I’m Ascending, Now What?: Awaken Your Authentic Self, Own Your Power, Embody Your Truth

Business consultant Campos (The Empath Experience) invites readers to “awaken their true selves” in this inspiring if sometimes hazy program. Instructing readers to “take what you need and leave the rest,” Campos recommends leaving behind unhelpful habits and pursuing “ascension,” defined here as “being real and truly living.” Framing life as a learning process—“Have you ever considered we might be here on earth to be in school?”—Campos advocates a self-discovery approach that requires abandoning ideas of linear progress or “finish lines” so as to be “fully where we already are.” In brief sections, Campos meditates on the distinction between guilt and shame (and how both exert corrosive effects on self-esteem), the importance of stillness in self-examination, and how traumatic events can catalyze personal growth. Throughout, Campos weighs in with suggested practices, including meditations, breathing exercises, and craniosacral therapy or acupuncture for “nervous system healing.” Though this definitely isn’t for the skeptical (“Welcome to Earth! You’re a multidimensional human being with an incredible soul that wants to be fully embodied and expressed, and you are here to live an extraordinary life”), and some insights can be a bit vague (“As our collective chooses to wake up... and chooses to create and play the game of life according to our own rules, we catalyze a universal shift for all” ), the author’s empathy and unfailingly encouraging tone will inspire meaning-seekers eager to make mindset shifts. Those who don’t mind wading through some abstract musings to get there will appreciate the bright moments. (June)