Review of Original Wisdom

[Seetha E]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Original Wisdom" by Donna Bond.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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We are often unaware of the weight of the insecurities we latch on to during our formative years. We tend to associate our happiness and fulfillment with the attainment of various milestones in our life journeys. However, the contentment derived from these achievements is often fleeting, as we soon find ourselves in pursuit of the next goal, perpetuating a continuous cycle. Does this experience resonate with you?

Dona Bond, a woman in her early forties, had reached the pinnacle of her career in the hospitality industry, enjoying financial success. Yet she grappled with a profound sense of emptiness. Her professional accomplishments failed to assuage this existential void. At this juncture, she resolved to heed the call of her inner voice and embrace a more purposeful existence. This pivotal decision led her to embark on a transformative journey, culminating in her enrollment in a master's program at the University of Santa Monica. In her book, Original Wisdom: Harness the Power of the Authentic You, Dona Bond elucidates how she leveraged the knowledge acquired during this period to facilitate her evolution. She shares her story and offers guidance to support others on their transformative paths.

The book is notable for its rich format, replete with illustrations from the author's life. It masterfully portrays how early life experiences can take root and influence our mindset, subsequently shaping our approach to life, as exemplified in the apple sapling incident. The author's investment of life force energies into a Shar Pei, a pristine white couch, her husband, and similar incidents serve to underscore the potency of our innate wisdom. She adeptly guides readers through moments of self-doubt and emptiness amidst triumphs, gradually leading them to recognize that there is more than mere hope on the path to satisfaction, bliss, health, wealth, meaningful existence, and beyond.

The remarkable thing about this book is that it goes beyond being just another self-help book. Instead of simply providing a list of dos and don'ts, the author generously shares her personal experiences to showcase the incredible potential within all of us. She urges readers not only to take her words at face value but to put her guidance into practice and witness the profound changes for themselves. This book also features self-guided experiential activities designed to help readers discover their authentic selves and transcend their fears. It also includes healing transmissions that can be spoken aloud. Audio versions of the same are available on the author's website. Through these innovative offerings, the book elevates the self-help genre, providing readers with practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to uncover their true selves and conquer their limitations.

In my opinion, it's best to take it slow and make sure to address each stage thoroughly. Some readers might want to reread the book to ensure all aspects covered are implemented as suggested. I find that I am in a better position to assess and respond effectively by first accepting and then distancing myself from a situation. The book taught me that true happiness comes from happy moments that enrich our lives, not just from external factors. The emphasis on finding happiness in the journey, not only the destination, resonated deeply with me. 

Although I encountered a few grammatical errors, they were minor and did not distract from the overall narrative. A re-edit could add to the delight of an error-free book. The flow of each episode and the exercises, some of which suggested journaling, meditating, and healing transmissions, succeeded in maintaining warmth, relatability, and belief in her methods. As I do not have anything negative to say about the contents or any other aspect of the book, I rate it five out of five stars. 

I recommend this insightful book to those who feel lost and want to bring about a positive change from within. It encourages self-belief and trains the mind to nurture our inherent wisdom. However, I caution readers that there is some profanity in the book.

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Original Wisdom
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[Sarah Zain]

The feeling of inner emptiness and the desire to change the path or even the goal is something I can relate to. It's nice that the author shared her experience. The book seems rich in content. I loved reading the review. Thank you Seetha

[Anu Anand]

Oh yes, I can relate to it. It’s true how we tie our self-worth to achievements and keep chasing the next milestone, often forgetting to just be. This sounds like a useful book for me. Thanks for sharing this one!