How to Treat Your Body Like a Sacred Text: A New Book by Emily Hedrick

It has been a while since I wrote and connected to all of you. I will let you know what I have been up to lately in my next note. For now, I want to share my friend and colleague’s book that will be coming out in the middle of January.

When I began to write my first book, I had so many voices in my head that told me that nothing it was saying was new, that it had all been said before, and I remember speaking to my coach about it.  

She responded, “What if every singer or songwriter felt this way? We would not have the incredible rich music we have today. Yes, it all had been said before, but not in this way. . . and maybe, just maybe, it hadn’t been said quite in the way you say it. It might only be able to reach some people if it is in your voice.” 

And so I made time to write . . . 

It is an interesting thing for me to notice that once I wrote the book, I began measuring it next to every other book I am reading or listening to. That it invokes in me the “better, different, other, similar” comparison mode that my brain sometimes likes to do, especially for books written in a similar genre or by my colleagues or friends. I am noticing this and trying to be gentle with myself through this process.

I am noticing that my coach was right. We all have a distinct voice that we bring to our storytelling. In our uniqueness, we invoke different reactions from people. This is the gift. And I am grateful for the various individuals who take the time to write and share their expertise. 

One such human is my friend and religious trauma expert, Emily Hedrick. She wrote a book called “How to Treat Your Body Like a Sacred Text: Reclaiming Your Voice from Toxic Religion.” I had the privilege of receiving an early copy. It is coming out any day now, and I highly recommend pre-ordering a copy.

In the first part of the book, Emily makes it easy for the lay person to understand how religious fundamentalism (even those sanctioned by mainstream culture) affects our nervous system. She shares her story of being raised as a Mennonite, becoming a pastor, and later leaving the church. Her insights are rich and deep. She clearly articulates what I have been trying to say for years, in a way that is easily understood and grounded in both her experience and expertise. Her voice is different from mine, and I am so glad that her book is in the world. 

This joy of seeing her book in the world AND noticing how vital it is to have many voices, even if they might be about similar topics or ideas, I am wondering about your voice, your talent, your gift to the world. 

What is something that you are not doing because you think there are so many talented humans doing something similar?  

What would it take for you to begin 2025 making a small step towards bringing your unique gift into the world?

Blessings,
Chani

PS: Like what I do? One way to support my work is to pre-order my first book Mapito! Another way is to make a financial contribution. This enables me to support people of all income levels. Thank you for reading!