Testimonials

Michael is one of those treasured individuals you meet in your life that in just a few brief encounters he leaves a positive indelible mark. Most striking about Michael is his ability to set forth his truth with great compassion, kindness and humor shining light into the dark places of our hearts. Michael Hoare lives what he teaches. He comes from a place of inner knowing, hard won lessons and a true wisdom that has the ability to help shortcut your personal suffering.

At the age of 44, I was unaware of how deeply I was holding on to resentment towards my alcoholic father who had abandoned our family when I was 2. Although he reappeared when I was 9, he was incapable of having a real relationship with any of his children. Working with Michael, I found myself feeling great compassion for my father for the first time in my life. Instead of seeing myself and my siblings as having been shortchanged and emotional abused by this man, I was feeling great sadness and understanding for a man who had lived a painful lonely life, and died at the age of 67 having never healed any of his relationships.This shift in my perspective allowed me to let go of my own pain and resentment towards him, which in turn freed me to open my heart to unconditional love.

Although Michael challenged me to step outside of my traditional belief system, he consistently validated me wherever I was in my spiritual development. He helped me to recognize that religion and spirituality are not mutually exclusive, but that spirituality is deeply personal and never stagnant. While he has the knowledge, he always speaks from his heart and acts from his soul.

I have known Michael for over 15 years, and most of that time we have been in a spiritual Men’s Group that he started around that time. This group has been one of the great joys of my life, and Michael developed a format for the group that at once lends itself to creating a deeper understanding of each other, as well as greater insights about ourselves. But perhaps the best part of our men’s group is when we give each other feedback on our sharing at the end. Michael has a depth of wisdom and a way with words, where he always offers new ways of looking at our lives, but with the knowledge of the ancient texts. For me, it is truly something of value.  Michael is so honest and insightful, and I have gained much from being in his presence all these years.

I have known Michael for many years and always could feel his spirituality. It is funny how life is as although at times we have worked together not once did I ever discuss anything spiritual with him. In the past few years we have become closer and this has lead to this wonderful personal relationship as Michael has mentored me through some of my own personal demons as well as helping me increase my contact with my spirituality. This was really enhanced recently when I did a one- on­one private session with Michael. Through weekly discussions and assignments Michael steered me through to where I needed to get to which was finding balance in my life. That being said I will be forever grateful to Michael. I strongly recommend Michael’s workshops and one-on-one sessions. You will feel the love and peace while working with Michael. And the results are fantastic!

Michael and I have shared many meetings in meditation and contemplation of the texts of sages and eternal teachers for close to two decades.  Each time we sit, he brings to light a higher perspective, a view, and an interpretation I had yet to consider.  Michael’s knowledge and wisdom of divine presence, of spirituality, regularly reveals a meaningful interpretation of the play that is our human experience.

The Little Blue Book of Recovery & Spiritual Foundation The Blue Handbook is a thoughtful and transformative guide that bridges the gap between spiritual insight and daily living. From a civilian standpoint, I was struck by how seamlessly it connects ancient wisdom and the Twelve Steps with modern challenges. It offers clarity not only for those on personal journeys but also serves as a valuable complement to the dedicated work of therapists, counselors, and professionals in the recovery field. This book honors the traditions of the 12-Step community while presenting fresh perspectives that make the message accessible and impactful for all.

Michael Hoare, my dear friend and fellow pilgrim on the path, took on a monumental task of integrating the practical truths of the AA program with the core spiritual teachings of both the East and the West. He validates this integration with a detailed understanding of the universal principles that are the foundation of all spiritual paths and human evolution. He moves with grace and ease from the Humanitarian “Love God, self and other,” to the “Spiritual Relationship with Source and the Inner Self,” to the Mystical Consciousness of “Unity with All That Is.” This work is multifaceted. It is a primer, a tutorial, and wise companion on journey to Enlightenment.