Official Review: Reflections on Transcendence

[Kristy Khem]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reflections on Transcendence" by Elizabeth M. Lykins.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Who are you? Why do you exist? As we grow up, we lose our childish perceptions of reality, and we are often burdened by life’s adult problems. While it’s a fact that adversity allows us to grow, it can be difficult to avoid feeling stressed in certain situations. Our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts. However, it is impossible to achieve inner peace if we are either anxious about the future or worrisome about the past. If we can accept the present moment without judging or resisting it, then we are one step closer to unlocking inner peace and happiness. Reflections on Transcendence is a non-fiction book that explores these philosophies. The author, Elizabeth M. Lykins, teaches us how to tap into a natural space of stillness. Here, we can receive guiding insights from deep within our core being.

The author’s use of imagery to make comparisons helped me to understand certain points really well. Instead of simply directing readers to change their perspective on life, she made a comparison between viewing the world through a scratched piece of glass and a crystal-clear piece of glass. She also compared our innate power to The Force, a term borrowed from the Star Wars film series. Her comparisons were one of the most enjoyable and relevant aspects of the book.

Reflections on Transcendence also contains motivational quotes and pictures of artwork by Steven Lyons. These made the book highly relatable to me because of two reasons. Firstly, I spotted quotes and ideas from a few authors who I admire, such as Eckhart Tolle and Jim Kwik. Secondly, I’m an art-lover so I enjoyed gazing at the paintings. These visual additions provided a refreshing interlude from the text. My favorite painting in the book was called ‘Waiting for Daylight’ and it portrayed the image of a full moon over the sea with a little boat in the foreground. I felt as if I could have looked at it for hours.

What I didn’t like about this book was that I encountered a few repeated concepts. For example, the human body’s physiological response to stress was mentioned at least three times. Despite this, Reflections on Transcendence is the kind of book that doesn’t need to be read cover to cover. Readers can randomly open the book to any page. They can read the brief descriptions, reflect on the artwork, or contemplate upon the quotes in any order. The few instances of repetition will probably not even be noticed if it was read like this, so I won’t deduct a star for this.

Overall, this book deserves 4 out of 4 stars because it’s relatable and easy to understand. The single error that I stumbled upon is negligible and proved that the book is edited fairly well. Readers who are interested in meditation, art, spirituality, and mindfulness will like this book. Although the book explores spirituality, I do not think that it will offend religious or non-religious people.

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Reflections on Transcendence
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[Yvonne Monique]

Although the topic is not a light one, I would definitely be interested in reading this book and find out the message that the author wants to transmit.

[smolbird]

As someone who faces existential crisis frequently, I think I would benefit from reading this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Kristy Khem]

Although the topic is not a light one, I would definitely be interested in reading this book and find out the message that the author wants to transmit.

I'm glad that my review inspired your interest in this book. Thank you for commenting!

[Kristy Khem]

As someone who faces existential crisis frequently, I think I would benefit from reading this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

You're welcome! Happy reading

[WADonnelly]

This sounds like a really intriguing and complex book and if love to give it a read. Great review!