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Grace Kinney

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Soul Shift: The Weary Human's Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy

by Rachel Macy Stafford (Goodreads Author)

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Grace Kinney said: " I am not usually someone who finds so-called “self-help” books very engaging or inviting. I think part of the reason for that is - some self-help work comes off either too idealistic, using dreamy general language I can’t relate to, or too confrontin I am not usually someone who finds so-called “self-help” books very engaging or inviting. I think part of the reason for that is - some self-help work comes off either too idealistic, using dreamy general language I can’t relate to, or too confronting as it tries to be motivational - “get up, do the thing, love yourself, you’re awesome, there’s no excuse.”

Neither resonate with me really. And this book takes neither of those approaches. It’s an entirely refreshing, gentle, and resonant guidebook towards ourselves. It really is a guide designed for a weary human, as if written for a beloved friend. Rachel is so invitational. Her phrasing is rooted in reality and as readers, we’re allowed to show up and take little pieces at a time.

Soul Shift is set up like a bit of a workbook, but not a daunting one where you need to fill every page or examine your whole past. The book includes personal stories, revelatory poems, psychological truth and short, doable prompts to complete a sentence frame or briefly categorize thoughts. The prompts are actionable and can be done in a short sitting, a little bit at a time. The end of the book contains an accessible map you can color and mark as you navigate through a peaceful botanical garden, guided by a reassuring voice.

I have found it very accessible, even from the grips of anxiety and depression.The whole book unfolds through a lens of self-compassion and understanding, which is desperately needed when engaging in self-examination from a weary starting point. And all prompts are designed, not to dig into the past and leave you floundering, but to help you see each action or pattern with understanding and begin to shift them through shifting your language to and about yourself, not through shame or guilt. Rachel gives very concrete ways to do this, rooted in psychology, as opposed to just telling you to speak more nicely to yourself. And, she is honest about the struggles along her path, making you feel like you are talking to a trusted friend who has been where you are (or somewhere like it), not a pedantic expert.

The book is divided into practices. My favorite part is how she closes each practice with “assurance for your pocket.” Just when you might want to shame yourself for not being better or worry that you aren’t up to the task, she is there, reminding you that where you are and where you’ve been are both okay, and you can move forward or retrace your steps along the inviting garden path to your authentic self with her “hand in yours.” ...more "

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(page 181 of 264)
— Mar 22, 2023 09:02AM

Mar 22, 2023 09:21AM · see review