Emotional Genius: Discovering the Deepest Language of the Soul

I agree with the rest of reviewers. This has to be THE best book on emotions and one of the best psychology/spirituality books overall. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, addictions, PTSD or any other disorder of this kind, please do yourself a favor and get this book. If you don't get this book anyway. You will love and re-read it for the rest of your life! I just wanted to add something. I do agree with the reviewer Leela on her comments about Carla's conversion to scepticism, but we are not judging the author here, we are judging the book. And as the reviewer herself noted, the insights in Emotional Genius are profound and grounded to say the least.

Yes, it's true Karla McLaren has converted to skepticism. And I fully agree with the insightful review posted by Leela. That said, I still found this book very helpful. It is peppered with "unsubstantiated" concepts like chakras, auras, and such, but setting aside the ability to irrefutably confirm the existence of these concepts, the techniques she recommends are still very useful for understanding and processing various emotional states. Self-examination is a healthy endeavor and in many respects Karla's repudiation of her work is courageous. However to me, skepticism as is it typically practiced appears to be the mirror image of blind faith. Personally, I believe it's possible to marry a healthy interest in honest inquiry with the ability to embrace the mysteries and magic of life. I will still keep this book in my library, and wish only the best for Karla as she continues along her own personal journey.

I've read so many non-fiction books that this past year when I was searching for a fiction book, I had to ask a clerk what section they were in! (Literature, how was I to know?!)This is THE best book from every angle. It is sequenced just right, you feel like you're covering the material without feeling lost or bored. It's written in laymen's terms, like your best friend is describing the confusing world of emotions. I was so impressed with this book that I flew to Colorado to attend her workshop, and no I've never done that before! (especially two months after 9-11)Now I can't wait for Karla to come to the East Coast. Karla is just like your friend next door. She will not allow you to put her on a pedestal and she truly shares her 'emotional genius' like a best friend. Thank You, Karla! I hope I get to more of your workshops before Oprah gets ahold of you!

This book manages to be down-to-earth and sensible even though it's about energetic healing, which can sometimes lead writers into the ozone. But McLaren is funny and practical, and she knows a huge amount about what it means to be human and how it feels to be grappling with anger, panic, and fear. And she has solutions!Right now, when people are so sad and scared, is the best possible time for a book like this. We can't do anything useful for the world if we don't make friends with and understand our own emotional reactions. But even in calmer political times, I plan to keep this nearby to help me with all the emotions that come up in life, to help me function better at my job, with my family, and with my friends.Emotional Genius is a) hugely useful, and b) deeply comforting. I'm very glad to have found it.

Karla McLaren is a genius! Her work is totally body-based which means you aren't meditating to the cosmos to find an escape from your life, you're welcoming the cosmos in to lead a meaningful, whole life. And that means getting back in touch with your emotions so they can flow through you instead of getting stuck in your mind or body. NOBODY else has written a book like this, trust me. She gives beautiful descriptions of the emotions and what their real gifts are to you. She guides you through various questions to get to the heart of the problem you are having. She teaches you how to get to the heart of your emotions with incredible acceptance and kindness. Another plus is that she goes into depth about balancing your quaternity or elemental nature (earth, air, fire, water) whether you know you have one or not. But it never gets heavy. It's like you're chatting with her over coffee! The author also gives explicit directions for beginning or maintaining a "grounded meditation" to include as a daily practice. I've been practicing it for several years and it has made a tremendous difference in my life and my view of the world. It makes you feel fully alive and grounded. None of that spacey, "what's it all about", out-of-body stuff in this book. BUY THIS BOOK. You won't regret it. Karla is earthy, funny, inspired, and sincerely wants people to become whole again.