Awake Academy: Know yourself, grow yourself and live a happier, more purposeful life

by Tess Brouwer, Layne Beachley

Layne Beachley, one of the world’s most successful surfers, and Tess Brouwer, once Virgin Australia’s Head of Partnerships, met while both at the top of their game. Then, their lives took a radical turn. Layne was burnt out and overwhelmed, feeling lost and lacking purpose following her 19-year professional surfing career. On the other side of the world, an accident left Tess in need of two spinal operations, facing seven months in and out of hospital with no guarantees of what life would look like on the other side. They both needed a toolkit to rebuild their lives.

Together, Tess and Layne went on to create Awake Academy, delivering world-class transformational programs to people and businesses globally. Their lived-and-learned method has since helped thousands wake up with a renewed sense of purpose and deeper self-love, even – often especially – following heartbreak, loss and trauma.

Now, for the first time, Layne and Tess share their powerful formula on the page.

Structured by the three main pillars – Awareness, Alignment, and Awakening – this book features their inspiring personal stories along with easy-to-apply positive psychology principles, and practical exercises to boost your energy, emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy.

With their guidance, you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself while gaining skills to combat uncertainty, strengthen connections, boost your confidence to embrace challenges, and live a happier, more purposeful life.

So, are you ready to detach from fear, take control and live a life you love?

'Real. Raw. Vulnerable. Helpful.' - Ben Crowe

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Carolinda Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all face challenges in life and search for direction or confirmation that we are taking the right path, but sometimes things go wrong - and when they do, it takes all our resources to recover, let alone to try and thrive again. Tess and Layne share their personal stories of triumph over adversity using the tools you can learn about in this book. You don't have to become a 7 times world champion like Layne or to have to completely rebuild your life from scratch as Tess did after suffering a severe spinal cord injury to benefit from the valuable teachings and activities in this book. Their advice, teachings, practical explorations, exercises, and personal stories shared in this book are the same tools Tess and Layne use. This toolkit has enabled them to cope with the challenges life has given them and thrive – to overcome and achieve all they have and continue to reach for. We can all benefit from what they have learned. This isn't just 'passed on' information; they know what works because they use the tools. Tess and Layne are true examples of owning their truths and loving and living life according to their own personal road maps, leading to a significantly improved sense of self, purpose, and fulfillment. It's healthier, too!

[Elizabeth Liakimatagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you! Tess & layne for sharing your own life experiences with us.

I have recently left an abusive relationship , and reading your book helped keep me going , it helped me to find strength in continuing on my healing and growth journey.

I found the activities very helpful and insightful. I have learnt alot about myself over these last few months , as I was reading more and more .

You ladies are both! Inspirations to me.

Thank you! For giving me the strength , knowledge and confidence to look more within myself.

I still have days where I will sadly criticse myself or compare myself to others, but most of the time now I don't. I just accept me for me and and always trying to better myself and my knowledge about why I have gone through through I've been through. Helping to look within has definitely helped so thank you both! For suggesting that :).

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3★ – A heartfelt nudge toward self-growth

Awake Academy is an encouraging and reflective read that starts off with a powerful message: know yourself, grow yourself, and live with intention. Layne Beachley’s story is genuinely inspiring, her strength, resilience, and honesty shine through, and I really admire the courage she brings to the page.

While the momentum dipped for me partway through, the book still offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves and create more purpose in their life. It feels like a kind, motivating nudge, a reminder that growth is possible, and that we all have the power to change our path.

If you’re starting your self-discovery journey or looking for inspiration from someone who’s truly walked the walk, this is a great place to begin.