Self-Esteem: Your Fundamental Power (Original Staging Nonfiction‪)‬

Caroline Myss is nothing if not a brilliant and charismatic teacher, and the “Self Esteem” presentation is one of her finest and most listenable works. That said, brilliance rarely comes across as milquetoast, and her audio presentations/workshops can often be ‘love it or loathe it’ prospects. Myss is alternatingly passionate and dispassionate, and has the tendency to come across to some as insensitive, inflammatory, and crass. And while she’s certainly not above delivering a dud (see my review of the “Entering the Castle” audio series), when she both connects to *and sticks to* a topic, she makes memorable motivational magic.

On “Self Esteem,” Myss explores this topic as the basis of all of her work and at the root of so many questions that plague bummed out new-agers. She holds up a revealing mirror that, more than likely, is unnerving to folks used to a more candy-coated approach. Her premise is that true self esteem is, indeed, a big league goal and requires an equivalent level of objectivity, discipline, and change on the part of those seeking it. What’s truly enlightening about her approach is Myss’ passionate commitment to a realistic, and humility-filled definition of self esteem vs. what she deems ‘playground self esteem’ which really just boils down to expecting a life without negotiations, conflict, or saying no to oneself.

Unlike much of her other work, here Myss stays ferociously on topic with enlightening, invigorating results. Definitely not for devotees of weeping, group moping, and pillow batting; but for those ready to take some great ideas about self esteem off the page (or, as it would be here out of the speakers) and into the real world - Myss provides a fascinating blueprint.

If the whole new age and self help movement needed a drill sergeant to whip 'em in the shape 'n grow 'em up, they'd call in Caroline Myss. Yes, she's funny, too, but she'll nail you between the eyeballs!....but that's a good thing.

Anyone who wants to improve their self esteem would benefit (greatly!) from this, but I think it's geared to spiritual folk who are wanting to be of greater service to Spirit (God) more and are needing to hear their intuition (guidance, direction) clearly and not be afraid to step out and do the work they're meant to do (not necessarily a job). Caroline thinks you can't do that unless you've got killer self esteem to back you up. Caroline (as medical intuitive) also thinks you can't heal or heal well without self esteem and those who work with patients they're trying to heal need to know this and engage it.

Those more familiar with Caroline's other work such as about Sacred Contracts and Archetypes will get even more out of this.
Please disagree with me, someone...add to the dialogue about this great work.

Peace

Gary

Caroline's work has some great ideas, BUT she presents them in a very negative, derogatory voice. She needs to cheer up and use a clear, empowering voice to bring her message across to the reader/listener.

Until she learns to do that.. I'd rather hold her stuff at arms length,

and go for the purer, POSITIVE voices among this era's spiritual teachers.