In Waking Up to Your Self, Patrick Marando explores the concept of the "true self," distinct from societal influences and personal labels, leaning toward the importance of reconnecting with this unchanging observer beyond learned beliefs and physical attributes. He outlines the impact of beliefs and perceptions stemming from the conditioned egoic mind on emotions and experiences. Marando also discusses emotional control mechanisms, their origins in childhood and societal expectations, and their inadvertent trapping of emotions, creating a stored emotional history. He categorizes emotions, stresses the significance of understanding and altering beliefs, and practices self-love techniques to align with the genuine self. Marando dissects complex emotions, taking deep dives into loneliness, powerlessness in decision-making, and the importance of acknowledging emotions' root causes for alignment with the true self. Marando champions the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the necessity of accepting imperfections for inner peace.

Patrick Marando does an excellent job of showing readers a blend of personal experience, clear conceptual explanations, and actionable guidance so that one might easily understand and, therefore, be better equipped to reconnect and align with their true selves. Waking Up to Your Self: A Guide to Living Your Truth is written in an accessible manner that is simple enough for those who are new to the concept that we are more than just our bodies in a single, linear lifetime, but comprehensive enough for those with greater knowledge looking to expand on what they know. The standout to me was where Marando discusses the limitations we place on ourselves by constantly trying to either justify happenings empirically or twist ourselves up to find their logic. He tells us the limitations of relying solely on logical reasoning by explaining how situations outside the scope of logical sense can lead to confusion and emotional discord, stating, "...situations in the world do not always make logical sense to us.” Overall, this is a well-written and engrossing book with so much to offer those who, like me, enjoy alternative thoughts and a spiritual outlook. Very highly recommended.

Some people call it spirit, and some call it soul. Waking Up To Yourself by Patrick Marando welcomes you to your true inner self. It's about remembering who you really are, living your true self, transcending a conditioned egoic mind, and remembering how to love yourself and live freely. Step by step, this guide aims for you to identify with the inner essence that is aware of every change in your life and that motivates you to grow your light even in difficult situations. The author's words emanate warmth and empathy. I felt as if I received direct assistance from someone who had been through similar difficulties and was graciously eager to teach and shine their light on me.

Patrick Marando draws you in to learn how to use your emotions and mind to your greatest advantage. He wishes for you, his reader, to expand your light so that you can embrace life as your genuine self, fully awaken to who you are, and live in a state of happiness, peace, and fulfillment. The chapter The Relationship-with-Self Family of Emotions was my favorite. This section walks us through the factors that might contribute to feelings of low self-worth, shame, and rejection, and how these can limit our lives. You are then guided through how to develop an upward spiral of beliefs that connect to those of the genuine self, allowing you to escape the suffering nature of the conditioned egoic self. If you wish to develop or improve self-love, evolve through the situation(s) that bother you, and obtain a deeper awareness of your existence, pick up Waking Up to Yourself. It has led me from being trapped by my thoughts and concerns to an empowered, upbeat mood where I can overcome my difficulties and submit to the moment.