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benyoda95's review against another edition
4.0
Convicting. Recognizing that it takes us longer to rest after certain events or continual events is a difficult lesson to learn in today's society of always moving forward.
hdnas's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
One of my favorite books of all time. As a fellow trauma therapist, Aundi is a role model in this field. This book feels like a talk with your big sister, a warm cup of tea, and a nice long hug - transformative, but also so relatable and down to earth.
cari1268's review against another edition
4.0
There was some solid information provided and I loved the idea of trying softer rather than harder. The main thing that prevented me from rating, Try Softer higher is that the book felt very geared towards those healing from childhood trauma. Some of the content didn't feel applicable to me.
3.5 Stars.
3.5 Stars.
persistent_reader's review against another edition
4.0
What if stiff-upper-lipping and white-knuckling our way through tough situations is making it worse and harming ourselves in the process. What if we tried softer? The author is a therapist who had to learn this lesson for herself. She writes with empathy and understanding about the trauma and suffering that can be debilitating and provides a different approach that is kinder and more compassionate.
My main takeaway is that we are made in the image of God and much more complicated than we realize. There are so many things that affect us that a one-size-fits-all and simplistic approach to mental illness isn't going to cut it and isn't very compassionate. Our brains are plastic, and their physiology is changed through trauma. So the physical is a necessary component as well as the spiritual. There are some areas that I would disagree with the author, but overall I think it's time that we realized that many sufferers are bruised reads who need to try softer, not try harder.
I listened to an audio version as I gave my print copy to my daughter, who suggested this may be helpful for me. My print copy is coming in the mail soon, which I am planning to reread.
My main takeaway is that we are made in the image of God and much more complicated than we realize. There are so many things that affect us that a one-size-fits-all and simplistic approach to mental illness isn't going to cut it and isn't very compassionate. Our brains are plastic, and their physiology is changed through trauma. So the physical is a necessary component as well as the spiritual. There are some areas that I would disagree with the author, but overall I think it's time that we realized that many sufferers are bruised reads who need to try softer, not try harder.
I listened to an audio version as I gave my print copy to my daughter, who suggested this may be helpful for me. My print copy is coming in the mail soon, which I am planning to reread.
alisajeffus's review against another edition
5.0
absolutely incredible - the best book i’ve read on the intersection of faith and trauma therapy. i’m already planning a reread to work through the suggested practices at the end of each chapter
christielacy's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent resource for doing side-by-side trauma/clinically informed care for anyone suffering the effects of trauma or anxiety. The author provides helpful exercises and in-depth information.
Chapter 7 on the body is probably my favorite.
“And Jesus' life on earth is why we can confidently say that God values our flesh and bones. He values the tears we cry and the hearts beating within each of us. He sees the emotional and physical bruises we've suffered. Jesus is tender to our humanity. He made it; He lived in its constraints; and He loves our bodies- just as He loves us. From Him we learn that there is no hierarchy, as the Gnostics said, to the physical and spiritual. It's all sacred, dear one.”
Chapter 7 on the body is probably my favorite.
“And Jesus' life on earth is why we can confidently say that God values our flesh and bones. He values the tears we cry and the hearts beating within each of us. He sees the emotional and physical bruises we've suffered. Jesus is tender to our humanity. He made it; He lived in its constraints; and He loves our bodies- just as He loves us. From Him we learn that there is no hierarchy, as the Gnostics said, to the physical and spiritual. It's all sacred, dear one.”
gail_minkus's review against another edition
5.0
For me, this was the perfect book at the perfect time. Such practical, loving advice backed up by science and enriched by scripture. I’m almost glad the library is closed, so I have lots of time to re-read, savor, and copy my favorite passages into my journal. If you struggle with self-criticism, dealing with difficult emotions, and self-compassion and want both a spiritual and scientific lens, this may also be the perfect book for you.