Seeing in the Dark: Myths and Stories to Reclaim the Buried, Knowing Woman

by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Buried into all of us is what Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés refers to as “the one who knows”―the instinctive, intuitive nature. This, she teaches, is the source of creativity and understanding that lies out of sight in darkness, often called the unconscious.

On Seeing in the Dark, we join the esteemed Jungian psychoanalyst and bestselling author to learn how to perceive through the eyes of the soul as well as through the eyes of the ego. This dual way of seeing, being, and acting, Dr. Estés explains, is the most direct way to reclaim the gifts of the “healing apothecary” set into each soul at birth.

On two CDs of empowering insights, special blessing prayers, and original stories―told here for the first time―Dr. Estés inspires us to find our one-of-a-kind voice and trust in our ability to “see beyond the obvious, to see beyond the cultural,” as she

“The Fire Owl””―an all-new tale about reclaiming the fire of enthusiasm when others would try to steal it away
• “The Corpse Bride””―an all-new story about the hope which cannot die and the power of redemption
• “The Erl König,” “The Rebbe in Prison,” “The Man Who Sought Treasure Afar,” and more
“We are weakly linked or else severed from the wild and wise self,” says Dr. Estés. “Yet, deep creative life is informed by the realm of mystery, dreams, sudden knowings; the shadow.” Seeing in the Dark is an inspiring call to “mine the raw gems of spirit, soul, and creative life”―again, or for the very first time.

Portions of this program excerpted from the full-length audio course Mother Night .

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Mythology, Audiobook, Philosophy

5 pages, Audio CD

First published August 28, 2010

About the author

An American poet, psychoanalyst and post-trauma specialist who was raised in now nearly vanished oral and ethnic traditions. She is a first-generation American who grew up in a rural village, population 600, near the Great Lakes. Of Mexican mestiza and majority Magyar and minority Swabian tribal heritages, she comes from immigrant and refugee families who could not read or write, or who did so haltingly. Much of her writing is influenced by her family people who were farmers, shepherds, hopsmeisters, wheelwrights, weavers, orchardists, tailors, cabinet makers, lacemakers, knitters, and horsemen and horsewomen from the Old Countries.

Reviews

[Nikki Coffelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL. Estes is truly a breathtaking and exemplar human being and-- in a world sorely lacking such-- a true elder. The kind I want to spend long hours listening to, baking for, doing nice deeds to show my appreciation... you know, the archetypal grandmother. This compilation of accumulated wisdom and Old Stories so artfully woven together in her typical fashion truly shines a spotlight on Estes as the unmistakable truth-teller, healer, and Wise Woman that she is (among so many other things!). She is an astonishing storyteller (coming from a still-intact lineage of oral tradition!) and I would **highly** recommend locating the audio book and letting her whisk you away to magical lands TONIGHT... I know I can't WAIT to move on to "Women who Run with the Wolves" as I finally see what all the BUZZ is about!

[Elena Rego · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, great for a road trip listen and as always illuminating the path of the soul.

[Sophia Eck · Rating 5 out of 5]

audiobook

[L. E. Arbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored listening to this audiobook on one sunny afternoon. Estés speaks directly to you as she showcases her wonderfully developed story telling skills and reminds you of what children have before the world beats it out of them: to live is to create. Each fable has the quality of all good stories: lesson, cadence, entertainment, mysticism, and love. This book was deeply inspiring, encouraged me to continue my own writing, and seems to be something I could listen to again and again and gain something new each time. I greatly enjoyed the conversation quality of the recording. For my to have randomly found this audiobook on Libby was an absolute pleasure, and I look forward to reading some of Estés's other works.

Favorite line, from Part 2:
Do not criticize, do not condemn, do not complain.

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa Pinkola Estes speaks such wisdom from the head and the heart. This is about how to honor yourself and live as a medial woman, in between worlds. Honoring the spiritual/soulful life with heart wide open and full of awe at the same time honoring the "over culture" and the many obligations, rules, and routines of life. Layered within the stories and wisdom, are great strategies to practice awakening the "buried knowing woman" from a trance-like state. This is an Audio CD.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was to choose one person in this world to call my spiritual teacher, it would be this woman. Her mind and her words and her spirit and everything about her just blows me away and grounds me through and through. This is my second read through. If anyone is ever able to listen to the books or the lectures she has where she speaks there is nothing comparable to hearing her tell her stories.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely but brief audio recording. I love the soothing nature of Pinkola-Estes voice and the way her story telling feels like I’m being transported to another world. I feel convinced that if I had her voice in my ear every morning, it is sure to be a good day. Her stories remind me to connect to a deeper knowing and being and I am so grateful to her work for that. Highly recommend for anyone who is already a fan of her work and for those looking for an entry point.

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I feel I've been changed by her book. She explained her point then gave a Story to prove her point. This style allowed me to relate her idea or Mindfulness topic to my life. I'm defiantly changed not sure how it will look.

[Baroness · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adore this wild woman.
The audiobook is OK.
I got the message I needed and now I continue on my creative journey.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some little nuggets of wisdom I picked up on, but I didn’t really get into the myths shared in the book in the way I hoped.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become extremely fond of you Clarissa !!! 😭

[Chelsea Post]

I love listening to this audiobook as I relax before sleeping. Dr E's voice is beautiful and soothing and the stories are balm for the pained soul. Wonderful for healing stresses and pressures from the external and internal worlds alike. Spread the word.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick audiobook, with a very talented storyteller covering the subject of the things we lose ourselves in, or what makes us lost. I appreciated her sincerity and her fervor.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, helps me reclaim my creativity when it feels like I've lost it.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

More folk tales related to the psyche by Dr. Estes. Book on CD.