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Shayla's integration story
"I know I’ve told myself before that I want to heal, and I’m going to do better, and somehow I always ended up self-sabotaging. This time feels different. I feel lighter in my heart since I started doing the plant medicine. Each of those lanterns the ayahuasca laid as a trail for me to follow out of my pit of depression is still burning brightly inside my chest. They are making me glow from the inside in a swirling array of fluorescent, fractalizing patterns, repeating and repeating in on themselves."
In her debut memoir The Opposite Of Hiding: How Plant Medicine Transformed My Life, Shayla Malek takes you on a captivating firsthand account of her journey from her early years of growing up with a father who was a Holocaust survivor, through to her discovery of the healing potential of psychedelics. Her words paint vivid pictures of not just how she healed her inter-generational trauma and then the PTSD of her father’s suicide, but how she found love, joy, and peace, and was able to bring her true self out of hiding.
Have you ever been told that your pain didn’t matter because, compared to others, you haven’t suffered enough? Maybe you relate to feeling depressed, anxious, or dissociated, and are desperate for ways to change? Are you curious about what a plant-medicine assisted journey looks like? Or maybe you just want to read a story of hope and healing. No matter what, The Opposite Of Hiding is for you.
My debut memoir is my integration journey and where I share my transformative healing process and how I brought parts of me out of hiding and back into the light. Find out more about my story
E-book and paperback
Audiobook available now!
I was interviewed by the talented and lovely Hilary DeCesare as interview practice for podcasts. In the interview I talk about my writer's journey and about the key messages in the book.
These are a few of the photos of myself over the past 10 years that I used to track the changes in my demeanor and weight. All great indicators for me of my mental health. It is easy for me to look back now and see clearly when I was depressed.
Reviews
Cathy Sargent
As Shayla's sister-in-healing, I am thrilled by the resonance I feel with her process of healing and integration, and I delight in how she articulates it for the reader. This book, at the very least, is an inspiration. At the most, it's a helpful roadmap. In any case, this book is a full-throated expression of encouragement...an invitation to choose life.
LMHC, Teacher and Teacher Mentor CCI NE USA
Anna Goldman
Shayla’s insight, intelligence and sheer love shine through this remarkable tale of her journey through and out the other side of trauma. Her brave vulnerability and willingness to face into the unknown make this more than just a rollicking tale. Make sure you keep that box of tissues handy!
Dawn Nicholson
The Opposite of Hiding is an intimate, deeply personal story that still manages to be relatable. Filled with hope, compassion, and resilience, it serves as a light for others struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety."
Brittany Burch
The Opposite of Hiding is a truly brave and inspired piece of writing. Shayla fearlessly brings to light what so many of us keep hidden. Readers can expect a captivating blend of vivid memories, deep self-discovery, and an evolution of spirit!
Jess Gray
Reading The Opposite of Hiding felt like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a long-lost friend. Written in a direct, vulnerable style that is deeply compelling and relatable, this poignant memoir brims with both heartbreak and hope, exploring themes of generational trauma and chosen family. Shayla's story is unique, yet anyone who has struggled with identity, trauma, or personal growth will find comfort and solace in her words.
BSN, MLIS
L.A. Calhoun
This was an honest, heart warming story of strength, determination and transformation following a life of childhood trauma, anxiety, and depression. Moving from her home country of Australia and coming to America where she struggles to find herself personally and professionally. Connecting with her partner and finding a new life full of joy, love, happiness and self satisfaction.
Jlynn Silvers
This book is a courageous, moving story of transformation. Generations of suffering healed by the determination of Shayla to break the cycle and transform herself into a powerful, loving, whole woman using all the skills she knew and whatever else she could find. I fell in love with the author and her supportive partner, Joe!
MS, 6th year, Co-Counseling Teacher
Sumu Tasib
The Opposite of Hiding is a riveting journey that begins with generational trauma but breaks through into self-healing and recovery. For those of us who have had to carry the burdens of past generations on the way to finding ourselves, this story is a guide and an inspiration.
author A Boy Named Su
Kayte Ashton
Shayla’s account of her journey from her confusing childhood, taught to hide herself by her traumatized father, to a place of inner peace, is beautifully written and will take you deep into her experience. Her story is unique, but at the same time it will resonate with so many others. Shayla was determined to find answers to her unhappiness, to find peace with who she is, her past and the conflicting set of emotions that ruled her existence. It is a powerful reminder that we are the authors of our own lives and can choose to free ourselves from our pasts.
Daniel Winkle
Shayla Malek bravely lays bare the process of bringing the inner shadows of personal and generational trauma to the light of healing. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of deep and meaningful self discovery, healing, and transformation through plant medicine - I highly recommend you read The Opposite of Hiding.
MD, Physician, Author Eagles Eye Healing Website, Co-Author Integrative Rehabilitation Practice: The Foundations of Whole-Person Care for Health Professionals.
Jeff Leisawitz
This book smashed my heart and expanded it into new dimensions of hope, beauty, love and possibilities. From its darkest hours through its transcendent moments, Shayla paints worlds with her words—not just of the story, but of the state of her heart. And her transformation. Burning with pain, truth and ultimately acceptance and self-love, The Opposite of Hiding is a must-read for anyone looking to live life with levity, hope and joy.
Life Coach for Humans with a HeartBeat, Author Not F*ing Around, The No Bullsh*t Guide For Getting Your Creative Dreams Off The Ground
Breanna Rourke
Reading this book was a transformational experience. Shayla Malek lays bare the deep vulnerability it takes to heal from trauma and does it in a way that it encouraged me to transform several of my own difficulties. This novel is a recommended read if you want to know more about healing generational trauma and how plant medicine can facilitate self discovery.
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