3 out of 4 stars
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Hush your thoughts. Hear your breath. Harmonize your emotions. Soften your body. Become one with the world around you. Now ask yourself: “What is my passion? What gift is mine to give that can become a gift to the world?”
Martha Mutomba exposes these buried heart’s questions in Lessons from My Grandmother: Every Life is a Guided Journey. This fictitious direct narrative flows more like a memoir than a fabrication, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the author experienced many of the events illustrated by the main character. Actually, I’m certain we all have.
Yeukai Mandizvidza is a woman from Zimbabwe who through persistent education and lofty ambition found herself across the world, living the American dream. Readers find her questioning her life choices, void of happiness amidst her mountain of material wealth. A trip home to a world steeped in tradition culminates in a life-changing revelation presented by her wizened grandmother. It’s revealed that a lost connection to the Source is the culprit behind Yeukai’s emptiness. Yeukai learns to meditate, visualize and pray; she learns to open herself to the Source. Years after this revelation, she again finds herself mentally lost and a second trip home starts her on a spiritual pilgrimage to not only realize her happiness but find a way to spread that to the world.
I enjoyed reading about Zimbabwe’s history and the cultural traditions of the Shona people. The details of AIDS crisis both emotionally affected and inspired me. I respected the author’s acknowledgment that her reference to the “Source” was the no different than referencing God, the Divine, Spirit, the Life Force, etc. The meditative techniques she outlines are translatable to any sect of spirituality. I was particularly taken by the practice of cataloging one’s qualities at the beginning of each year and processing an intuitive selection of those to improve upon or let go.
Likely in opposition to the author’s intentions, I found the read to be somewhat laborious due to the slow, repetitive scenes spoken as if by someone in a deep trance. The overreaching sense of calm permeated every corner of the book, and as someone who could undoubtedly benefit from the teachings within, I had a hard time slowing down. I found myself appreciating the more familial scenes of daily routine as opposed to those of pensive reflection. There was also an informative inclusion of Shona terms, but their placement mid-sentence was halting over time, and my eyes began skipping over them unconsciously. They may have served better had they appeared solely in the book’s glossary.
Mutomba includes poetic prayers for quieting throughout the book which serve as both literary expressions and instructional tools. Editorially, I found this book to be faultless. Those interested in spirituality or honing their meditative and thankful state will likely adore its contents. I learned much and appreciated the intention of letting one's personal gift reveal itself. The takeaway is though; I didn’t love it; I had a hard time getting through it. It saddens me to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars, but I heartily thank the author for its contents. She has positively affected my life.
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Lessons From My Grandmother
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