Anatomy of the Spirit, reviewed
Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss www.myss.com
In 1996, Caroline released Anatomy of the Spirit, a New York Times bestseller that has been published in 28 languages and has sold over 1.5 million copies. Through the investigation of the underlying reasons why people sabotage their healing processes, Caroline identified a syndrome she calls "woundology," characterized by a person's reliance on the power of illness for manipulation of his or her world, as opposed to attaining an independent, empowered state of health.
The following article is a personal review of the book I completed for my final project with the Gaiatri Teacher Training program this summer. I still find myself revisiting the dog-earred pages of this amazing book and realizing how the teachings are sinking into my life. It is an important read for everyone, especially those looking to dive deeper in the journey of self-study. Enjoy!
- Caitlin
My life was changed from the second I started reading this book. Normally when I start something I have to go back and re-read, get confused or lost. Anatomy of the Spirit had me hooked from the beginning because I knew it was what I needed to be reading at this moment in my life. I would put it down for a few days and know exactly what was going on when I resumed because it was that important to me. It was constantly going through me. These teachings will be with me forever.
Myss takes the reader through her history, which is why I was so enthralled from the start. She shares her fears, limitations, and failures alongside her gift, realizations and wake-ups. She is humble and honest, a real person with real thoughts and emotions, though I couldn’t imagine keeping my shivers down if we were in the same room (just reading her words was an emotional rollercoaster! Not her fault…). Right away Myss’ “energy language” becomes apparent, and I have totally reframed how I think about energy after being introduced to it this way. The thoughts and language we use are so pertinent to our energy, a point that Myss drives home frequently.
Anatomy of the Spirit breaks down our energetic self into 7 sacred truths, using the symbolic power of the seven chakras, the Christian Sacraments and the Ten Sefirot. This combined wisdom lays out the map for understanding our souls. Myss explains that these truths “pulsate within us, directing us to live according to the right use of its power”. She explains that energy is in fact the power our bodies need to survive; “that which serves our spirit enhances our bodies. That which diminishes our spirits diminishes our bodies”. This is communicated throughout the teachings through the entire book.
Myss uses examples from her practice to drive home her teachings, and a lot of these stories must be familiar to the masses. I often found myself saying “I can relate” or “I’ve been there” or “I’m there”. The energetic community that Myss opens up through Anatomy of the Spirit is really important for people to understand the big picture. To know that if you do not fix this it will kill you is such a powerful lesson and I have taken this all to heart.
This book covers so much, from faith to self-esteem; all the issues that are hiding in our tissues get touched on in some way. I feel like this book should be read in high school, and then again in university, and then again each decade of your life just to check in and remind you of its power. Through practical medicine, ancient wisdom, and spiritual consciousness, Myss creates a teaching that is so important it cannot be ignored. Our spirit is our currency, it is our duty to get in check with ourselves and those around us so that we can live free and healthy lives. I am grateful for her knowledge and am now passing this book around my friends.
Read, learn, love, om.
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