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Lori: The Disintegration of My Ordinary Reality
In the indigenous cultures of Central America, what western medicine terms a mental illness is understood as signaling the birth of a healer or shaman. Mental disorders are viewed as spiritual emergencies that require support from sages in the community who understand the connection we have to the spirit realm. A shaman walks the thin line of insanity and bliss. There is nothing casual about how this calling presents itself. Those who become shamans must make a sacrifice: The mind must be rewired in order to make room for the soul. This is what happened to Lori Morrison several years ago. Upon the death of her husband of twenty-three years, American-born Lori found herself living alone on the edge of a volcanic crater lake in El Salvador in contact with the spirits of hundreds of Mayans trapped beneath the waters waiting to be set free by her. In the throes of a full-blown mental crisis, she went from hospital ER to locked ward, to a daring adventure in the jungles of Colombia, where a team of local brujos helped her complete her transition into the role she currently plays as a healer and spiritual counselor. It is a powerful memoir of a woman coming to recognize herself and gifts that she has previously rejected so she may fulfill her destiny.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2017
72 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Lori Morrison
11 books25 followersAward Winning Author - Silver Medal Non-Fiction Book Awards, September 2017.
Combining her skills as a coach, spiritual counselor, healer, psychic intuitive, and now Award-Winning Author, Lori Morrison has built a successful practice in Sedona, Arizona, working with clients from all over the world. She has had particular success in supporting those who have experienced trauma, grief, and debilitating life events, and has dedicated herself to the use of alternative methods and ancient wisdom to reduce her clients’ reliance on antipsychotic medication.
As a counselor, she is guided by the goal of changing the framework around mental illness from one of despair to the recognition of the emergence of a creative gift that can lead to dramatic improvements in recovery. Lori currently sits on the board of directors of the Mental Health Coalition of Verde Valley, Arizona, as head of the Education Committee, where she advocates the acceptance of complementary programs for mental illness.
In the course of her education, Lori has studied the application of sacred sciences and shamanic and alternative healing methods with many of the world’s most recognized spiritual teachers and authors. Studying with many of the world’s most distinguished spiritual teachers, she has traveled the world and the spectrum of new ideas and innovative approaches to healing the body and mind.
Prior to the spiritual awakening that led Lori to her work in the spirit world and in mental health, she was an entrepreneur, having built a successful wine and gourmet food business in Central America. Lori made weekly appearances on El Salvador’s “Good Morning,” a national television program that offers information on cooking, wine pairing, and the refining of tastes in the Central American market. She also made a significant contribution to social and environmental causes through a foundation she established in El Salvador called The Amigos of Lake Ilopango, where she worked tirelessly to support the construction of health clinics, 800 homes, community churches and schools, roads, water systems, and offering disaster relief. She is especially proud of her work helping farmers with financing and technical support to plant over a thousand acres of fruit trees for long-term sustainability around Lake Ilopango. Earlier, she worked in international banking and finance in New York and Houston, and after that in international marketing for Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, California.
Combining her skills as a coach, spiritual counselor, healer, psychic intuitive, and now Award-Winning Author, Lori Morrison has built a successful practice in Sedona, Arizona, working with clients from all over the world. She has had particular success in supporting those who have experienced trauma, grief, and debilitating life events, and has dedicated herself to the use of alternative methods and ancient wisdom to reduce her clients’ reliance on antipsychotic medication.
As a counselor, she is guided by the goal of changing the framework around mental illness from one of despair to the recognition of the emergence of a creative gift that can lead to dramatic improvements in recovery. Lori currently sits on the board of directors of the Mental Health Coalition of Verde Valley, Arizona, as head of the Education Committee, where she advocates the acceptance of complementary programs for mental illness.
In the course of her education, Lori has studied the application of sacred sciences and shamanic and alternative healing methods with many of the world’s most recognized spiritual teachers and authors. Studying with many of the world’s most distinguished spiritual teachers, she has traveled the world and the spectrum of new ideas and innovative approaches to healing the body and mind.
Prior to the spiritual awakening that led Lori to her work in the spirit world and in mental health, she was an entrepreneur, having built a successful wine and gourmet food business in Central America. Lori made weekly appearances on El Salvador’s “Good Morning,” a national television program that offers information on cooking, wine pairing, and the refining of tastes in the Central American market. She also made a significant contribution to social and environmental causes through a foundation she established in El Salvador called The Amigos of Lake Ilopango, where she worked tirelessly to support the construction of health clinics, 800 homes, community churches and schools, roads, water systems, and offering disaster relief. She is especially proud of her work helping farmers with financing and technical support to plant over a thousand acres of fruit trees for long-term sustainability around Lake Ilopango. Earlier, she worked in international banking and finance in New York and Houston, and after that in international marketing for Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, California.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2017
Let me preface my review by saying that I do believe that our souls live forever and our lives here are just a journey to someplace better. That being said, the author has the same feelings especially after her beloved husband dies.
In the novel, Lori Morrison describes in great detail her journey into the realm of the spirit world. She travels extensively from America to South America searching for answers while being infected with evil spirits. She visits shamans herself claiming eventually to be one, as she tries to rid herself of evil and even eventually finds herself in a mental facility in America, which some will definitely think is warranted. She traces herself back to the Mayan culture and believes she has a jaguar protecting her and goes through many ritualistic occasions with those who claim they can heal. Within that mental health facility, she claims to heal others and then takes the reader forward in her life.
It is not that I do not sympathize Lori and understand Lori's intense grief. It is the giant leaps she asks the reader to make that define what one commonly feel is reality. In reading the synopsis of her life, she has done some really good things for others, particularly those who lived in El Salvador where she and her husband resided. It is in the intense retelling of her experiences with some might label the occult that her story often falls flat for it unbelievably and improbable issues. I am happy that she found solace but have to question her ways of finding it.
Read through NetGalley and Four Jaguars Press an advanced copy of this novel.
In the novel, Lori Morrison describes in great detail her journey into the realm of the spirit world. She travels extensively from America to South America searching for answers while being infected with evil spirits. She visits shamans herself claiming eventually to be one, as she tries to rid herself of evil and even eventually finds herself in a mental facility in America, which some will definitely think is warranted. She traces herself back to the Mayan culture and believes she has a jaguar protecting her and goes through many ritualistic occasions with those who claim they can heal. Within that mental health facility, she claims to heal others and then takes the reader forward in her life.
It is not that I do not sympathize Lori and understand Lori's intense grief. It is the giant leaps she asks the reader to make that define what one commonly feel is reality. In reading the synopsis of her life, she has done some really good things for others, particularly those who lived in El Salvador where she and her husband resided. It is in the intense retelling of her experiences with some might label the occult that her story often falls flat for it unbelievably and improbable issues. I am happy that she found solace but have to question her ways of finding it.
Read through NetGalley and Four Jaguars Press an advanced copy of this novel.
August 18, 2019
This book had a good premise but the way that it is written is so utterly bland and boring that I just couldn't get into it. I was thinking that it could be the translation that is making it so bland so I gave it a little longer for me to immerse myself into the story but I just failed to do so.
Also there's not very much said about the main character who is also the narrator of this book so it is very difficult to relate to her in any way.
All together I didn't like it but I didn't hate it either.
Also there's not very much said about the main character who is also the narrator of this book so it is very difficult to relate to her in any way.
All together I didn't like it but I didn't hate it either.
June 18, 2019
This ebook was provided by NetGalley for review.
This is a wonderful book describing a woman's soul searching in the wake of her husband's death, her blissful and terrifying descent into what is seen by society as mental illness, and her ultimate triumph when she comes into her own power. Highly recommend.
This is a wonderful book describing a woman's soul searching in the wake of her husband's death, her blissful and terrifying descent into what is seen by society as mental illness, and her ultimate triumph when she comes into her own power. Highly recommend.
August 11, 2017
Author Lori Morrison writes about the process of losing herself after the loss of her beloved husband and the complete spiritual breakdown which eventually lands her in a life she could have never imagined. The challenging adventure she takes to wellness is all-encompassing and I'm not sure I could have had her strength, but the journey is a testament to the profound reality that we are so much more than most of us believe. There were many moments in this book I know I will remember and some wonderful quotes from her spirit guides and her departed but not dead husband Tino, including this: "If we knew everything, what would there be to seek or look forward to?"
And my favorite quote: "The universe is always greater than our hopes."
And my favorite quote: "The universe is always greater than our hopes."
August 12, 2017
Thank you for sharing your spiritual experiences of growth and transformation with us through your book. You are articulate, easy to read, and your book was to the point of your Spiritual Awakening. (read it 2 sittings…. into the night, and the next morning)
I think that setting up your background and life before Tino’s death, helps to show that you were a “regular” person, living what you thought was a “regular” material life (I could relate to your upbringing, education, career… etc.) And then you were spiritually awakened through this emotional experience (this would be the part that most people could not imaging going through, but you allowed us to share your long and arduous journey to who you are now and why you have the gifts that you now share).
All of this didn’t just randomly happen to you, you were born for this to be your life experience. That every step of your life, meeting Tino, moving to El Salvador, living there, unknowingly immersed in the Mayan culture and energies, would all be a part of your Spiritual Awakening”. Your intelligence and perseverance also guided your transformation. I was impressed by the “work” that it took to get through this awakening process, and I understand, why it would take a long time to accept that this was a “gift”.
It was fascinating to delve into the world of the Shaman. I knew a little about how they worked, but this gave me much more understanding and insight. Again, this helps to understand the work that you do now.
I appreciate knowing that it took experience and effort to separate your spiritual voices and that you understand the difference between the voices that you “tap” into. It does matter, where your information comes from. The whole story, helps to make you “believable”.
I think that setting up your background and life before Tino’s death, helps to show that you were a “regular” person, living what you thought was a “regular” material life (I could relate to your upbringing, education, career… etc.) And then you were spiritually awakened through this emotional experience (this would be the part that most people could not imaging going through, but you allowed us to share your long and arduous journey to who you are now and why you have the gifts that you now share).
All of this didn’t just randomly happen to you, you were born for this to be your life experience. That every step of your life, meeting Tino, moving to El Salvador, living there, unknowingly immersed in the Mayan culture and energies, would all be a part of your Spiritual Awakening”. Your intelligence and perseverance also guided your transformation. I was impressed by the “work” that it took to get through this awakening process, and I understand, why it would take a long time to accept that this was a “gift”.
It was fascinating to delve into the world of the Shaman. I knew a little about how they worked, but this gave me much more understanding and insight. Again, this helps to understand the work that you do now.
I appreciate knowing that it took experience and effort to separate your spiritual voices and that you understand the difference between the voices that you “tap” into. It does matter, where your information comes from. The whole story, helps to make you “believable”.
July 19, 2017
In this memoir Lori Morrison tells about her spiritual journey and finding her place in this world.
I enjoy books about the spiritual ; I especially like learning bout religious and spiritual beliefs that are different from my own. I sat down with my copy of this book excited to learn about a new set of beliefs.
Unfortunately, I became bored very quickly. Morrison wasn't able to make me connect to her on a personal level. The book is rife with mundane matters and spends more time telling me about who her husband was as a person that anything about herself. Sure I knew her accomplishments and love for husband, but id didn't know her so I wasn't as invested when she began her journey. I was so interested in everything she was learning but the writing did nothing to capture her true feelings and how the events affected her. She describes everything n a very clinical matter and by the time she goes to the mental institution, I have trouble defending her absolute distrust of medicine and her idea that she could cure everyone when doctors could not.
The one thing the book did do was make me curious about her clinic and her profession as someone who deals with mental problem using complimentary aspects of spiritual and medicine. As some one with a psychology background, I can truly get behind this and as I delved further into the book I could see Morrison start s to understand how the two work together. I am interested in finding out more about her actually philosophical ideas about treatment and how all sides can used to together to create a harmonious human being.
I received an ARC for review purposes and all opinions are my own.
I enjoy books about the spiritual ; I especially like learning bout religious and spiritual beliefs that are different from my own. I sat down with my copy of this book excited to learn about a new set of beliefs.
Unfortunately, I became bored very quickly. Morrison wasn't able to make me connect to her on a personal level. The book is rife with mundane matters and spends more time telling me about who her husband was as a person that anything about herself. Sure I knew her accomplishments and love for husband, but id didn't know her so I wasn't as invested when she began her journey. I was so interested in everything she was learning but the writing did nothing to capture her true feelings and how the events affected her. She describes everything n a very clinical matter and by the time she goes to the mental institution, I have trouble defending her absolute distrust of medicine and her idea that she could cure everyone when doctors could not.
The one thing the book did do was make me curious about her clinic and her profession as someone who deals with mental problem using complimentary aspects of spiritual and medicine. As some one with a psychology background, I can truly get behind this and as I delved further into the book I could see Morrison start s to understand how the two work together. I am interested in finding out more about her actually philosophical ideas about treatment and how all sides can used to together to create a harmonious human being.
I received an ARC for review purposes and all opinions are my own.
April 28, 2019
Chapter 3: "Along the way, I noticed houses vicariously clinging to the edges of ditches and gullies" What does this even mean? I can conjure a mental picture of houses clinging PRECARIOUSLY to the edges, but "VICARIOUSLY"? Gosh, could it be that no one bothered to edit this mess?
Onward, though, to Chapter 5 wherein she is coping with the "adversity of being widowed" by reading books since she "realized that [she] truly knew nothing about death," so she purchased, among other things, a copy of Grieving for Dummies. Wait -- WHAT? Back in chapter 2 she was a 27 year old widow whose husband had committed suicide. So, good for her (I guess) moving on from that trauma with nary a backwards glance, let alone a trip to Suicide Survivors. NO mention that she's been widowed twice. By chapter 6 she's talking about her previous pre-Tino experiences with death, which she implies were almost all Catholic funerals in El Salvador. Husband #1 is long forgotten; no worries about where he's spending eternity.
At this point I zipped to the end and started working my way forward chapter by chapter, just to see if things improved. Spoiler alert -- chapter 27 sounds like the babblings of a privileged white woman who thinks she can make a few bucks off of people who are desperate to hear words from beyond the grave (I hope none are suicide survivors, because, whew, that would be sad).
Yikes.
Onward, though, to Chapter 5 wherein she is coping with the "adversity of being widowed" by reading books since she "realized that [she] truly knew nothing about death," so she purchased, among other things, a copy of Grieving for Dummies. Wait -- WHAT? Back in chapter 2 she was a 27 year old widow whose husband had committed suicide. So, good for her (I guess) moving on from that trauma with nary a backwards glance, let alone a trip to Suicide Survivors. NO mention that she's been widowed twice. By chapter 6 she's talking about her previous pre-Tino experiences with death, which she implies were almost all Catholic funerals in El Salvador. Husband #1 is long forgotten; no worries about where he's spending eternity.
At this point I zipped to the end and started working my way forward chapter by chapter, just to see if things improved. Spoiler alert -- chapter 27 sounds like the babblings of a privileged white woman who thinks she can make a few bucks off of people who are desperate to hear words from beyond the grave (I hope none are suicide survivors, because, whew, that would be sad).
Yikes.
September 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway
I enjoyed this book because of the interesting and insightful way the author recounted the story. It really helped to draw me in and somehow involve me in some small way with what she was going through. Well-written in the main and thoroughly credible, it was one of those books that just wanted me to pick it up and read some more. A book that kept me awake at night rather then sending me to sleep.
Recommended.
I enjoyed this book because of the interesting and insightful way the author recounted the story. It really helped to draw me in and somehow involve me in some small way with what she was going through. Well-written in the main and thoroughly credible, it was one of those books that just wanted me to pick it up and read some more. A book that kept me awake at night rather then sending me to sleep.
Recommended.
June 7, 2018
Fascinating and magical.
At times I had to put the book down and simply allow my mind to absorb what I was reading. This is an amazing story of one woman's spiritual awakening. It has made me want to know more about the author, her journey and her gifts to the world, which include this memoir.
At times I had to put the book down and simply allow my mind to absorb what I was reading. This is an amazing story of one woman's spiritual awakening. It has made me want to know more about the author, her journey and her gifts to the world, which include this memoir.
August 1, 2018
The Soul's Awakening
I couldn't put it down, read in just a couple of days! Exhilarating and beautifully written with infinite passion. Once again, a concrete proof of the existence of different dimensions and the truth about reincarnation. Such an amazing story of deep emotional and physical pain, followed by the soul's awakening and the pursue of once life's mission.
I couldn't put it down, read in just a couple of days! Exhilarating and beautifully written with infinite passion. Once again, a concrete proof of the existence of different dimensions and the truth about reincarnation. Such an amazing story of deep emotional and physical pain, followed by the soul's awakening and the pursue of once life's mission.
December 2, 2019
A Different Mental Journey
This is interesting reading for anyone who wonders about how mental illness and psychic awakening might be linked. 3 stars because the reading was difficult because of no paragraphs.
This is interesting reading for anyone who wonders about how mental illness and psychic awakening might be linked. 3 stars because the reading was difficult because of no paragraphs.
February 5, 2020
I read this book about a year ago and I loved it. The author helps the reader to so vividly feel what it is like to be going through an intense spiritual awakening. I could not believe how tumultuous her experiences were. In fact, I'd like to read it again.
January 13, 2022
Amazing book
This is a story of spiritual awakening and all that comes with it. I loved the story and read it in one night. I recommend this book to everyone on the path of spirituality.
This is a story of spiritual awakening and all that comes with it. I loved the story and read it in one night. I recommend this book to everyone on the path of spirituality.
November 30, 2017
We are proud to announce that LORI: The Disintegration of My Ordinary Reality by Lori Morrison is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 11, 2018
This is a good book if you are into shaman or indigenous healers. A medium helps her on figuring out her life.
January 24, 2019
Great book! Amazing journey!
Wow. Well written account of Lori's absolutely amazing journey. I couldn't put it down! Thank you for sharing your story, Lori.
Wow. Well written account of Lori's absolutely amazing journey. I couldn't put it down! Thank you for sharing your story, Lori.
April 10, 2017
What a fascinating journey in life Lori has expierenced! She very generously takes the reader along with her as she describes the torment she went through to find her true self.
A heartrenching story that has lots of controversy from negative forces for which Lori bravely faces to accomplish her mission.
This book provides a wonderful exposure into Spirituality.
A heartrenching story that has lots of controversy from negative forces for which Lori bravely faces to accomplish her mission.
This book provides a wonderful exposure into Spirituality.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews