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The Energetic Dimension: Understanding Our Karmic, Ancestral and Cultural Imprints
We are energy; our bodies, as well as all matter, are merely slowed down energy. We all have an energetic body that houses all our memories and experiences of all our lifetimes. We absorb energies from our families, our previous incarnations as well as from the culture in which we live. These energies often mask who we truly are and may block us from developing our true potential. Ways to recognize and work with these imprints are at the heart of the book. The Energetic Dimension offers a new paradigm for the West as to how we function as humans. It is a paradigm that is intuitively known by us but has not to date been articulated as it has in this book. This book explores the energetic web in which we are encased, ways to cultivate its strengths, and heal and remove the negative aspects of unwanted energies. The goal is to be able to shed the layers that block us from truly experiencing our core essence and who we truly are.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2019
12 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 28, 2019
Ann M. Drake once worked as a psychotherapist. This book is a out modern Shamanism, a theory that every kind of trauma can take something of the soul of the individual. This book is quite informative. It's well written and extensively covers the subject matter. You need to read this book with an open mind to fully appreciate it. They say you kear something new every day, well I learned lots from this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and the author Ann M. Drake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and the author Ann M. Drake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2020
How I read this: Free ebook copy received from publisher
The Energetic Dimension is written for people who are already familiar with non-traditional ways of looking at the world, namely that we are all energetically interconnected. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of consciousness and reality being made up of energy, energetic healing, talk about spirit animals and spirits, then you will not be comfortable with this book. It is best for people who are familiar with alternative outlooks and it focuses on spiritual healing.
The main theory of this book - suffering and illness comes from when we lose a part of ourselves and that empty space is filled with negative energy and anxieties, negativity from the outside. This may be when we are attacked, hurt, when we get really afraid or are suffering, or when we are trying to help someone, maybe even a loved one, and inadvertently give away a part of ourselves. The author talks a lot about trauma and dealing with it through dissociation, and losing a part of yourself to the trauma. Then she explores the ways to get those parts back and fix the problem. The solutions are quite vague - they're more like suggestions of how to look at things rather than what you can implement, but it is interesting thinking material. Most of it comes from shamanistic tradition, but that isn't the only way the author presumes you should go at it - the main ideas are outlined and you may approach them from any spiritual tradition you like, as long as you keep to the main process of healing the energy and then bringing it back to whomever it belonged to (be it you or someone else.) I imagine it is more to help you understand the process and the causes, so you could seek help from a healer if you wish to.
It is not just hurt and trauma that is discussed, but also being brought up in dysfunctional environments or being bullied, slighted. The author claims that feelings of worthlessness may be "inherited" - like being raised in a home with domestic violence will often shape either a victim, or a punisher, or both, and it makes these behaviors repetitive - people who come from abusive homes may be more likely to get into abusive relationships of their own, and unless the cycle is broken, the healing will not commence. And so, ancestral energy imprints, family patterns are an impediment to being our true selves, and they are often the things that make us experience unnecessary pain and suffering. Then there are the protective walls we may have built as children which are stopping us from further progress, or there may also be traumatic events that have shaken us up and changed how we see the world.
So the first part of the book details all this info, and the later parts of the book contain examples from the author's work with clients and they were interesting to read too. All in all, it was an interesting read and it gave me some good material for thought.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
The Energetic Dimension is written for people who are already familiar with non-traditional ways of looking at the world, namely that we are all energetically interconnected. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of consciousness and reality being made up of energy, energetic healing, talk about spirit animals and spirits, then you will not be comfortable with this book. It is best for people who are familiar with alternative outlooks and it focuses on spiritual healing.
The main theory of this book - suffering and illness comes from when we lose a part of ourselves and that empty space is filled with negative energy and anxieties, negativity from the outside. This may be when we are attacked, hurt, when we get really afraid or are suffering, or when we are trying to help someone, maybe even a loved one, and inadvertently give away a part of ourselves. The author talks a lot about trauma and dealing with it through dissociation, and losing a part of yourself to the trauma. Then she explores the ways to get those parts back and fix the problem. The solutions are quite vague - they're more like suggestions of how to look at things rather than what you can implement, but it is interesting thinking material. Most of it comes from shamanistic tradition, but that isn't the only way the author presumes you should go at it - the main ideas are outlined and you may approach them from any spiritual tradition you like, as long as you keep to the main process of healing the energy and then bringing it back to whomever it belonged to (be it you or someone else.) I imagine it is more to help you understand the process and the causes, so you could seek help from a healer if you wish to.
It is not just hurt and trauma that is discussed, but also being brought up in dysfunctional environments or being bullied, slighted. The author claims that feelings of worthlessness may be "inherited" - like being raised in a home with domestic violence will often shape either a victim, or a punisher, or both, and it makes these behaviors repetitive - people who come from abusive homes may be more likely to get into abusive relationships of their own, and unless the cycle is broken, the healing will not commence. And so, ancestral energy imprints, family patterns are an impediment to being our true selves, and they are often the things that make us experience unnecessary pain and suffering. Then there are the protective walls we may have built as children which are stopping us from further progress, or there may also be traumatic events that have shaken us up and changed how we see the world.
So the first part of the book details all this info, and the later parts of the book contain examples from the author's work with clients and they were interesting to read too. All in all, it was an interesting read and it gave me some good material for thought.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
September 12, 2019
This book is about modern Shamanism - actually a Shamanism informed by a hefty dose of new Ageism: the author refers a great deal to Williamson's A Course of Miracles, for example. Perhaps everyone has to start somewhere as far as finding a frame of reference that most readers can relate to.
Ann Drake purports to come from a venerable tradition, however: that of Unani tradition of shamanic healing by the Bomoh, said to be a wise and gifted healer, based in Borneo. Originally she worked as a psychotherapist, what being aware that talking cures, especially for abuse or trauma victims, provide insight but do not actually heal.
This is where Shamanism comes in. The basic Shamanic theory is that all kinds of trauma take something of the soul or essence of an individual, while so.etbing of that negative experience fills the void instead. A multiple personality disorder for example forms after something of each abusive episode takes the place of the soul.
Soul retrieval therefore involves restoring these list parts of the soul to the individual - through trance, guided meditation or journeys on the part of the Shaman.
Drake's Shamanism seems to come with elements of mediumship too. She details cases that involve not only ancestral karma (it is now acknowledged that trauma can be passed down genetically) but trauma from past lives too. An individual who was severely bullied or exploited in a last life may be burdened by remnants of such memories in the next one, for example.
This author has some interesting things to say about how collective sins influence the course of politics, and why sometimes things seem to regress. Her view is that the soul 'needs' to experience such as war and persecution at least once to be thoroughly rounded out over a few lifetimes, at which point many readers might hope they have already been there and done that!
It is emphasised that if called, Shamanic gifts and work in this area need to come from a place other than any kind of ego trip. Like a lot of New Age literature there is a lot of emphasis placed a distinction between essence and the sum of all earthly experience and incarnations and the question might well emerge, why then have genes, karma and memory go to so much trouble to amass all this memory of experiences in the first place?
Obviously, there is nothing 'good' about the long-term effects of trauma and abuse. Overall, the case studies described by the author here were fascinating - there is much wisdom to be found within these pages.
Ann Drake purports to come from a venerable tradition, however: that of Unani tradition of shamanic healing by the Bomoh, said to be a wise and gifted healer, based in Borneo. Originally she worked as a psychotherapist, what being aware that talking cures, especially for abuse or trauma victims, provide insight but do not actually heal.
This is where Shamanism comes in. The basic Shamanic theory is that all kinds of trauma take something of the soul or essence of an individual, while so.etbing of that negative experience fills the void instead. A multiple personality disorder for example forms after something of each abusive episode takes the place of the soul.
Soul retrieval therefore involves restoring these list parts of the soul to the individual - through trance, guided meditation or journeys on the part of the Shaman.
Drake's Shamanism seems to come with elements of mediumship too. She details cases that involve not only ancestral karma (it is now acknowledged that trauma can be passed down genetically) but trauma from past lives too. An individual who was severely bullied or exploited in a last life may be burdened by remnants of such memories in the next one, for example.
This author has some interesting things to say about how collective sins influence the course of politics, and why sometimes things seem to regress. Her view is that the soul 'needs' to experience such as war and persecution at least once to be thoroughly rounded out over a few lifetimes, at which point many readers might hope they have already been there and done that!
It is emphasised that if called, Shamanic gifts and work in this area need to come from a place other than any kind of ego trip. Like a lot of New Age literature there is a lot of emphasis placed a distinction between essence and the sum of all earthly experience and incarnations and the question might well emerge, why then have genes, karma and memory go to so much trouble to amass all this memory of experiences in the first place?
Obviously, there is nothing 'good' about the long-term effects of trauma and abuse. Overall, the case studies described by the author here were fascinating - there is much wisdom to be found within these pages.
December 2, 2019
All things and everything is composed of energy. Matter is simply energy which has slowed down so it can be both seen and felt. It becomes dense or solid having shape or form the slower it flows. Yet most energy is formless but it is still seen and felt. One has but to unfocus their vision to see it or hold out their hand to feel its pressure.
Because we are all energy we are interconnected to all but we are also interdependent of all. Have you ever entered a room with a group of people to feel tension or anxiety? How about sitting in a meeting and feeling boredom yet the topic being presented is interesting to you.
Energy exists all around us but not all energy may be beneficial to our bodies. Illness is caused by a buildup of negative energy or an interruption in the flow of energy. If left unattended illnesses develop. Energy based healing such as Reiki, Qigong and Acupuncture assist the body in unblocking stuck energy returning its energy flow to normal.
I especially liked the section where the author speaks about Bhutan, a small country in Asia. The people there practice “the sanctity of life and extend this to all that is”. In this country cigarettes and plastic are banned, goods are wrapped in paper or cloth, 80% of the population are organic farmers using no herbicides. All animals roam free, returning nightly for food and shelter. There is no electricity; they use solar panels. Even so they still have poverty, they lack educational advantages and good health care needs yet they are joyful, caring and helpful.
I never heard of a Bomoh so saying this, the way they explain how they heal is very interesting. They look into the energy body and the soul thus the Bomoh was able to “see” that the man he was called to heal, was afraid of being eaten by the sharks. Because of this fear, he had left his body and had lost part of his soul. The Bomoh was able to return the lost part of the soul as well as removing the energies of the fear of being eaten alive. The man recovered shortly after the Bomoh completed his healing.
It is true too that most illness results from the “loss of part of one’s core essence, and the intrusion of other energies”. In the man’s case that was the fear which also kept the soul from getting back the part that had separated itself.
I like too, that the author used herself as an example to explain the topic she was writing about. It made understanding much easier when this occurred.
The book details how energy becomes part of us, how to work with it to remove unwanted or unneeded energy. She explains about karmic imprints, and familial imprints and how to heal these imprints. She also speaks to cultural imprints, what they are and how to may bework with these as well. All these imprints influence us in some way. Some may be positive and helpful while others a hindrance to us. It is ultimately we who must decide whether we will resolve an imprinting issue, removing it from our energy field. Unresolved imprints affect not only us but continue affecting our lineage and our children who are part of that lineage. Resolution or continuing as is, it is our choice.
I wish to thank the author, NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
Because we are all energy we are interconnected to all but we are also interdependent of all. Have you ever entered a room with a group of people to feel tension or anxiety? How about sitting in a meeting and feeling boredom yet the topic being presented is interesting to you.
Energy exists all around us but not all energy may be beneficial to our bodies. Illness is caused by a buildup of negative energy or an interruption in the flow of energy. If left unattended illnesses develop. Energy based healing such as Reiki, Qigong and Acupuncture assist the body in unblocking stuck energy returning its energy flow to normal.
I especially liked the section where the author speaks about Bhutan, a small country in Asia. The people there practice “the sanctity of life and extend this to all that is”. In this country cigarettes and plastic are banned, goods are wrapped in paper or cloth, 80% of the population are organic farmers using no herbicides. All animals roam free, returning nightly for food and shelter. There is no electricity; they use solar panels. Even so they still have poverty, they lack educational advantages and good health care needs yet they are joyful, caring and helpful.
I never heard of a Bomoh so saying this, the way they explain how they heal is very interesting. They look into the energy body and the soul thus the Bomoh was able to “see” that the man he was called to heal, was afraid of being eaten by the sharks. Because of this fear, he had left his body and had lost part of his soul. The Bomoh was able to return the lost part of the soul as well as removing the energies of the fear of being eaten alive. The man recovered shortly after the Bomoh completed his healing.
It is true too that most illness results from the “loss of part of one’s core essence, and the intrusion of other energies”. In the man’s case that was the fear which also kept the soul from getting back the part that had separated itself.
I like too, that the author used herself as an example to explain the topic she was writing about. It made understanding much easier when this occurred.
The book details how energy becomes part of us, how to work with it to remove unwanted or unneeded energy. She explains about karmic imprints, and familial imprints and how to heal these imprints. She also speaks to cultural imprints, what they are and how to may bework with these as well. All these imprints influence us in some way. Some may be positive and helpful while others a hindrance to us. It is ultimately we who must decide whether we will resolve an imprinting issue, removing it from our energy field. Unresolved imprints affect not only us but continue affecting our lineage and our children who are part of that lineage. Resolution or continuing as is, it is our choice.
I wish to thank the author, NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
March 25, 2023
If you're interested in previous lives, then you'll probably want to pick this up. If you're new to the whole concept, then this might not be the best place to begin. Drake focuses on how our past lives are stored in our personal energy, and how to unlock that power/knowledge, as well as heal any negativity that has come along for the ride. It was written well and fairly accessible, expanding on ideas that I was already familiar with. Although I'm not sure how much of this I completely agree with (that illness is caused by negative energy), I found it to be an interesting and engaging read.
October 20, 2019
This is interesting and full of info and explanations I hadn't heard before. A good thing. My problem is I was expecting actionable take-aways, which I didn't find. The author writes clearly and well, and provides very good examples. It just wasn't what I was seeking. Be warned that there is a lot that is "out there" if you're not opened minded.
I really appreciate the NetGalley advanced copy for review!!
I really appreciate the NetGalley advanced copy for review!!
November 6, 2019
I loved this book! It was very engaging and informative. The author had a way of speaking as if she was talking directly to you. I also learned lots of new things and was able to put meaning to some other things when it comes to dealing with energy. I highly recommend this book!! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 21, 2021
I enjoy learning from this teacher
October 6, 2020
The Energetic Dimension by Ann M Drake, PsyD
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
208 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / O-Books
Release Date: November 29, 2019
Religions & Spirituality, Shamanism, Karma, Healing, Energy work
I did not know what to expect with this book. I am always looking for books on energy work, so I chose to read this one. I got a lot more than I bargained for. I learned how we can carry energy from our parents and ancestors. There are energetic strings attached to others that can be leeching our energy. The author does an amazing job of explaining the topics listed below.
Part 1: A Path to Wholeness
Part II: Working with our Ancestral Imprints
Part III: Understanding Our Karmic Imprints
Part IV: Cultural Imprints: The Lens through Which We See
I would (and have) recommended this book to anyone interested in energy work, karma and healing.
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
208 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / O-Books
Release Date: November 29, 2019
Religions & Spirituality, Shamanism, Karma, Healing, Energy work
I did not know what to expect with this book. I am always looking for books on energy work, so I chose to read this one. I got a lot more than I bargained for. I learned how we can carry energy from our parents and ancestors. There are energetic strings attached to others that can be leeching our energy. The author does an amazing job of explaining the topics listed below.
Part 1: A Path to Wholeness
Part II: Working with our Ancestral Imprints
Part III: Understanding Our Karmic Imprints
Part IV: Cultural Imprints: The Lens through Which We See
I would (and have) recommended this book to anyone interested in energy work, karma and healing.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews