UNDERSTANDING by Martina E. Faulkner is more than a book; it’s a true companion in the search for how to be a better human and how to thrive.
The tools, wisdom, and perspective shared in its pages invite a deeper look within our own inner world so that we can better understand the human journey, especially at this time of conflict and searching. Instead of telling us that our way of being is “wrong,” Faulkner invites contemplation and consideration to lovingly embrace all of our idiosyncrasies as the gifts and strengths that they are. The underlying message, therefore, is about embracing the wisdom of both sides of the proverbial “coin” and knowing that we are truly ok as who we are.
Throughout each segment, Faulkner shares concepts about well-known topics that she brings forward in a way that really makes sense. Instantly accessible and relatable, each topic is addressed with care and attention to what really matters. The six topics of Resilience, Grief, Compassion, Energy, Gratitude, and Karma are handled with calm expertise, further inviting reflection and a deepening understanding. Whether it’s the “Grief to Life Ratio” that perfectly explains how grief changes over time but never truly leaves, or learning that gratitude is more profound when it’s simplified and experienced in everyday moments, Faulkner’s approach to sharing the knowledge she has acquired over decades is both refreshing and aligned.
Simple, but elegant in delivery, her ability to take larger concepts and distill them down to usable wisdom brings a new voice to ancient knowledge. After years of exploring ancient scripts that provide insight into our inner and outer worlds, there have been few modern books that offer the same level of deep reflection; UNDERSTANDING is the exception. Through real-life examples, perfectly applied doses of wit and humor, and the humility that comes from having experienced her own personal struggles, Faulkner manages to achieve what many other authors strive for: The perfect balance between being both a guide and a fellow human being on this journey called life.
A hallmark of good writing is the invitation to pause and reflect inherent in the work. While reading this book, it feels important to stop and ponder the questions and queries that lay within. This is where the guts are—where “rubber meets the road”—in personal growth. Contemplating and considering a new way of being is where we can find the tools to change how we show up, for others and for ourselves. Faulkner’s words do just that. For example, they invite us to remember that compassion and gratitude start with self-compassion and self-gratitude, and that energy and karma are basic elements of life and who we are. But it’s Faulkner’s discussion on resilience that sets the tone for everything that comes after, making it clear that it’s our inner work that provides the opportunity for positive change; it’s the catalyst and the source that fuels our external world. She writes, “Resilience is an outward expression of inner growth.”
These gentle reminders serve as the roadmap to creating a better life. But unlike other self-help works that lean into preaching, Faulkner’s focus is on teaching. To accomplish this, she uses a consistent approach to each topic, by asking and answering the basics of Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How. With a comprehensive Discussion Guide at the end and inspirational quotes throughout, UNDERSTANDING is structured to ignite a yearning in us to consider new ways of thinking about how our own world could change if and when we apply the principles within its pages, such as: “It’s gratitude that helps us see the everyday, ordinary things as extraordinary.” It is a brilliant offering that is akin to having a reset button, as it provides a refreshing way to explore who we are as well as our personal interactions with everyone in our lives.
Ultimately, Faulkner’s deeply thoughtful voice comes across like a good friend sitting and conversing with us over a cup of tea. Her powerful words are not only practical and grounded but also carry spiritual insight. She writes from a place of truly understanding long-known Universal principles, with the wisdom of a true seeker and wisdom keeper. In this way, UNDERSTANDING is timeless—a book to reach for repeatedly throughout the journey.
And just in time for the holiday season, UNDERSTANDING arrives as the kind of gift that truly means something. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and rich with wisdom, it’s a perfect offering for someone you love—whether they’re seeking clarity, comfort, or simply a companion on their journey of becoming. In a season centered on connection and intention, this book stands out as a meaningful way to remind someone that they are seen, supported, and more than enough.
Get the Kindle eBook here: UNDERSTANDING Kindle Edition by Martina Faulkner
About the author
Martina E. Faulkner is a bit of a Renaissance woman. As an author and publisher, she is interested in exploring the human condition through her own work and others’. As a certified life coach, retired licensed therapist, and Reiki Master Teacher, Martina combines coaching and psychotherapy with her highly specialized spiritual gifts, presenting a singular experience that transcends any one method, offering her clients something unique and entirely new in the healing arts community. In her own words: “As a mystic for the modern age, I help people reconnect to their true self—their heart—to live their best life. I may wear many hats, but they all come back to one thing: Connection. Connection to Self, Connection to Others, and Connection to Source. When we are reconnected, we live life differently, for the better.”
