Higher Love: A Psychedelic Travel Memoir of Heartbreak and Healing - Book Review

"Higher Love" by Anne Kiehl Friedman is a memoir detailing the author's numerous personal struggles and her unwavering journey towards self-transformation.

At 27, Friedman worried she might remain single if Mr. Right didn't come along soon, so she embarked on an online search. In addition to her quest for love, she grappled with body image issues, anxiety, depression, and a Lyme disease diagnosis. She candidly shares her experiences with online dating and society's pressure on women to find “the one.” Her willingness to be vulnerable and share her insecurities allows readers to connect with her on a deeply personal level.

Her turning point arrived when she met David, a successful entrepreneur with a kind heart. Their first meeting was at a restaurant, where Anne was surprised that the conversation flowed effortlessly and there was real chemistry between them. Friedman's cautious interest soon blossomed into deep love. Within two months, David proposed. Yet, despite this promising beginning, about a year later, David unexpectedly ended their relationship, leaving Anne in a state of shame and heartbreak.

To try to move on from the breakup, Anne decided to leave behind the familiar surroundings of her hometown and embark on a new adventure. After much reflection, she decided to attend a yoga retreat in the lush paradise of Costa Rica. She believed that immersing herself in the serene environment, surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of the ocean, might heal her heartache. The retreat offered an opportunity to disconnect from daily concerns and focus inward. Anne hoped to achieve self-harmony, seeking peace and clarity through meditation and yoga practice.

The yoga retreat she attended was a success. From various conversation about travel she is inspired to travel the world in pursuit of self-discovery, enhanced spirituality, and experiences with various psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, and cannabis. Historically, women's voices have not been very prominent in the psychedelics arena, but "Higher Love" aims to change that. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, engaging with various psychedelic experiences. Her goal is to liberate herself from her trauma and uncover deeper meanings in life. She finds that psychedelics have positively contributed to her self-awareness, helping her navigate emotional challenges more effectively.

Anne's journey with psychedelics led her to connect with other women who have also found healing and personal growth through these substances. Together, they form a community that supports and empowers each other in their psychedelic explorations. Anne became inspired to share this message of self-discovery and empowerment through her writing.

"Higher Love", is not only Anne’s memoir but it also aims to break the stigma surrounding psychedelic use and encourage open discussion about its potential benefits. Definitely a great book to help others in their quest for self-discovery.