Forgiveness & Other Acts of Love [Paperback]

Stephanie Dowrick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1998

A brilliantly clear, optimistic book which shows how the great humane virtues can help in times of hardship and lead to a joyful, trusting, enriched life. When beset by a series of life-changing personal crises, psychotherapist Stephanie Dowrick remembered what she had learned early in her training: there are qualities-the great ancient virtues-that shape life for the better and can be called upon in times of need. Dowrick grounds her work in real lives and incidents, drawing on those times when people needed the strength provided by one of the virtues to move on with their lives. She ranges widely in Eastern and Western philosophy and spirituality as well as psychology to explore courage, fidelity, restraint, generosity, tolerance, and forgiveness. Is it possible to be generous and successful? Should we forgive someone who has hurt us deeply? Through stories memorably told, she shows that far from being dull or constraining, these virtues have much to teach us about honor, endurance, tolerance, steadfastness, and, above all, love.

Editorial Reviews

Review

You may find yourself making notations in the margins or stopping to savor a passage. Heartfelt writing often has that effect. -- Newsday, Carrie Mason-Draffen, 5 January 1999

[Stephanie Dowrick] is a lilting genius of the inner worlds. -- Sark, author of Succulent Wild Woman

About the Author

Stephanie Dowrick is an internationally bestselling author with many years of experience in a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches. For some years she had a small psychotherapy practice; more recently she has focused on leading workshops and spiritual retreats. In June 2005, she was ordained as an interfaith minister at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Dowrick lives in Sydney, Australia with her son and daughter. Her previous books include Choosing Happiness and Creative Journal Writing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393318206
• ISBN-13: 978-0393318203
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece of Good Will - Masterfully Inspiring, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love (Hardcover)

"There are beings who come to one to tune the music," said Anais Nin. Little could I have imagined that most profoundly would be met on an ordinary night, when I turned to open the first pages of "Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love." Stephanie Dowrick communicates with a depth of human understanding that is compassionate, confident, and purely optimistic. She penetrates far into the interior spaces where people live - and provokes a fresh view and artistry for life. With beauty and tenderness, Dowrick's voice resonates with an intimate reality that moves in keenly and reverberates out towards more thoughtful and honest living. There is a purity of love and human kindness implicit to Dowrick's moving inside and out of seven restorative virtues - a universal cord that is supportive and uniting. A benevolent connection with inner and outer worlds that feels charming, calming, unfettered, necessary, and right to embrace again and again until we brighten that embrace and begin again. And that's enchanting. And that's the power of this Author and the power of this Book.

Don't wait to find any copies of "Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love" left behind on train seats. Better you will find them on bed stands or loved in someone's hands - read and reread. Like my copy that is worn. I also highly recommend "Intimacy and Solitude". Thank you Stephanie Dowrick.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indespensable treasure for everyone!!!, March 12, 1999

By 

Phoenix Turley "tjphoenix" (Beaverton, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love (Hardcover)

If I could give this book more then five stars, I believe that would still be an understatement to the emmense treasure house of wisdom that will profoundly effect any heart/mind open enough to allow healing guidance that is based in the human virtues that all of us possess and all struggle to work on strengthening.

This is a very personal statement to make, and is not said lightly.

I feel very deeply both intellectually and emotionally about the profound impact the privledge of reading her text has and will continue to have on my own world.

This book is a treasure of literature that should be read by any who seek to live a more tranquil, focused and meaningful life!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Insights Into Old Virtues For Our Modern Days, February 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Forgiveness & Other Acts of Love (Paperback)

This book is a virtual treasure trove of insight and inspiration for anyone looking into examining the timeless virtues of old. Stephanie Dowrick calls upon her wealth of counseling and cross-cultural experiences to help shed new light into many of today's social disturbances. Using contemporary and ancient sources of wisdom to illustrate these virtues, one can see clearly how the lack of these elements does, in fact, cause problems.

In today's world where the boundaries of what's right and wrong are often blurred, this book helps clear the heart, mind, and soul of much confusion without becoming dogmatic or preachy. I'd recommend this book for Valentine's Day or as a gift to anyone struggling with any type of emotional issue or conflicts between the heart and mind. Definitely, a good read for any time or place.