An incredibly empowering, inspiring, enlightening book!!!
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Not only does Elena (with Joy) explain clearly the essential concepts, tools, and techniques of curanderismo, but she also illustrates how these principles and practices can be applied in a variety of contexts and settings in very individualized and meaningful ways. Filled with wonderful stories about her own evolution as a curandera, and her experiences with teachers, friends, family and clients, Elena speaks to us with tremendous honesty, compassion, and a beautiful sense of humor. I smiled, and cried, many times, sometimes simultaneously, as I read this book --it was like poetry for my heart and soul. Elena teaches us just how important it is to respect and honor the needs of the soul, which she regards as sacred. She shows us how we can better listen to, communicate with, and heal the deepest, wisest, and most authentic parts of our being. She explores the value of emotions, intuition, instincts, relationships, humor, creativity, touch, prayer and ritual; and she suggests how we can acknowledge and integrate these resources into everyday personal life as well as professional practice. I don't want to say too much about the book or give away La Curandera's "recipes" for happiness and health, because each reader should have the pleasure of discovering them for herself or himself. Suffice it to say that this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to achieve greater physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance and clarity in their lives and in relationships. It is also essential reading for anyone involved in the healing professions who desires to assist and support others in the healing process, especially those working with culturally diverse populations. This is a timely and timeless book that is filled with, to quote Elena and Joy, "practical spirituality". I have already recommended it to family, friends and colleagues, and, as a healthcare social worker, I plan to recommend it to clients. It is a pure joy to read, and I am certain that I will reread and consult the wisdom of 'Woman Who Glows in the Dark' many, many times in the future.
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The vision of a new health system for mind/body/spirit.
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Elena Avila's vision is years ahead of our present health care system, which fails to treat the whole person. We send the body to a doctor, the mind to a psychiatrist, the spirit to a church. Elena's heartfelt book explains why this doesn't work. She explores the mysteries of curanderismo in a straightforward, sensible way. No wonder this system of healing has worked for people for centuries. After finishing Elena's book, I found myself longing for a curandera to heal my own "susto" or soul wounds. Her rational explanations of folk diseases are treasures of understanding. She's right that people are frustrated with Western medicine because it lacks "heart." Her intelligent approach to healing is brave and she truly does have a foot in two worlds. This book is one I'll re-read again and again.
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A STANDING OVATION FOR ELENA AVILA!
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As a practicing Curandera I found WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK inspiring, helpful and right on target. A long overdue blueprint for getting in touch with our inner and ancient knowing and healing powers. I applaud her life's work and what it took to write about it. I am ecstatic that this healing tradition is now out there for the advantage of all. The guiding light has been lit - let the healing begin! I have been very privileged to work with Elena, to be in her life, to be her sister. Irma Martinez Mossner - Oxlahun Ahau
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This book is a tribute to curanderas throughout the Americas
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Woman Who Glows in the Dark is a tribute to curanderas throughout the Americas. Elena Avilas long awaited book will help to validate and continue the traditions of our ancestors. Woman Who Glows in the Dark helps us embrace our traditional ways of healing and reclaim our rich heritage. Linda Velarde, Curandera
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Wonderfully alive & full of wisdom--just like Elana herself!
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Elena's book is wonderfully alive, and full of spirit and wisdom--just like Elana herself. The people who had the good sense and great fortune to be treated by her were very lucky people, and so are we as we take the opportunity to read about her life and work. WOMAN WHO GLOWS IN THE DARK not only takes us into the primary world of healing through curanderismo (expressed for the first time by one who is actually practicing it, rather than someone outside looking in), but also has the capacity to inform our own life and spirit. Joy has helped Elena do a wonderful job of telling this fascinating story. Beginning with Elena's own experience and on into the healing stories of others, this book will keep you deeply interested. OPEN YOUR MIND AND HEART AS YOU OPEN THIS BOOK - THERE IS MUCH TO GAIN.
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