Living a Gentle, Passionate Life

by Robert J. Wicks

Bob Wicks again delivers his gentle healing philosophy through poignant, humorous stories that will warm and educate the heart. With a refreshing sense of simplicity, Wicks invites readers to seek perspective and develop a strong inner life. His work helps move beyond the vague desire to live more peacefully to actually living one's a life that is noble and meaningful, with a sense of joy, hope, and commitment. Wicks shows how to find the curative value of listening to ourselves and to others, how to discover in solitude a "good loneliness," and how to appreciate the gift of now. In this gentle, yet realistic approach, both joy and pain must be accepted in order to thrive, as they are forever intertwined, just as the development of one's inner life is intertwined with reaching out to others. This is Wicks' life work; while not autobiographical, the book breathes with the themes he's lived through his distinguished career, most notably the hopeful message of finding spiritual freedom and greater meaning in daily life. The book is perfect for anyone under stress or suffering loss, for spiritual seekers, for ministry professionals, counselors, and for all those in the helping professions. †

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

There is more than one author with this name. See also: Robert Wicks & Robert Wicks.

Robert J. Wicks (born August 2, 1946 in Queens, New York) is a clinical psychologist and writer about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who has taught at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work for more than thirty years. He a Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made some good points, gave good examples, and I loved that it was written from the perspective of a therapist. Unfortunately, it was a little boring and I don't know how much I truly got out of it.

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very "nice" book, but I cannot say it inspired me to be a much different person. It told me all the things I've always known: one ought to pray, be still, apreciate the things and the people around us. I never felt that I learned anything more about how to achieve this.

[Polly Glowatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a retreat. Learning to love and live with passion and gentleness is a path to enlightenment. RWicks can guide you in so many words if you are willing to reach out and speak to others on your journey. It just takes a little quiet time and a lot of prayer and any one can get there.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Common sense things to think about, we read it as part of our church 'book club'. I liked reading it a chapter per week, just as a quick time out to reflect on what is important in life.

[Catherine Casey]

A very good thought provoking book. I plan to make some notes.