Photography,Memes &Meditations
My Memoir
From the back of the book
Welcome to my wonderful, wild--
often difficult--always meaningful life.
I am a "wounded healer". I also live with mental illness and have done so throughout most of my almost 70 years. At 63 I experienced a life-altering physical, emotional, psychic and spiritual disintegration; and, at last, a long-awaited diagnosis. Since that life-transforming and life-giving experience I have journeyed the pathways of exploration into the profound relationship between spirituality and mental illness.
This book is a gift to myself—a “coming out” of the shadows and beginning to live my own truth and claim my own story. This story tells of the transformation of unrelenting pain—spiritual, mental, and physical—into a wholeness that allows me to fulfill my calling from the Universe and live in healthy and fulfilling ways. My spiritual journey has been a protracted one weaving from conservative Christianity to Energy Healing to Shamanism. I am an Ordained Minister, a Level Three Reiki Practitioner, a certified Animal Reiki Practitioner, and a Shaman-in-Training. I am an artist, poet, writer, and musician.
Not all, and perhaps few, will discover their sense of wholeness in the ways that I have. My only desire is that this book will encourage others (and those who love or work with them) to be open to looking at mental illness and spirituality in creative ways. That is all I did—I opened my mind and heart to looking at my mental illness as a spiritual gift and my sacred transformation as a way to expand my understanding of mental illness. I invite you on a most marvelous, magical, mystical journey of hope. --Carol L. Chambers
In the years since I published my life story I have said many, many times "I should have waited to write it. I know so much more now". I have come to believe that, while I might have some momentary frustration, this is what is supposed to happen with the storytelling of our lives. And for that I am grateful.
Things change, we keep growing, and
that is a wonderful thing indeed.
Reviews
Reviewed by Christian Sia
for Readers' Favorite
[This book] is a memoir and spiritual odyssey... It is the story of a woman who lived with a mental illness for six decades before discovering that bipolar disorder had caused her so much depression, anxiety, addiction, anorexia, and the spiritual restlessness she’d suffered since childhood. It is a story of anguish and pain, but also a surprising tale of healing and deepening spirituality.
In a voice that is strong, confident and compassionate, the author shares her story from childhood, unveiling the deepest wounds in her heart and the numerous challenges when it came to holding onto life and developing strong and healthy relationships. Her quest for a deep spiritual understanding intersected with her malady. Her journey was one of discovering the truth about her mental illness and unlocking the wells of spirituality that would transform her entire life. Carol L. Chambers’ perception of life is exemplified in this book and as the reader turns the pages, they begin to understand the connection the author develops with Mother Earth. There are so many spiritually rich passages for the reader to appreciate and enjoy. The Journey of a Wounded Healer is inspiring, a story that encourages readers to learn to listen to the spiritual voice that speaks from their hearts and to find the hidden oasis in the desert of life. Written in great prose and in symbolic language, this book will compel readers to seek healing in that which causes them pain.
Available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble in paperback
and on Kindle or Nook. Also available at independent bookstores.
Click on image to purchase the book on Amazon. com. Thank you.
Reviews on Amazon.com:
"Carol has fashioned a unique and sparkling pearl out of a mountain of suffering and turmoil!...Thank you, Carol, for a deep dive, a painful search, and a bright light -- let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
"Her story brought tears to my soul. Carol Chambers writes from her heart. A must read for anyone in the mental health field and anyone in who is a spiritual leader."
"I am in awe of Carols open & honest sharing in this wonderful book. I have worked in the mental health field and believe every patient, family member & worker in this field should read this book."
"Carol's masterfully written book tells of her life long journey to understand and stabilize her mental and spiritual well-being. It is an absorbing and painful, yet hopeful read."
"I was deeply moved by reading The Journey of a Wounded Healer. As I could relate to the essence of what Carol went through because of my own personal experience with my mother, it brought me back to a time which was confusing and very frustrating for me. However, it was indeed the impetus that led me on my spiritual journey.
Carol has stepped out into the world through this beautiful work of art (her writing and choice of words and how they dance on the pages are literally art to my heart and soul!) She has taken a very delicate and not-talked about subject and has synergistically pulled it together in a way that gently and thoroughly moves you through her story, yet not bogging you down. I literally felt her inner strength as I read each page with awe and wonder.
I believe that others can find solace, peace and discovery in their own rite after reading her story from the broken pieces of her being to that of a serene, stable and compassionate woman."
"Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It was a very moving and spiritual book that kept me reading way too late several nights. I share your pain in many aspects of my life and know how difficult it would be to share and I admire you so much for being able to do it."