Sacred Mirror: Nondual Wisdom and Psychotherapy (Omega Books)

I bought this book not knowing what to expect, and have been pleasantly surprised. I have had inklings of dissatisfaction with the Advaita non-dual teachings because they seem to prefer emptiness to form, and it seems to me that form exists as well. I may not be that far along, but when I read these very thoughtful and insightful essays, I found these authors describe where I am profoundly well. It is fun to read! I have been using The Work of Byron Katie for seven years and have discovered a profound presence arises when I engage in "doing The Work". That presence is very healing and brings a comfort and indescribable sense of well-being to any interaction. I love that Therapists are exploring whether that presence can be brought into psycho-therapy because it seems to me to be the best way to heal the mind. If you are interested in exploring these areas, this is a well written set of essays that will spark some new ways of being.

This book is my first contact with non dualism in psychotherapy.I read a lot of books on modern psychology in the past, but hadn't tapped into the edge of the field in a few years. Reading this made me aware that psychotherapy had finally found its maturity. I've expected this for 30 years, that our modern world would provide paths to truth/reality/God/I AM...And here it is. Expressed by modern minds, non dualism is easier to "understand". This book contains many tentatives at describing the undescrbable, or at least get as close as possible, a bit like hints. The authors are so articulate and honest ( exposing the weaknesses, pitfalls etc...of what method they use in their non dual therapies) that they succeed, and one can get a good taste of what they hint at, providing one reads slowly, with an open heart/mind. I find it fascinating and plan to study this field for awhile. It helps me clarify my mind, which is precious. It's pretty funny by times. These folks have humor, I like that too.

I have been practicing psychotherapy for 20+ years, and have a generally psychoanalytic perspective. I have however also always been interested in transpersonal and spiritual dimensions of the work, and I found this book to be a great gift. The contributions are thoughtful and sensitive and clearly articulate some very nuanced aspect of creating a healing space WITH the client. Although it might be helpful to know a bit about Buddhist perspectives and thought, I don't feel it is necessary to have that foundation to benefit from these writings. There is nothing pedantic or preachy here, just a thoughtful presence. And for those who might be interested in EMDR, there is a wonderful chapter about adapting the EMDR protocol to include aspects of nondual wisdom. Highly highly recommend. Less experienced therapists might find this a bit of a stretch but therapists of any orientation would benefit, I feel.

Fairly well written and edited. Peter seems to draw a coherent dialogue from one writer and "perspective" to another with a reasonably cogent essay by Adyashanti, as well as others. Worth reading if you have the interest. A bit light on the application in Psychotherapy IMHO, but that has to bee seen to be understood, if even then. . .

I love this book. There are many contributors in the book. Each has there own section speaking about healing the separation, or I could say being aware of the union that is always here.

As someone who loves the non-dual world and psychotherapy, I was so taken with this book. It is engaging, thought provoking, and very accessible. I refer to it again and again, as it's inspiring the deepest work I do with myself and my clients.

Really good book!

If you're wanting to understand either nondual wisdom or psychotherapy more clearly, read this wise and literate book. And when you're done, then read the second volume as well, Listening from the Heart of Silence. I wrote a longer review over there that applies to both volumes. They're good and, sad to say, there's nothing else out there that's like them. We need more. Until then, at least we have these.

Great book and service.

Es besteht die unbedingte Notwendigkeit die nonduale Sichtweise, d.h. den Urgrund des Seins, die REALITÄT, DAS, was Worte nur anklingen lassen können, in die psychotherapeutische Arbeit bewusst zu integrieren. Hoffentlich bald auch in deutscher Übersetzung! Sehr gelungen!