True Awakening: The Highs, the Lows,and the Mess of Spiritual Transformation

by Kerra Becker English

Overview

The process of awakening is beautiful and challenging. It is also, frankly, an excruciating pain – a lot of the time.

With signature raw honesty, Kerra Becker identifies the numerous ways inner spiritual awakening happens: through curiosity, rituals, faith practices, deconstruction, even psychonaut adventures. English explores classic themes—the hero(ine)’s journey, the dark night, and what it means to answer a call—and reveals the challenges we face as we respond to the terrifying breaking-open of awakening, an invitation that changes everything.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626986022
Publisher:	Orbis Books
Publication date:	06/25/2025
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.25(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Kerra Becker English is a spiritual leader, director, and teacher. With a spirituality that is theocentric, mystical, and grounded, she preaches and speaks about spiritual life in relatable ways, borrowing lines or insights from song lyrics and ancient texts, ballroom dance lessons, or the process of getting a tattoo. She also is an ordained Presbyterian minister. You can find more about her at kerraenglish.com

Read an Excerpt

Click Here For Chapter 1

Table of Contents

Click Here For The Table Of Contents

Editorial Reviews

Everyone’s inner journey is unique and unrepeatable. Thankfully, Kerra English does a splendid job at reminding us that spiritual awakenings actually tend to be quirky, messy, and sometimes even just plain weird. But a book as good as this one can give you plenty of inspiration and insight into the lay of the land.” —from the Foreword by Carl McColman author, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism



“Kerra English brings the caring heart of a pastor, the wise companionship of a spiritual director, and her years of experience as both to this right-on-time topic of spiritual awakenings. The world desperately needs spiritually awake people and Kerra’s book is a resource for all seekers, but especially those with a connection to Christianity.” —Hunt Priest, Episcopal priest; executive director, Ligare



“An instruction manual for walking with the Divine. Pastor Kerra English is not afraid to point out the obvious: consumer-driven spirituality has reached its limits; mindfulness apps, decluttering books, and hot yoga classes don’t cut it when it comes to Spirit. Spiritual transformation is a tough sell, but that’s how we know Pastor Kerra English is the real deal.” —Rabbi Patrick Beaulier, founder, PunkTorah Inc. & Kehillah



"True Awakening is a book rooted in curiosity, beauty, and an invitation to view spirituality through a gentler, all-encompassing lens. Love how Kerra approaches a more natural, community-oriented view of others, God, and self." —Jenny Misslin, spiritual director, Enneagram teacher, Radical Sacred podcast cohost



“In plain English and at a time when they threaten to burst apart, this book—part manual, part theological essay, and part diatribe—links genuine spirituality with a vibrant social ethic. —Douglas F. Ottati, Craig Family Distinguished Professor of Reformed Theology and Justice, Davidson College

From the Publisher