Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/08) Connecting to the universe is a mystical experience. There are an infinite number of ways to make this spiritual connection. Each of us has our own way. Our cultural backgrounds have influence over determining which way is ours. In "Voices from the Other Side of the Couch" the authors John Myerson and Judith Robbins discuss the two most common ways that people connect to the universe. These are seeing and feeling. They also dedicate a chapter each to covering the eight most common archetypes. Each of the gifts that come from these patterns is best suited for dealing with healing particular problems. Dr. Myerson has a background in acupuncture, psychology and Shamanism. As a shaman he is a go-between between the physical realm and the spiritual realm. He uses his gift to assist people in discovering their gifts, their power, and their own special way of connecting to the universe. Myerson states, "Your gifts are the way the Universe's power is expressed in the physical world." Negative emotions can block us from using these gifts wisely. Dr. Myerson reviews case studies of his patient's and how they were healed with spiritual intervention. I found these studies to be fascinating. It is crucial that readers be aware of how the energies that we have around us can affect us. Reading about Dr. Myerson's ability to see these energies and work with them is inspiring. I have to admit that it is also somewhat unnerving to know how we can be affected by what most of us cannot see. "Voices from the Other Side of the Couch: A Warrior's View of Shamanic Healing" is highly recommended for all who are on their spiritual journey. Learning to recognize where our gifts lie, and issues that can block them is vitally important for our own healing, and spiritual growth.
A great tool to understand one's own shamanic experiences
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Dr. Myerson's book is exceptional in that he is able to gives words to very profound spiritual experiences and make them accessible. He outlines common patterns of shamanic experience and invites the reader to use these patterns to help explore their own experiences. He explores the paths and detours of different types of shamanic experiences without offering judgment on any of them. His conclusion is that we each have our individual gifts and powers which stem from God/Tao/the Universe, and his book is a tool to help us understand ourselves, not to tell us what we should be feeling or experiencing.
unique synthesis
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
A unique synthesis of insights and methods drawn from martial arts and shamanic healing. John Myerson comes across as a highly original practioner and teacher of the healing arts. His typology of the various energy types and their potentials is groundbreaking. Almost every page is packed with juicy material, including the fascinating autobiographical essay and rich bibliography.
Exceptional!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Dr. Myerson has written yet another powerful and enlightening book. His straight-forward style easily invites the uninitiated into the world of shamanism, and calls the reader to become aware of his/her own gifts and power. Through case studies, as well as his own personal experiences and insights, Dr. Myerson has gifted us with a treasure from which, if we are open and honest, we can glean a better understanding of ourselves as well as others.
Concise, insightful, balanced and full of wisdom
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I highly recommend this book to those interested in gaining insight and understanding of the primeval forces of the universe that exist and affect all of our lives. This book describes how to recognize and develop a connection in a way that's balanced and respectful. John presents this information through stories from his healing practice, grouping them with archetypes that are easy to identify with and recognize. His style is direct, non-judgmental, compassionate and loving.
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