Lots of people have read this book and really enjoyed it. The people who liked it the most were;
That’s right. I wrote a book and I don’t think it’s a good read for everyone. This is my list of people who should NOT read this book. (If you are on this list and you do read the book, I am so curious to hear what you think though!)
At the start of my illness, I began writing journal entries. I wrote to process my feelings and make sense of what was happening. I continued to write as I was hospitalized, diagnosed, treated and moved into recovery. I am now ready to share my learning. This is the story of how I lost it, at a time when we collectively lost it, and how I navigated the beginning stages of recovery with greater ease by applying skills related to self-awareness and nonviolence. I hope my story invites you into compassionate processes so that we can all experience more healing.
It was a unique time to get diagnosed and treated for a rare disease, in the middle of a pandemic when so many others around the world were feeling such intense feelings of fear, frustration, and burn out. I had to cultivate hope and think differently about human suffering. My survival depended on it. Now that my personal crisis has passed, I can see that our human survival also depends on it.
Perhaps you are in the midst of a moment that is challenging you to the very core? Or perhaps the moment of challenge has passed but you still feel bitterness and pain related to your experience?
Finding Ahimsa is my journey into greater self awareness, self compassion, and eventually (with a lot of struggle!) more compassion and care for others.
I can’t guarantee that you will feel love towards those that have contributed to your pain but I hope to inspire you to free yourself in all the ways you can. Your health depends on it.
Erin combined the most influential components of Non Violent Communication and explored the impact of community, compassion, privilege and love on the human experience, including the things which bind and those that disconnect. Erin’s story provides a raw look into her health crisis, while in the midst of a global health crisis and delves into the complexities of pain, grief, resilience and mortality. Throughout my reading of Finding Ahimsa, I cried many tears-some of sorrow, some of frustration, some of solidarity, and some of sheer joy. Her message is powerful and yet it is shared with such gentleness. This is a memoir that captures the essence one of the most traumatic, unprecedented times in modern history and leaves listeners with a message of hope and encouragement.
Here are some links to recordings where I talk about my experience and my book.
Intro to my book on My MetaMentoring Podcast
Thoughtvolution Podcast with Stefan Dubiel, Season 1 Episode 9