Awaken Your Soul: How to Find Your Inner Spirit and Life’s Purpose
Buy the Book: Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.orgPublished by: Life's Purpose Publishing
Release Date: July 3, 2023
Pages: 178
Reviews
"This book raises the bar of spirituality. It is an important book."
—Saby Reviews
"Prepare to embark on a mind-expanding expedition..."
—The Bookish Elf
"Orenstein is able to keep even a skeptic's interest piqued."
—The Magic Pen
"He is presenting a religious philosophy from a contemporary understanding of the world."
—Medium
"I hope you read it slowly and feel like a soothing balm on your soul."
—Saby Reviews
"It's as if we're unraveling secrets whispered by the universe..."
—The Bookish Elf
"Orenstein presents a guide to rediscovering spiritual meaning in life…. it feels like a cross between a book of spiritual teachings and a personal journal, blending universal questions with accounts of Orenstein’s own moments of discovery.”
—Kirkus Review
Overview
Awaken Your Soul: How to Find Your Inner Spirit and Life's Purpose will help people find and progress along their spiritual path to eventual enlightenment. It is not academic, nor does it come from a certain point of view. It is an inspirational work that connects with all people of all faiths or no faith. It helps them find the spiritual spark within them that leads them to enlightenment.
This book is for people who have lost, or never had, “faith in God”, but who are still seeking greater meaning and purpose in their lives. It is also for people who are somewhat religious but do not get sufficient meaning or fulfillment from their religious faith.
I have discovered that transcendent reality at the core of all true religious and spiritual beliefs. With it comes the realization that the path to spiritual enlightenment has always been within me, and is within all people. It is a place of infinite peace, love, and understanding.The introduction of my book shares my path from atheism to spiritual enlightenment. It tells from whence I speak, and allows my readers to see themselves in me and realize that they too can reach enlightenment In the remaining chapters of the book, I lead my readers on a journey, step by step, from disillusionment or disbelief to spiritual awakening. I expand their concept of reality, and show how they can find universal consciousness within themselves. I open up their awareness of your spiritual sense, and develop it along their path to enlightenment.
Why this book?
I am a regular person like you and was not able to fully believe in the type of God taught to me in my youth. I also did not get a great deal of meaning or fulfillment from my inherited religious faith.
I have read books about religion and spirituality, but many did not do much for me. Some were too academic or boring, others were too narrowly focused upon a certain belief system, and others tried to describe concepts that were just too esoteric for me to understand. I also did not find any books that actually taught me a usefull method through which I could find spiritual meaning.
Eventually, through the series of enlightening revelations described in my book I experienced that ultimate reality discovered by the great spiritual leaders of history such as Jesus, Abraham, and Buddha. It is a reality more real and infinitely more profound than our mundane day-to-day life. It is not magic, and it is reachable by every ordinary person.
It has created in me a drive to inspire others to find it as well. I therefore devote much of my book to teaching my readers, step-by-step, how to reach that wondrous state.
That expanded reality is within all of us. Ordinarily it is very difficult to sense because it is subtle and is drowned out by the noise of our busy day-to-day life. Through my book I will teach you what it is, how to sense it within yourself, and how to follow it to enlightenment.
The journey upon which my book will take you involves effort and patience. Spiritual enlightenment does not come to us right away, but within that journey you will be immersed in inspiration, happiness and contentment. Your consciousness will expand and you will eventually reach that place within you which will connect you with your spiritual beingness.
Full Reviews
The Bookish Elf
Discovering our inner spirit and unraveling the purpose of our existence is like setting sail on a captivating odyssey of self-discovery. It’s as if we’re peering behind the curtain of the ordinary, delving into the mystery of life itself. This journey isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair; it’s more like a cosmic buffet of ideas, where we can nibble on the wisdom of philosophers, sip from the cup of spirituality, or even ponder the musings of skeptics. The thrill lies in realizing that we’re not confined to a single track; we’re free to meander through the labyrinth of perspectives, crafting a tapestry of insight that’s uniquely our own. As we wade through the modern maze, it’s as if we’re unraveling secrets whispered by the universe, ones that can’t always be explained by mere words but are felt with a knowing in the heart.
Our expedition into the depths of meaning isn’t just a path trodden by mystics on mountaintops; it’s a journey accessible to every curious soul. It’s akin to searching for hidden treasures within ourselves, like explorers unearthing gems of wisdom in the caverns of our consciousness. Imagine contemplating life’s enigmas with the fervor of a detective hot on the trail of truth, unravelling mysteries as if they were intricate puzzles. As we navigate the crossroads of existence, we’re invited to question the stars, reflect on our very essence, and forge connections with our deepest selves. The result? A tapestry of insight, where each thread represents a unique revelation that’s personal and profound. It’s a journey that not only redefines our perspectives but also leads us to a sanctuary of insight, where words might falter, but the experience resonates with an authenticity that’s undeniable.
Prepare to embark on a mind-expanding expedition through the pages of “Awaken Your Soul” by Theodore Orenstein. This book isn’t your typical spiritual roadmap; it’s more like a treasure map leading to the hidden gems of your inner world. It’s as if Orenstein has concocted a cosmic cocktail of insights, where he invites you to take a sip from various chalices of thought, from ancient philosophies to modern musings, and even a dash of skepticism. Think of it as a smorgasbord for your soul, where you’re not just spoon-fed beliefs but encouraged to explore the rich tapestry of existence yourself.
When you crack open this treasure trove, it’s as if you’ve stumbled upon a map that leads to a treasure beyond gold. Orenstein, our seasoned guide, invites all the seekers who’ve lost their way or never even started on the path. It’s like he’s extending a hand to those who’ve been caught in life’s undertow, offering a lifeline to something greater, something that transcends the mundane routine. Imagine Orenstein as a cosmic chef, dishing up a banquet of wisdom from various traditions, not with the intent of converting, but with the aim of expanding our perspective. He’s handing us a kaleidoscope of insights, allowing us to see the world through countless lenses, and that’s where the magic happens—when we embrace something bigger than ourselves without being confined to a rigid box.
The preface sets the stage for this soulful adventure. Theodore Orenstein is like a fellow explorer sharing tales around a campfire, assuring us that the path he treads isn’t new, but the way he walks it is unique. You’ll feel like you’re walking alongside him as he navigates the terrain of his personal journey. He’s a modern-day trailblazer, not trudging through the ancient forest of dogma, but forging his way with a compass that marries reason, science, and history. It’s like he’s inviting skeptics and believers alike to a grand feast of insights where they can all pull up a chair, setting aside their differences to savor the flavors of wisdom from different corners of the world.
As you venture further into “Awaken Your Soul,” it will make you a part of a grand conversation, where Orenstein’s voice becomes your companion who sprinkles anecdotes like stardust, sharing his own revelations as if they’re precious gems waiting to be discovered. He’s like a bridge builder, connecting the realms of spirituality and our everyday world. He doesn’t just want to lecture; he wants to spark a dialogue, urging us to ponder the wonders around us. And it’s not just about fancy words; it’s about connecting heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul, across oceans of beliefs and biases.
In a world where words can often be like walls, Orenstein dismantles them. He’s like a seasoned sailor, guiding us through the turbulent waters of terminology, steering clear of the word “God” to prevent triggering preconceptions. It’s like he’s handing us a pair of glasses that see beyond labels and definitions, focusing on the essence of our shared experience. His words are like a lantern illuminating the path, showing us how to tap into our inner spirit, connect with others, and experience something that can’t be neatly wrapped in words, but can only be felt in the core of our being.
In the end, “Awaken Your Soul” isn’t just a book; it’s a key to unlocking a treasure chest of insight and understanding. Orenstein’s approach isn’t about convincing us to don a particular belief like a uniform; it’s about inviting us to dance with the kaleidoscope of ideas he presents. Imagine this book as a compass that points not to a singular destination, but to an inner journey where we navigate the seas of thought, embracing diverse perspectives as constellations guiding us home to our authentic selves. So, if you’re ready to trade dogma for dialogue, and the search for answers for the joy of exploration, then “Awaken Your Soul” is your guidebook on this awe-inspiring quest.
Medium
While initially I thought the book was an evangelist’s work, I was pleasantly surprised to find Orenstein presents a tolerant, all-encompassing, interpretive view of his faith. The book isn’t supposed to convert you to one specific kind of theological thought.
Rather, it offers a roadmap to how one can open themselves up to a smorgasbord of different faith tenets, by way of Orenstein’s own philosophy. It’s a welcome relief to someone dictating how you should think in this domain, rather settling for encouraging you to embrace something bigger than yourself. It doesn’t have to be just one, singular thing.
“This book is primarily for those people who have lost, or never had, ‘faith in God’, but who are still seeking true meaning and purpose in life; something greater than their daily existence. I have discovered the ultimate reality which all true religions and spiritual beliefs have at their core. I am writing this book so that I can pass on to you what I have learned and help you attain it yourself. Here I will show you how to receive the revelations I have received,” Orenstein states matter-of-factly.
He adds, “I am a child of the 20th and 21st centuries. I have found that I do not necessarily connect with books written thousands, or even hundreds of years ago. I also am a rational person who believes in science and history. I cannot accept a belief system which flies in the face of facts which have been discovered by science and history. I cannot believe in miracles which contradict what has been learned about the physical universe.”
By presenting himself as someone operating a religious philosophy from a contemporary understanding of the world, Orenstein instantly melts a sense of out-of-touchness, or excess religious zeal. There’s no denying you’re reading a book essentially serving as something that feels similar to The Bible, or Book of Mormon. But whereas the aforementioned volumes are introductory courses into a very specific, binary kind of religious thought, Orenstein remains somewhat removed from out-and-out proclamation of his faith.
He doesn’t immediately try to reel you in, rather he wishes to draw you in closer. There’s a sense of willful participation expected on behalf of the reader, an expectation they will use their brain and wrestle with the concepts he presents in a collaborative, cooperative manner. Part of this is because Orenstein never uses his faith to contest things we know to exist on a scientific plane in demonstrably existent reality. “I have found that the enlightening revelations I have received do not contradict science or my life experience,” he says. “Through them, I have discovered the spiritual path within me which connects me directly with Ultimate Reality.”
Whether or not you’re sold on Orenstein’s messaging is on you. But I admire the man’s willingness to present a grounded, neo-faith practice feeling worldly.
The Hollywood Digest
Theodore Orenstein’s new book is compelling, interesting, and appropriately evangelist. There’s this distinctive sense he is a true believer in what he’s preaching, which is an amalgam of different faiths he has compiled into something working best for him. Orenstein could come across as something of a spiritualistic guru, or at worst some sort of new religious leader. But his book is objective enough, and earnest enough about his hard-earned faith, that he steers clear from potential, unintentionally harmful rhetoric that could prove isolating and somewhat fundamentalist.
“This is not meant to be a scholarly, academic work and I have tried to make this teaching as down to earth as possible. It is important to me that this book touch the souls of the widest possible array of people, therefore I have included wisdom from many diverse viewpoints and cultures. You will see principles and quotes from many different traditions and beliefs, including, among others, those that are Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Tao, and even those from atheists and humanists,” writes Mr. Orenstein, within the pages of the christened Awaken Your Soul: How to Find Your Inner Spirit and Life’s Purpose. “…I refused to use the word God while I was in the midst of enlightenment…I felt that in sharing my experience with others, I did not want to trigger their preconceived assumptions and opinions.
The word God has separated people from one another for too long. Nonbelievers will close their minds as soon as they hear the word. For some believers there is only their concept of God, and only their way of finding God. Those who don’t believe the same way are thought to be heretical, evil, or doomed. Therefore, I was originally not going to use the word God at all in this teaching. I did not want your preconceptions to cloud, or interfere with, your openness to the ideas I will share. It’s funny how words get in the way when people are trying to communicate. People think they disagree with one another merely because they have different definitions of the same word. In this book I am going to try to show you how to get beyond words, and connect directly with your true spirit and that of others.”
It’s this kind of pantheistic approach that drew me in closer to what Mr. Orenstein writes about. There’s never the sense he is actively trying to preach or indoctrinate you. Rather, if you’re open to what he is presenting to you, there are interesting, unapologetically evangelical, and holistic arguments for belief in a higher power of Mr. Orenstein’s interpretation. It’s never Join or Die, or the threat of some sort of spiritual consequence if one does not sign on to Mr. Orenstein’s interpretation. If anything, Mr. Orenstein appears to eschew the traditional fearmongering many organized religious institutions have instilled over the years. Such fearmongering clouds a direct connection to God, he essentially argues. What Orenstein seems determined to do is rid the politics of religion, and reconnect us to the source.
Saby Reviews
very individual is capable of connecting with higher consciousness to identify his/her true inner spirit. If one connects with others in full oneness, with compassion and humility, it is possible due to that person’s inner spirit. Knowing your inner spirit is like awakening your soul and getting connected to Godly experiences in life without falling in the traps of hedonism.
This book raises the bar of spirituality in one’s thoughts and behaviour. The author is not preaching on dos and donts, rather he is sharing his light of wisdom that he derives from the world’s various religions and from his own experiences. It is an important book in the category of finding ourselves within the realms of god. The book sheds light on various topics like what is god, what is love, how to find that…and so on.
With proper introduction to each sect, the author distinguishes the essence of being in oneness with ourselves and god. The book has a wide scope of things as it discusses with patience meditation, spiritual enlightenment, path to god and altruistic services and tenacity to mankind. The key focus of the book is to find yourself, to awaken that inner soul of our existence that can connect us with the higher powers of creator.
Theodore Orenstein also talks about finding purpose and meaning in life. He shares quite a number of anecdotes and references and sayings from different religious texts to make the learning easy. The book fulfills one’s spiritual aspirations and keeps him down to earth, detaching from the guilt of ego and other deeds that cloud our tenacity and led us to the doors of sins.
I loved the way of writing and expressing teachings that is done in such a smooth way that I didn’t feel as when I immersed so much in the skeins of the book. Above all, it is a light book on spiritual awareness. Yet its scope cannot be traversed in just one review. I hope you read it slowly and feel like a soothing balm on your soul.
The Magic Pen
If I were to summarize Theodore Orenstein’s new book in a nutshell – it’s Believing in a Contemporary Way. The title is indicative of this, simply put the decidedly plainspoken Awaken Your Soul: How to Find Your Inner Spirit and Life’s Purpose. In the pages of Awaken Your Soul, Orenstein makes a startlingly compelling case for himself and what he believes in.
There are times when the read feels narratively like it’s in danger of slipping into evangelism, or some form of excess preaching and rhetoric of a specified, overtly spiritualist nature. But Orenstein is able to balance this with a most unusual angle, specifically his making his brand of theology work within a scientifically relevant, modern day context. You never get the sense Orenstein operates from a place devoid of healthy objectivity. Maybe you don’t necessarily agree with his sense of spiritual enlightenment.
But because the read never feels divorced topically or in terms of references, Orenstein is able to keep even a skeptic’s interest piqued. He also makes a compelling case for how he came to his particular brand of theology, believing all religious practices form a single whole in terms of what they allow the individual to tap themselves into. “I have learned that all true religious, humanist, and spiritual beliefs at their core contain the same reality. Some may call it higher consciousness, or absolute understanding.
Others may call it Nirvana, enlightenment, God, or other names. Once you discover it, names become irrelevant,” Orenstein writes. “It is what it is. It is indescribable, yet more real than anything you have ever experienced… It’s funny how words get in the way when people are trying to communicate. People think they disagree with one another merely because they have different definitions of the same word. In this book I am going to try to show you how to get beyond words, and connect directly with your true spirit and that of others.”
Once again, solidifying the concept of one being able to believe in a contemporary way. Orenstein doesn’t disparage timeless religion texts, he’s even quoted passages from them. But everything as far as Orenstein seems to be concerned fundamentally can be reinterpreted given each faith is less of the final word and more of a window into something beyond comprehension. How one makes sense of the mystery is something Orenstein is quick to highlight he respects, but he stands firmly by his own interpretation to boot. There’s never the sense Orenstein doesn’t ideologically have a strong opinion, and in a way he would be doing the reader a disservice if he didn’t. Because even if you don’t follow his particular spiritualist path, he’s a distinct example of how one can study numerous practices, and come up with their own, bonafide belief system.
This is evident in how Orenstein refrains from using the term ‘God’ when articulating his own belief system, stating: “I refused to use the word God while I was in the midst of enlightenment (when enlightenment was in the midst of me). I felt that in sharing my experience with others, I did not want to trigger their preconceived assumptions and opinions. The word God has separated people from one another for too long. Nonbelievers will close their minds as soon as they hear the word. For some believers there is only their concept of God, and only their way of finding God. Those who don’t believe the same way are thought to be heretical, evil, or doomed. Therefore, I was originally not going to use the word God at all in this teaching. I did not want your preconceptions to cloud, or interfere with, your openness to the ideas I will share.”
Kirkus Reviews
Orenstein presents a guide to rediscovering spiritual meaning in life. The author, a Vietnam veteran and former attorney, shares a deeply personal account of his journey from cynical disbelief in the God presented to him in his youth to spiritual awareness gained from a lifetime of spiritual exploration. Orenstein writes not as a religious authority, but as someone who’s wrestled with doubt, and he invites those disenchanted with structured, traditional faith to reexamine familiar ideas in a more expansive and inclusive manner. The book opens with the author’s background, his shift away from the God of his childhood and toward what he describes as a feeling of peace, love, and connection. From there, the text unfolds as both a theological reflection and a practical guide, gradually leading readers through ideas of inner consciousness, spiritual perception, and the energetic sensing of something greater than oneself. The chapter “What Is God?” is particularly memorable, as it encourages readers to explore a concept of God that transcends separation—that is, God as unity and love: “God can be felt in many ways and at many levels, depending on who you are and where you are in life.” Throughout, Orenstein draws from a wide range of religious and philosophical traditions, including references to Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Confucius, and he demonstrates how wisdom across cultures can point to a shared, deeper truth. He frequently uses quotations, not as conclusions but as starting points for open-ended contemplation, allowing readers to think for themselves and making room for their personal spiritual struggles. The tone is considerate, empathetic, and exploratory. The author’s tone remains thoughtful and sincere throughout; at times, it feels like a cross between a book of spiritual teachings and a personal journal, blending universal questions with accounts of Orenstein’s own moments of discovery. Back matter includes meditation basics, spiritual encouragement, and takeaways for readers to consider as they find their own path, as well as notes on Scripture. A reflective and quietly compelling manual for seekers.
