Return to Joy

by Andrew Harvey, Carolyn Baker

Return to Joy is a compelling and potent invitation to the reader to consider that joy is the ultimate nature of reality and that its absence lies at the root of the current, unprecedented global crisis. In this book, Andrew and Carolyn mine the mystical wisdom of the ages that places joy at the core of our existence and purpose as a species, moving forward to consider in depth the myriad enemies of joy in our time. As we tend the fires of joy, we celebrate its seven flames and nurture its ubiquitous presence whether in the background or the foreground of our lives.

146 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2016

About the author

Andrew Harvey is an author, religious scholar and teacher of mystic traditions, known primarily for his popular nonfiction books on spiritual or mystical themes, beginning with his 1983 A Journey in Ladakh.

From Wikipeadia

Reviews

[Geri Degruy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors delve into some of the societal issues that keep people from experiencing their own joy. They explore the "shadow," of our society and of ourselves, the unacknowledged parts which affect our behavior anyway. And by becoming conscious of those shadows, we have the chance to experience greater inner joy. They also address how finding one's own joy is part of compassionate activism. This is a good somewhat-introductory book about beginning to do inner work.

[Phila Hoopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Joy challenges the myths and shadows that form the underpinnings of our flatline culture - one in which we neither touch the heights nor plumb the depths of which we are capable, but instead dose ourselves with ersatz excitement and addictive pursuit of a shallow form of happiness that resembles joy as formica resembles mahogany. Authors Andrew Harvey and Carolyn Baker offer journaling questions, tools and exercises to help us break out of this framework of delusion and in its place connect with authentic joy and authentic grief in lives of authentic service. A tremendous book, not to be underestimated due to its slim size and approachable language.