How to Be a Spiritual Rebel: A Dogma-Free Guide to Breaking All the Rules and Finding Freedom

In this friendly guide, O’Keeffe (Born to be Free) shares her story of overcoming obstacles on the way to a spiritual awakening, and draws concepts and practices from her experiences that will be useful to those seeking the same. O’Keeffe defines one’s personality, ego, and psychological rules as the “Default Mode Network” and asks readers to question whether their perceived personalities and boundaries help them find happiness and freedom. O’Keeffe explores emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and free will, and intersperses many personal anecdotes; however, information is haphazardly presented, and many chapters are overly brief and lack comprehensive analysis. With a goal of defining “what you know to be authentic and true within you,” O’Keeffe targets her message to practitioners of any tradition, leaning more towards psychological and meditative exercises that require no specialized training. Any person, O’Keeffe writes, is able to dive into their own psyche, explore the lasting effects of trauma or a negligent lifestyle, and remove barriers toward attaining freedom from anxiety and attachment. With explicit advice for discovering mantras and developing a meditation (or prayer) practice, O’Keeffe’s multifaceted guide will be empowering to readers of all spiritual beliefs. (Dec.)