The Essential Path: Making the Daring Decision to Be Who You Truly Are

by Neale Donald Walsch

“Deep inside you know Who You Truly Are. We all do. It's not a question of discovering it, it's a question of claiming it. Being it. And that's actually easier done than said. We're all just one decision away from The Essential Path. It's a path that could change a world that deeply yearns for a new direction.” — Neale Donald Walsch, author, The Essential Path

Our modern era is plagued by increasing alienation—we are seeing an “us against them” world. Everywhere we turn, we find ourselves divided from each other as never before across political, economic, social, and spiritual lines. As humanity is being torn apart right before our eyes—separating many of us from our friends and even our loved ones, from our hopes and dreams, from the natural world, and from so much that gives meaning and value to our lives—people are blaming everyone and everything around them for the collective problems that we have created ourselves. We are turning against each other, rather than to each other, just when we need each other the most.

Bestselling author of Conversations with God Neale Donald Walsch offers a radical solution to the growing problem of humanity’s alienation. He invites us to question our basic assumptions about ourselves, about each other, about life and how it works, and about God, and to rethink the very definition of humanity. The Essential Path challenges every human to make a Daring Decision—to look at who we are and how we can choose to be, in a planet-altering new way.

With insight and spiritual perceptivity, Walsch peers into the heart of a broken, divided society, prompting us to ask the critical questions that have the power to transform our world.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Inspirational

189 pages, Audiobook

About the author

Neale Donald Walsch is a modern day spiritual messenger whose words continue to touch the world in profound ways. With an early interest in religion and a deeply felt connection to spirituality, Neale spent the majority of his life thriving professionally, yet searching for spiritual meaning before beginning his now famous conversation with God. His With God series of books has been translated into 34 languages, touching millions of lives and inspiring important changes in their day-to-day lives.

In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.

The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.

Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

To begin, NDW is my most favorite author whose CWG series has literally changed my life. That said, this book seemed like elaborate journal entries about his hatred for Trump that he spun into a 'spiritual book' and written quite hastily without much substance at all. It wasn't really until the last two chapters that there was any meat and in the last chapter the 'meat' being promised was a summary of enlightened perspectives higher intelligence beings hold - and said list was republished from Book 4! (That alone lost 1 star).

Overall, this is probably my least or at least second least favorite NDW book. I'll be reading the God Solution next.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the goodreads giveaways. I found this book to be pretty good. It gets me thinking at least. I like that Mr. Walsch emphasizes that we need to learn to get along better,show more compassion. Even though we have different opinions and even religions he believes as humans we are all one. I liked this book for the most part.

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this ARC on goodreads. Unfortunately this is not what I thought it would be. In my opinion the book is full of fluff and talks in circles about a subject that isn’t even clearly defined. I hope the other ARC winners will post their honest reviews so that you may make a well rounded decision on whether or not to read this book yourself.

[Brittney Luebbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this ARC in the giveaways. There's a good mix of things I liked and didn't like, so I'm a little torn. I did find it to be motivational and it's a very quick read with short chapters which I feel will help appeal to more types of readers and therefore reach more people. However, I did feel it was "too simple" at times, or maybe even a little obvious which prevents me from rating higher. I really enjoyed some of the facts and statistics provided as they did push me further into being both saddened by humanity and inspired to do better. Overall, I'm happy to add this to my collection.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this nifty little book (the paperback arc fits nicely in one hand) and I really enjoy the advice therein. I would definitely recommend this book, especially for those who are soul-searching or looking for their place in this world.
My copy of this book was obtained from a Goodreads giveaway and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.

[Elizabeth Lapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book was not really necessary. He spoke of many other references to his other workings, so I am not clear as to why he felt the need to repeat. I thought that the book was pretty vague. It was not really what I was looking for. Maybe it would be someone else's cup of tea.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is crucial in today’s extremely troubled and divided world that we take a step back and see what really matters. I found this book to be quite encouraging and uplifting. We have the ability to heal these vindictive, hostile divisions by simply remembering to be respectful, open to other viewpoints and, at the same time, be true to our core beliefs. What is going on now in the world needs to change and this book offers the spiritual enlightenment that can make that change. Very useful, interesting and informative.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimberly Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A spiritual book for todays worries however I would recommend the Conversations With God Books instead. If you are specifically looking for todays concern in his writings look at CWG Book 4. The Essential Path is a simple book with beginner ideas similar to the "The Secret" for those that like manifestation.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a giveaway pre-publication.

I really wanted to like this book, as I definitely enjoyed Conversations with God. Unfortunately, for me, the first 3/4 of the book just felt like a lot of panicked complaining about the state of the world and if only people would just stop alienating each other and accept we're all part of the whole then things could be better.

I don't personally find his concept of one-ness hard to grasp. I honestly believe that, too. But the delivery in a list of all that's wrong with the world just didn't sit with me and the sentiment of "if only everyone would hop on board" didn't jive, either. It's just not realistic.

That is why the last chapter or two of the book was helpful to me, because he pulled focus away from "what's wrong with everyone" and wanting to fix everyone to "what can I do, personally, to contribute to a better world?"

I found his three questions to ask himself in his daily tool kit very helpful and would like to see what happens when I incorporate them into my daily life:

1. What does this have to do with the agenda of my soul? (Before partaking in any activity, discussion, decision, etc.)
2. Is there any part of what I am now seeing "over there" that I have seen "over here" in myself? (To be used when judging something or someone - good or bad.)
3. Is this what I want the world to hear from God right now? (When speaking remembering that we are all a part of or one with God, and thus that means what passes our lips is what's passing from God's lips.)

Finally, it wasn't a question in his daily toolkit, but another that I really loved when it came down to finding ourselves harshly judging someone, regardless the reason: "What hurts you so much that you feel you have to hurt others in order to heal it?"

So, some great gems at the end of the book, and I'll probably hold on to my copy with those last chapters dog-eared. I just wish the whole of the book contained this kind of wisdom.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Walsh asks each of us to question everything we know and to try and think outside the box so to speak. He wants us to question everything about "Us against them" type of thinking about our world. He asks us to think about God and his wishes. He wants us to try and re-learn our basic learned attitudes and beliefs.

I think that he is asking a lot from most of us but I can see his point. We have been brought up to think in an "us against them" world and it's not working. Maybe he's right and we do have to think about the way we have been brought up, taught in sports, and by the competitive nature that we as Americans have been brought up with.

He is trying to get us to look at life in a new way that for most people is more than just a stretch of our beliefs but throwing them out and starting over in a new belief system that he has come up with. I'm not saying he's wrong by any means I just saying that for most people it would be an impossibility to change that much of their core beliefs. I think in many ways he's right to want us to change into a more evolved type of race of people.

This book will make you think and maybe change some things about yourself that you didn't realize were what some people call "Stinking Thinking". I feel this should be a high school required reading book because if we are going to change our race high school children are the most open to change in their environment to create a better world as we know it. They would be a starting point as to changing our world for the better by changing their core beliefs.

I recommend this book if for no other reason than to have each of us think about what we believe and try to change even a fraction of the way we think.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like books that make you think, and even better, that make you think about things in a new way. That is exactly what The Essential Path by Neale Donald Walsch does in a clear, easy to follow and understand manner.

Walsch identifies the major problem facing the world today as alienation, (the idea that we are separate and different from one another) because it fuels competition, judgement, bias and division; all of which prevent us from tackling the real problems we should be dealing with; hunger, violence, lack of electricity and clean water in much of the world, etc.

I am one of the millions of people who are frustrated with the course our world is taking. For example, politics isn't about doing what's right anymore, it's about standing your ground against anyone not in the same group you put yourself in, and being unwilling to consider any ideas from outside that group. Worse, we have become so entrenched in our views, that we don't even question our beliefs anymore. "Cognitive scientists tell us that all it takes is one in ten people to emphatically embrace an idea, and the mass will follow." (Quote from the book which may differ in the published version.) Victor Hugo once said "All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come."

Walsch encourages us to not only question our beliefs but ask hard questions to determine who and what we really are.

I hope you'll pick up this fascinating read and give Walsch's ideas some thought. You have more power than you realize!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Goodreads and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Kimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me SO LONG to get into, especially for such a tiny book. I'd start it, then put it down for a month, then pick it back up again... but about halfway through I started to really love and relate to it. I was a little lost in the beginning as I went into it knowing nothing about the author or his spiritual background and I really wasn't sure what to expect. I was afraid the book would lean heavily/ exclusively on the Christian version of God but I was pleased to see it expresses God in more of a universal, all-encompassing sense. I think the message of this book is lovely and useful and I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters which focused on practical applications for what we learn in the pages of this book. I found myself wanting to write down some of the quotes that I came across which is not something I do very often when reading and I feel that I may actually re-read this one in the future.

*I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and received it for free in exchange for an honest review.*

[Huong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m between 4 and 5 stars because the book did not cite references when applicable. Ideas in this book, that must come from a well-read, compassionate, and wise author, shall apply across religions and beliefs. The first sections talked about some social issues that have long been affecting how people interact. The later sections offer ideas of what to do as a species to evolve for the better.

The ideas are presented eloquently. Perhaps skipping the references was intentional in a sense that whoever believe in science will continue and whoever doesn’t won’t. Science-believers will continue to practice hypothesis testing and critical thinking on any information in any aspect of life. Non-believers will keep denying until something significant happens that change their minds.

Skipping references conflicts with the idea of continued questioning the prior. We need a reference point to use as the prior to question.

[Ann Straight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not recommend or not recommend this book. It is a spiritual book that may or may not ring true to others. Interesting enough.

Religious philosophy based on ACIM in part. We are spiritual beings having a human experience and we are a part of God and each other. Walsch suggests the question: "What does this (action) have to do with the agenda of my soul?" I think in part (maybe by seeing God in others, I can see God in me), recognizing unity with God and others is more difficult- Walsch did not say it that way. He does talk about being the voice of God to others, that is, God speaking through us, acting through us. In ACIM, actions are either loving or a call for love. Walsch worded this differently.

Spiritually awoken people behave in the light listed on page 110-111. Lying, competing, not helping, comparing, harming etc. are not needed responses to the world.

I found it consistent with some of my basic beliefs related to spirituality.

[VINCENT S DAGATI · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Law of One

This is one of the most important books of this epoch. It is about time that our human race evolves beyond adolescence. Watch a U.S. Presidential debate. One of the two contestants acts like a naughty child. Read the latest version of the Washington Post and another black man was gunned down by the police. Granted the victim was wielding a knife, but why not tranquilize him the way we tranquilize wild animals? We spend trillions on defense but have not won a war since WWII, some 74 years ago. This book clearly describes our primitive civilization and offers significant suggestions how we can behave like adults. It should be read by one and all. Thank you Neale.

[Jantzen Mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of The Essential Path from St. Martin's Press.

In The Essential Path, Neale Donald Walsch lays out a suggested step by step approach to thinking about how to help to bridge the growing divide in our world. While I admire his lofty goal and admire his aspirations, I think that his approach falls short in terms of widespread applicability. The book boils down to two main points that are introduced in the latter chapters. While I can see the potential value in adopting this mindset, I think that we can achieve the goals this book sets out to solve without the mandated belief in a higher authority.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. I had a difficult time grasping the theme of this book. Alienation, or us vs. them mentality, or a misunderstanding of what we are in the world for. The book tries to define those reasons why there are so many conflicts in the world but both the definition and answers were vague and very general to me. I felt that the book goes around and around without a clear defined objective. I credit the author tackling this heavy topic but feel that a clearer more concrete approach would have been better.

[Lael Braday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this book. I saw no mention of it being a Christian book in the description, or I wouldn't have entered the giveaway. Not everyone is Christian; not everyone wishes to read a book with religious themes. Synopses need to include this information. I'm giving it three stars because it may have been my mistake. I'm giving it three stars because it may have been my mistake. That being said, I am passing the book on to a Christian friend who will appreciate it, and I will encourage her to leave an honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A friend offered me this book. The book was published 3 years ago (2019).
The book contains 28 chapters and 100 pages long. You can read it in a day or two.
This is the first book I read from this author.
The sentences in the book are for me very badly written, long, sometimes four lines long, misleading, without any deep analysis or clear example or justification. I did not understand what message the author wanted to demonstrate to us and why.
This self-help book is waste of money. Do not buy this book.

[Julie Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a giveaway. It was a quick read as I have read his other books. I think this book will be beneficial to those that are in a particular place and ready for it's message. I did like the simplicity of his three tools/questions to ask yourself, especially question 2 as it helps awaken compassion, not only for myself, but also for "the other". We can all use a little more of that.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim volume asks more questions than it answers regarding nature, faith, and the existence of God in one’s beliefs, actions, and interpersonal relationships. The premise proposes that an awakened being tells the truth, shares everything, does not judge, compete, or lust after what others have. Starting with earth’s current environment, Walsch looks at traditions, assumptions, and instincts before proposing choices, ideas, and that belief in one essence does not mean the same to everyone.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book to be sloppy in some areas. It does have some points that make you think and encourages compassion and understanding the human race. Most of it I read and didn't really retain and it became vague and I lost interest. I did finish it and honestly my favorite part of book was the poem by his wife at the end. I will pass this one on to someone else to appreciate. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway thank you,

[Elsa Foston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores a lot of hard truths. From the fact that we do not question our fundamental beliefs to the separatism that starts in religion and ends in the "us vs them" mentality. Short book, easy to read, but it has a a lot of seeds for thought. Great read for those questioning everything and looking for a change. We have to be aware of what the problem is in order to be able to formulate a solution.

[Sharon Heaverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Essential Path through a Goodreads Giveaway program in return for an honest review.

I was really looking forward to reading this because I have heard such wonderful reviews of Neale Donald Walsch's other books. I was sadly disappointed. This book just seemed a bit of "mishmash"; there just wasn't a good flow. Although I found some meaningful issues to work on, I just didn't find the book very helpful.

[Adrian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A compilation of metaphysical ideas with no rhyme or reason. The author attempts to make bold claims and back them up with logical arguments yet fall short in many ways. There something here but it’s so buried that it’s difficult to parse out. Main takeaway is we are spiritual beings manifested physically and one essence manifested individually. Can anyone figure out how those ideas may change the world?

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads giveaways.

3.5 stars. The first half of the book didn't really pull me in. Then I got to chapter 16 and it spoke to me as did most of the rest of the book. It is a thin book, but not a light read so not one you can rush through.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets all live like this is true.

Live Like It’s True is, and has been, the tag line of my life and business. Never have I read in one source the operating manual to do so.
Bravo Neale! Bravo God!

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard read. I picked it up interested but it was a bit over the map for me so I struggled to get through it. There were several quotes I loved though but they made no sense in the context. So it was just spotty for me.

[Scott Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small voice big Truth

Finally a simple book of the truth of our nature. The conversation with God series are distilled here to practical practice. It's a completely refreshing read, certainly leaving the reader fulfilled. Highly recommended

[Karyl Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book.

I recommend this book to everyone who has a concern about the world we live in. This book may be the answer we need. But we must all work together on its concepts.