Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Robert Gerzon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

ANXIETY! Is there anything that does not cause anxiety in a world where stress at the workplace, disillusioned dreams, broken families, and minutes that fly past us are a dominant reality? Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety, skillfully proposes that hope, inspiration, and practical solutions do exist. Dispelling the myth that all anxiety is bad, Gerzon shows that anxiety can lead to self-discover and an exciting adventure. Through psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, his fundamental exploration of anxiety reveals "Natural Anxiety," the healthy signal warning of danger or potential opportunities; "Toxic Anxiety," the dysfunctional overreaction that can lead to addition or even clinical disorders; and "Sacred Anxiety," the deepest inner yearning for meaning and oneness with our Creator. Gerzon applies vivid examples and practical techniques to avoid the pitfalls that lead to Toxic Anxiety, and allow for the exploration of Natural Anxiety and consolation of Sacred Anxiety, leading to serenity.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Robert Gerzon provides genuine insights into the powers we all possess to transform our lives and embrace the boundless opportunities for positive change."
--Deepak Chopra, M.D., author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

"In warm and inspiring prose, Gerzon offers understanding, practical help, and emotional support for all those who endure the fear and the relentless strains of modern life."
--John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

"Our anxious age desperately needs the lesson of this book."
--Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Prayer Is Good Medicine

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Are you among the millions affected by the stress and anxiety of modern life?

In this groundbreaking book, Robert Gerzon approaches the age-old problems of anxiety, stress, and fear from a new perspective, one that leads to personal and spiritual growth. He dispels the myth that all anxiety is bad and shows that it is a natural--even sacred--part of life. Gerzon brings the surprising message that "learning how to be anxious about the right things in the right way" may actually be our most direct route to serenity. In a brilliant analysis, he unravels three distinct strands from anxiety's tangled knot and demonstrates how to get them working for us instead of against us:

Transform Toxic Anxiety's exaggerated, self-destructive fears and worries into emotional healing and self-awareness.

Harness Natural Anxiety's arousal and excitement to surmount real dangers and take advantage of new opportunities.

Embrace Sacred Anxiety's sense of awe and wonder and its existential questions of meaning and purpose to discover your true self and the unique gift you have to give the world.

Destined to become a classic in the tradition of The Road Less Traveled, Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety offers inspiration and new insight into the most fundamental problem of human life. Weaving together psychology, spirituality, mindbody medicine, myth, case studies, and practical self-help techniques, Robert Gerzon's book can free you to live your life with greater passion and deeper serenity. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Highbridge Audio (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565111958
• ISBN-13: 978-1565111950
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,894,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my life, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety (Paperback)

I was suffering from horrible insomonia after having my daughter and thought it was the after effects of having a new baby. I stumbled upon this book I realized that I was suffering from major anxiety in all aspects of my life. This book helped me to understand my anxiety and what it was doing to me and the people in my life. It also helped me realize that the insomonia was a window to understanding my anxiety in a deeper way that has put me on the hardest but most wonderful spirtual journey I have ever been on. The book has so many examples of people who are also suffering from anxiety-the clear explainations that the author describes really made me feel more aware of what was going on in my life. I think anybody who is willing to take a good look at their life and the anxiety that is in it -and who wants to make a change should get this book! It changed my life!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless, practical resource in managing anxiety., October 18, 1999

By 

Kate Kavanagh "katekav" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety (Paperback)

Through solid research and well-written prose, the author has written a practical, accessible, inspirational resource for those interested in personal growth. I have read many "self-help" books, but none that so deftly combined spirituality, psychology, philosophy, mythology... in such a seamless way to convey the wisdom of the author. I am not going to read all these sources, but I'm glad he has - to give me a practical framework (and exercises) to quell my destructive anxieties and grow through my spiritual anxieties. A unique approach that affects me every day, and I hope is improving the quality of my life. I e-mailed all my friends about it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent self-help guide to serenity., December 3, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety (Audio Cassette)

Having been through a difficult mid-life transition the past year, I have read all kinds of things as I've sought to find serenity and acceptance within the reality of my life situation. This book has been extremely helpful in providing a practical framework from which to courageously live through my deepest fears and anxieties while giving me the courage to trust the natural process of grieving and healing that I have so frequently found myself stuck in. Gerzon believes that "toxic anxiety," and all the negative inner talk that keeps us fixated there is really a signpost of underlying "natural and sacred anxiety;" and that, rather than places to be avoided, experiencing anxiety as spiritual healing place that we surrender to instead of fleeing from. That in fact our greatest gifts can come from the places in which we have been wounded most deeply. This book has helped me gain a perspective on my life and difficulties and has helped me to accept that life's greatest treasures are often found in the seemingly darkest and most painful of times and places.