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A journey inward to reclaim the Self
Book Review: The Garden of the Soul by Lynn Serafinn
Written by Helen Gallagher
On your most distracted days, when you need a moment of calm, step into The Garden of The Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self. Lynn Serafinn's book is a blend of fiction, memoir, poetry, and dreams appropriate to the depth and richness of her story - her journey to the Self.
You'll feel at home with the restful prose using the garden as a metaphor for the Self. The author divides the book into four sections:
Perhaps the most important lesson is this: "You are already the hero of your own life," says Serafinn. The work she does in coaching lets people see just how powerful and important their lives already are. Serafinn does a lovely job of bringing us along through the winding path to finding her true self.
Her reflections remind me of the many times I've received a gift of abundance, but was unable to recognize and appreciate it. The book is indeed a gift, rich with a lovely sense of fantasy.
The Garden of the Soul makes you think about the journey we all take to discover who we are, gain a sense of community, and struggle through difficult times. Serafinn does a lovely job of bringing us along on the path to revealing her true self.
Her "quarter-mile universe" as a child, filled with loneliness and fear, was fortunately relieved somewhat by her drive to write poems as some cathartic form of hope. Both bitter and good experiences find their way through her pen to tell the truth and to understand herself better in the process.
Serafinn's process of healing and rebirth teaches us a lot about self-forgiveness. She put a tremendous amount of effort into this book, giving us the gift of poetry, creativity and imagination, sharing her garden, and her self, beautifully. Enlightening!
--Helen Gallagher author of Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way
‘Lynn beautifully weaves together fable and poetry with her personal journey of self-discovery. Through her lyrical style and brilliant imagination, she leads the reader on a magical adventure toward deeper understanding of the relationship between Self and the world.'
--Alan Seale, transformation coach, Author of Soul Mission, Life Vision and The Manifestation Wheel, Rochester, New York
‘The Garden of the Soul is rich in teaching metaphors that speak to each of us...Lynn is a brilliant and creative out-of-the-box thinker. Her impact is powerful...and her magic comes through each page of this book...a message that is both simple and profound. Open up and receive her words and they will affect you in a most positive way.'
--Patrick Ryan, coach, Author of The Eagle's Call, Founder http://www.awakenedwisdom.com/, Vancouver, Canada
Put this next to Chicken Soup for the Soul on your bookcase!, March 31, 2009
"Wonderful! An epic journey from the 1950s up to present day - with one woman's personal journey of discovery. Intimate, open and profound, this collection of memoirs, fables and lyrical poetry will provide fertile ground so that your own 'garden' can bloom."
--Simon Ireland-Davies, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, ID Coaching Limited (LIVERPOOL, Merseyside United Kingdom)
An indispensable, addictive and powerful spiritual book written like no other!
April 1, 2009
"While as spiritual as the works of Deepak Chopra, and as magical as the novels of Paolo Coelho, `The Garden of the Soul' carries a unique identity within its genre. Reading this book took me on a journey through the entire gamut of human emotions, in all their lightness as well as all their intensity. Lynn is a master at beautifully and coherently weaving together prose and poetry, autobiography and fiction, fantasy and realism, drama and humour (and a lot more of the unexpected), all in service of sharing the wisdom of the Four Principles of the Garden of our Soul. With each amazing chapter of her life, Lynn brilliantly and ever so subtly allows for the blossoming and maturing of our own Soul and wisdom. This is a book I will be going back to again and again as a very powerful spiritual reference book, that is infinitely entertaining, moving and engaging all at the same time. I am certain that with each repeated reading, I will be discovering more gems in its nuances and within my own Soul. I absolutely love it!"
-- Lina Nahhas "Social Reformer" (Dubai, UAE)
Be inspired and learn from our own life's lessons, April 6, 2009
I was moved to tears--good ones-and put into a spiritual mood.... There are stories in The Garden of the Soul, like the broken angel wings and how Lynn was inspired by her teacher, that I love to retell and share! This book will help you discover your Soul has a voice. Learn how to treasure and leverage your natural spirit and be inspired to appreciate the power of honouring your own nature. Lynn Serafinn has a gift for lyrical writing and vivid imagery mixed with magic that is delightful. As one who LOVES metaphors, the garden and 4 wise flowers helps me see learning and appreciation opportunities in my own life.
-- Gail Sussman Miller, Writer, coach, public speaker at Inspired Choice (Chicago, Illinois)
A fresh perspective, April 7, 2009
Lynn is able to give a fresh perspective on some concepts that have been making the rounds recently. The mix of genre she uses adds to this air of originality and also adds fun to what is, at times, a dark story. The author lays her life bare to the reader and in doing so helps her reader to come out of the shame they may be feeling about their life. Well worth the read.
-- Katherine Reschke (Madison, WI, USA)
Lost and Found in the Garden. April 1, 2009
This is a unique book. Part poetry, part fairy tale, part autobiography... she takes the reader on a journey to learn the lessons of four flowers: the rose, the iris, the daffodil and the lily... lessons that are already within her own garden of experience, that helped her reclaim her lost Voice and bring her back to Wholeness. Lynn shares her life story (thus far) with candidness... growing up in a 'no-talk-zone' household, attending an elitist music school, immersion in a spiritual community that marginalizes women, years spent in an abusive marriage... all of which led to disconnection with her Self, and eventually serious health issues (such as pancreatitis and fibromyalgia).
The spoiler: Yes, her tale has a happy ending. She's come out the other side, and now helps others to find their own Voices. I found myself in her story, some words bringing me to tears. Maybe you'll find yourself there, too.
-- Gina Marks "shiatsu practitioner" (Pennsylvania USA)
Gardeners delight, 14 April 2009
Lynn's book is a well-defined exploration of expressive and vivid symbolism. Her writing ability takes the reader and guides them with a personalised descriptive style on an adventure to self-investigation. From beginning to end I connected with the narrative. I was held in wonder by Lynn's skill; she made me consider my own journey as I both laughed aloud and cried. Lynn's book is mesmerizing and poignant; her own life is there in the pages, and we are as novices against her mastery. I sense that she is someone whose essence will embrace us as we reflect about our ways of being, our spuriousness; we are as nothing when we do not know ourselves....
-- A. Mitchell, Teacher, Youth Coach (Croydon, Surrey. UK)
Breathtakingly lovely, 6 April 2009
The Garden of the Soul is a truly breathtaking piece of prose. A book to treasure forever and read over and over again. By page 5 of the Introduction, I could feel my heart racing and my whole body tingling in anticipation - hurry, hurry, the sense of urgency was almost overwhelming. I was so caught up, it felt as though my soul had recognised that our own personal journey was about to be stepped up a notch. And it did!
Lynn takes you gently along a perfectly-written journey along the "path of least resistance to the Self", her inimitable style showing the way through the four spiritual principles which leads you into the wholeness of the Self, using the four flowers to denote those spiritual aspects (the Rose signifies Give; the Iris signifies Receive, the Daffodil signifies Become, and the Lily signifies Be).
Step into another world as you enter the fairytale entitled The Very Good King and suspend reality; come out the other side thinking deeply about the life stories that are held within that magical tale. Hold onto those thoughts, those feelings which started to circulate as you danced alongside Lynn through The Very Good King and take your time to smell the flowers garden as you progress through the book and into your very own soul.
I have read numerous spiritual texts and self-help publications in my quest to help myself, and my friends, family and clients, to grow - but it is fair to say that this incredible, moving book has left me in awe. Lynn's writing style is hypnotic and deeply moving, her own soul laid bare to help us move forward and embrace our own garden of flowers deep within us.
A profoundly beautiful experience, a real gem.
Are you ready to become the hero of your own life? If so, grab your own copy of The Garden of the Soul- and if my dearest friends are reading this review ... guess what you'll be getting as gifts?!
--Callie Carling, Therapist & trainer, Holistic Feathers (London, UK)
You ARE the Hero of Your Own Life, 13 April 2009
This book reminds you that by reconnecting with your self and your soul you can overcome, celebrate and be truly grateful for each and every experience in your life. Lynn's open and transparent writing style leaves the reader feeling close and connected to the author and to themselves. This book will have you laughing, crying, reflecting, contemplating and will ultimately leave you empowered and inspired to be your self.
-- Fran Stockley. Naturopath/Speaker/Coach (Hertfordshire, UK)