The Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting with Society [Paperback]

Gail Straub (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2008

The Rhythm of Compassion addresses one of the central spiritual questions of our time: Can we heal ourselves and society simultaneously? The core premise of this book is that the health of the human psyche and the health of the world are inextricably related, and we cannot truly heal one without healing the other. The book is written to help readers balance soul and society, offering a seamless set of values that unites the inner and the outer. Providing real answers, inspiration, and practical exercises, this is a book for those who long to make a difference in the world and search for a way to balance self-care with service to the world. Each chapter contains simple exercises on getting to the root of healing, developing compassion, and putting passion into action. Readers will learn how to integrate their rhythm so that their inner self-care helps them serve the world, and their caring for the world contributes to their soul. Using the profound metaphor of in-and-out breath meditation, Straub compellingly invites the reader to connect with the in-breath of self-knowing and the out-breath of acting to heal others. Only through this fascinating yet simple practice, says Straub, can we truly heal ourselves, our society, and our planet. This book is for anyone who wants to develop greater compassion: including parents, teachers, business people, social workers, healers, or activists.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Using the primal rhythm of breath-in and breath-out, renowned author and teacher Gail Straub shows readers how they can serve the spirit and the planet simultaneously. Yes, it's a radical concept--considering the human tendency to gravitate toward one extreme or the other. But Straub offers compelling reasons why we must stay in balance. "Without the in-breath of self care and reflection we can't sustain our involvement with the suffering of the world, nor do we have the clarity of heart and mind required for the complex challenges we face," writes Straub. "On the other hand, without the out-breath of compassionate engagement with society our inner work implodes upon itself leading to the dead end of narcissism and spiritual emptiness."

The first half of the book is devoted to breathing in--which involves significant truth-telling, as readers face chapters such as, "Excavating Where You Belong and Where You Hide," "Unearthing Broken Hearts, Radical Surprises and Wake-up Calls." The second half addresses the out-breath with chapters such as "Uncovering the Shadow Side of Service" and "Stewardship as a Spiritual Practice." Straub is a persuasive and anecdote-rich narrator, who offers numerous activities and exercises to make this remarkable book even more tangible--a must-read for activists as well as spiritual seekers. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A book that addresses with great insight one of the central spiritual questions of our time--how do we care for others while still caring for ourselves? A must for everyone seeking answers."

--Carolyn Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Empowerment Institute (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963032739
• ISBN-13: 978-0963032737
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift for the Seeking Soul, April 28, 2000

By 

Karen S. Lukas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting with Society (Hardcover)

Rhythm of Compassion is a must-read for those of us who are seeking an understanding of our purpose and asking 'how in the world can one me make any difference for the world?'

In a beautifully sustained metaphor of breathing in and breathing out, Gail Straub shows us that caring for ourselves and serving others is not an either/or proposition -- that both can be achieved with balance and a sense of rhythm. The gentle but rigorous (for those who venture deep) exercises, along with the touching stories of very real, regular people who seek their truth and place in the world opened my heart to understanding how we all deeply long for our connection to ourselves, one another and our planet.

This book has acquired "permanent resident status" on my night table (along with The Invitation) as a ready source of inspiration and comfort. I re-open it to any page and am touched by the reverent tone and deep truth that it holds. It is at the top of my gift-giving list for this coming year and probably will be for many years to come. It is truly a gift for our world.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get a part of yourself back again!, June 11, 2000

By 

Susan O'Halloran (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting with Society (Hardcover)

If you're a child of the sixties and ever wonder, "What happened to that part of me that used to care? That part of me that used to believe I/we could make a difference?" this book is the Rx for activitist burnout, even if you haven't been involved for twenty or thirty years.

Remember how we'd say that we'd never be like the "older generation?" We'd keep our passion alive; we'd change the world! Well, if you're like me and have found your ideals buried under bills, meetings, car pools, obligations, obligations, responsibilities, responsibilities, this book can help you re-ignite forgotten dreams and discover new treasures.

The exercises in the book are so simple and so profound at the same time that you'll understand right away some of the missing ingredients to questions which may plaque you, too: if I'm so smart why do I feel so stuck? How come I've done lots of work on myself, but I still don't feel happy? How do I care for others without losing myself?

I weep while I read this book (I've read it three times), feel understood and happy to be part of the whole beautiful mess of this life, this earth and its people. That's a lot to get from one book - I highly recommend it!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, December 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting with Society (Hardcover)

There is a lot of truth in this book. I would also recommend the book An Encounter With A Prophet for some new truths