Phases: The Spiritual Rhythms of Adult Life: The Spiritual Rhythms in Adult Life

by Bernard Lievegoed

‘The human biography is a symphony which each individual personally composes'. While each person's path in life is a unique and individual 'work of art', the human being meets certain milestones - from the period of adolescence to old age - which are universal in nature. Regardless of background, critical outer and inner stages must be passed through. A bestseller since it was first published, Phases describes each period of life-adolescence, the twenties, thirties, forties etc-and looks at the inner qualities and challenges that arise at each stage. The author argues that the various biological and psychological explanations of the human being are incomplete. If the inner self, the ego, of each individual is recognized and acknowledged, then the peculiarities of one's particular life-path and its challenges take on new meaning. BERNARD LIEVEGOED - psychiatrist, educator and anthroposophist - brought half a century of clinical practice, studious observation and personal insight into the writing of this book. His overview of the course of human life and professional career, of male-female relationships, and the sometimes misleading picture of the human being presented by the various psychological schools of thought, has made this book essential reading for all those interested in attaining an insight into the mystery of life

Genres: Psychology

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Carolyn Jourdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful look at the ages of man and woman

Thoughtful, intelligent look at spiritual and artistic practices as a medicine for psychological, social, and gender-based ills. Wise words in this book.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part describes the phases of human life (from a perspective of a psychologist from the 70s, mind you), the second part of the book reads more like a collection of unrelated essays.
I will definitely reread the first part of this book later in my life. As I'm now in my late twenties, I'm curious to know if my own experiences from later life phases will correspond with the predictions from this book.

[Sippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit boek in 2017 opnieuw uitgebracht als deel 2 in een serie van vijf is een mixed bag. Parels van inzicht, kennis en wijsheid afgewisseld met obsolete waarheden die achterhaald zijn en het boek gaat alle kanten op en verliest mij mede daardoor ook. Deze -wijlen- auteur wilde vermoedelijk zoveel mogelijk van zijn kennis en inzicht in dit boek proppen, waardoor her en der de focus verdwijnt en dat is jammer. Schrijven is ook schrappen.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enerzijds een mooi beeld van de levensfasen waar je als mens doorheen gaat. Anderzijds komt de levensloop van de vrouw weinig aan bod. En gaat het zeker niet over het leven van vrouwen in de huidige tijd. Het boek is 40 jaar geleden geschreven.

[Fernando Pablo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very usefrul book to understand much of the different stages of life. Definitely a book for anyone above 30yo.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was clear and descriptive of the various therapy forms used throughout time, as well as the initiations. Where it is lacking is its generalizations of roles for men and women - don't get hung up on this! He is talking about archetypes. See through to the message within. It's there, and when you can do that, you benefit. His wisdom and insights are timeless.

[Jw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooi hoofdstuk over eerste volwassenheid en twintiger jaren