by Steve Taylor
In this well written and easy to read book, Steve Taylor tells the stories of 30 people who have undergone permanent spiritual awakening after intense trauma and turmoil in their lives. With sensitivity and compassion Taylor tells these people’s amazing stories and points out how many go on to become spiritual teachers themselves, Eckhart Tolle being a prime example of this.
There is a whole section of the book called ‘Death:The Great Awakener’ which explains how those who know they are going to die can reach a point where they accept death and feel a miraculous sense of wholeness and freedom and the glory of living fully in the present.
The last section of the book is dedicated to why some people go through this experience and why it has this transformational power. This reflects upon the factor of letting go and the importance of becoming psychologically free of attachment to possessions, ambitions, status and regrets and to being more self sufficient and inwardly whole. In conclusion, the author goes on to suggest that we can all attain this level of awakening without actually putting ourselves through intense suffering and discusses how this can be achieved. The book shows us how natural spiritual awakening is to us all.
The book is inspiring because it shows us just how we can choose to make something excellent out of the worst events and experiences that life can throw at us. It helps us to face some of the fears generated in our lives in society to-day, and know that enlightenment is latent in all of us. We can build a world in which people can live in harmony with themselves and each other; and that as long as we are prepared to face up to pain and suffering, there is nothing for us to be afraid of. The wonderful people described in this book give us living examples of this.
Review by Ros Ogden
Published by Hay House UK Ltd
ISBN: 978-1-84850-254-3
I also read this book and was amazed how people have somehow “bounced back” after traumatic experiences and put their lives into perspective!
I’m Steve Taylor, the author – thanks for a wonderful review and summary of the book!