The Calling - Unleash Your True Self

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Title: The Calling - Unleash Your True Self
Author: Priya Kumar
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self Help, Motivational
Pages: 166
Publisher: Books That Inspire
ISBN-13: 978-9352589708

Rating: 4/5

When the author asked me if I would review this book, I accepted, fully aware that it was a non fiction book. It could have been the title or the summary but something made me want to read the book. I now know, that it was my calling!

I have read books like these in the past, I won't deny, but only some have the ability to make a lasting impression. The Calling is one such book by Priya Kumar, who is a motivational speaker and has authored several books. The book is described as a spiritual adventure and it does absolute justice to the title. Let us get down to the summary.

The Calling is a story about Arjun, who finds himself in an all time low in life. He is at the brink of a divorce, not to mention his challenging career. The story begins with Arjun driving to Shimla for an official assignment. En route, he meets with an accident. He is badly wounded and doesn't hope to survive when a sadhu miraculously heals him. The sadhu directs him to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrim site, for that is where Arjun would find answers to all his problems. Badly shaken due to the accident and having nothing else to lose, he chooses to do as the sadhu directed. Arjun hires a transporter, Chandu, who travels with him on his donkey and with the majestic Himalayas for company, they set along the beautiful landscape to their destination, Hemkund Sahib. Little does he know, that he is embarking on a roller coaster ride to some stunning facts of life.

Firstly, I didn't expect the book to be in a story format, I thought it would more like an instruction book. But thankfully, that is not the case! Numerous life lessons tied together with a story makes it an interesting and uncomplicated read. There are so many instances where the reader pauses to reflect, to compare their life circumstances. In my opinion, that is a sign of a successful rendition by an author. Some examples (not quotes) from the book: 

Our problems, our failures are created by us. We, and we alone, are responsible for whatever is happening in our lives right now. As you sow, so shall you reap. If we sow sorrow, hate and negativity, that is what we'll be reaping some time from now.

You cannot stop change from happening. The world will change, things around you will change but that doesn't mean your happiness has to change with it. You can still be centered and grounded with optimism. 

Every person in your life has a significant role to play. They aren't mere relations, they have meaning, they are here for a reason. They share a space in your life.

The Calling evokes an assortment of emotions. Self realization, humility and acceptance. It is a book that imparts optimism, motivation and inspiration. But most importantly, it explains what the ever elaborate 'higher truth' means. Surprisingly enough, it is the easiest thing to comprehend with the help of this book. Personally, I was left with a sense of gratification and contentment after reading what Priya Kumar had intended to convey.

The Calling is a keeper, a treasure that helps us to become better human beings. Highly recommended.

*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***