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Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation
An engaging, inspirational memoir that takes readers on a soul-searching journey toward heart-consciousness and spiritual authenticity Ever since childhood, Jeff Brown did all the things he was supposed to do to become successful in the eyes of the world. He was on the Dean’s Honor List as an undergraduate. He won the Law and Medicine prize in law school and apprenticed with a top criminal lawyer. It had been Brown’s lifelong dream to practice criminal law and search for the truth in the courtroom.But then, on the verge of opening a law practice, he heard a little voice inside telling him to stop, just stop. With great difficulty, he honored this voice and began a heartfelt quest for the truth that lived within him. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, Brown was actually questing for his innate image, the essential being that he came into this lifetime to embody. He was searching for his authentic face. By going inside and connecting his spirituality with his emotional life, he learned essential lessons. By learning to surrender to the "School of Heart Knocks"—the school of life—the found his authentic face and embraced the call to write. Soulshaping is an inspiring memoir for anyone who has heard a whisper of something truer calling out to them amid the distractions of modern life. Jeff’s dramatic and often funny story takes readers through remarkably human experiences—emotional, physical, and economic—as he vividly recounts his journey to discover his soul’s purpose. A work of courageous self-creation, Soulshaping reminds us that we are all truly connected, that our seemingly isolated struggles are actually part of the shared human challenge to live a life that is heart-centered and soul-driven.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
106 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Brown
7 books240 followersA former criminal lawyer and psychotherapist, Jeff Brown is the author of 5 popular books: Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation, Ascending with Both Feet on the Ground, Love It Forward, An Uncommon Bond, and Spiritual Graffiti. He is also the producer and primary journeyer in the award winning spiritual documentary, Karmageddon, which also stars Ram Dass, Seane Corn, David Life, Deva Premal and Miten.
After writing a series of inspirations for ABC’S ‘Good Morning America’ in 2010, and appearing on Fox News.com and dozens of radio shows, Brown wrote the viral blog ‘Apologies to the Divine Feminine (from a warrior in transition)’ that autumn, catapulting him to a greater degree of notoriety, particularly in social media. Jeff’s new terms and short writings became a phenomenon some years ago, and continue to be shared by seekers and growers worldwide. His quotes have been shared in social media by songstresses Alanis Morrissette and Fergie, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) and many other well-known figures. Most beautifully, they have touched and benefited millions of souls. This gratifies him deeply. He now understands that most of the challenges he faced, and the millions of steps of overcoming, were intended for this purpose: To support humanity in their efforts to embody all that they are. Not to bypass their humanness, but to celebrate it. Not to find enlightenment independent of the self, but to find their awakening deep within it.
Jeff is also the founder of Soulshaping Institute and Enrealment Press. He lives in Canada with his wife, 'Open Passages' poet Susan Frybort.
After writing a series of inspirations for ABC’S ‘Good Morning America’ in 2010, and appearing on Fox News.com and dozens of radio shows, Brown wrote the viral blog ‘Apologies to the Divine Feminine (from a warrior in transition)’ that autumn, catapulting him to a greater degree of notoriety, particularly in social media. Jeff’s new terms and short writings became a phenomenon some years ago, and continue to be shared by seekers and growers worldwide. His quotes have been shared in social media by songstresses Alanis Morrissette and Fergie, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) and many other well-known figures. Most beautifully, they have touched and benefited millions of souls. This gratifies him deeply. He now understands that most of the challenges he faced, and the millions of steps of overcoming, were intended for this purpose: To support humanity in their efforts to embody all that they are. Not to bypass their humanness, but to celebrate it. Not to find enlightenment independent of the self, but to find their awakening deep within it.
Jeff is also the founder of Soulshaping Institute and Enrealment Press. He lives in Canada with his wife, 'Open Passages' poet Susan Frybort.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 28, 2009
So many self help books have engaged my mind, but I had a hard time actually transforming as a result of their words... What is wonderful about Soulshaping is that you are actually inspired to stop reading, and DO SOMETHING about your life. This guy went through so much and he still found his way home. That really inspired me. And the language and way he writes is so human and heartfelt- he writes for all of us. The only self help book that actually changed my way of living my life. Oprah would love it. It is all heart and soul.
May 20, 2017
I discovered Jeff Brown through Facebook and was really impressed by the groundedness of his spiritual perspective. Spirituality can seem to defy common sense at times and I've noticed in my work as a therapist that some clients can get attached to 'magical' ideas that offer no helpful guidance for living. Jeff does a good job of cutting through a lot of new age silliness while still giving a valuable template for living authentically.
I especially the focus on spiritual bypass. I've heard this idea before but Jeff breaks it down more concretely. Connected strongly to this was the idea that one cannot dodge one's emotional pain. It needs to be addressed directly.
That said, it was not a perfect book from my perspective. His own journey was highly idiosyncratic and I could not personally accept the universality of some of his assertions. I also disliked the words he created. He had a good purpose for this but I eventually found the overall effect cheesy and irritating. Maybe I'm just curmudgeonly.
Overall, I found this a worthy read.
I especially the focus on spiritual bypass. I've heard this idea before but Jeff breaks it down more concretely. Connected strongly to this was the idea that one cannot dodge one's emotional pain. It needs to be addressed directly.
That said, it was not a perfect book from my perspective. His own journey was highly idiosyncratic and I could not personally accept the universality of some of his assertions. I also disliked the words he created. He had a good purpose for this but I eventually found the overall effect cheesy and irritating. Maybe I'm just curmudgeonly.
Overall, I found this a worthy read.
May 31, 2009
What haven't I learned from this book?
Soulshaping is the real deal, a gritty look at the reality of fully inhabiting your life. It may be the only soul-help book I have read that brings spirituality and psychology together in a grounded framework. I love the way Jeff shows us how to shed our emotional debris and ego armor, while at the same time transforming all of it into the lessons we need. Nothing gets lost or misplaced- everything is grist for the soul mill! For me, Soulshaping represents the next step in the spiritual transformation of western culture, a perfect blend of Eastern Mysticism and Emotional Healing. Brilliant and perfectly down to earth at the same time. You just feel like he wrote your own story, and put your confusion into a more hopeful perspective.
Soulshaping is the real deal, a gritty look at the reality of fully inhabiting your life. It may be the only soul-help book I have read that brings spirituality and psychology together in a grounded framework. I love the way Jeff shows us how to shed our emotional debris and ego armor, while at the same time transforming all of it into the lessons we need. Nothing gets lost or misplaced- everything is grist for the soul mill! For me, Soulshaping represents the next step in the spiritual transformation of western culture, a perfect blend of Eastern Mysticism and Emotional Healing. Brilliant and perfectly down to earth at the same time. You just feel like he wrote your own story, and put your confusion into a more hopeful perspective.
April 8, 2015
The story of a brilliant lawyer who goes on a spiritual journey?
Well, it's pretty clear that Jeff thinks he's brilliant. He makes up words (corny words) and spills his guts, but it's painful rather than insightful or poetic or helpful.
What an awful book.
Well, it's pretty clear that Jeff thinks he's brilliant. He makes up words (corny words) and spills his guts, but it's painful rather than insightful or poetic or helpful.
What an awful book.
November 9, 2010
another author that walks the talk! Jeff's personal story which is full of inspiration and insight, tools and help that will empower you to get in touch with your true, authentic self.
June 10, 2014
Parts of the book were inspired reading but the self absorbed parts seemed egotistical and I skipped them when he went into too much detail. I like his brief facebooks posts very much.
October 6, 2014
I actually had to put this book down about halfway through. I found it difficult to get into, and I have read several books with similar subject matter. I never seemed very interested in continuing to read this, and found myself reading comic books instead. The story line of Jeff Brown's life intrigued me in many ways. I was excited to read this ever since I had picked it up. I guess you could say that I had pretty high expectations, seeing as this book holds a very high rating here on GoodReads. With that being said, I really liked the part about "befriending your confusion". I found that helpful to apply to my life. Since reading that section, my mind took it a step further and thought about, as well as practiced, "befriending my pain" on numerous occasions. I hope to scoop up this book sometime in the future and do my best to get through the rest of it.
Currently reading
August 2, 2012Very accomplished, Jeff Brown was a classmate and friend of mine in undergrad studies at McMaster University. He has brought into light a priceless healing tool for many, and attests to all that our souls have had a billion years of knowing to prepare and guide us in this life and beyond. He has presented concepts in a universally inclusive manner.
I can relate to his self-described "seminal moment", seeing himself for the first time, beyond time, as a voice from within whispered what he seemed to have always known, that he was so much more than the sum of his experiences, and the driven successful criminal lawyer he had become . . . something so much more . . . something divine!
I can relate to his self-described "seminal moment", seeing himself for the first time, beyond time, as a voice from within whispered what he seemed to have always known, that he was so much more than the sum of his experiences, and the driven successful criminal lawyer he had become . . . something so much more . . . something divine!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2009
I have read everything in self-help, but this book shifted my perspective like nothing had before. Jeff doesn't pretend to know something that we don't know. He just calls out to our own knowing, reminding us of our own inherent wisdom and capacity for change. His writing inspired me to stop pretending that I was making progress, and to actually live the journey full force. No other book did that. When you read it, you feel like he is writing your own story- so many strands in it were similar to me and to friends who have read it. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who is struggling with their career direction, soul-identity, emotional issues, where to walk next. Fantastic!
January 3, 2012
Inspirational account of a SNAG's* struggle towards personal integrity and growth.
Ironically, whilst the author spoke quite personally to me in this work, ultimately I found myself skipping through 3/4's of it feeling that it was a little repetitive and twee.
Caveat: I was in a bad mood when reading this book, but if it doesn't grab one by the cojones after a fair trial, like music and film, I'm inclined to toss it aside.
* SNAG - Sensitive New Age Guy
Ironically, whilst the author spoke quite personally to me in this work, ultimately I found myself skipping through 3/4's of it feeling that it was a little repetitive and twee.
Caveat: I was in a bad mood when reading this book, but if it doesn't grab one by the cojones after a fair trial, like music and film, I'm inclined to toss it aside.
* SNAG - Sensitive New Age Guy
April 19, 2013
Awesome book about real transformation worts and all....I've got it on my kindle but had to buy a couple of paperback copies to share.....totally recommend it!
September 24, 2019
This book is truly wonderful for times of transition during your life. Loved it.
October 22, 2020
An exceptional book about owning both our past and our journey of healing.
March 7, 2021
Beautifully written and authentic!
June 2, 2020
A great roadmap for inner wholeness
I identify with the author’s path towards self discovery, and am glad that he chose to share his experience as honestly as he did. I gain strength in knowing that I am not alone in recovering the parts of myself that remain trapped in the past (and in my body), and that truth and freedom are the greatest reward.
I identify with the author’s path towards self discovery, and am glad that he chose to share his experience as honestly as he did. I gain strength in knowing that I am not alone in recovering the parts of myself that remain trapped in the past (and in my body), and that truth and freedom are the greatest reward.
February 24, 2023
A fascinating memoir and instructional guide on how to listen to your soul and be shaped by your purpose and meaning. Reading this book helped me get comfortable with my confusion, fears, and questions and make better sense of the path I was on. We don’t always know where we’re going but if we learn to trust our inner guidance we can find the path.
February 11, 2018
I have had the pleasure of writing with Jeff Browns influences and support. This book is the real deal.
March 18, 2018
This was a pivotal, transformative book at a crucial time of transition in my life. I began reading it after completing Jeff’s writing class, which had been life-changing.
September 7, 2018
Loved it.
Very informative. I felt his pain thru his journey. Not many author's can make that happen. I hope we can all someday find our way to our true-path.
Very informative. I felt his pain thru his journey. Not many author's can make that happen. I hope we can all someday find our way to our true-path.
September 10, 2018
Love him on Facebook, but this book, not so much.
October 26, 2019
Quite repetitive in parts but lots of great stuff in it
February 13, 2015
Following the news about #chapelhillshooting I remembered that paragraph where Jeff Brown described his dream: “On September 8, 2001, I had a dream. An Arabic pilot hijacked an American Airlines jet and crash-landed it on my street, just missing my house”.
I enjoyed reading the book so much!! It was one of the books I felt it was definitely sent by the universe to teach me what I just needed, in the right moment.
However, my heart ached when I reached this paragraph!!
In your Soulshaping Journey and as a soulshaping ambassador you could have deleted it though it might be true (and you can swear it was)! But again I understand you are still a walker in the Soulshaping Journey as I do, and part of the journey and maybe an essential success point: To see everyone as God (as you said in the book) with no religion/background/race/gender.....a LABEL/PREJUDGEMENTS/...etc. I guess it would take us AGES to really say I succeeded in my soulshaping Journey! It takes a lot of effort and energy (especially nowadays) to reach the goal: a soulshaped with love, wisdom, freedom and faith!
As a Soulshaping passionate walking this Journey, I see with the eye of my heart beauty in the midst of thorns. Therefore, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Wonderfully written and has a noble message. It is a beautiful guide to soulshaping, to enhance intrinsic motivation and to inspire nations to make their dreams/passion a reality lived and sensed. Thank you!
I enjoyed reading the book so much!! It was one of the books I felt it was definitely sent by the universe to teach me what I just needed, in the right moment.
However, my heart ached when I reached this paragraph!!
In your Soulshaping Journey and as a soulshaping ambassador you could have deleted it though it might be true (and you can swear it was)! But again I understand you are still a walker in the Soulshaping Journey as I do, and part of the journey and maybe an essential success point: To see everyone as God (as you said in the book) with no religion/background/race/gender.....a LABEL/PREJUDGEMENTS/...etc. I guess it would take us AGES to really say I succeeded in my soulshaping Journey! It takes a lot of effort and energy (especially nowadays) to reach the goal: a soulshaped with love, wisdom, freedom and faith!
As a Soulshaping passionate walking this Journey, I see with the eye of my heart beauty in the midst of thorns. Therefore, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Wonderfully written and has a noble message. It is a beautiful guide to soulshaping, to enhance intrinsic motivation and to inspire nations to make their dreams/passion a reality lived and sensed. Thank you!
September 18, 2010
""Soulshaping" is a direct expression of a powerful individual radiating their inner divine strength, while fully revealing wholeheartedly the human side of his earthly undertakings, allowing readers to uniquely capture meaningful wisdom, inspiration, a renewed sense of empowerment, and hope!
Jeff Brown is a true pioneer with his endless dedication, commitment, and balanced expression that promotes authenticity and long-lived self-transformation. Cheers to you Jeff for your powerful service to humanity, I am deeply humbled to support your life mission!!"
Jeff Brown is a true pioneer with his endless dedication, commitment, and balanced expression that promotes authenticity and long-lived self-transformation. Cheers to you Jeff for your powerful service to humanity, I am deeply humbled to support your life mission!!"
March 8, 2015
I currently am a huge fan of Jeff Brown as I feel he really gets personal growth and is able to cut through a lot of the chaff that has expanded through the personal growth industry. In this book he chronicles his own path to growth and his internal battles with ego, practical monetary concerns versus his focus on his soul growth.
I feel like he is a soul brother and I agree with 95% of his outlook and approach to life regarding personal growth.
I feel like he is a soul brother and I agree with 95% of his outlook and approach to life regarding personal growth.
March 5, 2009
This book made me realize that i have to listen more to my inner voice....There were things going on in my life that i was ignoring, that i didn't want to confront. After reading this i knew i had to confront them...its wasn't easy but i did and i now feel better about where my life is heading. Great book!!!!
February 1, 2014
If I had enough money to purchase this book for everyone I know and give it as a gift I would. I think I will start one friend at a time! It is that good. To quote the author "Soul gifts come in unexpected packages", and this book is one of those special 'soul gifts' provided for us along our journey. Thank you Jeff!
October 31, 2013
Very interesting book about a very interesting journey, and an important subject, soul connection and realisation.
Enjoyed reading it specially the part about Rachel, felt like true magic, but this time was real !
Enjoyed reading it specially the part about Rachel, felt like true magic, but this time was real !
Currently reading
May 17, 2010I'm still reading...will get back to you....
Currently reading
December 12, 2010amazing book about a man's spiritual journey with all the ups and downs of self-creation.
June 24, 2011
I had a hard time getting into this book. Perhaps it's all about timing and I'm not ready to read it? Just don't know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews