Contentment

by Johnson, Robert A.; Ruhl, Jerry M.

• ISBN13: 9780062515926
• ISBN10: 0062515926
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-03-19
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

Simple Gifts of Contentment The forces of modern life urge us to achieve and acquire more, pushing us outward in our quest for contentment. Worldrenowned Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson and psychotherapist Jerry M. Ruhl guide us inward, to a deep understanding of true, lasting happiness. Instead of relegating joy and satisfaction to another time, a different place, a better circumstance ("just as soon as I finish this project / land that perfect job / find a new relationship"), Johnson and Ruhl encourage us to negotiate and embrace "what is." Instructive and wise, this gentle guide contains all the tools we needincluding illustrative stories, myths, poems, and practical exercisesto seize true contentment in the here and now.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
PART 1 The Tragedy of Modern Discontent
``Just As Soon As...''	3	(4)
In Search of Contentment	7	(7)
The Fall from Eden	14	(11)
PART 2 A Story for Our Time
King Lear	25	(10)
PART 3 The Psychology of Contentment
Contentment Can't Be Found ``Out There''---It's Inside You	35	(13)
Contentment Requires Being Who You Are---No More and No Less	48	(14)
Contentment Isn't Just Getting What You Want---It's Also Wanting What You Get	62	(15)
When the Well of Suffering Goes Dry	77	(6)
PART 4 Simple Gifts of Contentment
The Gift of Energy	83	(2)
The Gift of Fidelity to the Moment	85	(1)
The Gift of Stopping	86	(1)
The Gift of Your Heart's Yearning	87	(3)
The Gift of Nature	90	(1)
The Gift of Home	91	(2)
The Gift of Dreams	93	(3)
The Gift of Hidden Purpose	96	(2)
The Gift of Letting Go	98	(1)
The Gift of Confusion	99	(2)
The Gift of Paradox	101	(1)
The Gift of Ordinariness	102	(1)
The Gift of Myth	103	(2)
The Gift of Talent	105	(1)
The Gift of Pilgrimage	106	(2)
The Gift of Spontaneity	108	(1)
The Gift of Forgiveness	109	(1)
The Gift of Reparation	110	(1)
The Gift of Compassion	111	(2)
The Gift of Detachment	113