The Gift of Pain [Paperback]

Barbara Altemus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2003

In this touching and supportive book, a redefinition of traditional perceptions of pain is interwoven with the experiences of world-renowned visionaries, healers, artists, and peacemakers whose intensely personal moments of darkness led to spiritual growth. Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu Tum discusses her trauma in being exiled from Guatemala; Goldie Hawn explains the panic attacks she went through early in her career; Iyanla Vanzant discusses her creative process when writing; and Deepak Chopra shares his moments of intense disconnection throughout his life.

Contributors also include:

€ Isabel Allende
€ Butch Artichoker
€ Chief Arvol Looking Horse
€ Margaret Ayers
€ Rev. Michael Beckwith
€ Blaze Bonpane
€ Joan Borysenko
€ Barbara Brennan
€ Rickie Byars
€ Jack Canfield
€ Larry Dossey
€ John Funmaker
€ Dick Gregory
€ Alaine Haubert
€ Dr. Gerald Jampolsky
€ Dr. Roy Nakai
€ Kahu O Te Range
€ Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
€ Martin Sheen
€ Jana Shiloh
€ Steven Simon
€ Frieda Tomosoa

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

When it can't be avoided, pain--physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological--often prompts such questions as Why me? Why now? Why this? When Altemus experienced pain in her life she had similar questions. As a healer and participant in the international peace movement, however, she sought deeper answers. She wanted to know whether pain in general had a purpose, and, if so, what is that purpose? By interviewing more than two dozen internationally known celebrities--the likes of Deepak Chopra, Isabel Allende, Goldie Hawn, and Dick Gregory--she learned that each of them had not only experienced profound individual pain but had also used pain as a stepping stone, a rung on the ladder of self-growth. As Allende says, "I have never changed out of joy. What forces me to change is something stressful, something very painful." Altemus interweaves stories of her own experiences with those of the world's visionaries, healers, and peacemakers as she explores and illustrates numerous ways in which resilient people can emerge better and stronger from debilitating experiences. Donna Chavez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Barbara Altemus holds Master's Degrees in both Psychology and Latin American Studies. She has worked in the healing arts for more than twenty-five years and is an active participant in the international peace movement.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1 edition (September 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399527788
• ISBN-13: 978-0399527784
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,707,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pain has a Positive Purpose, May 11, 2005

By 

Barbara McRae Sandquist "Author of 'Coach You... (Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gift of Pain (Paperback)

As a master certified life coach and bestselling author, I've been studying the purpose of pain for years and "The Gift of Pain" is a resource you'll be happy to have on hand for yourself or a friend.

The author understands--through her own life experiences and through those celebrities she has interviewed--that problems and pain are inevitable, but suffering is optional. We have all experienced loss of some kind and if you are someone who is willing to let pain be a catalyst for change, you will surely benefit from this significant book.

It's inspiring to read about others who have overcome adversity and have made peace with pain. I particularly enjoyed reading about the wisdom of Martin Sheen, Iyanla Vanzant, and Jack Canfield. When you can transform your pain into joy, you too will be able to report the benefits of living without the baggage of the past. And your success will far outweigh any initial discomfort.

We are truly blessed to have Barbara Altemus share her gifts with the world in "The Gift of Pain!" Thanks so much.
Barbara McRae, MCC

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, April 27, 2004

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Gift of Pain (Paperback)

I believe we have all experienced pain in our lives. We may try to dodge it, ignore it, bury it, but alas it still seems to creep into our everyday existence. I have heard all the old additives that without pain we would not know we were hurt, of course I would rather just not know myself, but that is not the way of life.
In Ms. Altemus's book she tells her story of pain and shares how she turned that pain into a positive aspect in her life. She also incorporates stories from such people as Goldie Hawn, Martin Sheen and many others. They share tales of their pain and how it became a turning point in their lives. Each one tells of the force that they clung to and how it helped them to overcome. Whether it be God, a person, an idea or a belief, and they share how they used this focal point to turn their pain into a positive.
If you are hurting, or have been hurt, and haven't we all; you will find encouragement in the words of this book. The stories of those who have not given into the pain but have used it to transform their lives will help you to overcome your own pain and lead you to a path of healing.
Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
Denise's Pieces

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars spiritual growth, September 23, 2003

By 

Grace Horne (Northfield, MN + Eagle Butte, SD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift of Pain (Paperback)

This book is phenomenal! The author shows us how to heal the right way. Through out life we are tought to hide our pain. This book gives us the courage and tools to fix what hurts. Not only does it do that, it encourages spirituality and happiness. I recommend this book to all age groups.