Day: July 22, 2024

Exploring Maternal Narratives: ‘A Journey into Motherhood’ Book Review

‘A Journey into Motherhood’ is an intimate look into the mind of a mother. Photo: Amazon

“A Journey Into Motherhood” navigates the journey of becoming a mother with sensitivity and insight. Monica Goodman became a single mother by taking in a baby that her friend did not want. She was young and unprepared for the challenge but remained strong and persistent knowing she was doing the right thing. Through a series of personal anecdotes, Goodman weaves a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has embarked on this life changing path.

The book explores the emotional highs and lows of motherhood, offering a candid portrayal of the challenges and joys that come along with it. Goodman’s writing is refreshingly honest, capturing the raw vulnerability of adjusting to a new identity while navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.

Chapters include:
Chapter 1: My Plans
Chapter 2: Surrender
Chapter 3: Learning Love
Chapter 4: First Three Months
Chapter 5: My Tribe
Chapter 6: Beautifully Broken
Chapter 7: Woman in the Mirror
Chapter 8: Fear and Anxiety
Chapter 9: Divine Providence
Chapter 10: Forgotten and Redemption
Chapter 11: Conclusion

It blends personal storytelling with universal themes of family, faith, and redemption, making it a compelling read for those reflecting on their own experiences. Goodman’s prose is poignant yet accessible, inviting readers to connect with her journey on a profound level. She finds strength in her faith and begins each chapter with a bible verse and includes prayers that have brought her comfort during her most difficult struggles.

Overall, “A Journey into Motherhood” is a heartfelt exploration of the power of motherhood, offering solace and wisdom to those navigating similar paths. It’s a short read and briefly touches on each subject, but it’s a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape of becoming a mother.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Reviving Psychedelic Exploration: ‘Psychedelic Revival’ by Sean Lawlor

‘Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing’ is the new book by Sean Lawlor. Photo: Amazon

Sean Lawlor, LPCC, is an author, traveler, psychedelic therapist, and regular contributor to leading sites on the topic of psychedelics, such as Psychedelics Today and Psychedelic Times. Sean has a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling from Naropa University, and he has been trained in ketamine-assisted therapy, MDMA-assisted therapy, and Internal Family Systems. He currently facilitates ketamine therapy at a clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. In his new book “Psychedelic Revival,” he invites readers on a journey into the science, spirituality, and the practice of psychedelic healing—a revival of both the first wave of pre-1960s research and ancient healing traditions with plant medicines. (Sounds True, 2024)

Psychedelics have tremendous healing potential, yet all evocative modalities should be handled with care. To make good choices, we need quality information about the prospects and pitfalls of these emerging therapeutic tools. “Psychedelic Revival” is an invaluable resource for navigating this exciting frontier in Western healing.

“Psychedelic Revival” – An expansive, multidimensional odyssey into the history, practice, and potential of psychedelic healing. Now that the stigmas against psychedelic medicine are finally lifting, there’s a lot of curiosity—and confusion—about these powerful compounds.

How can psychedelics be used safely? What are the risks? Can they truly help heal the wide variety of conditions that has garnered such international attention?

Sean Lawlor explains the possibilities and limits of psychedelics, including:

• The Western history of psychedelic medicine and recreational use
• The millennium-spanning legacy of Indigenous plant medicine traditions
• In-depth chapters on psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, mescaline, ibogaine, peyote, ayahuasca, DMT, and more
• Practical insights, from microdosing to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to transformative mystical experiences
• The shadow dimensions of psychedelics—bad trips, scientific stigmatization, inequality of access, and many other essential topics

Backed by solid research and wisdom from firsthand accounts, Lawlor guides readers into the psychedelic landscape, covering treatment methods, realistic benefits, and the legitimate dangers psychedelics can induce. Along the way, he shares exclusive interviews with luminaries such as Michael Pollan, Rick Doblin, Camille Barton, Carl Hart, Jim Fadiman, Rick Strassman, Natalie Ginsberg, Sandor Iron Rope, and many more.