Customer Reviews

Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting with Society

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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.

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!

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

Gail Straub tells the truth in this heart-filled book -- her own truth and the truth of many other seekers. This is Truth with a capital "T": deep, complex, juicy, messy truth.

Throughout it all, a bright light of love and hope shines for our planet. This book is a blessing, and will be of special interest to those seeking to deepen their experience of life by being more generous to themselves, to others, and to all creation.

In a fresh and first-person way, Gail Straub's book resonates with the deep wisdom of great teachers from East and West, including the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mohandas Gandhi, Dorothy Day, and Mother Teresa. This is a field guide for seekers of the truth in all its many disguises. Highly recommended!

Gail Straub's book, "Rythm of Compassion," helps the social activist look within and renew the energy needed to pursue one's passion. Rather than burn out, turn off or implode, one can learn to reflect, take heed of signs and signals and become more generous and caring for the self without becoming selfish. It's a thoughtful, practical guide, while also sharing very deep images and ideas. Gail's words inspire and the stories she shares allow us all to hope. I'd recommend this to all social activists and social entrepreneurs, people in the helping professions and those of us who navel gaze too much but who want to become more involved in the world at large. I hope Oprah discovers this one. It's a keeper that many need to find.

Gail Straub has written from the heart and from her experience and the experience of those who have studied with her. Her words are practical and the suggested exercises are gentle and revealing. It is rare to find someone writing with such authority on the spiritual questions of our time. And, as a gifted teacher, Gail provides insight and encouragement to her readers. The Rhythm of Compassion is truly a gift to all who read this important book.

The Southwest where I live is dry and limp. Just like my soul was when I first encountered Gail's words. Through the stories and the great exercies in each chapter, I was able to replenish this weary soldier. While I still live in the desert, I now bloom and am vibrant once again. I have found a family, a community of like minded souls through the pages of her book. I know now, I am not alone. It has led me to new conversations with other community activists who were surprisingly enough feeling depleted like I was. We are now working together to replenish ourselves and each other. It is as if though we take an afternoon nap together and awaken ready for all that unfolds. I highly recommend this book to the weary souls who are wondering "Why bother". It will recharge and reenergize your soul.

loved this book! It not only presents the idea of inter-dependence of personal health and planetary health, but it has given me some practical ideas on how to live this concept.

A beautiful book that offers the reader an opportunity to attend a workshop without leaving their home. This book combines the ethereal with the real world and allows the reader to understand themseleves in the world at large . A must read.

in this book, gail straub presents a great resource for deepening the groove of compassion in one's life