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The Automatic Writing Experience (AWE) by Michael Sandler is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice through the art of automatic writing.
Unlike conventional journaling, automatic writing is portrayed as a way to access profound inner guidance, clarity, and spiritual insights, making this book highly relevant for those who seek a transformative journaling experience.
Sandler’s guide promises to help readers connect with a higher wisdom, resolve personal challenges, and unlock creativity by tapping into a source beyond the conscious mind.
But does The Automatic Writing Experience really offer something new and valuable for journaling? Let’s look at what it gets right and where it may fall short.
Why You Might Need This Book:
- A Unique Approach to Journaling Beyond the Norm:
Sandler presents automatic writing as a channeling practice where the pen seems to move on its own, guided by intuition or a higher power. For those who journal to explore spirituality, this book provides a unique method to tap into deeper insights and potentially receive answers to life’s complex questions. - Step-by-Step System with Real-World Examples:
Sandler’s approach is user-friendly, with detailed instructions, rituals, and prayers designed to get readers into the right mental state for automatic writing.
Each step is supported by real-world testimonials from individuals who have transformed their lives using AWE. - Combines Spirituality and Practicality:
The book not only focuses on connecting with spiritual guides or inner wisdom, but it also addresses practical concerns like goal setting, finding direction in life, and dealing with emotional blocks.
Sandler suggests using AWE as a daily tool to organize thoughts, overcome negative patterns, and manifest one’s deepest desires, making it a versatile tool for both personal development and spiritual growth.
Why It May Not Be for You:
- May Seem Too Mystical for Some:
Although Sandler emphasizes that you don’t need to be religious or believe in higher powers to benefit from AWE, much of the book leans heavily into spiritual language, referring to angels, guides, and even deceased loved ones. Readers looking for a straightforward journaling method might find this aspect off-putting or hard to relate to. - Steep Learning Curve for Beginners:
Despite Sandler’s step-by-step guidance, the transition from conventional journaling to automatic writing can be daunting. The book encourages meditation and entering trance-like states, which may be challenging for beginners without a background in mindfulness practices. This might create a barrier for those new to such spiritual exercises. - Requires a Time Commitment for Best Results:
AWE is not a quick-fix method. Sandler recommends a structured morning routine, including meditation and specific rituals to prepare the mind. For those with busy schedules or little time to dedicate to these practices, maintaining consistency might be difficult, reducing the effectiveness of the method.
In this short article, I don’t want to express my opinion on the matter or whether I consider Sandler’s method to be valid.
Instead, I believe that every book, even the most unconventional one, offers valuable insights or at least sparks reflection.
So, if The Automatic Writing Experience intrigues you, read it, test it, and draw your own conclusions. And if you’d like, feel free to leave me a comment with your thoughts.