The Late Bloomer

By: Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Narrated by: Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Late Bloomer is the fourth volume of the Dangerous Old Woman Series with Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

"What makes talent bloom? Ask what makes a tree blossom. They are the same. It is not unfathomable. It only takes concentration. Concentration of energies is what makes a tree flower. Not bigger, not faster, not taking up more space. Rather, less space. Density. Pressure in hard places. Often, in the dark. Relentlessly. Freely. For as long as it takes. Hold faith, a gestation can go long and for good reason, and nothing much shows above ground. But then, one day..." - Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD

Are you waiting for New Life, for your talents to bloom? With The Late Bloomer, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes presents volume four of her masterwork on the Wise Woman archetype, bringing you six sessions of origial tales, stories from her ethnic families, poems, blessings, and psychological commentary exploring the cycles of "burgeoning, blooming New Life."

©2012 Sounds True (P)2012 Sounds True

Water the soul's garden so you can bloom

Many times over the last few years I have heard from another woman, "I have always wanted to...." followed by "...but no, it's too late." The woman in each case was in good health, without great financial worry, and with a reasonable portion of free time. So what makes it "too late" for her? Why are so many women still waiting to answer the soul's need to create and express itself? Why do we insist on perfectionism? Why do we ask, "What will they say?" before we consider, "What do I really want to create?"

As Clarissa Pinkola Estes reminds us, it is not necessarily difficult to say what the things is that whispers, "Help bring me into this world." But it can be quite difficult, even a daily challenge, to find out what makes us tell it, "No."

Through myths and stories, she encourages us to explore these issues, deeply, thoughtfully, and with great compassion. If you've gathered supplies and dreams for what you want to create, but have hesitated to get to work on it, this audiobook might help you to "find an aperture" as the author calls it. It's not a quick fix or a magical recipe book for creativity, but it just might illuminate the path you need to follow.

In my artistic life, no one has been more of an encouraging influence than Marta Becket. In the middle of the desert, when no one was there to see her dance, she painted her own audience in what would become the Amargosa Opera House. Clarissa Pinkola Estes encourages the same spirit: "Play your music even if no one is there to hear it." It is the work and the process that feeds your soul, and that is true even if your audience is only imaginary, for eventually, another heart will come.

The author leaves us with the following wish: "I pray two hopes for us: may we be blessed to find one whenever we have need, and may we all be blessed to be one many times over."

May it be so.

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

So awesome it is almost freaky.

If you could sum up The Late Bloomer in three words, what would they be?

Clarissa is by far my favorite story teller and I love all her books hands down over other authors. This particular book was as if the heavenly hosts custom wrote it for her to read to me... the heavenly hosts used her to speak through. Wow! I love this lady!.

What other book might you compare The Late Bloomer to and why?

I have completed most of her Clarissa's books and I am on a mission to finish her entire writings/stories. I have never done that before with any author although I am grateful for authors and the help and entertainment they have brought to my life. Clarissa is in a league of her own for good cause.

What about Clarissa Pinkola Estés’s performance did you like?

Clarissa is soft yet clearly spoken. Her voice soothes and relaxes me. She reaches me in all her books. She reaches out to me as a messenger from heavenly hosts and that is no exaggeration! I feels custom tailored to my needs and although those change, her truths will apply to the ever changing needs..

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If you have ever dealt with any kind of extreme terror, violence and/or hate in this world at the hands of others inflicting it deliberately upon you with what seems to be no remedy, Clarissa cuts through it to knowledge, validate and give the correct response to it so you can move forward and bloom into the woman you were intended to be in spite of what happened.

Any additional comments?

This book is sophisticated enough to give different messages to different people after surviving different experiences and give the right message to all who listen regardless of the trauma suffered. It is one of those profound life books that will give differently in every circumstance making the meanings change to suit to issues at hand. This woman is my favorite author and narrator ever. I truly love Clarissa and give great appreciation and gratitude for her participation in my life. This is the mushiest review I have ever give to anyone.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Perfect for early 50s me

What made the experience of listening to The Late Bloomer the most enjoyable?

As I crossed into my 50s I began looking for support and resources for this next phase of my life. I was ready to make some major changes, including a new job in a new city, getting back to my writing and more. Just as I found Women Who Run With the Wolves helpful in my 30s, this book has been extremely inspiring and strengthening. I love hearing Clarissa's voice as well. Each story has something for me and I will return to this again.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

If you're looking to return to your soul-path...step here!

Clarissa generously shares her rich life experiences and soul inspired stories, many which seemingly have survived generations and served to lift the spirit of our brothers and sisters. I have endured many hardships and setbacks...so have so many others!
Through engaging allegories and creatively crafted stories, Clarissa weaves us back to the path which is but one step away from the open-door -heart of true Self.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Find the aperture

As someone who is at point of change and, hopefully, growth, I appreciate this recording and certainly plan to listen to it again; I'm sure I'll continue to get even more out of it. It isn't available as a book so I found myself going to my computer to type quotes from it. I love her guiding and generous spirit.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Soothing Voice

This was my introduction to Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I enjoyed her wisdom and story telling. Very intuitive. I was drawn to the title as I feel I too am a late bloomer. I will listen over and over. It may not be for everyone but it spoke to me.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Brilliant renewal for the soul!

Thank heaven for the courageously creative spirit that too often lies dormant in our souls. CPE renews and refreshes me like no other!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A beautiful experience!

I love the layering of stories that provide such richness and depth for understanding the fullness of the human experience as it is expressed within each of us.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent stories Embedded

I've listened to a few of Estes recordings and I find myself re-listening to her materials. She is great embedding stories into her key message.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Food for the Soul

I love the voice that Clarissa Pinkola Estes writes with. Hearing her speak her stories is a double gift. Her works of word art are nourishment for a battered soul. Having read some of her other books, feeling that she has come from the ethers of the Great Ones to guide humanity back to ourselves, I couldn’t pass this one up—after all, I’m a Late Bloomer. I recommend this book to anyone who is a lover of the old ancestral stories, and is healed by them—this is the water needed for us to thrive.