Raz Mihal's Blog: Thoughts of enlightenment, page 2
January 4, 2025
Mantra: Just Love Her
In a world filled with distractions and logical reasoning, few things are more potent than love’s pure, unyielding essence. Just Love Her, as both a mantra and a guiding principle in my work, is a reminder to let go of the incessant need for answers, explanations, and assurances. It is a calling to surrender to […]
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November 12, 2024
A Deep Dive into Just Love Her: Reflections on the Kirkus Review and the Spiritual Journey
“An expressive, if sometimes elusive, assortment of thoughts and ideas on love.“ — Kirkus Reviews It’s a pleasure to share that Kirkus, a renowned literary critic, has reviewed Just Love Her. Their thoughtful assessment brings a valuable lens to this deeply personal exploration of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. However, as with many works in the […]
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November 9, 2024
A Reviewer's Guide to Just Love Her: Unlocking the Depths of Spiritual and Divine Love
Navigating the Heart of Just Love Her: A Guide for Reviewers
1. Understanding Divine Love vs. Human Love
One of the key themes in Just Love Her is the distinction between human love, which is often conditional and influenced by the ego, and divine love, which is transcendent and unconditional. Raz explores love as a bridge between all aspects of existence, from science to spirituality, and invites readers to see love beyond the personal. Embracing this perspective can transform the reading experience, offering insights into the universality of love.
2. Reading with an Open Heart and Mind
Raz uses a poetic and reflective prose style that is more meditative than linear. To fully connect with the book’s message, try reading it slowly, as if engaging in a conversation with your own heart. Allow each line to resonate, reflecting on its meaning beyond the words. This approach can help you move past the need for strict organization and instead appreciate the book's free-flowing essence, which mirrors the spontaneity and unpredictability of love.
3. Embracing Non-Linear Narratives and Themes
Spiritual literature often breaks away from structured storytelling to invite introspection, which can be challenging for readers accustomed to linear narratives. Just Love Her is no exception, unfolding in a way that mirrors the cyclical, interconnected nature of spiritual and emotional experiences. This approach encourages readers to explore themes at their own pace and in their own way, which might be unfamiliar but ultimately rewarding.
4. Allowing Room for Personal Reflection
Raz encourages readers to see themselves reflected in the narrative. Just Love Her does not seek to give definitive answers but rather invites readers to ask their own questions about love, existence, and the divine. If certain ideas or passages feel abstract, try approaching them as prompts for your own reflections. This dynamic between reader and text allows each individual to find their own meaning and connection within the work.
5. Understanding the Role of Symbolism and Language
Raz's writing is imbued with symbolism and metaphors that enrich the reading experience but may also lead to varied interpretations. For example, the recurring theme of 'Her' as a personification of divine love challenges readers to move beyond conventional interpretations. Appreciating this stylistic choice can deepen your understanding of the book’s central message, encouraging readers to feel rather than rationalize.
6. Appreciating the Book’s Context in the Spiritual Genre
Spiritual literature is often subtle, contemplative, and rooted in existential exploration, which can be misunderstood if approached with expectations for clear-cut conclusions. Recognizing that Just Love Her belongs to this genre can help you adjust your expectations and embrace its nuances. This book is intended for introspective readers open to exploring abstract concepts and unstructured prose.
7. Utilizing the Glossary and Author’s Website for Additional Clarity
Raz has provided a glossary on author's website (razmihal.com) that defines spiritual terms and concepts referenced in the book. This glossary can be a helpful tool for readers and reviewers to better understand specific ideas and terminologies. Additionally, insights shared on the author’s blog offer context to help bridge gaps in understanding, especially for readers new to spiritual literature.
Key Points for Reviewers:
Divine vs. Human Love: Recognize the exploration of transcendent, unconditional love as a central theme.
Reflective Reading: Approach the book as a meditation; embrace its contemplative, poetic style.
Non-Linear Narrative: Appreciate the cyclical, interconnected nature of the storyline and themes.
Personal Reflection: Allow the text to inspire your own introspections on love and existence.
Symbolism and Language: Understand the use of metaphors and personifications, like 'Her' for divine love.
Spiritual Genre Context: Adjust expectations for an unstructured, contemplative experience.
Author’s Glossary and Blog: Refer to additional resources for understanding spiritual terms and context.
October 14, 2024
The Power of Divine Love in Just Love Her
In a world filled with distractions and logical reasoning, few things are more potent than love’s pure, unyielding essence. Just Love Her is both a mantra and a guiding principle in exploring divine love, calling readers to let go of the need for explanations and assurances. Through its repetition, the phrase “Just Love Her” subtly […]
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October 9, 2024
The Divine Love of Her
Just Love Her notebook The book explores the concept of “divine love” as the source and ultimate expression of all love, particularly romantic love. This concept intertwines with the author’s personal experiences and relationships, suggesting a path to enlightenment through recognizing the divine in human connection. Divine Love as the Source and Reflection The book […]
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October 8, 2024
Clarifying the Nature of Just Love Her: A Non-Fiction Spiritual Journey
In literature, spiritual non-fiction stands apart from traditional fictional storytelling. Books in this genre walk a delicate path, presenting abstract themes, reflections, and deeper truths that transcend the conventions of a standard narrative. My book, Just Love Her, firmly rooted in this genre, explores divine love, soul connections, and spiritual growth. Some readers, including a […]
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October 7, 2024
Navigating Spirituality in Literature: Addressing Misunderstandings and Embracing Challenges
Spiritual literature often distinguishes between abstract metaphors, deeply personal contemplations, and transcendental experiences. This genre can resonate powerfully with some readers while feeling distant or perplexing to others. Feedback and reviews, such as a recent one on Goodreads, have highlighted struggles with understanding Just Love Her. While I welcome these varied perspectives, this article aims […]
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October 4, 2024
The Challenge of Understanding Spiritual Literature
A Reader’s Journey: Embracing the “Not for Me” Moments
First and foremost, I appreciate the reviewer taking the time to pick up my book, even if it was not initially of interest. A book giveaway, such as the Goodreads giveaway, is an opportunity for books to find new readers who might not otherwise have crossed paths with certain genres. While the reviewer states they were not particularly interested in knowing me as an author or reading this work, I respect their honesty and willingness to give it a try.
When the reviewer notes that they could not get past the first few reflections or poems before deciding the book wasn’t for them, this is a valid personal experience. The spiritual and contemplative nature of Just Love Her—with its explorations of divine love, reflections on the "Her" archetype, and the intertwining of goddesses and divine presence—is not intended for all audiences. That’s perfectly fine. Some works resonate deeply with one reader while they may not with another, and that’s what makes reading so wonderfully diverse.
Who is “Her”? An Invitation to Look Deeper
The review raises an important question: "Who is HER?"—a question that taps into the very heart of the book's message. The “Her” in Just Love Her is both a personification and an archetype. She represents divine love, a reflection of the divine feminine essence, and a guiding presence in our spiritual journeys. The choice to refer to this essence as “Her” is intentional; it is meant to invite readers into a space of wonder, reflection, and exploration.
The beauty of spiritual literature is that it doesn’t always offer straightforward, literal explanations. “Her” is not meant to be a singular person that one can put into a box and label; instead, "Her" embodies the universal experience of divine love, feminine energy, and the interconnectedness that transcends our physical world. By not fully defining who “Her” is, the book leaves space for the reader to find their own connection, interpretation, or resonance with the archetype. It’s not about “knowing what you are supposed to follow,” as the reviewer phrased it, but about allowing oneself to feel, contemplate, and find personal meaning.
God, Goddesses, and the Fusion of Spiritual Concepts
The reviewer also expressed confusion over why “God” is brought into the equation alongside goddesses. This question is understandable, as Just Love Her weaves together various spiritual traditions, metaphors, and symbols to explore love’s divine essence. In many spiritual traditions, both masculine (God) and feminine (goddesses) aspects of divinity coexist and complement each other. The aim of the book is not to establish a single religious viewpoint but to celebrate the unity of divine love that exists beyond dualistic boundaries.
By bringing both "God" and "goddesses" into the reflections, I aimed to show the balance and harmony of divine love that encompasses both the masculine and feminine. For some readers, this might be a new way of looking at spirituality—less of a doctrinal path and more of an open invitation to explore the sacred dance between these divine forces.
“Not for Me” Does Not Mean “Not for You”
Finally, the review ends on the sentiment that while some readers may enjoy the book, others might not recommend it, especially if they are not accustomed to the genre or unsure of what to expect. This is a fair point. Spiritual literature, particularly one that leans into abstract meditations on love, archetypes, and divine reflections, is not always a straightforward path. And that’s okay.
For those who are open to exploring spiritual musings, poetic reflections, and deeper meditations on the nature of love and the divine, Just Love Her offers an invitation to explore these ideas. It’s not about giving you all the answers, but rather about encouraging you to ask your own questions, to feel deeply, and to embark on your own spiritual journey.
A Thankful Heart
To the reviewer, thank you for giving Just Love Her a chance, even if it did not resonate with you. Your honesty and openness about what didn’t work for you are valid, and I appreciate your feedback. And to any readers considering picking up the book, I hope this insight provides clarity on the themes and intention behind the work. Whether the path of spirituality and divine love speaks to you or not, may your own reading journey lead you to books that nourish, challenge, and inspire you in all the right ways.
October 2, 2024
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Who Joined the Just Love Her Giveaway
Congratulations to all 100 winners! I hope that as you dive into the pages of Just Love Her, you’ll find inspiration, reflection, and a deeper connection to the essence of love that transcends the every day, just as the book intends.
For those who didn’t win this time, thank you for participating, and don’t worry—there will be more opportunities to connect and explore the themes of love and spirituality together.
A Special Thanks to the Winners:
Whitney, Danielle Meza, Sherri, Ashley Focareto, Amanda Rosselot, Taylor, Anabel, Tina LaRue, Sunshine Bell, Tiffany Phillips, ASimpleLifeWithBooks, Alex Helm, Mark Laible, Tim Ryan, Callie Callender, Lindsay Batt, Wayne Killion, Grace Keeshan, Debee Sue Bauer Pfaff, Nikki Evans, Joanne Bushman, AKD, Michael Smith, Dawn Obrien, Shawna Alpdemir, Mikhail Rapoport Jr., Kenia Miranda, Yolanda M Johnson, Katie Kleeberger, F.R. Southerland, Shelby Smith, Suzie Torres, Carrie Ailes, Jennifer Mire, Jessica Haddad, Stephanie Belgarde, Richelle Peterson, Debbie Johnston, Hailey Ballard, KJ, Milisa Parker Stafford , Brennan Flory, Mary Arnold, Amy Joy Bostelman, Amanda Panda, Addison Bailey, Binh Nguyen, Margaux, Heather, Elizabeth, Jen’s library, Cheryl Weber, Christopher Remele, Richard, Destony Kilcullen, B3AUT1FUL PH03N1X , Dana Gay, Jackie Jones, Amber Kestner, Susannah Oliver, kaitlyn m, Danielle Coryell, Dakota Jackson, Danielle Mayhew, Brittney, Debbie Malave, Jessica Babcock, Sheryl Quinn, Doris Villegas, Jen Jen, Amy Phillips, Dawn Humphrey, Suzanne Eastman, Saleana, Barbara Blanton, amanda yorch, Christina, Michelle Salch Vangurp, Bi_Hippie_Witch, A.M. Flynn🪐, Hayley Elise Charles, Shmoney, Glenna Turney, Jaynez, Heather Giebelstein, Nataliya, Jaclyn Skoz, Mo, Brent, Jess, Michael Shulman, Ali P, Jocelyn Newton, MurraySE, Eva Clarke, Kirsten Vermillion, Tara Tyree, Christy D, Tiffany, Monica Sanz
I want to congratulate all the winners of the Just Love Her giveaway! Your support and excitement mean the world to me, and I’m thrilled to share this journey of love and spirituality with you. I hope you enjoy the book and find inspiration within its pages.
Again, thanks to each winner—your participation and interest make this journey memorable.
Thank you for your support and interest in Just Love Her. This journey is as much about sharing love and insight with you as it is about the book itself. Keep an eye out for future giveaways and updates!
With love,
Raz Mihal
September 28, 2024
Just Love Her: A Unique YA Read Exploring Love, Spirituality, and Self-Discovery Beyond the Ordinary
The book offers:
A Fresh Perspective on Love and Spirituality: The story is not just about romance—it's about understanding love as a divine force that shapes our lives. This approach to love is poetic and profound, providing a new way for readers to reflect on their emotions and experiences.
Emotionally Engaging and Deeply Reflective: Through its beautifully written meditations and reflective narrative, the book invites readers to explore themes like self-discovery, inner transformation, and the search for meaning—elements that many young adults grapple with during their formative years.
Standalone & Easily Accessible: As a standalone novel, it fits perfectly within the guidelines of a non-series book. It's widely available in multiple formats, making it an accessible choice for all readers.
Captivates the Spirit and Imagination: For readers who enjoy stories that blur the lines between reality and spiritual exploration, Just Love Her weaves together love, metaphysics, and the search for life's deeper truths, offering a unique reading experience that stands apart from mainstream YA fiction.
This book is perfect for those looking to expand their horizons, delve into meaningful discussions, and enjoy a beautifully crafted narrative that resonates beyond the last page.