I
INSPIRATION
n a breezy style attuned to Gen-Xers and
Millennials, he describes the roots of the
problems and self-sabotaging reaction
patterns that lead to stress and despair.
With just enough science to inform but
not confuse, he explains the psychological
and biochemical mechanisms that literally anchor doubts and fears in our mind-body, that
lead us to switch off to avoid pain and unpleasant
emotions, and give up on our dreams in the process. Once we can recognize what we’re doing to
ourselves, we can reverse the process and start reclaiming our life force and switch on to the full creative essence of our being.
The book is simple, without being simplistic, and
cleverly illustrated with graphics and typography.
For example, the J-shaped curve that describes the
10 stages of the breakdown-breakthrough process
drives home the point that things usually have to
get pretty painful before we are motivated enough
to change. On the downward slope of the J are
the problems, patterns and pain that got us to the
point of wanting to change. At the bottom we have
the point of presence, where we open our minds to
the reality of our situation and come to terms with
it. Once you come to terms with it you can choose
to “metabolize” this problem, as Jankel says, using
it to fuel your upward drive to a resolution. You also
have the choice not to do anything, which leaves
you wallowing in the status quo. The choice to deal
with it, to recognize it for what it is, open your mind
to the possibility of alternatives, and then to act on
it, is what propels you on the upward slope to resolution and power and possibility.
If it were easy to make the right choices, the world
would be a different place. However, the insights,
thoughts for contemplation, and tools Jankel provides help bring clarity and understanding to how
our personal defense mechanisms are working;
and as they say: the truth will set you free. By recognizing when and why we go into fear and protection mode, and consciously moving towards
connection with source, we can stop cringing and
get creative. Being a generation or two older, I was
surprised to find how much I resonated with this
book. (Note to publisher: being nearsighted I was
actually able to read the teeny print, but it was a
challenge!) The advice, which sounds hip and con-
8 | NEW CONSCIOUSNESS REVIEW
Echoing the great
wisdom teachers, he
calls us to recognize our
interconnectedness, and
notes that we are innately
wired for compassion, not
for greed and indifference.
temporary, reverberates with the wisdom of millennia.
Echoing the great wisdom teachers, he calls us
to recognize our interconnectedness, and notes
that we are innately wired for compassion, not for
greed and indifference. In fact our greatest rush
comes from oxytocin, the feel-good hormone that
floods in when we feel love and connection, and
know that we’re doing good in the world. Yes, it
takes effort, but the alternatives are leading us off
a cliff. So, whether you’re a Gen-Xer in a soul-destroying job, a millennial who can’t find a job at all,
or a boomer who will never be able to retire, you
will find inspiration and guidance in this book on
how to take your destiny - and the planet’s - into
your own hands. This is the time to switch on and
Nick Jankel is a wisdom teacher for this time.
Reviewed by Miriam Knight
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