Narrative Healing

Starred review from July 1, 2023

This first book from yoga teacher Weinert acknowledges that trauma is experienced differently by everyone, and those looking to heal will approach it differently. Through what she calls "narrative healing," the author seeks to help readers listen to their bodies and address their feelings. Weinert incorporates mindfulness techniques and writing prompts to help readers tell their stories. She also provides tips on how to use the book, encouragement to readers to be kind to themselves throughout the process, and modifications to make readers more comfortable. This book is ideal for those healing from trauma who want to use writing as a tool. Weinert includes an extensive list of notes and suggestions for further reading that should appeal to a variety of readers--from poetry to mindfulness, everyone can find a book here to continue their healing journey. Weinert's title is user-friendly and lends itself to being revisited repeatedly as needed. VERDICT This book is a must-buy for libraries looking to enhance their mental health collections.--Noelia Martinez

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 24, 2023
Yoga instructor Weinert debuts with an empathetic guide to healing personal trauma through somatic and narrative writing practices. Because “our stories live in our bodies,” Weinert’s six-stage program begins with physical activities, such as breath work, to “soothe nervous system and guide the body from a fight, flight, freeze or fawn response”; moves on to meditation and mindfulness; and later involves putting pen to paper—first to “heal and seek meaning” individually, and then to share work with a confidante, since true self-transformation requires “an outside source, perspective, and energy, the same way pollen alone can’t fertilize other flowers; it needs to be moved around by bees.” Weinert intersperses approachable, bite-size sections that cover all stages of the creative process, from setting intentions for one’s writing to getting published, along with flexible and compassionate exercises, many of which can be completed in a few minutes. For instance, readers can write a letter (to a lover, book character, or even a body part) as a “powerful first step toward connection, whether you send anything or not.” It’s ideal for creatives seeking catharsis or those looking to further develop their journaling practice.