Psyche & Spirit invites readers on a profound journey through Dr. Edwards’ mind, heart, and spirit during her quest for the truth of life, first as a child of medical missionaries in a Mayan Indian village, then overcoming trauma and an eating disorder during her teenage years, and later navigating the challenges of medical training. Ultimately, she discovers the truth she seeks through her autistic daughter. In this deeply personal memoir, readers embark on a journey into their own hearts, joining Dr. Edwards as she navigates psychotherapy, meditation retreats, encounters with spiritual teachers, transformative travels to India and immersion in spiritual communities. Through her intimate story, she shows us how everything in this world can serve as a doorway back home to the Love we all are. Psyche & Spirit speaks to those: embarking on their psychological and spiritual journeys, seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives - raised in fear-based Christian religions and who have experienced religious trauma - grappling with eating disorders - spiritual seekers who have encountered the wisdom and the blind spots of spiritual teachers - physicians scarred by the trauma of medical training - family members, educators, and health care providers of autistic individuals who recognize the limitations of the traditional medical disease paradigm of autism Dr. Edwards inspires each of us to recognize our individual experiences as paths back Home, to our Heart of hearts. This fascinating, courageous, and keenly observed memoir moved and inspired me. Patient, doctor, mother, Edwards details her remarkable journey from the mountains of Guatemala to the storied halls of Stanford University and beyond. She describes a lifetime of spiritual longing that culminates with an awakening to the wonders of ordinary life, made possible in no small part by a not-so-ordinary little girl, her daughter Saachi. A captivating read and a triumph of the spirit. — ANNA LEMBKE, MD , author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence Filled with search, struggle, discovery and compassion, Psyche & Spirit is a vulnerable telling of her ability to grow, shine and finally be an advocate for herself and her daughter. — SHARON SALZBERG, author of Lovingkindness and Real Change In Psyche & Spirit, Mindy shares her journey, a journey from Love to Love. She is an example for us of someone who has taken the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji) to heart: “Love everyone, serve everyone, remember God.” With great determination and dedication she is manifesting them in her life, here, in THIS world. Her compelling story is a powerful reminder of the force of spirit as it seeks balance with the human mind. — KRISHNA DAS , best-selling chant artist of all time; Grammy nominee; author of Chants of a Lifetime I have found Melinda to be one of those very rare people who takes what life brings her with acceptance and grateful joy—turning what others would consider a burden into an opportunity to learn and evolve. Her understanding of autism is a prime example of this. Rather than dismissing it as a problem or an impairment, she truly understands the beauty of the autistic condition, and how, if we’re willing to listen, it points to a way forward for us all. Her compassionate and insightful wisdom shine through, and it’s a great honor to be associated with her and with her mission of shining a light for the benefit of us all. — GUY SHAHAR , author of Transforming Autism and Founder and CEO of The Transforming Autism Project Review Rating: 5 Stars Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite Psyche and Spirit by Melinda Edwards, MD, is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. It highlights her quest for truth, spirituality, healing, and connection. Raised by medical missionary parents, Melinda developed a fear-based Christianity that led to a continuous fear of death and feelings of unworthiness. She struggled with anorexia and depression in her teenage years and eventually managed to get into medical school. As she experienced meditation, spiritual retreats, and encounters with spiritual teachers, she began to discover the truth of life and find a deeper connection with the world. Ultimately, her autistic daughter, Saachi, led her to find the truth and oneness she was seeking. Psyche and Spirit is a relatable and inspiring guide for those seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives, particularly those who have experienced trauma, eating disorders, or are grappling with spiritual seekers' paradoxes. It also celebrates our capacity for growth, connection, and resilience. Melinda Edwards, MD, lays herself bare, disclosing deeply personal experiences, leading to an authentic and moving narrative. I applaud her for sharing her story as it will help others going through similar experiences. Feelings of shame, fear, uncertainty, jealousy, and confus