Way of the Wound: A Spirituality of Trauma and Transformation

by Robert Grant

Countless victims of childhood abuse, domestic violence, violent crime, rape, war, life-treatening illness and natural disaster struggle with the impact of their injuries. Former ways of making sense have been injured or destroyed. The lives of many are without meaning or direct. Unless helped to integrate the significance of their traumatic wounds into more comprehensive approaches to self, life and God victims run the risk of addiction, wasted potential, numerous psychological and physical problems, as well as commitments to distorted spiritualities. Victims of trauma are asked to embark on a path of healing that mystics, shamans and mythic heroes have been walking for thousands of years. The only difference is that the path is contemporary and, therefore, potentially more conscious. Trauma provides a modern access to this spiritual path and can initiate powerful experiences of conversion. If properly supported and accompanied trauma has the power to transform all facets of reality. The Way of the Wound lays out a path of healing, along with the central issues that survivors encounter at every crucial point along the way. This work offers direction to every victim of trauma wanting to move to the next level of healing. Topics addressed are: Trauma Generated Spirituality, Understanding Trauma (definitions, types, impact), Confronting Existential Vulnerabilities, Relationship and Differences between Ego, Self and Spirit and The journey (i.e., Answering the Call, Entering the Unknown, Being Shredded, Return of the Repressed, Encounters with Evil, Sifting Through Former Beliefs, the Problem of Suffering, Profound Transformations, Hard Road Back to Others, The Call to Social Advocacy and Modern Day Saints...

243 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1996

About the author

Robert Grant (January 24, 1852 – May 19, 1940) was an American author and a jurist who participated in a review of the Sacco and Vanzetti trial a few weeks before their executions.

There are also other authors on Goodreads with the name Robert Grant, including poet, hymn-writer, chairman of directors of the British East India Company and Governor of Bombay Sir Robert Grant MP (1779-1838), who wrote on the trade and government of India and the early history of the East India Company, as well as publishing a book of sacred poems.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of the top 3 books I've read on psychology, as well as trauma, psychopathology, transpersonal psychology, spirituality, healing, psychotherapy, and a host of other subjects. I imagine this is just the first reading, as the timelessness of the subject matter will make it perpetually relevant. Incredibly crisp, clear writing, Way of the Wound offers a framework for understanding trauma that goes far above the mark. I have highlighted so much of the book it will take weeks to go back over it all.

[Margaret McLane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most accurate, informative work on Trauma, and PTSD.
Only 4 stars because his writing is difficult to read.