By Patrick Paul Garlinger
Publication Date: November 15, 2022
231 Pages
This book provides something I don’t see enough of – spiritual direction not aimed at the novice. If you’re looking to begin your spiritual journey and want instruction on how to meditate or step by step advice on tapping into your intuition, you won’t find it here. Instead, this book is for the spiritual seeker who has most likely been on their journey for a while and has perhaps found themselves stuck or even backsliding. Someone looking to take the next step or to figure out the way forward.
The author presents several paradoxes of spiritual growth that must be embraced, or at least understood, in clear, concise, and engaging language. Some examples of these paradoxes are the linear concept of time vs. staying in the now, the concept that we are our own unique beings but also one with all of humanity, that we are matter and energy, and the concept that although we must heal our own past trauma, we are already whole and healthy.
This book is primarily theory, but that doesn’t mean you ought to skim it and stick it back on your shelf. Personally, I found a lot of thought-provoking examples relevant to me right now and spent a good bit of time journaling on them. One or two actually felt like the author had turned a spotlight on me and said, “Take note!” I loved his take on toxic positivity (something that seems to be popping up a lot recently) and that he doesn’t promote one school of thought over another. He provides background into his own life and spiritual journey, although I will admit I wish he’d delved a little deeper into his own Kundalini rising. But that’s a minor point given how much guidance is provided.
This was a wonderful addition to my spiritual toolbox and I found myself recommending it before I was halfway done. I strongly recommend it to any spiritual seeker who has possibly hit a wall or someone who enjoys a more high-level, theoretical approach to spirituality.
4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Thank you to BookSirens for providing the ARC ebook. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Until next time, thank you for visiting.
Ann Dudzinski 