Living in Wisdom: A Path to Embodying Your Authentic Self, Embracing Grief, and Developing Self-Mastery

by Devi Brown

From Devi Brown, master well-being educator and voice of the Chopra app, this full-bodied guide offers inside-out advice for getting unstuck, relieving your internal suffering, and harnessing the power of your authentic self for true personal growth. We endure so much over the course of our lives. Some of it is beautiful; some of it traumatic and sometimes, that trauma can keep us from realizing and embracing all the good we cultivate; our successes and achievements and positive relationships. This book is for those who feel like something in life is missing, like they want to change some aspect of their lives or themselves, but are being held back as they are denying the true origin of these feelings ... so they are stuck. They may be high-achievers and externally, their life looks perfect, yet they are struggling to accept themselves, or even like themselves. They lack the tools, self-trust and personal power to make their ideal life real. In this space, Devi Brown offers help for those struggling to recognize the barriers that keep them from experiencing joy, vulnerability, and self-knowledge. Sharing the wisdom she has gathered as a healer and master well-being educator, Brown guides readers along the path to self-mastery through a combination of spirituality, psychology, ancient wisdom traditions, edgy holistic self-care, and her own inspiring and surprising life experiences. Readers Learn aligned decision-making Gain practices to alleviate internal suffering Expand awareness of their unhelpful patterns Discover an integrated approach to self-love and self-acceptance Live in embodied wellness For all those seeking self-improvement, this is an essential manual for getting out of your head and into your life. It is a full-bodied approach to total transformation of mind, body, and spirit. You can heal your life while fully living it. You can learn from life while enjoying it. You can cultivate a stable inner peace even amidst chaos, and release control to find the flow for your life's unique path.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

Reviews

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes. If you are looking to heal from grief, this is the book you need. If you are seeking healing from trauma, this is the book you need. If you are searching for a way to embrace your inner joy, and deep self-love, then this is the book you need!! She has understood the assignment and delivered a masterclass in the wellness space. Grade. A+.

Warning. This journey to healing is not a cake walk. You will not do a few meditations and deep breathing and say I’m good. Oh no no no. Ms. Devi Brown will slow walk you through all the necessary steps, while reminding you that some of this work may take years.

I think her discussion/explanation around meditation may be some of the clearest and cleanest I’ve ever seen in print. Also her dive into joy was enlightening and awe inspiring.

“In its fullest spiritual meaning, joy is the expression of God’s goodness. It is a deep-rooted, inspired bliss that brings with it great pleasure. It is our alleviation from suffering and the powerful reminder that not all of life will hurt. I experience joy as peace and celebration in one. Unlike happiness, which requires some sort of catalyst to make it appear, joy has a deep embodiment built from surrender and trust.”

This book serves as the syllabus for your “spiritual curriculum“ and as such I’m fully enrolled and on board. Let the work begin. Let’s go! That means you 🫵🏾 get this book and HEAL!

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a calm reading experience. Being encouraged to stop and take breaths or strike poses or meditate made it feel like the author was right next to you the whole time.
ps - this was a Goodreads giveaway book. thank you 😊

[Kayla Countryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for Devi Brown. I listened to this audio book and there were so many points where I felt her words in my SOUL. I need to get the hard copy next so that I can mark it up. This will be a book I come back to time and time again on my healing journey. If you’re grieving, changing, healing. This is the one.

[Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.

I read a lot of spirituality-focused self-help books. There are dozens of titles out there that offer regimented, step-by-step plans purporting to give the reader a clear outline of what changes to make in their life to radically change themselves. Journaling! Meditation! Energy work! These are some of the habits and activities that seem to pop up in most of these, with differing levels of commitment and in which order. For those who are put off by the seemingly impersonal, almost reprimanding tone of many of these books, Devi Brown’s Living In Wisdom will be a welcome reprieve from the wide swath of other titles on the topic.

Instead of taking a you-must-do-these-things-in-this-order approach to authenticity and self-awareness, this book unfolds more like a much-needed conversation with a friend who is deeply invested in your well-being and lending guidance as you seek it. Grouped into three parts, Living In Wisdom focuses on establishing awareness as a needed jumping off point, moving to pillars of practice and healing. Many elements are covered in other books, but Living In Wisdom encourages the reader to take time to self-reflect with the information provided and, perhaps more importantly, to ground their interest in a devotion to one’s healing, evolution, and self-care.

Having walked a difficult path to change and acceptance herself, Devi Brown includes many personal stories and first-hand accounts of how her relationships and working life have been improved by her willingness to center her healing and identify that which was blocking her path. One of my most valued insights from this book is her mention of “barriers to healing,” about which she states, “I quickly learned that I was not meant to show them— or you— how to dissolve those barriers. I am only meant to show people how to investigate the againstness they have to something.” This focus on awareness, acceptance, and internal reflection as opposed to needing to do specific things in a specific way comes across as an empowering practice, putting the capability of evolution back in the reader’s hands.

Some of my other favorite parts of this book were its chapters on movement and touch, setting boundaries, and the importance of seeking and cultivating personal joy. Having spent much reading time on the theoretical considerations of personal growth, I appreciate the encouragement to practice what feels good and to not lose sight of the necessity of joy in one’s daily practice and life overall. I think this book would be a great resource for those who are new to the topic, but also valuable to folks like me who have already read a lot of books in this theme.

[Riona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book, and I'm so sorry to give it a low rating. But this was my honest experience with it.

Perhaps the book is geared toward complete beginners on the spiritual or healing path, but there was nothing new or noteworthy discussed. I love this genre of book, and was hoping to be presented with new perspectives, be challenged, and have at least one "aha moment" or takeaway. Instead, it was surface-level content, dressed up as being spiritual.

This may not be a popular opinion, but it's my experience that the audiobook version was cringe. I had a full body feeling that the narrator was trying so hard to sound like what a spiritual teacher should sound like. It felt contrived, and at a deeper, subtle level, it felt manipulative. Those who are sensitive amongst us can tell when someone comes from a place of true embodied love and wisdom, vs those who have an idea of what a "spiritual" person should sound like. The whole book, from content to narration, felt like it was trying to fit an image, rather than being authentic and truly wise.

I am giving it two stars because I appreciate anyone who advocates for healing and self-knowledge, even if the approach felt off to me.

[Felicia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I have been holding on to past traumas and grief and didn’t realize the toll it has taken on my life until now. I lost my husband 4 years ago, becoming a young widow at the age of 35. I feel like I have been just going through the motions - taking care of the kids and the house, and literally just living in survival mode for so long. I have been trying to heal and grow emotionally and spiritually, well, really in all areas of my life. This book came at the perfect time and is wonderful guide for my journey. There are so many wonderful tips and explanations that will help to pave a path of healing and love. I may even go on a retreat or do something for myself soon. This is the first book by Devi Brown that I read, and I know it will not be my last. I listened to the audiobook and the author who also narrated did a wonderful job. Her voice is so calming and soothing. ♥️ I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review). I will purchase this book for myself when it comes out as I know this will be one that I will need to refer back to and to lend to friends. ☀️

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for the over intellectualizers and the people who tend to bypass (me!)...LOL

Throughout her entire book, Devi lovingly but sternly puts up a mirror and helps us see how and why we get stuck in our healing process. She guides us and explains what we may be feeling as we face barriers to our healing. This is not a book you only read once...this is a book that you have to come back to to help you refocus, reground you, and get you back on track to becoming your highest self.

Awareness is not enough...understanding why you behave the way you do is not enough. If we really want to change and improve our lives by relating to our pain differently, we have to practice and be deeply in process. It is not easy and it does not feel good. But I rather get there slowly than to not get there at all!

I am currently in school to become a mental health therapist, and this book will help me in also guiding my future clients.

Devi, thank you for your work and thank you for existing!

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Living in Wisdom, Devi Brown delivers a deeply personal and powerfully transformative guide for anyone seeking healing, clarity, and self-mastery. Through vulnerable storytelling and spiritual insight, Brown invites readers into her own journey of grief and renewal, while offering practical tools to navigate emotional blocks and inner turmoil. Blending ancient wisdom with modern self-care, she provides a grounded, holistic roadmap for those feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment. Endorsed by wellness leaders like Deepak Chopra and Big Sean, the book shines as a compassionate companion for those ready to release control, step into their true power, and live with purpose. Uplifting and actionable, Living in Wisdom is not just a book—it’s a return to your most authentic self.

[Mari-Lynet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I stuck in a grief rut. I began not knowing how to get out of it. I’ve tried all the methods recommended to evaluate my issue. I’ve decided to do what I do best, read. I’ve been looking for “non-self help books” written by a woman of color. Because I need someone that looks like me and understands me to help me get out of this space. I saw Devi talking on the breakfast club about her book and decided to read. I have the audio version but I’m going to purchase the physical for days I want to just quickly go back to something. There were moments I stop the book and rewinded it to hear a point twice or three times more. I had sincere moments of “this is me and I can relate”. I think if you are looking for some clarity this is great place to start.

[Natalie Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the audio book (I never listen to audio books, so that’s saying something) & listen alongside the physical book as you highlight it to pieces- you’ll thank me later.

Anyone who knows me knows Devi is a major muse for me and as always not only did this book not disappoint it invited the unexpected somehow. It felt like church, it felt like returning back home.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ps it was the PERFECT book for my holistic book club that has a focus on healing, grief, and love. Highly recommend for a book club.

[Ta-Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Devi Brown has the smoothest voice I have ever heard. Listening to her makes you want to do everything to heal yourself. There is no pressure. She speaks from the heart and experience. I learned so much about myself while listening to this. I also learned I am already on the right track to leading the life that fulfills me.

[Key Ocho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners and beautiful reminders for folks how have been doing this healing work for years.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍🏽❤️✍🏽I been expressing to fellow travelers, the UNIVERSE, Spirit Guides and the Ancestors to lead me to a resource to elevate my daily #SanityMaintenance #RageTaming practices to add to my Meditation and Breath Work... I knew something was missing. There are so many practices that could help heal this ACODF and my inner child but I needed a sign on where or what to do. Getting an invite to review this title was the UNIVERSE and the rest of the crew providing me the BluePrint I need. The step by step practices layed out is detailed and a bit intimidating, I have dabbled with everything mentioned over the decades but did not have the knowledge/science or confidence that it was helping or not to be consistent. Once I researched meditation and breath work before taking those courses years apart, I never wavered from those practices. I love how each practice is backed up by science, research in a solid daily to do list. All the research was done for me and included information about Crystals, Oils and Chakras...All laid out in a way to add them in once I get cultivated to the main menu. Having an endorsement from CTG aka Charlamagne the GOD I knew this is what I need to continue finding healing from this trauma and to lead me to my purpose. I personally believe we all have some level of personal and or inherited trauma living in and jacking up our genetic makeup. We all need a daily self-care practice especially P.O.C BIPOC PGM and all other Black Indigenous FOLKS. I believe this is a perfect practice to address all our parts. I am so glad this is one email that I saw and read. There are no coincidences.
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Devi Brown dedicated years of her life to understanding how to alchemize her own complex lived experiences from childhood into wisdom and the understanding of her most authentic self. But when a significant wave of loss and upheaval hit, Devi was surprised to find that her usual spiritual and wellness practices provided little comfort. She felt alienated from her own body, and the core wounds she thought she had mended once again felt raw. So she submitted to the breaking open and breaking apart, and what she found was that when she did, a roadmap for healing and true self-realization emerged. And that begins with embracing our pain.
In Living in Wisdom, Devi invites you to join her on that path, one that will ultimately allow you to safely excavate to the root of your discomfort so that you can connect with your highest potential for joy, creation, and ability. Weaving together spirituality, psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions, Living in Wisdom is your essential guide for acceptance of what was and ascendance to all the possibility to come. #LivinginWisdom #NetGalley