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The Mirror, the Window, and the Wall: The Life-Changing Power of Finding Your True Self
The Mirror, the Window, and the "The Life-Changing Power of Finding Your True Self" instructs us to discover the most important questions to be asked of ourselves. Who am I? and What am I?
We may be spiritually asleep but physically awake, hiding behind a persona that has been assigned to us through societal pressure. We have been consumed by what other people thing of us. Driven by body images thrust on us by corporate advertising, skewed versions of success tied to monetary gains, a lack in modern society of credence and importance to the spiritual life's journey and stereotypical molds we are asked to fit into based on sex, race, age and education.
Through the eyes and story of the main character we are able to look closely at why we accept roles assigned to us against our will. This short booklet packs a powerful, spiritual punch complete with body-blows and shots directly landed on the chin.
Why are we playing a role, and If I lose the assigned role what will become of me? Are all part of coming to find your True Self. This is a book about spiritually waking up and contains specific but simple instructions on how to step onto the path of finding and maintaining your True Self.
We may be spiritually asleep but physically awake, hiding behind a persona that has been assigned to us through societal pressure. We have been consumed by what other people thing of us. Driven by body images thrust on us by corporate advertising, skewed versions of success tied to monetary gains, a lack in modern society of credence and importance to the spiritual life's journey and stereotypical molds we are asked to fit into based on sex, race, age and education.
Through the eyes and story of the main character we are able to look closely at why we accept roles assigned to us against our will. This short booklet packs a powerful, spiritual punch complete with body-blows and shots directly landed on the chin.
Why are we playing a role, and If I lose the assigned role what will become of me? Are all part of coming to find your True Self. This is a book about spiritually waking up and contains specific but simple instructions on how to step onto the path of finding and maintaining your True Self.
62 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 8, 2021
Review by: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, Ph.D.
Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education and Buddhism
Kenny Down, in his new book has incorporated substantiated psychological principles in unpacking his metaphors in The Mirror, the Window and the Wall. He is right to call the distorted images that come from the “mirror” the False Self , noting that self is often based on what others tell you you should be (The Mirror, the Window and the Wall, Kenny Down, New Thought Life, 2021, p. 19), He says internalizing others’ negative messages about you can result in a state of “self-delusion” (p.21) and living in “a false narrative” (p. 22). Down describes the “window” as “what a person manipulates and controls to show only what s/he wants the world to see. Her real thoughts – her inner thought life…were never allowed to be heard. . . She saw what she thought was the reactions of others to her presence… and read into situations explanations derived from her own wrong thinking” (pp. 30-32). He then says the “walls” in people’s minds are built by the individual in fear and self-protection because she told herself (and others) “she had been victimized, shunned and thrown away” (pp. 40-41).
Each of these descriptions is validated by psychological research. Similarly, his emphasis on extensive positive self-talk as part of finding one’s true self is also psychologically sound. In his book that process requires reading the book each day and repeating the prayer that is included the end of the book both before and after reading. (This advice is actually doable since the book is only 60 pages, printed in a 14 point size font and double spaced!) Plus, Down advocates the wise practice of partnership – sharing one’s own reflections from each daily read “with a friend or a group who has completed the same practice” (p. 13).
However, it is his foundational understanding of both God and self where Christians, particularly, will take issue. He says,
The term God, when used in this book, does not refer to any one religion and, in fact, includes them all. It can be whatever you, the reader, are most comfortable envisioning. This is always to be taken as your own concept of a Power greater than yourself. It should only be defined by what it means to you.” (p. 15). Similarly, he describes a Hindu understanding of self when he says “the intuitive compass for her healing was within her … She was “part of and inseparable from God . . . She was the Buddha, the Christ, the Prophet, the Mother, the Father, the Child.” (p.54).
From a Christian perspective, that is a doubly false narrative based in Hinduism and humanism.
So, this reviewer’s assessment of the book is a qualified 5 stars - with a caution. There is an appreciation of the psychological truths in the book. Those truths can be healing and helpful to all people. But this is best done when they are incorporated into an understanding of God, the true Healer and Creator of the true self – a person created in His image. Plus, there are healing Scriptures from the Bible that can be repeated over and over to seed positive thoughts of value and love from God in one’s mind. If a person is able to put Down’s psychological principles into that Christian framework, then the book’s value will be greatly enhanced.
This synthesis is part of the effort by many to combine the best of psychology and Christianity. Much new, helpful research and writing exists on the gains achieved by combining these disciplines, (i.e., Psychology and Christianity, Five Views, Eric Johnson, David Myers et al, IVP, 2010). It is territory many conservative Christians shun, but when the truths from both perspectives can work together, people’s growth in both fields can result.
Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education and Buddhism
Kenny Down, in his new book has incorporated substantiated psychological principles in unpacking his metaphors in The Mirror, the Window and the Wall. He is right to call the distorted images that come from the “mirror” the False Self , noting that self is often based on what others tell you you should be (The Mirror, the Window and the Wall, Kenny Down, New Thought Life, 2021, p. 19), He says internalizing others’ negative messages about you can result in a state of “self-delusion” (p.21) and living in “a false narrative” (p. 22). Down describes the “window” as “what a person manipulates and controls to show only what s/he wants the world to see. Her real thoughts – her inner thought life…were never allowed to be heard. . . She saw what she thought was the reactions of others to her presence… and read into situations explanations derived from her own wrong thinking” (pp. 30-32). He then says the “walls” in people’s minds are built by the individual in fear and self-protection because she told herself (and others) “she had been victimized, shunned and thrown away” (pp. 40-41).
Each of these descriptions is validated by psychological research. Similarly, his emphasis on extensive positive self-talk as part of finding one’s true self is also psychologically sound. In his book that process requires reading the book each day and repeating the prayer that is included the end of the book both before and after reading. (This advice is actually doable since the book is only 60 pages, printed in a 14 point size font and double spaced!) Plus, Down advocates the wise practice of partnership – sharing one’s own reflections from each daily read “with a friend or a group who has completed the same practice” (p. 13).
However, it is his foundational understanding of both God and self where Christians, particularly, will take issue. He says,
The term God, when used in this book, does not refer to any one religion and, in fact, includes them all. It can be whatever you, the reader, are most comfortable envisioning. This is always to be taken as your own concept of a Power greater than yourself. It should only be defined by what it means to you.” (p. 15). Similarly, he describes a Hindu understanding of self when he says “the intuitive compass for her healing was within her … She was “part of and inseparable from God . . . She was the Buddha, the Christ, the Prophet, the Mother, the Father, the Child.” (p.54).
From a Christian perspective, that is a doubly false narrative based in Hinduism and humanism.
So, this reviewer’s assessment of the book is a qualified 5 stars - with a caution. There is an appreciation of the psychological truths in the book. Those truths can be healing and helpful to all people. But this is best done when they are incorporated into an understanding of God, the true Healer and Creator of the true self – a person created in His image. Plus, there are healing Scriptures from the Bible that can be repeated over and over to seed positive thoughts of value and love from God in one’s mind. If a person is able to put Down’s psychological principles into that Christian framework, then the book’s value will be greatly enhanced.
This synthesis is part of the effort by many to combine the best of psychology and Christianity. Much new, helpful research and writing exists on the gains achieved by combining these disciplines, (i.e., Psychology and Christianity, Five Views, Eric Johnson, David Myers et al, IVP, 2010). It is territory many conservative Christians shun, but when the truths from both perspectives can work together, people’s growth in both fields can result.
September 10, 2021
“Our paths are all unique” – a spiritual quest to fine our True Self
Washington author Kenny G. Down comes to his stature as a spiritual leader through his own experience in recovering from addiction. His enlightened purpose – ‘to help us find solutions to the problems in our lives through the application of spiritual principles and how spiritual principles have practical application.’ He communicates his support through his newthoughtlife.org website and translates his impressions into poetry, short stories, blogs, and books. To date his books include AWAKENED GIANT SLEEPING SPIRIT, THE CARE AND KEEPING OF A SHAN, DARKO: THE SACRED LIFE OF ONE JOHANEE DARKO, and now he adds THE MIRROR, THE WINDOW, AND THE WALL.
Inviting, while not challenging, the reader is a trait of the author’s writing skill that places each of his publications in the upper echelon of self-help books. As he states, ‘The idea that we must find the spiritual life in order to quit hiding, to find our True Self, and, most importantly, to live is not a new concept. It is, however, one I wish to solidify, refine, and share with others…There are those also who are able to live with an obscured view of themselves though a lens they attempt to control, to focus so that others view them in a certain way. They get away with building walls to protect themselves and hide behind… The mirror, window, and wall are metaphors for all those tactics we use to hide the lie that we believe is true…we may be wearing a mask, playing a character, reading a script assigned to us. My point in writing this booklet was not only to show how we put the mask on ourselves but how, through societal pressures and false beliefs, the mask is placed on us imprinted with others’ DNA. The mask we wear may have the fingerprints of those other than ourselves.’
The three aspects of the book’s title form the sensitive steps to understanding the journey to finding our true selves. Kenny shares the plight with a story, the experience of Darlene, as she looks in the mirror (seeing a reflection of what others see), the window (our stage in life where we alone control the curtains, the sounds, the lights), and the wall (the defense system we build). Each of these false concepts must be broken to awaken to the truth and find our true self through divine support. Using the growth of one person to demonstrate the steps of spiritual growth brings a true understanding of the processes Kenny offers. He encourages us to read and re-read this booklet, meditate, write, incorporate, and share with a friend aligned with this practice.
Kenny G. Down’s writing is articulate, the concepts are radiant, the use of religious commentary is delivered in a way that all readers can embrace, the character who represents the process is fascinating - all aspects that make a tremendous impact, and make us think – and hopefully change. Very strongly recommended, this is an important, meaningful little book.
Washington author Kenny G. Down comes to his stature as a spiritual leader through his own experience in recovering from addiction. His enlightened purpose – ‘to help us find solutions to the problems in our lives through the application of spiritual principles and how spiritual principles have practical application.’ He communicates his support through his newthoughtlife.org website and translates his impressions into poetry, short stories, blogs, and books. To date his books include AWAKENED GIANT SLEEPING SPIRIT, THE CARE AND KEEPING OF A SHAN, DARKO: THE SACRED LIFE OF ONE JOHANEE DARKO, and now he adds THE MIRROR, THE WINDOW, AND THE WALL.
Inviting, while not challenging, the reader is a trait of the author’s writing skill that places each of his publications in the upper echelon of self-help books. As he states, ‘The idea that we must find the spiritual life in order to quit hiding, to find our True Self, and, most importantly, to live is not a new concept. It is, however, one I wish to solidify, refine, and share with others…There are those also who are able to live with an obscured view of themselves though a lens they attempt to control, to focus so that others view them in a certain way. They get away with building walls to protect themselves and hide behind… The mirror, window, and wall are metaphors for all those tactics we use to hide the lie that we believe is true…we may be wearing a mask, playing a character, reading a script assigned to us. My point in writing this booklet was not only to show how we put the mask on ourselves but how, through societal pressures and false beliefs, the mask is placed on us imprinted with others’ DNA. The mask we wear may have the fingerprints of those other than ourselves.’
The three aspects of the book’s title form the sensitive steps to understanding the journey to finding our true selves. Kenny shares the plight with a story, the experience of Darlene, as she looks in the mirror (seeing a reflection of what others see), the window (our stage in life where we alone control the curtains, the sounds, the lights), and the wall (the defense system we build). Each of these false concepts must be broken to awaken to the truth and find our true self through divine support. Using the growth of one person to demonstrate the steps of spiritual growth brings a true understanding of the processes Kenny offers. He encourages us to read and re-read this booklet, meditate, write, incorporate, and share with a friend aligned with this practice.
Kenny G. Down’s writing is articulate, the concepts are radiant, the use of religious commentary is delivered in a way that all readers can embrace, the character who represents the process is fascinating - all aspects that make a tremendous impact, and make us think – and hopefully change. Very strongly recommended, this is an important, meaningful little book.
September 15, 2021
If you need a motivational kick in the pants or an intellectual whack on the head, look no further than the examples given in this brief and brilliant little book. This treatise on understanding our true selves and spiritual value is a concise and comprehensive look at the things that distort and block our perception of ourselves. But it also shows us how we can see more clearly who we really are and why we are here.
Kenny G. Down, author of four previous books, including “Darko: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko,” has crafted this gem of a book that has the potential to set you back on the right track. As the author writes, “The mirror, the window and the wall are metaphors for all the tactics to hide the lie that we believe is the truth, the false self.” Down says the lessons and messages we receive encourage us to create masks that hide the truth and spirituality of who we really are. “A capitalistic view of success is also thrust upon us simply by being born where and when we are born. This supplants the honest desire we came into this life with: to be a helpful co-creator with God.”
There is spirituality and a sense of peace and healing throughout this enthralling book. You’ll gain insight into how to go about destroying the things that block our true selves and get back to the business of living our lives. The book is so brief that Down recommends reading it over and over until you find the proper grace and spirituality of your individual and holy human existence. This is the perfect book to read if you need a lift in life and clarity about yourself. Highly recommended.
Kenny G. Down, author of four previous books, including “Darko: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko,” has crafted this gem of a book that has the potential to set you back on the right track. As the author writes, “The mirror, the window and the wall are metaphors for all the tactics to hide the lie that we believe is the truth, the false self.” Down says the lessons and messages we receive encourage us to create masks that hide the truth and spirituality of who we really are. “A capitalistic view of success is also thrust upon us simply by being born where and when we are born. This supplants the honest desire we came into this life with: to be a helpful co-creator with God.”
There is spirituality and a sense of peace and healing throughout this enthralling book. You’ll gain insight into how to go about destroying the things that block our true selves and get back to the business of living our lives. The book is so brief that Down recommends reading it over and over until you find the proper grace and spirituality of your individual and holy human existence. This is the perfect book to read if you need a lift in life and clarity about yourself. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2021
Kenny G. Down, the author of this insightful little book has given his readers within its pages not only hope and inspiration, but also a simple blueprint which will empower them to embark on the road to spiritual awakening. Through his books, and his website (newthoughtlife. org,) his readers quickly realise that the author is a self-motivated man who has drawn upon his own experiences, both recovering from addiction, and of helping others, to write this book.
Intentionally written in a brief booklet style, this incredibly motivational book, empowers its readers. Kenny G. Down knows the struggles they will/are facing, he’s been there too. Even in the title he conveys his understanding, how? Because The Mirror, the Window, and the Wall are analogies for our coping mechanisms to deal with these battles. Struggles bought about by our modern world where there are so many ideals to live up to, pressures to look and act a certain way, to have a good job, own a nice house in a good location, the list goes on and on…
Mentally, the biggest hurdles in life we have to live up to are the self-set, and perceived ideas we all have, intentionally and unintentionally set upon us by ourselves and others. Through this book, the author encourages us to look within ourselves, ask ourselves what do we want? Are we overwhelmed by the pressures heaped upon us? Are we ready for spiritual awakening? If the answer is yes to these questions, then take the author’s hand and let him guide you, give you strength, and help you find the fortitude to unleash the spiritual you, and awaken your soul.
As well as revealing The Mirror, the Window, and the Wall’s in our lives, and how we use them, the author also urges us to incorporate seven actions into our daily lives. In doing these actions, reading, writing, meditation, sharing the experience with others, and reading ‘Darlene’s Prayer,’ (Which is in the book,) throughout the day, the author’s words and experience will help and inspire you on your unique path.
Kenny G. Down lives in Seattle, Washington USA. He is not only an author, whose other works include Darko: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko, but also writes poetry, short stories, blogs and vlogs.
The book is, in my opinion, much needed in this modern world of stress and enforced expectations. Through the words and wisdom of this experienced author, those searching for spiritual awakening will find the path to inner peace.
Intentionally written in a brief booklet style, this incredibly motivational book, empowers its readers. Kenny G. Down knows the struggles they will/are facing, he’s been there too. Even in the title he conveys his understanding, how? Because The Mirror, the Window, and the Wall are analogies for our coping mechanisms to deal with these battles. Struggles bought about by our modern world where there are so many ideals to live up to, pressures to look and act a certain way, to have a good job, own a nice house in a good location, the list goes on and on…
Mentally, the biggest hurdles in life we have to live up to are the self-set, and perceived ideas we all have, intentionally and unintentionally set upon us by ourselves and others. Through this book, the author encourages us to look within ourselves, ask ourselves what do we want? Are we overwhelmed by the pressures heaped upon us? Are we ready for spiritual awakening? If the answer is yes to these questions, then take the author’s hand and let him guide you, give you strength, and help you find the fortitude to unleash the spiritual you, and awaken your soul.
As well as revealing The Mirror, the Window, and the Wall’s in our lives, and how we use them, the author also urges us to incorporate seven actions into our daily lives. In doing these actions, reading, writing, meditation, sharing the experience with others, and reading ‘Darlene’s Prayer,’ (Which is in the book,) throughout the day, the author’s words and experience will help and inspire you on your unique path.
Kenny G. Down lives in Seattle, Washington USA. He is not only an author, whose other works include Darko: The Sacred Heart of One Johanee Darko, but also writes poetry, short stories, blogs and vlogs.
The book is, in my opinion, much needed in this modern world of stress and enforced expectations. Through the words and wisdom of this experienced author, those searching for spiritual awakening will find the path to inner peace.
October 23, 2021
An outstanding short book especially written as a life-changing guide for those seeking help to discover their true self.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews