Synopses & Reviews
For readers of Thomas Moore, James Hillman, and Pema Chodron-a timely handbook for these troubled times that shows how to bring depth and meaning to our lives through cultivating our connection with something greater than ourselves. Can changing our view of ourselves and others affect the world? Bestselling author Stephanie Dowrick's major new book is a compelling look at how we can transform the world by seeing the extraordinary everywhere we look, both without and within. Through her intimate, beautiful, and encouraging writing, Dowrick shows that it is only in altering our perception-seeing all of life as sacred-that we will challenge the usual stories about who we are and what we are capable of being.
At a time when religion is increasing seen as a cause of prejudice and division, or as irrelevant to our most pressing concerns, the eternal truths of a genuinely inclusive spiritual wisdom have never been more urgently needed or sought. In Seeking the Sacred, Stephanie Dowrick invites us to go beyond cultural divisions and religious dogma and to discover what makes our lives sacred, satisfying, and meaningful.
Weaving personal stories-including her own-with an inspired vision of life's most healing possibilities, she reveals how the sacred can transform the way we understand and value life, changing forever how we interact with others and care for ourselves.
Seeking the Sacred is a provocative and accessible read for those contemplating God, faith, spirituality, and the nature of belief in twenty-first-century life. This is a book for the spiritually curios as well as those already engaged in the deeper questions. Richly hopeful and uplifting, Seeking the Sacred unravels some of our most complex contemporary dilemmas and speaks to the heart of our deepest yearnings.
Review
"In an era of inauthenticity Dowrick is a godsend. Her gift is the ability to write in a manner that genuinely enriches and changes lives.
Choosing Happiness is a glorious book - both in intent and in scope. In many ways it is the only book you need ever buy on happiness. Not only is it a wise and enjoyable read it is also an invaluable reference book to return to again and again".
—Nigel Marsh, author of Fat, Forty and Fired
“Youll be glad this book is in your knapsack as you explore the many hills and valleys of the happiness trail.”
—BookPage
“Part self-affirmation series, part cognitive psychology and part meditation on the power of generosity, this is a thoughtful and sincere guide for those seeking to find happiness within.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Stephanie Dowrick makes the hard questions simple. She makes the impossible real and possible. Her wisdom is contagious. If anyone can cause a happiness revolution, she can.”
—Paul Wilson, author of the bestselling Little Book of Calm
Synopsis
Winner of the 2009 Silver Nautilus Award representing Better Books for a Better World”
The message of this book is very simple: Right now, you can be happier!
More things wont do it. Even a great relationship may not save you. In Choosing Happiness the focus is on the only place where real change can happen: in how you see yourself and relate to other people. The book uses practical guidance and warm, realistic inspiration to show clearly that while you can?t always choose what happens in your life, you can choose your responses, values and behaviors ? and the results are life changing.
Choosing Happiness offers skills and insights across all areas, from your most intimate relationships to your friendships, extended family, work, and community. Psychologically positive and astute, it also looks at the big spiritual questions that let you value your life rather than just spending it. Small changes bring big results. Beautifully packaged, with a flexibind spine and a red ribbon placeholder, this book is like the wise, kind friend you can?t wait to return to again and again.
Synopsis
Connecting to your inner life through the transformative poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.
In the Company of Rilke is a rare book about a rare poet. Rainer Maria Rilke was a giant of twentieth-century writing who remains a visionary voice for our own time, captivating readers not only with his brilliance but also his fearlessness about the "deepest things." Speaking through his own contradictions and ambivalences, he gives readers a profound understanding of the complex beauty of human existence.
Here, questions matter more than answers. Here, a poet can speak directly to God while also doubting God. Astonishingly, this is the first major study of Rilke from a spiritual perspective, even though the greatest of Rilke' s gifts was to show how inevitably life centers upon a profound mystery-to which we can freely open ourselves.
Drawing on her deep understanding of the gifts of Rilke's writings, as well as her own personal spiritual seeking, Stephanie Dowrick offers an intimate and accessible appreciation of this most exceptional poet and his transcendent work.
Synopsis
From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller?Creative Journal Writing? the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives. In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page.
Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn?t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being.
Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick?s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible?and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are:
u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives;
· inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes;
· key principles, practical suggestions, and helpful hints;
· 125 starter topics, designed to help even the most reluctant journal writer;
· more than forty powerful exercises;
· and much more!
Synopsis
The internationally renowned author of
Choosing Happiness shows how a little bit of everyday kindness can help us tackle the pressures of the modern worldandmdash;providing the insights, reassurance, and the means to worry far less and enjoy life more.
Change your life with Everyday Kindness.and#160;Virtually every moment of our greatest well-being reflects the giving and receiving of kindness. At home, work, and in the wider world, there are countless opportunities when a moment of consideration or kindnessandmdash;given or receivedandmdash;will transform your day. Whether it is a hard time to be endured or a wonderful time to be shared and celebrated, it's our willingness to think well of ourselves and act kindly toward others that makes all the difference.and#160;In this intimate, deeply encouraging book, author Stephanie Dowrick takes kindness as her inspiration and theme and shows us how to bring the practice of kindness into our daily lives. This simple act, Dowrick illustrates, is vital in helping us grow in self-confidence and appreciation, make the best choices to support our physical and emotional well-being, find pleasure in our work and in our relationships, and experience more authentic love. Everyday Kindness provides the reader with the spiritual and psychological tools to make a calmer, happier, and more rewarding life immediately possible.
Synopsis
For readers of Thomas Moore, James Hillman, and Pema Chodron-a timely handbook for these troubled times that shows how to bring depth and meaning to our lives through cultivating our connection with something greater than ourselves. Can changing our view of ourselves and others affect the world? Bestselling author Stephanie Dowrick's major new book is a compelling look at how we can transform the world by seeing the extraordinary everywhere we look, both without and within. Through her intimate, beautiful, and encouraging writing, Dowrick shows that it is only in altering our perception-seeing all of life as sacred-that we will challenge the usual stories about who we are and what we are capable of being.
At a time when religion is increasing seen as a cause of prejudice and division, or as irrelevant to our most pressing concerns, the eternal truths of a genuinely inclusive spiritual wisdom have never been more urgently needed or sought. In Seeking the Sacred, Stephanie Dowrick invites us to go beyond cultural divisions and religious dogma and to discover what makes our lives sacred, satisfying, and meaningful.
Weaving personal stories-including her own-with an inspired vision of life's most healing possibilities, she reveals how the sacred can transform the way we understand and value life, changing forever how we interact with others and care for ourselves.
Seeking the Sacred is a provocative and accessible read for those contemplating God, faith, spirituality, and the nature of belief in twenty-first-century life. This is a book for the spiritually curios as well as those already engaged in the deeper questions. Richly hopeful and uplifting, Seeking the Sacred unravels some of our most complex contemporary dilemmas and speaks to the heart of our deepest yearnings.
Synopsis
From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller?Creative Journal Writing? the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives. In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page.
Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn?t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being.
Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick?s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible?and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are:
u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives;
· inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes;
· key principles, practical suggestions, and helpful hints;
· 125 starter topics, designed to help even the most reluctant journal writer;
· more than forty powerful exercises;
· and much more!
About the Author
Stephanie Dowrick, PhD, is noted for her highly encouraging, accessible writing on key issues affecting our personal and collective wellbeing. Her international best sellers include Choosing Happiness, Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love, Intimacy and Solitude, Creative Journal Writing, Seeking the Sacred and In the Company of Rilke. Formerly a publisher, and also a trained psychotherapist and literary critic, Dr Dowrick draws on the latest insights from the worlds of psychology and spiritual activism as well as timeless universal wisdom teachings. Written with beauty and remarkable care, her books are applauded by critics and loved by readers. "Courageous and original, she asks the most difficult questions with enormous heart and intelligence." Joyce Kornblatt, A Reason for Wings "Stephanie Dowrick is a godsend. Her gift is the ability to write in a manner that genuinely enriches and changes lives." Nigel Marsh, author and global CEO "Stephanie Dowrick makes the hard questions simple...if anyone can cause a happiness revolution, she can." Paul Wilson, Instant Calm. "I felt bathed in warmth and compassion, soothed and reassured as Stephanie Dowrick became my companion." Dr Juliet Batten, Dancing with Seasons. For more information visit http://www.stephaniedowrick.com