Customer Reviews

Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

This book is very well-researched and rich in its advice. Many self-help books take one good idea and restate that one idea multiple times--you know the kind you can skim/read in an hour. Mr. Gerzon's book thoughtfully develops a context for anxiety, depression and worry that helps to understand where they come from and how they are clues to improving our lives. The book has many practical techniques for converting our "toxic" anxiety into personal growth and change. I found that the book had new ideas in every chapter and wove mythology, psychology and religious principles into a very complete model of the proper role for anxiety in our lives. Highly recommended!

I found this book extremely helpful in dealing with and better understanding myself and my lifelong issues with anxiety. Though I read this book two years ago, I continue to use its techniques often to better respond to situations that make me extremely anxious. Highly recommended!

I found this book to be a highly readable and informative text.
Anxiety is a pervasive issue in contemporary society, and R.
Gerzon offers a detailed and thoughtful approach for exploring issues directly related to dealing with anxiety. Anxiety prevents people from achieving their dreams and attaining deep personal growth, yet is a natural and even necessary part of life. What sets this book apart from other book related to personal growth is that Gerzon emphasizes that learning how and when to be anxious about the right things can lead to increased understanding. He outlines the three major forms of anxiety : Natural, Toxic, and Sacred, and presents a convincing argument for their necessary role in human development.
I found the sections dealing with Toxic Anxiety to be the most helpful for me. Many times, since reading this book I refer back to those sections often using them as reference tools. Toxic Anxiety is defined as the destructive overreaction that may result in unrealistic worries or fears. Gerzon provides support for how this negative anxiety can be transformed into a positive process leading to deeper personal undertanding. Chapter 10,
which is titled " Changing the inner worrier into an inner warrior" is filled with thought-provoking information that can
substantially lead to a better understanding of social existence.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. Given the influx of
dramatic social change this past year, the road to serenity is
becoming increasingly more difficult. It is my belief that
many of the strategies offered within this book could greatly enhance one's life and spiritual development.

I worry a lot, even when my life is going well. When life is not going well, I worry about falling apart. I have a ten foot shelf of self help books, to the degree that I'm becoming inured to their message. I was delighted to read Gerzon's book. I don't know how he did it but the information is up to date, scientifically grounded and very hopeful. I'm going through it for the second time now, and have already began using some of his "serenity inducing" methods. It's been a long time since a book has affected me this much.

I recently read Robert Gerzon's book. It was a powerful and personal book, which struck to the heart of my own experiences. His self-revealing style captured me, and I found myself nodding in recognition on so many pages. Gerzon's retelling of the Siddhartha (Buddha) story is the most compelling I ever read. Told in the context of anxiety, it stays with me still, and has propelled me to further my own spiritual search. While some parts were a little dense reading, my captivation overall kept me going, because the gems I got from the book have been life-changing. My attitude and relationships are improving through the use of his methods. Few books of this nature are so honest and personal. I am grateful to Robert Gerzon for writing this lovely book, that gives hope to those of us who suffer from anxiety.

This is one of the best books on anxiety I have ever read. Gerzon not only explains anxiety in a way that makes sense, he also shows you how to identify it and turn it around to your benefit! A great self help book and one that all counselors should read as well

Want to change those harsh and fearful little voices inside your head to a more healthy and serene sound? Want to learn to face your fears and enjoy the present? Read this book.

After decades of "what if's..." "should haves" and negative fantasies, these easy to understand theories and techniques changed my life. There's not a lot of jargon here...just insightful examples and realistic hope.

Happy reading.