The Gift of Pain

by Barbara Altemus

Book Overview

Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth.

Physical. Emotional. Mental. Spiritual. Pain comes in many forms, diligently avoided by most of us, even at the risk of sacrificing the quality of our lives. But pain can--and should--be a catalyst for change, a doorway through which we travel on our journey from suffering to joy.

In The Gift of Pain, author Barbara Altemus links her personal journey of discovery with parallel...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399527788
• ISBN13: 9780399527784
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Pain has a Positive Purpose

As a master certified life coach and bestselling author, I've been studying the purpose of pain for years and "The Gift of Pain" is a resource you'll be happy to have on hand for yourself or a friend. The author understands--through her own life experiences and through those celebrities she has interviewed--that problems and pain are inevitable, but suffering is optional. We have all experienced loss of some kind and if you are someone who is willing to let pain be a catalyst for change, you will surely benefit from this significant book. It's inspiring to read about others who have overcome adversity and have made peace with pain. I particularly enjoyed reading about the wisdom of Martin Sheen, Iyanla Vanzant, and Jack Canfield. When you can transform your pain into joy, you too will be able to report the benefits of living without the baggage of the past. And your success will far outweigh any initial discomfort. We are truly blessed to have Barbara Altemus share her gifts with the world in "The Gift of Pain!" Thanks so much. Barbara McRae, MCC

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

I believe we have all experienced pain in our lives. We may try to dodge it, ignore it, bury it, but alas it still seems to creep into our everyday existence. I have heard all the old additives that without pain we would not know we were hurt, of course I would rather just not know myself, but that is not the way of life.In Ms. Altemus's book she tells her story of pain and shares how she turned that pain into a positive aspect in her life. She also incorporates stories from such people as Goldie Hawn, Martin Sheen and many others. They share tales of their pain and how it became a turning point in their lives. Each one tells of the force that they clung to and how it helped them to overcome. Whether it be God, a person, an idea or a belief, and they share how they used this focal point to turn their pain into a positive.If you are hurting, or have been hurt, and haven't we all; you will find encouragement in the words of this book. The stories of those who have not given into the pain but have used it to transform their lives will help you to overcome your own pain and lead you to a path of healing.Shirley Johnson/Senior ReviewerMidWest Book ReviewDenise's Pieces

spiritual growth

This book is phenomenal! The author shows us how to heal the right way. Through out life we are tought to hide our pain. This book gives us the courage and tools to fix what hurts. Not only does it do that, it encourages spirituality and happiness. I recommend this book to all age groups.