Going Within: A Guide for Inner Transformation

by Shirley MacLaine

At last Shirley MacLaine reveals the secrets of  her intimate journey of transformation. In three  international bestsellers, Out on a Limb , Dancing in the Light ,  and It's All in the Playing ,  multi-talented Shirley MacLaine described her own  ongoing spiritual journey in search of inner harmony  and self-transcendence. Now this celebrated  actress, social activist, and outspoken thinker shares  an enlightened program of spiritual techniques and  mental exercises to become healthier, happier, and  more attuned to the natural harmony of the world  around-and within-ourselves. In Going  Within Shirley MacLaine answers many of the  most challenging and important questions she has  been asked about her experiences in seminars and  interviews she has conducted from coast to coast.  Transformation is at heart of her profound and  inspiring message-the power to shape our lives, to find  inner peace and awareness, and to reach highest  potential in relationships, at work, and at home.  Candid, often controversial, and always courageous,  Shirley MacLaine opens the doors to an  irresistible journey of discovery and revelation. By going  within, she shows us how to reach a new level of  love and harmony, reduce stress, release fear, and  discover the joys of a new-and better-way of living.  Use light, sound, crystals, and visualizations to  increase your personal energy. Explore the power  of meditation to align body, mind, and spirit.  Understand and communicate with your hidden self.  Learn the secrets of sexual fulfillment in a new age  of commitment. Experience the stunning mysteries of  psychic surgery and much more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Metaphysics, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Shirley MacLaine is an actress, author, and former dancer. Known for her portrayals of quirky, strong-willed, and eccentric women, she has received numerous accolades over her seven-decade career, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, six Golden Globes, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from acting, MacLaine has written numerous books regarding the subjects of metaphysics, spirituality, and reincarnation, as well as a New York Times bestselling memoir, Out On a Limb.

Reviews

[Davis Aujourd'hui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley has done it again! Through this book, she helped me get in touch with my life energies. Like her, I have suffered from anxiety throughout my life. This book taught me how I can channel positive energies that can be life-transforming.

The book will teach the reader about chakras and how to use visualization in order to create positive outcomes in your life and to increase spiritual awareness. It will help you open your mind to the possibility of higher forms of awareness who channel spiritual truths. It may also help you explore the possibility that you have had past lives and how they have impacted upon your current life experience. As in all of her books, she intimately shares her own life experience in a way that the reader can easily connect with.

As the author of a spiritually-themed novel, I am always on the outlook for books that provide food for my soul. This was a book that did it for me. I have discovered that when I seek, I do find.

Davis Aujourd'hui, author of The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude

[Mireya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 me ha dejado con buen sabor de boca, más positiva ante la vida que se nos presenta. investigaré más sobre el espiritualismo aunque no sé si será en esta vida en la que se me revele todo ✨

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book ages ago . .. when it first came out. It flows differently to MacLaine's previous memoirs as it is more segmented into themed sections and less the stream of consciousness and ponderings that she is most known for. This reflects her taking the role of 'teacher' at the time to an extent - a role she soon became uncomfortable with as like most of us, she is here discovering and probing what life is about, rather than remaining static with one fixed body of knowledge. You could say the learner gains the mindset for the most growth, but really we are both teacher and learner. The book goes into the subtle chakra energy systems of the body, recounts how she looked down into a person's body during a psychic healing session (a very difficult illusion to fake, trust me!), explores the purpose and applications of crystals and more. It still retains the wonderful MacLaine style of writing with deep reflection and brutal truth throughout. Therefore, it is highly recommended as a fascinating journey . . . best to start with Out on a Limb and work forward though!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Shirley Maclaine's writing. I have read most of her books.Since I have been meditating for a while, thought I'd read this for her thoughts.

[Oriana J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Emily Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so impressed with Shirley MacLaine's book, Going Within.

As a new devotee of the String Theory and Quantum Mechanics it is startling how early on Ms. MacLaine embraced the science that is bridging into the metaphysical world.

After the debacle of the Spiritualism movement of the late 1800s, its not surprising that the two sectors avoided each other in the same manner as parties to a one-night stand!

'Going Within' has been like reading a friendly-encyclopedia of ALL of the elements that would guide one into a spiritually based, and more serene, life. If being curious and shedding blinders appeals to you - you're about to have a delightful experience.

MacLaine explains and contrasts western and eastern religions in a non-judgmental manner; includes scientists and religious leaders in her discussions; provides step-by-step guides on meditating, astral projection, psychic surgery, dream-interpretation - and SO much more. Einstein, Bohm, and Hawking's theories are explored; as are the teachings of eastern religious leaders.

Love her -- or Leave her --- but, personally, I'll take the former. "Going Within" with its generous helpings of the methods of attaining a calm, sane life, is exactly what I was looking for, and thanks to a Higher Power, received.

Recommended for those who want to take a journey into TRYING to take an inclusive, thoughtful approach to THIS lifetime. ;D

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large portion of this book is a “how to” guide for meditation and using your chakras. The last third of the book contains stories of really far out experiences that she has had with spiritual mediums. They are remarkable. As she states up front, the experiences are not logical nor explainable - BUT they did happen to her or in her presence. She speaks from first hand experience. What an amazing life she has had!

2026 review
All sorts of exercises one can do to tap into your psychic abilities. More stories about various psychics and trans-channelers all over the world. There were several chapters about spiritual healing and surgery. Hard to believe, but MacLaine observed it hundreds of times and experienced it personally several times. There is a whole chapter about her interview with Stephen Hawking and their discussions about the true nature of the universe. So many amazing things.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was late high school very early college when I explored this book and I picked it up because I like Shirley Maclaine as a performer. It was my first entry into a spiritual word outside of conventional religions. I appreciated her honestly and strength when discussing such a subject before it got "popular" to talk about Chakras and alternative healing.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Efter några självbiografier, kom denna djupdykning i allt andligt hon utforskat, 'New Age' medan den var ny. Nästan som ett uppslagsverk, med personliga kommentarer. Visst känns det att trettio år har gått nu när jag läser om den, men den fungerar än idag, allt beror på var man själv befinner sig.

[Tristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh Shirley, I'm so done with you. Your first book was so sweet and heartfelt and personal and interesting. Then you moved into full throttle narcissism and you never looked back. I do appreciate your intention and desire to heal and connect but this book is so scattered and so odd.

[Dimitry Petrov · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Going Within" by Shirley MacLaine is an intriguing exploration of the author's personal spiritual journey, though it may disappoint readers seeking detailed guidance on meditation techniques. Instead, the book delves deeply into MacLaine's own experiences and reflections. While her personal journey is captivating, those seeking practical meditation instruction might find the book lacking in this regard.

Towards the end of the book, MacLaine takes readers on a surreal and fantastical journey into the world of healers and mediums. This part of the book might seem disjointed and illogical to some, as it departs from the more grounded narrative earlier in the book.

In summary, "Going Within" offers a unique glimpse into Shirley MacLaine's spiritual journey, but it may not be the best resource for those seeking meditation techniques or a strictly logical exploration of spirituality. Readers who enjoy personal narratives and are open to exploring the mystical may find this book engaging, while others may find its content unconventional.

[Natalie Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not my favorite of her books. The beginning is a slog, so much repetitive blather about the chakras. Nonsensical comments with no real evidence to back them up. I had to put it down for a few weeks before finishing it. The second half gets more interesting but it was just not believable, even by Shirley standards.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Shirley's writing personality.... her honesty, wit and knowledge. She's not afraid to express her personal beliefs and experiences. But her thoughts on "going within" for the answers we seek is very encouraging and I feel the urge to explore some of the insights she writes about.

[Barbara Koltuska-Haskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Book

[Svetlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

[Gillie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published May 1989,

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One should start with oneself but never end with oneself

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I FINALLY finished this book that I started back in August. Not because it's a terrible book but there was so much information and science that I had to read it slowly and let my brain try and process everything.

If your interested in meditation then this would be a good place to start. Focusing on the 7 energy center in the body - the chakras - this book tells where each is located and what each one represents.

There is also a video on You Tube of an open eyed meditation that Shirley did as a companion to this book.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shirley MacLaine is one of my all-time favorite actresses. She has a down-to-earth style of writing which is entertaining, as well as poignant.

In this book, she talks gives instructions on ways in which to meditate. She also talks about the 7 chakras of the body, psychic healers she has personally spent time with, and about her meeting with Stephen Hawking.

One thing for sure, Shirley enjoys her life and loves sharing her experiences.

[Jamaine Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good. It was informative at the same time soothing to the mental. The eyes do not see what the mind cannot perceive. This book helps to make sense to the mental, of the things we see and experience in life. It gives the mind a ground to recognize what we have been seeing our whole lives then registers it to our eyes. A book that's worth having. I lost my first 1993 copy - reading it inside the bank on the 14th, June 2013 and had to reorder another one.

[Rihem Rebai]

I’m not sure what to think of this book . Right now , to me it feels a bit too sketchy & I really couldn’t believe most of the things she mentioned maybe cause I’m not yet THAT spiritual at least not to her extent. Some of the things she mentioned were very extraordinary & didn’t quite convince me . Good book but not worth the Read to be totally honest.

[Jose Miguel Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biografía. Apasionante viaje al interior de uno mismo... Una autobiografía no apta para escépticos a no ser que quieran comprender parte de la vida de esta actriz/escritora. Buenas descripciones y muy sobria. Totalmente metafísica.

[Elizabeth]

I love Shirley Maclaine too.

[Aastha Sharma]

Picked it in a hurry once. Now wondering why I am reading it at the first place.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great light worker material from someone I respect. Good book. =)

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good

[Tanya]

It set me upon my path of enquiry, thank you Ms Shirley Maclaine

[Stephanie Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot to think about.

[Marko]

I have the germn translation; Die Reise nach innen