The author of this book is both a Catholic priest (for the last few years he’s been stationed at my parents’ parish, which is where they got a copy of the book) and a psychotherapist. This book is a bit outdated (it’s 35 years old), but psychotherapy is not a field where things change so dramatically that an older book would lose all utility. The writing is not the clearest (though the short chapters are nice) but I think there are some potentially useful insights here, especially for Christians who might be less well versed in, or even skeptical of, psychotherapy (I doubt non-Christians would find it convincing or compelling). As I’ve had a fair amount of therapy (from both secular and religious sources) this was largely review for me, but I think mental health topics are good to get a review on occasionally. Nothing earth-shattering, but there’s sound advice here, and the short format is also a plus.
Išmintinga ir praktiška knyga apie santykius su kitais ir savimi. Autorius, remdamasis ilgamete konsultavimo patirtimi, aptaria, kaip mūsų sielos žaizdos gali veikti mūsų gebėjimą įveikti gyvenimo sunkumus, žaloti santykius (kartu ir vidinį santykį su pačiu savimi). Kartu, remiantis psichologinėmis ir krikščioniškomis tiesomis, knygoje aptariami svarbūs aspektai, kaip prisiimti atsakomybę už savo gyvenimą, išgyvenamą skausmą, kaip mokytis atleisti kitiems (ir sau!), kaip dovanoti save, neprarandant savasties. Ir, apskritai,- kaip priimti gyvenimo tikrovę, nepasiduodant nesėkmėms. Knygos autorius "demaskuoja" iliuzinius įsitikinimus apie gyvenimo apibrėžtumą ir jo (ne)kontroliavimą, religijos ir Dievo reikšmę mūsų gyvenime, pykčio ir kaltės jausmus, atleidimą, savikritiką bei galimybę išsigydyti sielos žaizdas.
"Gyvenimo pabaigoje Dievas neklaus: "Ar tu sėkmingai nugyvenai gyvenimą?" Veikiau paklaus: "Ar priėmei savo gyvenimo tikrovę?"
This book has become a pivotal tool in my healing of life's hurts. It was a book that I didn't know I needed until I began reading it. Though the book is short and could have gone more in depth with certain topics, I feel it gives you places to begin scratching the surface to heal the wounds in your life. It brought clarity and understanding of certain things, especially misconceptions I had about self-love vs. selfishness. Though no book will ever answer some of life's biggest questions, it's definitely one that can help you begin your journey into healing. When reading this book, it is very important to have an open mind and open heart. The book may resonate with you and give you some food for thought, or you may throw it across the room to never read again. I hope it helps bring peace and love into your life. May God reward you Fr. Padovani!
I found this book to be very outdated. There have been advances in understanding in religion and psychology since this book was written almost 30 years ago. I found it could possibly be good for an entry level reader but felt it did not go far enough for someone who has undertaken serious self reflection of their own faith, religion and self.
Another favorite book of mine that collaborates theology and psychology. A practical approach on our spirituality that we need in our daily lives. Synonymous to the many books of Dr. M Scott Peck that emphasizes on working on human behavior using psychotherapy and spiritual counselling.