After the Darkest Hour How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom

by Brehony, Kathleen A.

• ISBN13: 9780805064360
• ISBN10: 0805064362
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks

Summary

Most people understand that suffering and sorrow--whether illness, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job--are inevitable parts of every life. They are truly universal experiences, and yet few of us comprehend the ways in which suffering can give rise to growth. In this thoughtful, compassionate book, Kathleen Brehony reveals the transformative power of suffering and shows how to turn grief into an emotionally and psychologically strengthening experience. In relating the stories of people who have endured trials and consequently found deeper spiritual and psychological meaning in their lives,After the Darkest Hourillustrates the universal nature of suffering and the opportunity it creates for connecting with others. Drawing on a rich selection of mythological and religious stories from many faiths, Brehony provides a historical and cultural context that enriches the meaning of those deeply personal tales and explores the qualities-psychological, behavioral and spiritual-of those who have turned periods of pain and suffering into opportunities for growth and renewal. After the Darkest Houroffers practical advice, strategies, and exercises that will help approach the difficult situations you face in a more conscious, enlightened way, as well as specific suggestions for creating personal healing rituals. With Kathleen Brehony showing the way, you can find the blessing and challenges in suffering, and meet even the darkest moments of your life with courage and wisdom.

Author Biography

Kathleen Brehony, Ph.D., is a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist, personal coach, and public speaker who has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions. She is the author of Awakening at Midlife and Ordinary Grace. She divides her time between Virginia and California.

Table of Contents

Reflections on Suffering
Introduction	p. 5
The Truth about Life--Everyone Lives a Drama	p. 29
Lead into Gold, or the Alchemical Process of Making the Best from the Worst	p. 67
Brick Houses and Straw Houses: How Prepared Are We for Hard Times?	p. 89
Beyond Resilience	p. 117
Rowing versus Flowing: Luck, Destiny, and Free Will	p. 141
A Dozen Strategies for Growing Through the Pain
Introduction	p. 163
Discover a Larger Perspective	p. 166
Turn Toward Compassion and Help Others	p. 172
Recognize and Stop Self-Imposed Suffering	p. 178
Practice Mindfulness	p. 188
Grieve	p. 199
Build Good Containers	p. 207
Count Your Blessings and Discover the Power of Optimism	p. 213
Find Courageous Role Models and the Hero Within	p. 219
Keep a Sense of Humor	p. 225
Express Your Feelings	p. 233
Silence, Prayer, and Meditation	p. 238
Come to Your Life like a Warrior	p. 245
Conclusion: "Living in the Guest House"	p. 255
Notes	p. 263
Acknowledgments	p. 271
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

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