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

Gail Straub (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2000

The Rhythm of Compassion presents a novel, powerful approach to healing and spirituality using the profound metaphor of in-and-out breath meditation. Unlike most self-help books, this one offers the revolutionary notion that caring for the self is not the only component of healing our minds and spirits. So too, argues author Gail Straub, is reaching out and giving to others. Straub believes "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." Here 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. Few spirituality books take such a stance-fewer still explain it with such clarity, wisdom, and compassion.

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

Review

"The Rhythm of Compassion is an invaluable book for helping us sustain a long-term commitment to transformation of the world." -- Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun Magazine and author of The Politics of Meaning: Restoring Hope and Possibility in an age of Cynicism

"Contains invaluable tools and insights into 'the rich and complex intersection between the inner life and the life of service.'" -- Spirituality & Health

"If you struggle to find a way to balance self-care with service, then you must read this book." -- Cheryl Richardson, author of Take Time for Your Life

"Reading this inspiring text encourages one to let go of stress." -- Alternative Medicine Magazine

"Straub fosters awakenings within pain and movement beyond right vs. wrong. An even-tempered path of courage for any questing heart." -- Napra Review

"Straub presents solid ideas, hard truths, and practical exercises for looking inward." -- New Age Retailer

"There are no words to describe this woman or this book-it just goes right into the heart and soul." -- Marriage

"[Straub's] passion for the earth is admirable throughout, and her advice is often insightful." -- New Age

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Journey Editions (March 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885203837
• ISBN-13: 978-1885203830
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,939,641 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