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Darkness is Golden
Join The Indigo Project founder and head psychologist Mary Hoang as she guides you on a journey to face your fears and create the life you want.
Life is messy: no matter how much we try to control our lives, unpredictable and difficult things happen to us all.
In this powerful new vision, Mary Hoang reveals the hidden gold that lies in your darkness, showing how exploring your shadows can give you a new sense of direction for the future.
Does anxiety rule you? Do you sometimes feel like you’re not doing this whole life thing right? Do you find it hard to understand what self-love and self-worth really mean?
If you’re reading this, you’re ready for change: to create space in your life for what really matters to you. Darkness Is Golden is your invitation to value and accept yourself – to trust your inner voice, break unhelpful habits and live a life on your own terms.
Dealing with the mind is complex. Mary Hoang digs up the golden nuggets she has discovered over a decade in the therapy room, and combines them with unique audio experiences framed by her research in music psychology. You will learn how to build healthier relationships, make space for possibilities and find your wisdom.
Life is messy: no matter how much we try to control our lives, unpredictable and difficult things happen to us all.
In this powerful new vision, Mary Hoang reveals the hidden gold that lies in your darkness, showing how exploring your shadows can give you a new sense of direction for the future.
Does anxiety rule you? Do you sometimes feel like you’re not doing this whole life thing right? Do you find it hard to understand what self-love and self-worth really mean?
If you’re reading this, you’re ready for change: to create space in your life for what really matters to you. Darkness Is Golden is your invitation to value and accept yourself – to trust your inner voice, break unhelpful habits and live a life on your own terms.
Dealing with the mind is complex. Mary Hoang digs up the golden nuggets she has discovered over a decade in the therapy room, and combines them with unique audio experiences framed by her research in music psychology. You will learn how to build healthier relationships, make space for possibilities and find your wisdom.
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2021
46 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 3, 2021
"We all want change, at some point. Sure, change can be good. Change can be powerful. But even in those moments when change feels like the answer to everything you're going through, you need to remember - you are enough. Just as you are."
overall, i really liked the message of this book. it was sweet, it was wholesome, it was definitely something that i wasn't quite used to reading but i'm glad that i read it anyway. there were bits here and there that i could really relate to, especially around having trouble with internal validation and the awesome references to dbt and parts therapy - goes to show that cbt really isn't for everyone. however, there were some sections that i thought would relate more with some cool, open, parents-supported-me-moving-out-of-home-into-my-newtown-flat, oat-chai-latte kinda gal, i.e., quitting your job and focusing on your creative passion. don't get me wrong, i wish i were her. i'm just not. it was a really lovely read, and it was nice to see mental illness and struggling with life's challenges tackled in such a holistic, compassionate and welcoming way.
overall, i really liked the message of this book. it was sweet, it was wholesome, it was definitely something that i wasn't quite used to reading but i'm glad that i read it anyway. there were bits here and there that i could really relate to, especially around having trouble with internal validation and the awesome references to dbt and parts therapy - goes to show that cbt really isn't for everyone. however, there were some sections that i thought would relate more with some cool, open, parents-supported-me-moving-out-of-home-into-my-newtown-flat, oat-chai-latte kinda gal, i.e., quitting your job and focusing on your creative passion. don't get me wrong, i wish i were her. i'm just not. it was a really lovely read, and it was nice to see mental illness and struggling with life's challenges tackled in such a holistic, compassionate and welcoming way.
January 11, 2023
This was a spur of the moment choice, no idea what I was in for.
It's a non-fic written by the psychologist Mary Hoang. It is very, very good.
I'm going to come back to this all the time whenever I need it. I actually helped me in ways I didn't even realise, life changing ways.
It's a non-fic written by the psychologist Mary Hoang. It is very, very good.
I'm going to come back to this all the time whenever I need it. I actually helped me in ways I didn't even realise, life changing ways.
March 1, 2021
As a childhood trauma survivor, this is a great adjunct to my working on my inner demons. I liked the analogy of the untidy house of your mind, having grown up with 2 hoarder parents it really resonated. The book is a tough journey, I've already done some work, and this is a great refresher, as well as offering a sonic component, which is a lovely addition. I appreciated how she shared her own experiences, just because you're a psych doesn't mean you have you 'shit' all together. We're all human after all! I borrowed the book from the library at first, but have now bought a copy, as this will be a great reference & refresher for me on my journey to work through my trauma. I recommend for people who are looking for some more meaning in their life, and also explains it in a easy to read and relatable way. It is tough work, but take your time, it is SO worth it.
May 16, 2021
Most useful book I’ve read in a long time. Realistic, practical and I will revisit it over and over again.
Good for the soul and brain.
Good for the soul and brain.
September 27, 2021
I've never had a favourite book, but now I have one :)
Hoang's writing is poetic and raw. She is a Psychologist and also an artist with how she embeds chapters with her audio playlists and mediations. (Plus she made the cover herself, I don't have to prove she's anymore talented!)
I loved how open she was with her personal experiences: dealing with passed loved ones and workaholic escapism, because we can all relate to this depression state (Whether curable or lifelong).
Although some chapters where very sad, I found beauty in taking a few more days to allow the new information to ferment. On that point! You will need a notebook, because every second page there are urges to remember lines that pull you away for a second saying, 'Wow, I needed to hear that!'
Here are some of mine:
'Denying what we feel prevents us from opening our hearts and being [...] authentic.' (p.3)
'Recognise that the parts of you that seem to get in the way of you moving forward in life have been protectors. (p.88)
'Think of the bullied kid in the playground. How does that kid feel when someone finally steps in to say to the bully, "Enough is enough. No leave them alone." When we leave our boundaries open, it's our inner child who is being bullied.' (p.143)
I won't say much else because the book will instantly become your best-friend. The cover is beautiful and stands out on the shelf, an easy grab in the future to read over chapters and be reminded to head back into her Indigo playlist and take just ten minutes to relax and process what you might be feeling.
If there is anything I learnt (which was heaps) I will just say this book has been a huge hug, 'Sometimes we need to feel to heal.' (Not sure what page this line was on, but one of her good friends used this, and now I use it everyday).
So yes! I would recommend this book, but please buy your own copy because I gave mine to a family member and noticed they weren't reading it. I took it right back because this book is way too precious to get lost or damaged
Hoang's writing is poetic and raw. She is a Psychologist and also an artist with how she embeds chapters with her audio playlists and mediations. (Plus she made the cover herself, I don't have to prove she's anymore talented!)
I loved how open she was with her personal experiences: dealing with passed loved ones and workaholic escapism, because we can all relate to this depression state (Whether curable or lifelong).
Although some chapters where very sad, I found beauty in taking a few more days to allow the new information to ferment. On that point! You will need a notebook, because every second page there are urges to remember lines that pull you away for a second saying, 'Wow, I needed to hear that!'
Here are some of mine:
'Denying what we feel prevents us from opening our hearts and being [...] authentic.' (p.3)
'Recognise that the parts of you that seem to get in the way of you moving forward in life have been protectors. (p.88)
'Think of the bullied kid in the playground. How does that kid feel when someone finally steps in to say to the bully, "Enough is enough. No leave them alone." When we leave our boundaries open, it's our inner child who is being bullied.' (p.143)
I won't say much else because the book will instantly become your best-friend. The cover is beautiful and stands out on the shelf, an easy grab in the future to read over chapters and be reminded to head back into her Indigo playlist and take just ten minutes to relax and process what you might be feeling.
If there is anything I learnt (which was heaps) I will just say this book has been a huge hug, 'Sometimes we need to feel to heal.' (Not sure what page this line was on, but one of her good friends used this, and now I use it everyday).
So yes! I would recommend this book, but please buy your own copy because I gave mine to a family member and noticed they weren't reading it. I took it right back because this book is way too precious to get lost or damaged
February 7, 2021
“Even when we know what is beneficial for us, we can resist it. We make excuses, pretend everything is okay, find flaws and think that we can do it by ourselves so we don’t have to engage. We do everything we can to avoid meeting our pain.”
Darkness Is Golden is the most special book I have ever read. It has helped transform my thinking and is something I will always come back to and draw from.
I became aware of The Indigo Project at the start of last year and began seeing a psychologist there shortly after. I absolutely loved its approach to mental health and after only five seconds on their website, I knew it was the place for me. So you can imagine how excited I was when the founder Mary Hoang released her first book Darkness Is Golden last month.
Mary takes us on a journey through our darkness, for travelling through this often dark and emotional space is the only way we can truly get to the light.
Through reading, exercises and audio experiences I became even more acquainted with my monsters and skeletons as well as my inner child, inner saboteur and inner critic. I took a deep dive into my needs and my values and discovered my boundaries.
Towards the end, Mary summarises the journey throughout her book in the most beautiful way that brought me to tears.
“You met your Inner Beings: your Inner Saboteur, Inner Critic and Inner Child. You heard their stories; you held their hands. You understood why they were in your life and thanked them for their protection. Each time you understood where they were coming from, you saw the Wise Self grow in you: the holder of wisdom, truth and compassion.”
I believe in the universe and this book found me when I needed it, when I had already begun somewhat of a transformation. It’s given me so much knowledge and so many tools, I feel more empowered and stronger than ever.
Darkness Is Golden is the most special book I have ever read. It has helped transform my thinking and is something I will always come back to and draw from.
I became aware of The Indigo Project at the start of last year and began seeing a psychologist there shortly after. I absolutely loved its approach to mental health and after only five seconds on their website, I knew it was the place for me. So you can imagine how excited I was when the founder Mary Hoang released her first book Darkness Is Golden last month.
Mary takes us on a journey through our darkness, for travelling through this often dark and emotional space is the only way we can truly get to the light.
Through reading, exercises and audio experiences I became even more acquainted with my monsters and skeletons as well as my inner child, inner saboteur and inner critic. I took a deep dive into my needs and my values and discovered my boundaries.
Towards the end, Mary summarises the journey throughout her book in the most beautiful way that brought me to tears.
“You met your Inner Beings: your Inner Saboteur, Inner Critic and Inner Child. You heard their stories; you held their hands. You understood why they were in your life and thanked them for their protection. Each time you understood where they were coming from, you saw the Wise Self grow in you: the holder of wisdom, truth and compassion.”
I believe in the universe and this book found me when I needed it, when I had already begun somewhat of a transformation. It’s given me so much knowledge and so many tools, I feel more empowered and stronger than ever.
February 17, 2022
This book is A LOT to chew! I was not quite ready to face a number of things Hoang exhorts the reader to look deeply into in this book. I will definitely need to read it again and really sink into it. But it comes with a very thorough exercise booklet that helps the reader process every part of the journey as well as "Audio Experiences" or guided meditations in every chapter that help make it a very rich and meaningful read.
I think this is perfect for those who have apprehensions about seeing a therapist but know they need to heal from trauma or feel they are dealing with some form of darkness. There is definitely a certain degree of courage needed to get into this book but it can be life changing, for sure.
I think this is perfect for those who have apprehensions about seeing a therapist but know they need to heal from trauma or feel they are dealing with some form of darkness. There is definitely a certain degree of courage needed to get into this book but it can be life changing, for sure.
July 5, 2021
Woah, ok. This book is incredibly valuable if you’re ready to read it. I loved the author’s story telling, insights, honesty, humour, curated playlist for listening whilst reading, and guided meditations.
So so SO much value.
If you are ready to go a bit deeper and look inside yourself (as well as do a bit of journaling), do it! I’m writing this review having just closed the last chapter and still feeling a little tear in my eye.
Beyond grateful to have been moved by this book and I will continue to look back, listen to the audio experiences and try my best to hold onto the insights explored here.
Thank you Mary Hoang!!
So so SO much value.
If you are ready to go a bit deeper and look inside yourself (as well as do a bit of journaling), do it! I’m writing this review having just closed the last chapter and still feeling a little tear in my eye.
Beyond grateful to have been moved by this book and I will continue to look back, listen to the audio experiences and try my best to hold onto the insights explored here.
Thank you Mary Hoang!!
February 20, 2022
I'm surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reviews for this. I'm sure it would help some people but this wasn't good for me.
Most of this, I'd discovered on my own in my 20s. This just added terminology to it which I don't need.
The rest (like rituals) are of no help to me. All this did was ask me to focus on painful memories and make me cry for an afternoon or two. Nothing in this book (beyond what I'd already figured out on my own) can heal my pain.
So no. Not for me. This was a bad time. Maybe if I'd read this in my early 20s it would have served me better.
Most of this, I'd discovered on my own in my 20s. This just added terminology to it which I don't need.
The rest (like rituals) are of no help to me. All this did was ask me to focus on painful memories and make me cry for an afternoon or two. Nothing in this book (beyond what I'd already figured out on my own) can heal my pain.
So no. Not for me. This was a bad time. Maybe if I'd read this in my early 20s it would have served me better.
April 17, 2025
I don't know why I brought this audio book, but it had been in my phone for a while. I thought that I would give it a go.
All the reviews I have read, loved this audio book. They all enjoyed Mary Hoang's voice, which is very easy to listen to. In fact if I hasn't been gardening I think I would have fallen asleep - that's how soothing her voice it.
Interesting, but I feel that I have listen to this at a time when I don't really need her help. If I need help in dark times then I will listen to "Darkness is Golden".
Three stars.
All the reviews I have read, loved this audio book. They all enjoyed Mary Hoang's voice, which is very easy to listen to. In fact if I hasn't been gardening I think I would have fallen asleep - that's how soothing her voice it.
Interesting, but I feel that I have listen to this at a time when I don't really need her help. If I need help in dark times then I will listen to "Darkness is Golden".
Three stars.
August 25, 2022
I really loved the context of this book but the meditations that went along with it were scary. As someone who meditates everyday I would not recommend it, unless you are ready to seriously confront the idea of death. Maybe it can be a reawakening but it can also bring you to a dark place sp be prepared for that. Otherwise read the book, (i would give the book alone 5 stars🌟) Skip the meditation
February 22, 2021
This is great: Mary really nails a balance between getting personal and emotional about her own life and organising a clear path for the rest of us (from audio resources to written exercises and beyond). Highly recommend.
December 31, 2021
Great book to end the year out on. Some excellent strategies to deal with my inner critic, who I want to silence more often and turn into my cheerleader! Going to keep this book close to use the strategies going into the future.
November 26, 2021
This book is absolute gold. Through exercises and meditations it will take you on a journey of self discovery and healing like no other book. Highly recommend it.
November 16, 2022
Seems to fully cover issues with in depth workable solutions on how to improve (work books and audio meditations included)
June 7, 2023
literally felt like a free therapy session amongst the pages, so comforting, validating, highly recommend
June 17, 2023
Quite a good book. Nothing ground-breaking but still helpful. The best part is the accompanying meditations!
February 21, 2021
So I might be a lil biased here considering I work for Mary BUT I definitely recommend this book if you're going through a big life shift. What makes this book unique is that it has an audio component!! Think sonic embodiments and meditations that guide you through the book. Can't wait to recommend this to future clients too <3
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews