was a pleasure to read Edie’s book, it was an extra treat to experience Edie’s spirit and energy in person. There is a noticeable energy of bliss within her, along with a warm and kindred spirit, that I continued to feel as I read through the book.

In her book, Edie shares a collection of stories from her personal life experiences. Through each event, person, place, or experience, Edie takes us through the different curves and twists her life has taken her and how she chose to respond each time, as well as what she learned and how she grew to be the “Bliss Mistress.” Some stories will make you reflect deeply, some will make you laugh, and some even may make you cry.

The take away message, and why I feel this is a good empowering resource to share with others is that like most of us, Edie’s life has had its share of challenges. However, in the midst of being human and fully owning up to all the different emotions that may have presented themselves along the way, Edie chose to turn the ordinary into extraordinary. She chose to pursue her goals, dreams and desires. She chose to step onto the world stage with courage, even when it may not have been fully evident. From interviewing the Dalai Lama to being the facilitator of “Cuddle Parties”, she exemplifies the rich and diverse nature of life that we can each take advantage of.

Whatever chapter one starts with, the book takes on a story-telling-like ambiance that is quick and easy to follow along with. With each chapter being on average a couple of pages, it can make a quick inspirational tool to read at any time of the day. My personal favorite chapter was the one that presented the “Bliss Bites”. I enjoyed reflecting on the various messages of wisdom shared that can each lead to living from a greater state of joy and bliss.

People who will enjoy this book the most are ones who enjoy learning through the stories of others, and are looking for a gentle as well as supportive foundation for personal change in their life. Although the book does mention men and becoming the “bliss master”, I feel that because it was written from a woman’s perspective and cites a lot of examples that relate to women, it would be of most value to women. I see the ideal audience as a woman in her 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond, who is looking to transform her life, or looking for some support and motivation to find her own bliss. There are numerous resources cited within the book as well that can further expand the path as to what next steps one may be called forth to.

Play is as nourishing for our souls as food is for our bodies. Without it, we shrivel up inside and age rapidly on the outside.

Edie Weinstein, The Bliss Mistress

The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary is available in major online bookstores and from the author’s website. You can get more information on the book, read reviews or purchase your own copy from Amazon.com below: