Partners in Pleasure: Sharing Success, Creating Joy, Fulfilling Dreams -- Together [Paperback]

Ph.D. Paul Pearsall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2001

Paul Pearsall’s research shows that individual success and the solitary pursuit of happiness may be hazardous to one’s health. Although many self-help books champion the singular approach to success and personal power as the path to well-being, Partners in Pleasure challenges this “singularity” by presenting new research and ancient cultural lessons regarding collective and connective ways to fulfillment and wellness. Drawing in part on 2,000-year-old Polynesian wisdom, this book shows how to go beyond self-fulfillment to shared pleasure.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Pearsall, author of the New York Times best seller The Pleasure Prescription, looks closely at how intimate relationships can be strengthened by paying more attention to the "we" instead of the "me." Like his earlier works, this one is based on Hawaiian concepts that arose from the legend of the naupaka plant, which only has half-blossoms and grows either at the shore or in the mountains. According to the legend, the naupaka was created when the gods separated two lovers and then changed them into plants that only become full flowers when they are put together. Though the legend is charming, Pearsall's main point that couples shouldn't fear losing themselves in each other and instead should focus on the strength that merging gains them is not particularly groundbreaking. Some of his concepts, too, may be hard for "continental" (i.e., Euro-American) readers to swallow. For example, Pearsall includes exercises on how couples can send dreams to each other and perform "cardio-synchronization," which ostensibly allows them to experience the rush of getting their hearts to beat concurrently. Public libraries who serve patrons with an interest in Oceania and Oceanic philosophy should consider.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; First Edition edition (April 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897933230
• ISBN-13: 978-0897933230
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,830,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LOVE NEEDS NO EXPLANATION...IT JUST IS!, May 8, 2001

By 

Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Partners in Pleasure: Sharing Success, Creating Joy, Fulfilling Dreams -- Together (Paperback)

As a counsellor who has studied behavioural psychology, I can attest to the fact it is important for an individual to hold onto their own identity and not live in the shadow of someone's expectations. There is also truth in the fact one must love themselves before they can give or receive love to the fullest. However, it is also equally fulfilling to have someone to share your life with. That is not to say everyone needs a partner to be fulfilled, and in cases where the relationship is not a happy one, life may be more fulfilling without that partnership. The importance is not in finding a partner, but in finding the right partner, a soul-mate who has no desire to control, own or manipulate your life....but to share it.

Those who do have partners and happy, fulfilling relationships will agree that sharing your life with someone is one of life's greatest pleasures and richest treasures. That has been the way of mankind, since the day's of Adam and Eve, and the universal way of telling us we do not have to walk through this life alone unless we choose to do so. This book traces the path of ancient culture and wisdom - the joys and rewards of partners and sharing. We truly do reap what we sow, and the more love we give and share with others, the more we are destined to receive.

In addition to this book, I also recommend reading "Surrendering to Marriage" by Iris Krasnow (which is really not about surrendering but sharing) and "The Mastery of Love" by Miguel Ruiz - both are excellent books on love, sharing and fulfilling one's dreams.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Seen on TV, April 20, 2001

By 

Bryana Mumm "MAGICCAT13" (WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Partners in Pleasure: Sharing Success, Creating Joy, Fulfilling Dreams -- Together (Paperback)

Dr. Pearsall was a guest on Montel Williams (4/20/2001). What he had to say about marriage made a lot of sense. We definately do suffer from a me, me, me type society. When married, a couple needs to view themselves as we/us instead of I/me. This is a definate must get book for us (I'm one half of a married couple).

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget Self, April 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Partners in Pleasure: Sharing Success, Creating Joy, Fulfilling Dreams -- Together (Paperback)

What a joy it was to find and read this book. I'm tired of reading books that are all about me, me, me. I have found that people who are so concerned about their needs, wants and desires are some of the most unhappy people I know. As this book points out, it is those who unselfishly give and share with others are usually full of love and contentment. I found a great book earlier this year that helped me to be more loving, The Romantic's Guide by Michael Webb. I'd highly recommend both books if you really want to improve the love in your life.