BOOK

Shortly after she arrived in Kathmandu, at the end of February 2020, the first confinement took place. Michèle was to live for five months with Rahul, his wife, his son and five of his students. Day after day, she received his ancestral teachings, which opened her up to a wider inner world. Little by little, she rebuilds herself, heals her childhood wounds, and finally rediscovers the joy of BEING ALIVE.

Être vivante, La chute et l’envol - Recovering from a severe depression, Michèle Decoust, French author and journalist, tells us her healing journey with Rahul Bharti.

Michèle Decoust's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After studying at Sciences Po Paris, she began her career with an impactful position at the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Later, she oversaw the "Monde" collection at Revue Autrement. Her explorations led her to Australia, where she embarked on a journey aboard a fishing boat. Unfortunately, her journey was cut short by a cyclone in Broome, which also marked the end of a romantic chapter in her life. Undeterred, Michèle moved to Arizona and made significant contributions to Biosphère 2. She documented the project's construction and lived with the architect for three years. Upon returning to France, she continued to explore new adventures through books and films, all while exuding her passion for life.

Être vivante. La chute et l’envol

Michèle Decoust's Journey to Healing : A Profound Exploration of Resilience and Self-Discovery

In her poignant memoir, Michèle Decoust, known for her probing journalism, delves into a deeply personal narrative, baring her soul in a courageous account of her struggle with depression. With unflinching honesty, Decoust invites readers into her inner world, where vulnerability becomes a conduit for connection and understanding.

The heart of the narrative revolves around Decoust's confrontation with her own fragility, as she grapples with the debilitating effects of depression, ultimately finding herself admitted to a psychiatric clinic. Despite her initial resistance, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-reckoning, recognizing the body's undeniable call for attention and healing.

What sets Decoust's memoir apart is its seamless interweaving of themes that resonate universally: life, death, the body, love, and the quest for meaning. Through evocative descriptions of her surroundings, particularly her evolving perceptions of Paris, Decoust poignantly illustrates the symbiotic relationship between internal struggles and external landscapes.

Navigating her way through medication dependency and therapeutic interventions, Decoust confronts her inner demons with a blend of courage and vulnerability. Her encounters with a diverse array of individuals—from psychologists to healers—serve as catalysts for profound inner transformation, offering glimpses of hope amidst despair.

Central to Decoust's narrative arc is her encounter with healer Rahul Bharti, whose unconventional methods propel her towards a newfound sense of purpose and vitality. Through Bharti's guidance and the immersive experience of a training course in Kathmandu, Nepal, Decoust emerges from the depths of depression with renewed vigour and clarity.

Decoust's writing style, marked by its luminous prose and introspective depth, makes for a compelling read. Her memoir not only offers solace to those grappling with depression but also serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking meaning and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Michèle Decoust's healing journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative potential of human connection. Through her luminous narrative, Decoust invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing, leaving an indelible impression long after the final page is turned.

Michèle, Decoust, Être vivante. La chute et l’envol, Aluna Editions, 2023.

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