A Decade's Worth of Potent Nourishment for the Soul

Chicken Shift for the Soul contains a collection of commentaries accumulated over the past decade. Culled from monthly newsletters sent to clients, students and curious on-lookers of my generally unorthodox, sometimes irreverent and most times self-revealing observations, they chronicle the fertilization process that has helped to produce the rich soil of my life.

As I sorted and sifted and edited, a theme emerged: the search for an understanding of the nature of love as reflected through relationships, especially the relationships with family, specifically my sons. Quite against my own desires the book morphed into a sort of memoir.

My life has been no more interesting or difficult than most, and a lot less than some. It has, however, seemed to serve as a beacon to a rare few who have told me that the stories I share during workshops and retreats – my analogies and interpretations of why things happen the way they do sometimes – have helped them to untangle their own emotional wiring.

I use personal examples of the concepts I teach because it helps me untangle as well! I try to make sense of things because, basically, I’ve found life to be a rather baffling sort of experience. Rich and rewarding to be sure, but somewhat like shooting rapids on a long river. It can become tiring and confusing indeed. Yet, it is a remarkable ride worth the effort required to navigate the maelstroms and messy moments inherent to living.

Everyone needs a beacon to steer them from unnoted shores and unseen shoals. I wrote these observations as a way to support and maintain contact with clients and friends, who often forward them on to others. Much to my amazement, over the years I’ve heard from people scattered across the globe. May this book travel as widely.

Cynthia Balrow

To read exerpts from the book, click here