A powerfully liberating approach to the pursuit of happiness that clearly and simply guides us inward and shows us how to realize true contentment now. In these chaotic times, lasting happiness can seem elusive. Acclaimed Jungian psychologist Robert A. Johnson and co-author and psychotherapist Jerry M. Ruhl offer a welcome respite from the media hype and rampant consumerism that do so little to advance happiness and so much to obscure it. Instead of relegating contentment to another time, a different place, a better circumstance ('as soon as I finish this project/land that perfect job/find a new relationship'), the authors encourage us to successfully negotiate and embrace 'what is'. Instructive and wise, this gentle guide contains all the tools we need - including illustrative stories, myths, and poems, along with practical exercises - to seize true contentment in the here and now.
This was a refreshing read - Discusses deep wisdom - the things that are forgotten in our world of externals. We need to step back and understand what is really going on - in us and our desires and fears. This short, incisive read about things internal, helps one find those places within that are felt, but not always known. I have given copies to friends and family to share this illuminating discussion of what is and how it can change your life. Patrick O'Hara
Great Book. I need to buy it again!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is an amazing book. Insightfull. I leant it to someone, so now need to buy it again, because I want to leave them with the book! So I will purchase again. Short, and makes you think. Especially loved the bit at the end about how in the past people lived less for themselves, and more for "community". If their community was doing OK, but they were dying, it didn't really matter, as their part had built up the community. It's a bit better worded than that though...
Contentment
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I own all of Rbt Johnson's books, as I'm quite interested in Jungian psychology, but this has a "different voice", probably because it's co-written by someone else. Nevertheless, anyone interested in the concept of contentment will want to own it as it contains many thought-provoking ideas.
Wonderful & simplistic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I am reading it for a second time because I loved it so much. Very simple, but insightful book on everyone's search for contentment. It shows how the American culture does not support the journey required to find true contentment. I liked it so much I've bought a few copies to give to my friends!
A powerful examination of the core of human experience
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This is a powerful book, full of concise wisdom. Rather than telling you how to interpret an idea--too many books tell you what to think--this thin volume, echoing Shakespeare's King Lear, allows you to integrate the wisdom deeply into your consciousness. What I have always marveled about Johnson's books is their ability to suggest ideas without talking down to you, evoke wisdom without hitting you over the head. Johnson lets you find your own answers to the big questions. This book points me closer to God. What more could you expect from a mere book? (Another bonus: it's inspired me to read Lear again, this time from a new perspective.)
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