Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love

by Stephanie Dowrick

Book Overview

A brilliantly clear, optimistic book which shows how the great humane virtues can help in times of hardship and lead to a joyful, trusting, enriched life. When beset by a series of life-changing personal crises, psychotherapist Stephanie Dowrick remembered what she had learned early in her training: there are qualities-the great ancient virtues-that shape life for the better and can be called upon in times of need. Dowrick grounds her work in real...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393045455
• ISBN13: 9780393045451
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Masterpiece of Good Will - Masterfully Inspiring

"There are beings who come to one to tune the music," said Anais Nin. Little could I have imagined that most profoundly would be met on an ordinary night, when I turned to open the first pages of "Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love." Stephanie Dowrick communicates with a depth of human understanding that is compassionate, confident, and purely optimistic. She penetrates far into the interior spaces where people live - and provokes a fresh view and artistry for life. With beauty and tenderness, Dowrick's voice resonates with an intimate reality that moves in keenly and reverberates out towards more thoughtful and honest living. There is a purity of love and human kindness implicit to Dowrick's moving inside and out of seven restorative virtues - a universal cord that is supportive and uniting. A benevolent connection with inner and outer worlds that feels charming, calming, unfettered, necessary, and right to embrace again and again until we brighten that embrace and begin again. And that's enchanting. And that's the power of this Author and the power of this Book. Don't wait to find any copies of "Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love" left behind on train seats. Better you will find them on bed stands or loved in someone's hands - read and reread. Like my copy that is worn. I also highly recommend "Intimacy and Solitude". Thank you Stephanie Dowrick.

This book is brilliant.

The title is a bit deceptive, as forgiveness is one of 7 "humane virtues" discussed in depth in this book. It's beautifully written with a lot of heart and depth. I plan to read "Intimacy and Solitude" next to get more of her writing.

An indespensable treasure for everyone!!!

If I could give this book more then five stars, I believe that would still be an understatement to the emmense treasure house of wisdom that will profoundly effect any heart/mind open enough to allow healing guidance that is based in the human virtues that all of us possess and all struggle to work on strengthening. This is a very personal statement to make, and is not said lightly. I feel very deeply both intellectually and emotionally about the profound impact the privledge of reading her text has and will continue to have on my own world. This book is a treasure of literature that should be read by any who seek to live a more tranquil, focused and meaningful life!!!

New Insights Into Old Virtues For Our Modern Days

This book is a virtual treasure trove of insight and inspiration for anyone looking into examining the timeless virtues of old. Stephanie Dowrick calls upon her wealth of counseling and cross-cultural experiences to help shed new light into many of today's social disturbances. Using contemporary and ancient sources of wisdom to illustrate these virtues, one can see clearly how the lack of these elements does, in fact, cause problems. In today's world where the boundaries of what's right and wrong are often blurred, this book helps clear the heart, mind, and soul of much confusion without becoming dogmatic or preachy. I'd recommend this book for Valentine's Day or as a gift to anyone struggling with any type of emotional issue or conflicts between the heart and mind. Definitely, a good read for any time or place.

Amazing, life-changing book

This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It's like a treasure chest - not something you read once, then put back on the shelf, but something to be slowly digested, savored, and worked into your life. Since the author draws on sources from many religions and view points, I think that everyone will probably find something they relate to. I know the book isn't written specifically for 12-step recovery, but it's greatly helping me in my spiritual journey.