spirituality Archives - Independent Book Review http://independentbookreview.com/tag/spirituality/ A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published Books Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:57:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/independentbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-design-100.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 spirituality Archives - Independent Book Review http://independentbookreview.com/tag/spirituality/ 32 32 144643167 Book Review: Reiki in Integrative Medicine https://independentbookreview.com/2025/06/24/book-review-reiki-in-integrative-medicine/ https://independentbookreview.com/2025/06/24/book-review-reiki-in-integrative-medicine/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:57:04 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=88741 REIKI IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE by M. Lori Torok is informational, sincere, and valuable—a book on how Reiki can be an asset in your journey to better health.

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Reiki in Integrative Medicine

by M. Lori Torok

Genre: Medicine / Spirituality

ISBN: 9798988105763

Print Length: 142 pages

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

Informational, sincere, and valuable—a book on how Reiki can be an asset in your journey to better health

Author M. Lori Torok was a skeptic at the beginning. How could Reiki really work? She writes with honesty and joins the interested reader where they are—a personal story from skeptic to Reiki master. Her mind opens up, and so will yours. Her honesty allows to get comfortable, to let your guard down, and be a better vessel for something life-changing.

Reiki in Integrative Medicine makes Reiki feel accessible and achievable to people from all walks of life. I don’t think I’m the only reader who will leave this book ready to book my own session.

Torok didn’t feel fulfilled as a college professor, so she did something about it. She trusted her gut and took a leap of faith into practicing Reiki, and it amplified her body and soul. Now, she bridges the gap for others to do the same, especially for people on the road to better health. As a Certified Medical Reiki Master (CMRM ) Torok provides insight into the true benefits of Reiki and how they can and should be used in medical facilities.

Torok’s impulsiveness and ability to listen to her inner voice is refreshing to read. Not many would consider giving up a job with such stability, but it’s part of what makes her story compelling. It is this intuitive faith and unique experience that makes her so inspiring. She makes Reiki feel less like an exclusive new-age experience and more of a way for everyone to receive the energy they could be missing. For her it was a higher calling, and it seems this informative book is too.

It’s also a valuable guide for those who are unsure about how to set up an appointment and receive the service. We are coached on how to find the right practicer, joining group settings, and what questions to ask when booking. She explains the process clearly and effectively.

Torok provides readers with a clear path to becoming a Reiki practitioner too, explaining the different levels you can reach and the timeframe and practice it’ll take to get there. Reiki could be a beneficial business path since many top medical facilities are looking to integrate the practice into their standard care options. Sometimes it feels this business aspect switches audiences—from recipients of the service to people seeking Reiki as business—but it always returns to its primary audience in the end.

See Reiki for what it really is: a way to amplify both physical and mental healing with Reiki in Integrative Medicine. This is a book that everyone can take something from.


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Book Review: The Infinity Connection https://independentbookreview.com/2025/04/21/book-review-the-infinity-connection/ https://independentbookreview.com/2025/04/21/book-review-the-infinity-connection/#respond Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:11:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=85963 THE INFINITY CONNECTION by Laura Fienor is an exploration of the boundless self and universe, urging us to embrace our role in making the world a better place. Reviewed by Samantha Hui.

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The Infinity Connection

by Laura Fienor

Genre: Nonfiction / Philosophy / Spirituality

ISBN: 9781763829503

Print Length: 200 pages

Reviewed by Samantha Hui

An exploration of the boundless self and universe, urging us to embrace our role in making the world a better place

“Openness, receptivity, and a willingness to value and heed signs is, then, a sure way to invite their proliferation and trust the help being provided by Infinity.”

Australian author Laura Fienor tackles the vast and multifaceted concept of infinity with passion and knowledge across disciplines. Drawing from a rich tapestry of cross-cultural and multidisciplinary sources, the book explores how the idea of infinity intersects with various religious, scientific, spiritual, and indigenous traditions. At its heart, the book encourages readers to embrace a deeper, more interconnected understanding of existence, promoting unity both within oneself and with the world around us.

“What each person does in a single life can, indeed, be a tapestry of interwoven threads. Ideas, experiences, and actions that may have originally seemed irrelevant, challenging, or disparate, can prove to be deeply and profoundly interconnected when an individual comes to a conscious awareness of their greater soul purpose.”

Infinity is often associated with the idea of boundlessness, something that exists beyond the constraints of time and space. It is viewed in spiritual contexts as wisdom, grace, love, oneness, and the self: both individual and universal. Fienor uses this concept to weave a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries, aiming to unite readers in their shared understanding of infinity. The book moves between ancient wisdom and new-age theories, blending scientific and spiritual perspectives with practical, actionable advice on how embracing infinity can lead to a more altruistic, meaningful life.

“The best path forward is to not fear or resist change and what the future holds – everything that happens is a crucial part of life’s journey, and it is a mark of wisdom if an individual is able to acknowledge the spiritual advancement that lies in the experience of negative (as well as positive) life events.”

The structure of The Infinity Connection is well-organized and accessible, guiding the reader through its complex subject matter. The book opens with an introduction that outlines the varied meanings and visual symbolisms of infinity, establishing a foundation for the chapters that follow. 

It is divided into three main parts: Part 1 focuses on new-age and mystical theories, Part 2 addresses quantum and spiritual perspectives, and Part 3 provides practical activities for readers to implement in their daily lives. The appendix offers further insights for those looking to explore the subject in greater depth. At each stage, Fienor provides concrete examples of what embracing or failing to embrace infinity looks like in practice, helping readers relate to the material in a personal way.

“These philosophies link back to the notion of the oneness of all things, and the fact that humans are always participating in a universe that is acting in partnership with them. In other words, people of the world are one, as they belong to a planet that lives and breathes as a single organism (thus when any part of the interconnected whole is damaged, everybody is affected).”

The content flows seamlessly from modern new-age thinking into the ancient and indigenous perspectives on infinity. This transition makes the book both intellectually stimulating and accessible to readers from various backgrounds. Additionally, Fienor’s emphasis on indigenous knowledge and honoring nature stands out as an important aspect of the book. By grounding much of her material in these traditions, she ensures that the wisdom of these cultures is not lost, creating a richer, more holistic understanding of infinity.

However, while the book offers a compelling exploration of infinity, at times, the text can repeat itself, with some concepts being revisited without significant elaboration. While the book does provide some examples of what embracing or failing to embrace infinity looks like, many of these examples are abstract or generalized. Real-world examples may have been helpful in grounding the ideas in a way that readers could more easily relate to and apply in their own lives.

“Ultimately, after determining the higher cause that brings greatest inspiration, it is possible to work independently or with other like-minded individuals to create a preferred reality. In working to make the world a better place, Infinity recognises determination and commitment, and strives to bring both inspiration and assistance to those who are positive and open to receiving support.”

The Infinity Connection offers an intriguing and accessible exploration of a complex and vast topic. The book invites readers to see beyond materialistic goals and embrace a more connected, purposeful existence rooted in the infinite nature of life and the universe. While it may be better suited to those interested in new-age thinking or spiritual exploration, it is also valuable for anyone curious about cross-cultural philosophies and the interconnectedness of existence. 

Ultimately, Fienor presents a powerful call to action for a more altruistic and unified approach to life, encouraging readers to see themselves as part of the infinite flow of existence and to act with that understanding in mind.


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Book Review: Cracking the Shell of the Egg https://independentbookreview.com/2025/03/25/book-review-cracking-the-shell-of-the-egg/ https://independentbookreview.com/2025/03/25/book-review-cracking-the-shell-of-the-egg/#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:43:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=85573 CRACKING THE SHELL OF THE EGG by Craig Philip Staufenberg is a poetic & spiritual journey that sheds a new perspective on every page. Reviewed by Josie Prado.

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Cracking the Shell of the Egg

by Craig Philip Staufenberg

Genre: Poetry / Spirituality

Print Length: 65 pages

Reviewed by Josie Prado

A poetic & spiritual journey that sheds a new perspective on every page

The question of what happens when we die is one that humanity has pondered for eons. Who, or what, is waiting on the other side for us? Craig Philip Staufenberg’s, Cracking the Shell of the Egg, tackles mortality and the spiritual realm with adeptness and beauty. 

Through a unique story of spiritual and physical illnesses with no real explanation, the collection’s fragmented poetry transcends time and the corporeal realm. Otherness, disability, and unexplained events are also huge topics in Cracking the Shell of the Egg. Here, readers are given the chance to hatch—to prick the outside of the shell gently and break through.

I loved how introspective and meditative Cracking the Shell of the Egg was. There’s a constant repetition of “He told me,” as though Staufenberg is having a conversation with his inner self. Staufenberg is an observer and a participant in his own life. He even writes, “He told me to leave in all of his circles, / his contradictions, his hypocrisies,” at the very beginning of the book. This bold beginning might confuse some readers initially, but it’s an attention-grabber that lingers. The poetic style is expressive without sacrificing quality, and the verbiage is simple yet sagacious. 

The poetry braids in the experiences of other people too—an effect that proves all the more compelling in the end. In one instance, we’re introduced to Maia, a woman who “brought shadow people with her everywhere she went.” Rather than focus on Maia and her shadow people, the poem ends up being about setting boundaries as Staufenberg banishes them. Staufenberg utilizes this method a lot, using the spiritual to unearth psychological pain. Thus, rather than be afraid of the gift of seeing these entities, it’s instead shared as important to gain control. This approach is fascinating and functions well.

The book’s mystery is also enhanced by a purposeful direction and pure poetic skill. There are no hyperbolic or scandalous phrases for entertainment purposes—instead a clear version of mysterious events. In a distinct moment, he’s in Italy and an older woman whispers to him. But then he is feeling disconnected from his body and the rest of the outer world. The matter-of-fact tone makes it believable and even goosebump-inducing. While he’s eventually put back together, the event is unforgettable for both him and us.

Equipped with enough philosophy to challenge comfortable readers and enough mysticism to broaden their horizons, Cracking the Shell of the Egg is an easy recommendation for numinous individuals. The book’s got much to teach; so start pecking. Hatch. See the world from a new point of view.


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Book Review: 11th Hour Awakening https://independentbookreview.com/2025/03/10/book-review-11th-hour-awakening/ https://independentbookreview.com/2025/03/10/book-review-11th-hour-awakening/#respond Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:30:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=85407 11TH HOUR AWAKENING by Anamikos is an insightful and thoughtful guide that blends social commentary, spiritual guidance, and humorous advice to help usher in a new era of global consciousness.

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11th Hour Awakening

by Anamikos

Genre: Nonfiction / Spirituality

ISBN: 9781917667692

Print Length: 314 pages

Reviewed by John M. Murray

An insightful and thoughtful guide that blends social commentary, spiritual guidance, and humorous advice to help usher in a new era of global consciousness

Touted as a manual for the human body and mind, 11th Hour Awakening lays out a framework for achieving personal and societal growth. The guide suggests that humanity is currently in a time of crisis from misguided social conflicts to outright corruption. Above it all is the clear message that society involves the individual and the collective. The core thread running throughout the guide is a focus on mental well-being, not just how it can affect others but also how fostering peace can allow you to enjoy life more fully.

After establishing the circumstances and importance of action, the guide delivers deeper into the human condition. Through eighteen specific “desires,” much of human conflict can be examined, adjusted, and corrected. This includes obvious ones like the desire to be perfect, to win, or to amass power. The guide then shifts into a broader overview of consciousness as framed through Eastern philosophies, which the author does note might clash with the reader’s worldview but gently encourages open-mindedness.

One of the most intriguing elements of the guide is a modern and agnostic revisal of the Biblical Ten Commandments. The Enhancements as they’re called continue the shift toward action by providing a digestible list of how to improve at the individual level. While the framework is more Eastern and spiritual, the core message is accessible with an urgent push to more positive interactions—both with one’s mind and interactions with others. 

The writing style evokes a patient teacher, one eager to help but also aware that the teacher cannot force action. The guide establishes scientific studies to inject a sense of authority and pulls from a variety of sources like the Bible, Buddhism, and meditative practices. 

The guide maintains a level of gentleness and humor throughout that helps the material feel accessible and engaging. I wouldn’t have minded some clearer delineations between the subjects, such as grouping desires together into their own section to increase readability, but overall, this doesn’t cause too much of a reading disturbance.

Even if someone isn’t spiritual, the guide is accessible and actionable toward improving mental health. The focus is on humanity as a whole, but much of the information is directly applied at the individual level including meditating or reframing negative thoughts. It’s a positive and thoughtful approach to what ails the world written in a gentle and lighthearted voice.


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Book Review: Empathic Evolution https://independentbookreview.com/2025/02/12/book-review-empathic-evolution/ https://independentbookreview.com/2025/02/12/book-review-empathic-evolution/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=84947 EMPATHIC EVOLUTION by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore is a reminder of how the Universe has our backs. Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth.

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Empathic Evolution

by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore

Genre: Nonfiction / New Age

ISBN: 9781950984114

Print Length: 248 pages

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

In which Jennifer Moore reminds us the Universe has our backs

The latest Jennifer Moore book couldn’t have come at a better time. Empathic Evolution elevates the spirit and guides people on how they can thrive in a chaotic world. Readers who enjoyed book one, Empathic Mastery, are in for a treat to upgrade their spiritual life with this one. 

New readers are introduced to the Council of We, the spirit group channeling through Moore. They teach readers how to overcome fear and maintain peace no matter the circumstances. Anybody who has read Jane Roberts’ The Seth Material may be familiar with this form of channeled work.

Empathic Evolution provides plenty of meditation and affirmation exercises throughout the book. There are seven chapters noticeably dedicated to the needs of the seven chakras (spiritual wheels): Root, Vessel (Sacral), The Will (Solar Plexus), The Heart, Voice (Throat), Mind (Third Eye), and Bloom (Crown). According to the Council of We, if we nourish these spiritual pinpoints, we will become better souls. Fear’s illusionary power and the true meaning of being rich are just two of the topics explored with great clarity and intelligence in this book.

Fear holds us back from so many things. Fear can make us small and powerless. Fortunately, Moore has emphasized an evasive truth: Fear is nothing but an illusion. Initially, fear can look like a frightening lion, but from a higher perspective, once you’ve overcome fear, it becomes nothing more than a spicy kitten. 

This book reminds readers how powerful we are and the Universe will be there to provide when we feel our most vulnerable and scared. The book’s “Root” chapter reads like a comforting hand on one’s shoulder. To fulfill the “root” of our being, we need safety. Not just a physical place to feel safe, but deep down knowing everything will be ok.

True wealth is discussed further along in Empathic Evolution.We’re used to the idea that being rich is all about fast cars, big houses, and Birkin bags. The Council of We’s meaning of rich is being spiritually infinite. One can’t have physical riches without spiritual riches. Plus, it also means infinite generosity. That is not to say you must give all of your physical possessions but more that you must take care of your own needs first and then take care of others. I love how the book mentions this part out loud. How can you share wealth if you don’t grow your own garden of wealth first?

Empathic Evolution is an absolute keeper. Those who read uplifting new-age nonfiction will love this book. In some moments, I felt lifted in ways I’ve never even considered before. My limiting beliefs clashed with certain things that no longer served me. If you’re looking for a mind-opening book to enrich your soul, Empathic Evolution is it.


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Book Review: The Principles of Creation https://independentbookreview.com/2024/10/24/book-review-the-principles-of-creation/ https://independentbookreview.com/2024/10/24/book-review-the-principles-of-creation/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:56:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=83175 THE PRINCIPLES OF CREATION by Tejas Hiremani is an experiential book that defies genre exploring life through an eclectic discourse bookended by a pair of strange wondrous stories. Reviewed by John M. Murray.

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The Principles of Creation

by Tejas Hiremani

Genre: Hybrid / Religion & Spirituality / Science Fiction

ISBN: 9789334073690

Print Length: 170 pages

Reviewed by John M. Murray

An experiential book that defies genre exploring life through an eclectic discourse bookended by a pair of strange wondrous stories

The Principles of Creation is a book that’s hard to fit into one genre. The initial chapters detail seven principles of creation in a philosophical way, more an abstract overview than explaining the concepts to someone unfamiliar. Then the book shifts to examine actual abstract concepts such as love and hate alongside the drive to self-actualization. But the bulk of the book is broken into two stories, one a sort of parable about a man and woman on a bizarre journey and the other a recounting of an unnamed narrator’s life that blurs science fiction and philosophy.

The larger story follows the narrator and his initial encounter with the first aliens to land on Earth followed by an epic journey to the stars. The narrator embarks on a lifelong quest to understand himself in an adventure that spans eons and the galaxy. He befriends other species and even survives a void that holds the ultimate source of power before traveling through time. His life twists and turns throughout seemingly all of human experience from the tumultuous present day to the distant future.

Reading this without a clear narrative thread can be jarring. There is no introduction as the book launches into the seven principles, discusses the abstract concepts, and then becomes fiction. There’s little connecting the philosophical section to the fictional, leading to some head-scratching moments. It’s also not clear if the person discussing the principles is the same people in either story. The narrated science fiction story jumps around, doesn’t exactly introduce its characters, and continues forth with material that clashes with the seven principles.

The writing itself is intriguing with a unique rhythm and voice: “For above all, it is indelible. Infallible. Absolute. That which can neither be denied nor questioned. And yet unassuming, quiet, potent. Which, upon common assumption is the potentate that unifies mankind.” There’s a poetic quality to the writing that—even while the topic might be confusing—reading it becomes an experience in and of itself. It’s a surreal fever dream of a book that collects disparate ideas and stories with some chapters brief and nonsensical, while others are insightful exploration of human existence. The style of metaphor and allegory with poetic and grandiose language provides an unusual experience that’s oddly captivating.

The Principles of Creation is a challenging book with a unique style that blends philosophy, morality, and new-age self-help with a pair of fantastical tales.


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Book Review: Infrequent Frequencies, Rare Resonance https://independentbookreview.com/2024/09/20/book-review-infrequent-frequencies-rare-resonance/ https://independentbookreview.com/2024/09/20/book-review-infrequent-frequencies-rare-resonance/#comments Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:32:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=82349 Discover your role in the cosmos with this fascinating intersection of science and faith with INFREQUENT FREQUENCIES, RARE RESONANCE by G.E. Poole. Reviewed by Kathy L. Brown.

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Infrequent Frequencies, Rare Resonance

by G.E. Poole

Genre: Science / Spirituality

ISBN: 9781923156562

Print Length: 488 pages

Reviewed by Kathy L. Brown

Discover your role in the cosmos with this fascinating intersection of science and faith.

Infrequent Frequencies, Rare Resonance takes on the biggest of topics: life and death, good and evil, the nature of reality. This impassioned discussion will move those readers who are ready to accept its message. 

“So, if you really want to know? Herein is your answer if you can assimilate it. The species of human beings is an Experiment of Consciousness.”

The opening chapters include a survey of creation stories and myths from many cultures throughout the ages. This information sets the context for the book’s basic tenets of reality, based on the teachings of Pir O Murshid Shaikh Abdullah Isa Doughan. 

It then moves into a clear and fascinating description of various scientific principles of physics relevant to the spiritual aspects of vibration and frequency. Infrequent Frequencies takes a comparative religions approach to review the tenets of the major worldwide faiths. 

“Detailed study of each and every one of the sacred scriptures of the Hindu books, the Buddhist texts, the Zoroastrian Avesta, the Jewish Torah and Kabbalah, the Christian Bible, and the Muslim Koran will reveal the exact same Truth in many different ways and forms, from different angles, from different times, with different emphasis.”

This section also highlights key, although sometimes obscure, faith leaders and teachers, such as Vivekananda, H.I. Khan, and Ramakrishna. After an insightful discussion of death and dying, it closes with recommendations for increasing the world’s vibrational frequency through personal spiritual development.

Infrequent Frequencies looks to a Higher Power, generally in terms of a monotheistic deity, as the driving force behind human spiritual development and enlightenment. The wise contributions of Buddhism and the Tao to our understanding of an optimal inner life are also discussed. Long sections of sacred texts and teachings are quoted to provide primary sources. Pagan faiths, Earth religions, and atheist ethical philosophies are not part of this book’s stated paradigm. 

The book is written in direct address to the reader in a lively, matter-of-fact voice that is entertaining, enjoyable, and often humorous. I found the science section most interesting and enjoyed learning about the relationships among sound waves, music, and math, as well as the origin of ideas like harmonics and the “music of the spheres.” It’s always a treat to hear from engaging and informed voices like G.E. Poole.

I could have benefited from some discussion questions, journal prompts, or other specific activities to help me internalize the information presented though. Some words and terms could use more definition or explanation than what was provided too. Infrequent Frequencies… does provide a good selection of suggested readings and source material.

This book is chock-full of great things to talk about in faith group discussions, no matter the denomination.


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Book Review: Awaken Your Intuition https://independentbookreview.com/2024/07/18/book-review-awaken-your-intuition/ https://independentbookreview.com/2024/07/18/book-review-awaken-your-intuition/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:41:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=80659 AWAKEN YOUR INTUITION by Cari Roy is a spiritual compass on how to turn premonitions into success. Reviewed by Jadidsa Perez.

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Awaken Your Intuition

by Cari Roy

Genre: Nonfiction / Self-Help / Spirituality

ISBN: 9798350949988

Print Length: 194 pages

Reviewed by Jadidsa Perez

A spiritual compass on how to turn premonitions into success

When faced with an overwhelming decision or meeting a new person, there can be a cautionary feeling that arises seemingly out of nowhere. It may nudge you in a certain direction or push you away from a stranger, but there is no analytical basis for this feeling. 

Cari Roy, author of Awaken Your Intuition, tells us that this feeling is not just inherent but can be cultivated into a powerful ally for women. As Roy writes, intuition is “…more than just a random gut feeling or quick guesses; indeed, intuition is the secret language of the soul, a vast reservoir of insight that guides us toward our true direction in both personal and professional lives.” For those who are newly spiritual and may not know all the facets of intuition, Roy’s book is a cosmic first step into understanding this otherwise mysterious sentiment. 

Awaken Your Intuition starts with an engaging opener. This is where Roy expresses her first interaction with psychic abilities. Rather than bombard the reader with terms describing intuition, it shows the reader what intuition is and how it can form from an early age. Introducing intuition from the lens of the author as a young child will definitely make beginners feel less intimidated. In this way, you can understand the ways in which spirituality and trust form intuition and see it blossom as the narrator hones her skill over time. 

Roy continues with this momentum by including a letter to readers and preemptively answers questions. There’s a passion that leaps from the page that makes intuition feel more possible.

Many self-help books include a portion where they call the reader to action and provide different ways they can hone the topic’s usefulness in their everyday life. In this book, Roy urges the reader to tap into their intuition by writing a letter, seeking out various forms of therapy, and integrating into community groups. There’s a strong emphasis on how the exploration of intuition is communal, not solitary. I really enjoyed Roy’s exploration of this perspective, especially the connection between empathy, intuition, and friendship. 

The link between the subconscious mind and career goals is quite captivating as well. There aren’t many pieces more practical than those that make a difference in your career. It’s easy to feel empowered after reading this book.

I would happily recommend this book to women readers looking to transform their spirituality and become more in tune with themselves, the choices they make, and the world around them. Awaken Your Intuition really does have a lot to offer.


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Book Review: The Destiny Book https://independentbookreview.com/2024/07/12/book-review-the-destiny-book/ https://independentbookreview.com/2024/07/12/book-review-the-destiny-book/#respond Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:26:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=80568 THE DESTINY BOOK by Helena Lind is a spiritual book that inspires thoughtful reflection about destiny’s role in humanity’s search for meaning. Reviewed by Susan Morris.

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The Destiny Book

by Helena Lind

Genre: Nonfiction / Spirituality

ISBN: 9781945884818

Print Length: 310 pages

Reviewed by Susan Morris

A spiritual book that inspires thoughtful reflection about destiny’s role in humanity’s search for meaning

In the preface to her book, The Destiny Book: Rediscovering the Mother of Spirituality, Helena Lind presents a profound conclusion: “Whether we are aware of it or not or believe in anything, we all share in our collective human Destiny.” But what is this destiny? The exploration begins with chapter 1.

Much of this book focuses on providing evidence on how humanity seeks purpose and understanding of the hard-to-explain or even unexplainable parts of life, whether from organized religion, belief in a fatalistic force like fate or destiny or some other less well-recognized form of individual spirituality.

“Numbers do matter. Worldwide, many, many millions believe in Destiny, also referring to it as fate.”

This is an extensive study on the concept of destiny that includes just about every topic related to it that you can ask for. If you’re looking for a multi-faceted, intricate conversation on destiny, this book will be a valuable resource. Religions, mythologies, philosophies, free will, determinism, serendipity—you name it, this book’s got it. And most from a refreshing perspective. 

This book is a particularly good fit for those already entrenched in the fatalistic concepts; some of the conversations can be quite lofty. At times, I longed for more detailed context of the argument rather than the supporting argument in its favor.

To me, destiny has frequently meant fate, luck, and the unfortunate (or super fortunate) ways of the world; in essence, it’s an explanation for the hard-to-explain or even unexplainable parts of life; or stated another way, it’s one possible explanation for things outside of human control. So we are forced to ask, “How is destiny the Mother of Spirituality?”

This is not an easy book, even for those who frequently read philosophical and spiritual texts. Some of the brightest takeaway moments bring clarity to some complicated topics.

[Destiny] is a faith-independent force embedded in humanity’s requirement for a higher source of attention, acceptance, balance, justice, and order. It is a legitimate spiritual alternative, and it can delight with a liberating perspective that continues to touch the lives of millions of people throughout the world.”

But what is the difference between fate and destiny? “Destiny gives the advantage of choosing which route to take, while fate is more a predetermined, unalterable course, sometimes seen as a one-way street. Fate is predominantly irrevocably woven to happen, no matter what.”

By the end, I was still asking, How is destiny the “Mother Spirituality,” and in what way do we share a “collective human destiny?” More importantly, how does a person apply this to our life? This is an in-depth introduction to these concepts, but some answers are best fit for the next book.

Will you leave with questions? Sure! But in some ways, you are supposed to. Lind is a captivating voice with apparent intellect and care for her subject. It’d be impossible to leave this book without a deeper interest on destiny’s role as a spiritual practice.


Thank you for reading Susan Morris’s book review of The Destiny Book by Helena Lind! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Book Review: Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness https://independentbookreview.com/2024/05/29/book-review-journey-of-awakening-and-higher-consciousness/ https://independentbookreview.com/2024/05/29/book-review-journey-of-awakening-and-higher-consciousness/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 13:10:00 +0000 https://independentbookreview.com/?p=79927 JOURNEY OF AWAKENING AND HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS by Jane Kim Yu is a heartfelt meditation on the miracle of our existence and how to become more open to embracing it. Reviewed by Erica Ball.

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Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness

by Jane Kim Yu

Genre: Nonfiction / Self-Help / Spirituality

ISBN: 9781649539113

Print Length: 236 pages

Reviewed by Erica Ball

A heartfelt meditation on the miracle of our existence and how to become more open to embracing it

In Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness, author Jane Kim Yu guides us to a deeper understanding of being alive. From her unexplained illness as a child to a spiritual epiphany in college and beyond, in this book she traverses a life of exploring the largest questions of life and meaning.

Yu has a great deal of value to share, and she says it in a voice tinged with poetic prose. Topics covered here include many of the big conundrums of life—the “why am I here” type questions—as well as the importance of intuition, events unfolding in their own time, and the unity of all people. She also discusses the loneliness that people can experience if they believe they are the only ones on such a journey; adding her own personal story helps this discussion greatly. Yu’s common answer and refrain is to return to love and to marvel at the miracle that any of us exist at all. 

The author zeroes in on some practical tips of pursuing a deepening spiritual practice with meditation, prayer, and creative expressions of different types. This is perhaps the strongest part of the book, as it offers concrete suggestions and explains why the author considers them helpful.

Some readers might disagree with some of the sweeping statements—“Everyone wants to go on that diet and lose 20-30 lbs”—and stumble through the occasional metaphor, but I would encourage readers not to dive too critically into those because the message of the whole is something so valuable.

Much of Yu’s discussion is drawn from or influenced by other works, and which ones aren’t always clear. Some readers may recognize them, but specific attribution can be missing. These particulars aside, the content is rich and fascinating and will appeal to those interested in spiritual self-help, especially those who have had transcendental experiences similar to the author’s own. 

This is an intimate and poetic book that readers of spiritual memoirs will find intriguing. Though she appeals to a variety of faiths and practices, it will be of particular interest to those of a Christian background, as her language of Heaven and God is mainly drawn from that one. 

Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness is a spiritual expedition—an attempt to describe the indescribable. Here, the author grapples with the biggest questions of all and comes back again and again with answers that are profoundly simple and have been within us the whole time.


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