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Walking on Eggshells --
Review by Marian Brown, Editor
Reprinted from Families in Crisis
I found that there
was a whole world out there without the imposed l
imits under
which I had been suffering. Lots of things were
becoming more clear during the
days
following
my decision to leave. I began to live as a healthy, functioning adult.
I had
been locked in a cage.
He had the key. But so did I.
Quoted by Dr. Brian Ogawa in Walking on
Eggshells
Many times over the past few months
since reading Dr. Ogawa's book, I have recommended it to many people. I am
learning that not only do the victims of domestic violence need protection,
shelters, and the other essentials, many need just to know there is a way out.
They need a "spiritual empowerment", so to say. They need to feel hope.
Dr.
Ogawa and Walking on Eggshells
gives hope. He gives an idea, the formation of a way out, the template for the
key. No, it is not an exact blueprint. Nor does he give concrete answers. What
he offers is empowerment. Basing his approach on the
Morita Principles, he encourages victims to develop their own life's purpose.
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The book is simple--only 50 pages. But, inside that fifty pages, Dr. Ogawa takes
us from recognizing that abusive relationship, our turbulent emotions, gaining
clarity and purpose, empowerment, moving past the past, and building new
relationships--partnerships. WOW!
His understanding, explanations and encouragement reinforce
the empowerment he wants the victims to gain. |
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For example: "Always being confronted with violence
or living under the fear of violence is beyond anyone's resources....It is as if
the passing ships and nearby shores are not noticed because the life preserver
itself fills your attention and is so tightly embraced. Being preoccupied with
just surviving exacts a toll on your well-being." Dr. Ogawa creates an image we
all can relate to from one situation or another, whether it was a violent
relationship or not.
He then goes on and explains how the victim can create redirection through
defining and establishing clarity in their own life. "This redirection occurs as
you point the life preserver toward some destination and kick your feet to
achieve some movement." Again, we can visualize this movement.
This is just one of the many examples Dr. Ogawa caringly walks (or swims) us
through. Anyone who is in the process of changing their life, clarifying their
goals, or developing a new purpose can gain something from
Walking on Eggshells.
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