Guilt Is the Teacher, Love Is the Lesson

I read this book back in the 80's when it was first published, and again recently, and I'm reading it again, and each time I get more from it. It is a great self-help exercise.

This book, while sometimes dense, was helpful in understanding how to deal with the very human propensity toward guilt and feeling bad about oneself. It's a wonderful book for people who suspect or realize their ambitions and decisions are grounded in self-loathing. It also provides practical motivation for building a positive orientation for operating in the world.

A cellular biologist, psychotherapist and spiritual facilitator, Dr. Borysenko brings a unique professional background to the discussion of unhealthy guilt and it's antidote. She makes helpful distinctions between healthy guilt and destructive shame pointing out that while one is necessary to refine our behavior the other rots us from the inside out. Some will find her potpourri of religion, psychology and mystical influences challenging if they have not ventured outside the boundaries of conventional interpretations of spirituality. Others who understand the idea that "religion is for people afraid of going to hell and spirituality is for people who have been there" will find it easy to embrace the suggestions in this book. Take what you want and leave the rest. Borysenko's own cafeteria approach to healing reiterates the honesty, open-mindedness and willingness necessary to free oneself from the crush of inner demons. When Borysenko brings her own experiences to the table, it is easier to accept her subjective approach. This book requires an open mind to appreciate this attempt to mark one path, if not THE path, to healing.

This book is a keeper. Borysenko gently holds a mirror up for us to peek into our essence and see through our masks. We are a kaleidoscope of feelings, a symphony of thoughts drumming our consciousness, and much, much more. Joy comes with the observer, with insight into our humanity, with unraveling the heartless assumptions we have made about ourselves, and with letting go of the shame we carry. An articulate, important book.