Lessons from the Magic Shop

A Heart-Centered Program to Manifest a Life of Compassion, Purpose, and Transformation

By: James R. Doty MD

Narrated by: James R. Doty MD

We each possess an extraordinary power to realize our greatest potential and live the life we want. Dr. James Doty is living proof, as so many fans of his best seller Into the Magic Shop will attest.

Having grown up in an environment of poverty and neglect, James Doty was 12 years old when he walked into a magic shop and met an extraordinary woman who introduced him to a series of teachings that changed the trajectory of his life. With Lessons from the Magic Shop, Dr. Doty offers an in-depth training program with the same transformational practices that helped him overcome great odds en route to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and one of today’s leading voices on the power of love and compassion.

In his first audio-learning course, the innovative Stanford professor shares guided exercises, visualization practices, and inspiring teachings to help us master four central techniques: relaxing the body to become present and honor our highest values, training the brain through meditation and mindfulness, opening the heart to foster true connection, and clarifying our intentions as we navigate the journey of our lives.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2019 James R. Doty, MD (P)2019 Sounds True

I love the book and the author!

My heart is bursting open with happiness to have been blessed enough to be introduced to The Magic Shop and all that that means. Thank you Dr. Doty for sharing your beautiful story, your kind heart and your eternally sacred and compassionate wisdom. I would love to hear you speak in person one day. Continued blessings to you.
Love, Annie Flatley

Torture

I first listened to the audiobook version of “Into the Magic Shop” and I can’t tell you how much I truly enjoyed that experience. I even listened to it twice before going on to this one, “Lessons From the Magic Shop”. I have headaches from trying to listen to him read this. They really should have hired the guy who read the first one. I believe the actual author read this one, “Lessons...” and he sounded quite depressed, himself. I did my absolute best to get through it but I kept wishing I had just bought the physical book and read it, myself. I sped up the speed of the book and it was still extremely difficult to get through. There is zero emotion and he is very monotone. He takes extremely long pauses even between words of the same sentence. It takes away from the message of the book.

Meditative and profound

For those considering this book, I urge you not to be swayed by any negative reviews. The essence of the audio book is not in its speed or complexity but in its ability to slowly bring your heart and mind into a peaceful, restful state. Much like a meditation session or a gentle hypnotherapy experience, it’s meant to guide you through a calming process, allowing the words to sink in at their own pace.

This isn’t a book to rush through or consume in one sitting. Its value lies in the gradual shifts it can produce if you approach it with patience and openness. The experience is subtle yet profound, much like any good meditation.

I do recommend reading the author’s other two books first, as they lay a solid foundation for the themes explored here. With those under your belt, this book becomes an even deeper, richer experience. Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something that speaks to the heart and quiets the mind.

Life changing material

This is a most powerful companion to Dr. Doty’s book. Some reviewers on here express frustration over his narration. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water! This frustration may be due to a misunderstanding of how to use this book - which is distinct from Into the Magic Shop. This volume is more of a guided meditation with fully expanded commentary. If the pace of Dr Doty’s narration becomes a problem simply change the speed of the playback. This helped me tremendously. I bookmarked each meditation and I use them daily. Thank you Dr James R Doty for these gifts. Thank you Ruth!

A complete compassion meditation guide

I have had this book in my library for three years and I literally listen to it every day. I listen to the same chapters over and over again, using them as meditation guides and as anchors for my daily compassion and intention practice. @Dr Doty, thank you for this gem 🙏🏾

Painful

I've never had to listen to a book sped up over 1.5x and still found the dramatized pauses nearly impossible to listen to. It's like the author got an incentive for stretching a minute worth of info into an hour reading.

Very moving and inspirational.

An easy listen with stories of personal experience from the narrator.
Great to listen to after listening to or reading "Into the Magic Shop".
Presents a great meditation practice for living from the heart.

East meets West

Eastern thought, Buddhism has always had a ring of Truth for me beginning in the 60's with transcendental meditation. I didn't really "get it" but I spent the next thirty years trying trying to and had a modecom of success. I finally discovered Eckhart Tolle and thought "this is it" , an explanation of Buddhism using western concepts. But I found many people I tried to introduce this to still found the concepts foreign. I don't recall how I came across Dody's
book but I'm so glad I did. This is it! West meets East! A perfect portal for the westerner. I have a cousin who is rcving her PHD in counseling . This should be a good teaching tool .

Speed it up

Even sped up to 1.25x, this was read at a frustratingly slow pace. The themes are pretty basic but might be helpful to someone newer to spirituality and meditation.

Found inspiration here

I read James Doty’s book in 2 sittings. I found inspiration and lessons to be learned in it. Listening to this again after listening to it on his website previously, calms me and helps w direction in life. Love this man and his message!