The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone

Loving EveryoneAs soon as I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to read it. “The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone” is a treat, a feast not only for the heart but also for the soul of anyone who is willing to take a few moments a day to learn more about unconditional love.

Honestly it took me a few weeks to get through it because you really shouldn’t read this book fast. I loved savoring a chapter or two, then really thinking about the lessons that Mollie, the hero of the stories, had imparted not only on her owner but the rest of us.

Mollie had a terrible start in life at an awful puppy mill, but thankfully Michael J. Chase and his wife latch onto her and nurse her through the first few ill months. After that, Mollie eats her way through heart and home as Michael tells witty stories and heartfelt lessons about the things Mollie teaches him.

Because even though Mollie is a dickens of a big poodle dog, always getting into trouble, wanting her own way and stealing cookies, she is an amazing judge of character (as many dogs are) as she wags her tail and makes friends with anyone.

The author, Michael J. Chase, is an inspirational speaker on KINDNESS, even has his own KINDNESS CENTER so that tells you right there he has his priorities straight. Early on in the book, he chronicles his search for a new spiritual teacher and while pondering his options, Mollie suddenly licks his face. He decides then and there that Mollie is the teacher he has been looking for.

My favorite story is about a walk that Michael and Mollie embark on, one day through their neighborhood. It is a carefully mapped route with a minimum of distractions and opportunities for Mollie to get into trouble. But on this day, Mollie has her own ideas. She plops her butt down and decides she is not going any further. Michael begs, pulls on her leash, offers snacks and pleads for movement but Mollie won’t budge. It begins to rain and they are getting soaked. Finally, exasperated, Michael asks her where she wants to go. He lets her lead and Mollie takes them on a beautiful walk, through new neighborhoods with lovely picturesque houses. Michael decides older dogs really can teach new tricks and the lesson is to move out of our comfort zones and try new things.

I hope you decide to give this amazing book a read. It would make a great present as well, especially for someone you know who loves animals and does acts of loving kindness.

This is my 100th post and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than to review such a wonderful book! Thanks to WordPress for this Daily Prompt!

And here is my disclosure per Hay House Publishers. I get to choose the book I wish to review, it is given to me free of charge, and I am not compensated for my endorsement of this book. This review is my personal opinion. Thank you for reading!

It's nice to share. Thank you.

29 Replies to “The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone”

  1. Congrats Joanne…beautiful heartwarming story!!! At a quick glance, I thought that was a Benji dog!! Looks like the one right from the movie! I have been reading your blog for over a year & have so enjoyed all your posts. When Jeannine told me to go to “Katherine’s Daughter” and read her blog, I remember saying to her..”Who is Katherine????”(haha) ..now I know!!! I am sure she knew how much I would enjoy your words of wisdom & beautiful kind stories , and I most certainly have. !!

    1. Cindy, Thank you so much for being a loyal reader and for all of your comments over time. I am enjoying my blog so much and love interacting with such wonderful people!
      Have a great weekend! Joanne

  2. I’m always looking for good books to read. Thanks not only for this well-written review, but for the inclusion of your favorite story from the book (which made the difference between whether I put it on my reading list or not).

  3. This book sounds incredible! Thank you for sharing! I’ve never heard of it but I can definitely see how a sweet dog can teach you so much about life. I’d love to chronicle the things my silly kittens teach me about life… Actually what a great idea for a blog post! Haha! Thanks again! 🙂

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