My Mystical Path

“Through her personal story filled with universal truths, Donna Shin-Ward offers healing gifts of grace, comfort, and courage to help readers where they are on their journey. She shows us how to embrace our challenges and transform them into our next level of growth and transcendence in life. I’m deeply grateful for Donna’s role in my own life—both personally as a fellow writer and professionally through this book—and I know how much this work can help those who are searching for answers right now. Allow her words to wash over you and help you move forward again.”

—Carolyn Crist, journalist and co-author of The New Science of Narcissism

“A tender introspective about a journey of loss and love, filled with engaging insights that describe the human experience. Donna Shin-Ward’s story resonates on the deepest level as her memoir speaks to us about encountering modern-day mystics and the power of paying attention to our dreams. My Mystical Path artfully weaves Donna’s own experiences with her clinical expertise in counseling psychology. This book, like its author, is genuine, vulnerable, and affirming.”

—Heidi Schreiber-Pan, PhD, author of Taming the Anxious Mind: A Guidebook to Relieve Stress & Anxiety 

“My Mystical Path demonstrates that those who have experienced trauma, loss, or significant stress can deepen in ways that would not have been possible had the negative encounters not happened in the first place. With clarity, wisdom, and kindness, Donna Shin-Ward shares how psychologically shattering moments in our lives can lead to true spiritual adventures if we are willing to be honest, let go, and become open to new, encouraging teachings about ourselves. Don’t be surprised if when you put down this book, after having savored each of its chapters, you have a smile on your face and ask yourself: Why would I ever want to deny my darkness, remain numb, and simply go through the motions each day when God is calling me to honor my goodness and live my life, as well as compassionately express it to others in its fullness?”

—Dr. Robert J. Wicks, author of The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart: Mentoring Yourself in Difficult Times; professor emeritus, Loyola University Maryland

“Donna Shin begins her story with a shocking diagnosis of cancer at the tender, young age of seventeen. This begins her path to understanding how trauma and the coping strategies of her family impacted her childhood and her early adult relationships. As Donna describes her new, developing self-understanding, she takes you on a journey of struggle yet still finding delight in Spirit. As she continues to grow and take risks, we see the mystical, whimsical, graceful side of her journey. It is clear that she is sharing her own self-awareness of the lessons that came to her in life so that if you desire, you can metaphorically walk in her footsteps to discover your own inner knowing. Donna encourages trust in your inner truth and Divine self. She demonstrates the gift of taking risks is movement toward your own transformation and deep connection to Spirit. Anything can be overcome by taking it one step at a time. What a beautiful, heartfelt read that can expand personal growth.”

—Cherie Lindberg, LPC, NCC, ABD, Brainspotting trainer and consultant