In My Past Life I Was Cleopatra: A Sceptical Believer’s Journey Through the New Age

Journalist Awad (Beyond Veiled Cliches) investigates her own spiritual skepticism in this refreshing memoir-cum-self-help guide. In surveying a plethora of “woo-woo” new age practices, Amal shares her own experiences trying them out and identifies various belief systems and practices that have resonated with her. She details her upbringing in a Muslim household before becoming a “sceptical believer” who sees Islam as simply one system within a continuum of viable supernatural beliefs. With a mix of genuine curiosity and journalistic apprehension, she explores meditation, quantum physics, energy and chakra healers, witches, and mediums. For instance, she shares how Vedic meditation helped her understand “oneness” and how quantum physics opens up scientifically plausible explanation for “a single unified field” between the physical and “virtual” realms of existence. A highlight is her trip to an event featuring Marianne Williamson, Caroline Myss, and Joe Dispenza, after which she developed a chart for understanding where one falls on the “spectrum of woo woo,” which readers can use to situate themselves within the often amorphous field of gurus. This thorough yet easily accessible guide will be of particular interest to those questioning their spirituality. (Aug.)