Coming Home to Yourself: A Review of Awake Academy by Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer
There are seasons in life where everything appears fine on the surface. You’re ticking all the boxes, staying busy, keeping up appearances—while inside, something feels off. You keep saying yes when your inner voice is quietly pleading for no. That was me.
Then I read Awake Academy by Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer.
This isn’t just a book. It’s an experience. Part memoir, part mental fitness toolkit, and entirely soul-stirring, Awake Academy isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level motivation. It’s about deep, honest recalibration—a gentle, empowering return to self.
The Line That Changed Everything
“You can’t heal what you won’t reveal.”
That quote stopped me mid-page. I closed the book and sat with it, stunned by its truth. How often do we bury the parts of ourselves that need the most care? That one sentence cracked something open. It was the first of many moments that would stay with me long after the last chapter.
Awareness as a Mirror
The Awareness section invites a deceptively simple reflection:
“What do you believe to be true about yourself?”
I wanted to skip ahead. But instead, I sat with it. And when I moved past the automatic, surface-level answers, I found old fears, outdated narratives, and—unexpectedly—a resilient part of myself I hadn’t acknowledged in years. That chapter didn’t just ask for attention. It held up a mirror.
Realignment Through Small, Honest Steps
The Alignment chapter was like a quiet compass.
“It’s not about always feeling good—it’s about understanding your emotions so they don’t control you.”
That sentence rewired something in me. For years, I’d powered through, trying to hold it all together. But Awake Academyreminded me that alignment isn’t perfection—it’s honesty. It’s the willingness to listen, to pause, to check in with your real needs.
One of the most practical tools I took from this section was the Daily Energy Check-In. Every morning, I began asking: What do I need right now? Some days the answer was movement. Other days it was solitude, creativity, or just breathing room. The difference? I started actually listening.
Awakening Is Often Quiet
In the final section, Awakening, everything clicked into place.
“I no longer chase a title or a trophy—I chase presence.”
That line hit hard. I began to see how often I measured my worth by output, achievement, productivity. But Awake Academy offers another way—where success is rooted in peace, self-trust, and being fully present.
I’ve since redefined what “progress” looks like. I’ve swapped performative goals for meaningful rituals. I’ve learned to honour boundaries. I’ve started choosing what feels aligned, even when it means pivoting.
A Toolkit That Meets You Where You Are
What surprised me most about Awake Academy was just how practical it is. The book closes with a wealth of tangible, everyday tools—journaling prompts, values exploration, breathing exercises, boundary reminders, and grounding rituals.
This isn’t lofty theory. It’s real-life wisdom that meets you where you are. I return to it often—especially on the days that feel heavy or disconnected. It’s a gentle reset, not a rigid prescription.
Key Takeaways
Awareness is a lifelong practice—not a finish line.
Boundaries are an act of care, not conflict.
Real growth often happens in the quiet.
You don’t need to be perfect to begin. You just need to be willing.
Favourite Quotes
“You can’t heal what you won’t reveal.” – Layne Beachley
“I chase presence now, not praise.” – Layne Beachley
“You don’t need to be perfect to begin. You just need to be willing.” – Tess Brouwer
“Awareness is not a destination; it’s a practice.” – Chapter 2
Final Thoughts
Awake Academy isn’t just a book—it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s a grounding companion for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to reconnect with what truly matters. For me, it arrived right on time. Not as a dramatic shift, but as a soft unfolding—a coming home to self.
If you’re looking for a guide that offers clarity without judgment, practical tools without overwhelm, and a reminder that your truth is worth listening to, I couldn’t recommend it more.
📚 You can find Awake Academy via Penguin Australia, Booktopia, or your favourite local bookseller.
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