Professor John Eden’s Book “True Lies” goes International

Everyday Associate Professor John Eden sees patients whose mantra is, “I’m worthless,” or “I’m useless,” even though they have a responsible job, and by any reasonable estimation, a successful life. I am sure we all either know, or are one of these people. People who have such a negative thought life are generally not very happy. John’s book True Lies is so named because even though these thoughts are not true, constant repetition brings life to the lies in these people’s minds, negatively impacting their quality of life.

John’s patients often attributed negative thinking to people who have hurt them in the past. This fact inspired him to help people overcome their negative thinking and the obvious place to start was forgiving the people who hurt them. People are often confused about is what distinguishes between forgiveness, reconciliation and justice. “Councillors who have seen patients of mine,” John said, “tell them that to forgive a person you have to confront the person. Well no you don’t actually! You can forgive them in the comfort of your own home. Reconciliation is a beautiful thing when it happens but it requires the other person to forgive as well, but you can’t make them change their mind. The only attitude you have power over is your own... It’s your choice to forgive them... (but you) can forgive and seek justice at the same time.”

This task is definitely a daunting one, which is why John has written the book. It explains the tools necessary to forgive and lead a happier life. True Lies has been so successful in Australia in its two years of being published that it is going international. This is due to happen by early 2011.

This book is one of a kind, in that it is a struggle to find other books that teach people the process of forgiving. Sure there are many self-help books on negative thinking, but they do not address the fact that you need to forgive and let go of grudges against people that caused you pain, to be free of the pain. Councillors and psychologists often tell their patients to forgive and they will be much happier, but rarely do they provide the tools to do that. True Lies does exactly this.

John’s book has reached many of his patients in Australia and has impacted their lives in a very positive way. John shared how one of his patients who came in for a consult jumped up when she saw him and ran over with tear streaming down her face to give him a kiss on the cheek in appreciation. She was able to forgive those who hurt her and think positively about life. This goes to show how significantly our thought life affects our actual lives.

John’s plan for future work is focused on quiet meditative exercises, but there are many topics he would like to write about. Keep checking www.whria.com.au for more updates!

To purchase a copy of True Lies contact 1300 722 206 or pick it up at the clinic.

Alternatively you can purchase the book at Bookpal

To read the back cover click Ture Lies: How to let go of past hurts