Perspective The Calm Within the Storm

by Wicks, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780199944552
• ISBN10: 0199944555
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2014-03-03
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

For generations, classic wisdom literature has taught that a healthy perspective can replenish our thirst for a meaningful and rewarding life. From its inception clinical psychology has followed suit, revealing that how we see ourselves and the world is more important than what we see or have-in essence, that a healthy perspective is tantamount to possessing the psychological "pearl of great price."

Robert J. Wicks, world-renowned psychologist and author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life, has written a powerful guide for discovering and regaining a balanced and healthy perspective. Combining classic wisdom with cutting-edge research in cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology, his new book, Perspective, offers concrete steps for overcoming doubt and resistance to openness, so that beneficial life changes become possible. Drawing on the psychology of mindfulness, gratitude, and happiness, Dr. Wicks also reveals how a healthy perspective makes us more aware of the beneficial things already present in our lives.

Perspective teaches us to see ourselves more completely and will inspire us to become the calm within the storm, better able to enjoy our experiences, maintain balance in our professional and personal lives, and reach out to others without being pulled down in the process.

Author Biography

Robert J. Wicks received his doctorate in psychology from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital and is on the faculty of Loyola University Maryland. He has published over 50 books for professionals and the general public, including: Bounce: Living the Resilient Life (OUP, 2010); Riding the Dragon; The Inner Life of the Counselor; and Streams of Contentment. Dr. Wicks has lectured on the importance of resilience and possessing a healthy perspective in Hanoi, Bejing, Budapest, Belfast, and Johannesburg as well as at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard's Children's Hospital and Harvard Divinity School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and on Capitol Hill to members of Congress and their Chiefs of Staff. He has received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Counseling Association's Division on Spirituality, Ethics, and Values and in 2006 was also recipient of the first annual Alumni Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology from Widener University.

Table of Contents

The Psychological Pearl of Great Price ~ A Prologue

Psychological Portals to Experiencing: A Healthier Perspective
A Time to See: Creating Space for a More Mindful Life
Seeing Ourselves More Completely: Fathoming the Lessons of Positive Psychology and Narrative Therapy
Preventing "Spiritual Alzheimer's": Understanding the Modern Psychology of Gratitude and Happiness
Seeing in the Darkness: Appreciating the Promising Paradox of Posttraumatic Growth
Uncovering and Facing Inner Roadblocks: Overcoming Resistances to Openness and Change

The Calm within the Storm ~ An Epilogue

Appendix I: Once Through the Portals: Daily Reflections on Reinforcing a Healthy Perspective
References
Reading a Bit Further
Acknowledgments
Permissions
Index