Becoming a Goddess of Inner Poise: Spirituality for the Bridget Jones in All of Us

Like so many young women I know, I've struggled for years to maintain my own sense of spirituality in the face of outdated (and let's face it, often anti-feminine!) spiritual traditions. I grew up in a relatively religious household, but as I've gotten older, I've found that traditional religion offers practically no guidance for the kinds of personal and career struggles my girlfriends and I deal with on a daily basis. Whoever thought that a little pink book could fill such a huge gap?? A girlfriend of mine who read "Becoming a Goddess of Inner Poise" in her book group recommended it to me, and to my surprise, it's made a huge difference in my life. By looking at Chick Lit characters as spiritual role models for modern women (not nearly as crazy as it sounds), Donna Freitas is able to talk intelligently about everything from body-image issues to career choices to sex to going out with the girls for martinis in a way that is both spiritually validating and incredibly funny at the same time. In fact, this book was so easy to read, I'm honestly not sure what book the reviewers below were reading. (I've never read a dissertation, but if they were anywhere near this entertaining, my guess is that there'd be a lot more Ph.Ds!) My guess is that most women will see this book the way my girlfriends and I see it: as a welcome relief, a v. fun read, and a long-overdue look at the very real spiritual journeys women of our generation are taking every day.

Donna Freitas discusses religion by embracing the taboo topics within this arena. She makes clear that to be spiritual and/or religious, an individual does not need to be ashamed of the very aspects that make us all human. For all 20 and 30 something women out there looking for a book that will explore the topics that you're too afraid to address in the same sentence as "God", Donna Freitas is the author for you. Not only are these topics explored, but you will leave this book feeling empowered, and know that you truly are your own goddess of inner poise.

Becoming a Goddess of Inner Poise is a great read for any woman who strugles with the Christain tradition or simply spiritualy in the 21st century. Donna Freitas uses her extremely diverse sources from the women Christian mystics to Bridget Jones to provide women today with a viable spiritual path.

Reading this book has been such a relief! Thank you Donna Freitas! I, like many others, have been struggling to identify my own definition of spirituality. In "Becoming a Goddess of Inner Poise", Donna Freitas uses an informative-- yet, contemporary and humorous approach to this very ambiguous subject that has been itching to be addressed from a contemporary and professional standpoint. Key word: contemporary; meaning, something that women (and men) of this era can relate to. In a very professional but cool fashion, chapter by chapter Freitas tackles the every day issues and struggles which keep us from attaining spiritual bliss. It's a must have for anyone that has been lacking in their spiritual department and doesn't know why. Donna Freitas is a true pioneer for this new era of spirituality. Her new book will make ever reader feel as though they are on the brink of a new spiritual movement!

I read this book with my book group, and we all LOVED it. It's SO funny and SO smart. I've always thought of myself as a spiritual person, even though I've never been much of a church-goer. I read a lot of spirituality books, but they're always by women my mother's age. While these writers have good intentions, their spiritual insights aren't very relevant to my life. Finally, here is a book that speaks to me and women like me -- smart, stylish, creative women in their 20s and 30s who are pursuing careers, looking for Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now), and relishing close friendships with other fabulous women. With a Ph.D. in spirituality and a dangerously funny sense of humor, Donna Freitas is able to incorporate wisdom from a variety of spiritual traditions, and even feminist scholarship, to talk about how young women's lives today are already deeply spiritual. She redeems (to use a spiritual term) everything from our shoe obsessions and chocolate obsessions, and she shows how our lives already have sacred rituals -- like evenings of food, wine, and conversation with our best friends. After reading this book, I have a new understanding of how to nurture my spirituality (and not feel guilty about drooling over the latest Jimmy Choos!)