Customer Reviews

Healing Words for the Body, Mind, and Spirit: 101 Words to Inspire and Affirm

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Goldman has gathered a well-balanced collection of words, quotes, and stories for those of us in need of healing (whether we realize we need healing or not!). Each word consists of two pages in the book, a perfect length for our busy world. After getting out of bed, on the commute to work, at the dentist office, stuck in traffic, before bed -- we can use these little blocks of time, so often wasted, to support our own healing.

Supplementing the words is a list of suggestions for using the book: journaling, meditation, prayer, as inspiration for art and music, etc. My favorite of Caren's suggestions is considering "Why did this word choose me?" as a counterpoint to "Why did I choose this word?"

This small, beautiful book is a treasure, sure to be useful for individuals looking to heal themselves as well as healers looking to help their clients.

Caren Goldman has provided a tool for all to use to help us become whole. We all need to think of ways to awaken our inner spirit and this book provides us with words and thoughts which provoke healing and wholeness. The oportunity to take a few minutes daily and think about life's fuller meaning can only help with the healing we all need and desire. Caren's book can be used by those suffering from emotional, physical and psycological illness to reach for a fuller understanding of their place in the world. As a Perinatologist who works with women and their families who must experience unexpected and unfortunate outcomes in their pregnancies, it is often valuable to have a tool like caren's book which these families can use to help them make some sense of their difficult situation. I have encouraged many of my patients to utilize books and other resources to deal with their internal suffering and begin or continue on the road to personal wholeness. This book is just what is needed to help those who are suffering to reach into themselves and discover a source to wholeness.

Michael P. Marcotte, M.D. Assistant Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical College of Ohio

After giving this book to individuals and families in need of healing, I continue to learn of others who are moved by the explorative value. The work moves people beyond simple perceptions of self to explore and open the pathways to healing on every level. I've noticed that the text, initially given to the terminally ill, is being read by every member of the person's family! The text has moved me from a dicotomous "self" to a deeper understanding and I look forward to this journey! I know a great work when I ponder on the content after reading it, and throughout the day, I find myself thinking of one -- or several -- of the words.

This was given to me during the middle of chemotherapy, when I was quite discouraged. This book is a wonderful resource - it does not confuse healing with a medical cure, but uses a broader definition of healing.

I have given four copies of this book to friends who have either been diagnosed with chronic illnesses (cancer, diabetes) or who have undergone wrenching life changes. All have called or written with stories of how this book has helped them have a new perspective, and to see hope.

The essays are also short enough that someone who has very little energy can read the book. Although some of the book is faith-based, it is not faith-specific. It was written after the author and her family underwent a dreadful series of diseases and disasters, and calls on their experiences and faith for some of the illustrations.

Affirmation books are generally wishy-washy. I find "new age" stuff to be full of pabulum. This book pulls no punches, and the writing carries an honesty and vigor that is refreshing. This is an excellent book, in every meaning of the phrase.

Buy it, for there shall surely come a time that you will either need it immediately, or will need to give it with little warning.

HEALING WORDS is a masterpiece, springing out of the cauldron of Caren Goldman's life experience plus her research of many years. Clearly this book is not intended to be read from begining to end, any more than a dictionary would be read that way. I have her book on my bedside table and like to open it at random and read a pair of words in the evening. The one on Grief especially spoke to me the other night. In my opinion, HEALING WORDS is balanced, acknowledging both sides. It is not New Agey with all one-sided lightness of being stuff. I find it both realistic and hopeful.

Caren Writes an incredible healing tool for everyone. I picked up this book and immediately realized what a powerful writer she is. I could not put this wonderful book down and recommend it to all who are interested in personal well being. A wonderful spiritual and physical pick me up. Thank you Caren.

I just wanted to say a few words of appreciation for 101 Healing Words. I work with people living with life threatning illnesses and mortality issues, as well as the emotional and spiritual aspects of how their past may play into their present. So many people with illness seem to have a troubled past and now an unpredictible future. I felt so connected to many of the stories and the images they provoked of not only my clients, but of myself. I think this book is very valuable to anyone that has ever dirrectly or personally dealt with illness, whether it be physical or spiritual, or anyone that just needs some general inspiration. Thank you for this wonderful addition to my bookshelf!

I have purchased copies for everyone I know facing the challenge of more than temporary illness or loss. Only if you've been there (I have) can you understand the importance of this book. It's a waste of time to respond to it academically -- intellectually. This is for people faced with their mortality who are trying to do what we all will have to do -- let go of the illusion of control. The real review comes from them -- it helped.

I was able to use this book with my student's to assist them in their own understanding of death, forgiveness, grief, as well as trust, joy, and courage. I was able to use the stories, and then discuss them with the children, many of whom have witnessed the death of a parent, friend, and who are either in the child welfare system or with the corrections facility. With these stories, I am able to assist them in resolving their conflicts.

Life seems to be one continuous gift, even in times of great darkness. I am at such a critical place in my own life now, grateful that darkness holds the promise of great discovery and healing.
These healing words; these remarkable stories not only bring me much solace, but also the necessary loving nudge to dare me to continue to live in the tension of the questions before me.