As the posts and years go by, Mike wrestles with existential crises, clinical depression, and deep inner healing. We follow the development of close soul friendships, as well as the loss of friends through death. We see how Mike’s public grappling with personal trauma and the Big Questions opens doors for others to share their stories, too. And we see how some relationships break rather than expand into larger implications. These are universal human experiences on the path of self discovery — told in an intimate, vulnerable way. Often in real time.
The time looping and spiral journey nature of this book also models a process for embracing the “little things” that connect us to the Great Mystery, and to each other. By sharing so many of his own specific memories, details, timestamps, and experiences, Mike taps into the universal. Though true, the book kind of reads like an epistolary novel. My favorite parts are the hypnosis transcripts, his eulogies, and especially the passages about his friendship with the late Mac Tonnies. A tension between mind and heart runs throughout, yet despite the struggle, his heart keeps shining.
The Introduction begins with Joseph Campbell’s quote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” In the Conclusion, Mike says, “Recently, someone asked me how my life has changed because of these experiences. I thought for a moment and said, ‘I now live in a magical universe.’ I meant that, I see reality as something much richer and more mysterious than I could have ever conceived.”
Read Laura’s full review HERE
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Really enjoyed the interview Mike and I really admire how you transformed the best of your blog into a book! I like the tango quality to this interview. You both danced well!
ReplyDeleteJust a small note. I used to work with people with Acquired Brain Injuries (same as TBI) and I came across many people for whom the brain injury seemed also to have re-orientated their lives, often turning them into better people. My tumours have had a similar effect.
Enjoying your new podcast! Stay well and keep up the great work!
Bright.
Thaanks for sharing
ReplyDelete