cover image Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back from Living a Better Life

Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back from Living a Better Life

Gabrielle Bernstein. North Star Way, $25.99 (256p) ISBN 978-1-5011-6896-3

Bernstein (The Universe Has Your Back), creator of the Spirit Junkie Masterclass, outlines a six-step plan for readers to overcome “separation from love” (her personal definition of judgment) in this uplifting guide. To begin, Bernstein admits she is in need of the very lessons she outlines: “I sigh with relief and accept that the more honest and authentic I am about my own struggles with judgment, the better this book will be,” she writes. Bernstein’s six main recommendations are simple but difficult in practice: witness your judgment without judgment, honor your wounds, put love on the altar by surrendering, see yourself as you truly are, cut the cords that beget revenge, and bring your shadows to light through forgiveness of self. These force readers to think in new ways about their emotions and habits. Bernstein also provides practical advice on emotional freedom techniques (tapping the body to access “energy meridian points” similar to acupuncture), meditation, prayer, and Kundalini yoga practices. Readers concerned about the downsides of judgement—for both the judge and the accused—will find relief in Bernstein’s comforting words and concrete plans for action. (Jan.)