My own spiritual path has been about exploring the very principles he’s laid out in his book, but the way he has ordered these concepts is intriguing to me and makes a good bit of sense. The exercises sound like they may be very effective for me (the way my brain works.)

Thanks for this wonderful post!
~J-Mo

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I’ve known his blog and podcast for some time, and have no doubt that there’s good knowledge, advice, and inspiration to be gained from him. He writes with a passion that can really energize the reader.

I was taken aback, though, by a Pavlina podcast episode plugging his wife’s work as a “psychic medium”. Not some benign, new-agey “get in touch with yourself” fluffiness, but the whole sideshow: “astral projection”, “angelic energy”, “spirit guides”, “the third eye”, and “discarnate entities from the ether”. (Their words, not mine.) These “readings” require a fee, of course. And come with a direct request from Steve that clients turn off their skepticism and just believe.

Taking money from the non-skeptical to channel “entities” isn’t illegal. There are clients who want to pay for that, and believe they’re getting something out of it. And as far as I know, the Pavlinas fully believe their claims, and aren’t evil schemers laughing as they empty dupes’ wallets. (They may only be guilty of gullibility – dishonesty toward themselves, not intentional dishonesty toward others.)

I blogged about this here, and I admit: I’m not pleased to be pointing a very personal finger at someone doing some good, positive work. I still say that anyone can find help and inspirations in Steve’s writings. But I’m writing because in your review of his book, I saw multiple references to “honor” and “honesty” and “ethics”, and think it only fair to your readers that they know these “ethics” lessons are coming from a husband/wife team that takes money to act as “a conduit” and “raise vibrations” via “angelic energy”.

Make of that what you will. Caveat emptor! (And should those discarnate entities ever come down from the ether, I’ll happily eat crow.)

Your review was remarkably succinct and incredibly informative. And I thank you so much for pulling it all together for me. I agree with your thoughts about preferring a book to a blog…

Warmly
Jeanne

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Thank you for a very thorough review.

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