Book Review: Walking Through Illusion

I always seem to find that things, ideas, people, and events arrive right on time, serving their purpose to deepen insight, learn something, or teach something. This book's arrival in my mailbox turned out to be no exception. Walking Through Illusion, by Betsy Otter Thompson, is a recounting of the author's own experience with soul-searching told through the allegory of a conversation with the biblical Jesus about his life experiences and those of the people around him. While some research had been done into biblical accounts of the people's lives we read about in this book, the author emphasizes that it is rather, "an emotional accounting of what might have been," and that, "the true research for this book was done in my heart (pp 232, 233)." Seeing the structure of the book as an allegory for the author's own emotional journey, then, more clearly reveals the nuggets of wisdom within, rather than getting caught up in historical or theological implications.

As for everything arriving on time, I immediately and gratefully recognized timely reminders of principles I need to keep in the forefront of my actions and thoughts. One of the foundations of the message in this book is that we are each capable of and responsible for manifesting our own reality and the lessons we need to learn to remind us of our beautiful and enduring essence. According to the author, "Nothing changed overnight, but overnight I knew that change was possible. I also knew that I was the one to enact it (p 42)." She goes on to emphasize that we can direct our efforts of manifestation through the basic principle of the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. She explains it neatly as a law of physics: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So, in order to manifest positive and nurturing experiences in life, we must put forth actions, thoughts, and emotions that we would want reflected right back to us. The author also represents this principle through the analogy of the mirror: "for every emotional action taken, an emotional mirror returned (p 2)." These are all empowering reminders of the consciousness I strive to cultivate in my thoughts, feelings, and actions. They are seemingly simplistic and basic, these ideas of manifesting the reality we desire by acting according to the golden rule and a fundamental law of physics. Yet, it is surprisingly difficult to maintain awareness of them and act accordingly at all moments of our lives. This seems to me to be one of the principle reasons for living life: to explore these principles and all their repercussions in order to fully understand ourselves and that of which we are made.

Such are the messages Ms. Otter Thompson's book had for me. There are numerous more life lessons she has explored and shares through a variety of stories. That seems to be a particular strength of the book, for each allegory has the opportunity to convey a useful concept where another story may not resonate. All things considered, it is a bravely open account of the author's emotional journey to empowerment and peace. It's nuggets of wisdom are universal, and I'm sure any reader will find timely reminders for his or her journey as well.

Find out more about this book and the author:

http://www.betsythompson.com

http://www.betsyotterthompson.blogspot.com