After the Darkest Hour
How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom
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4.0 • 1 Rating
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
In the tradition of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, a book that explains the transformative power of suffering
Most people understand that suffering and sorrow are inevitable parts of every life and that illness, death, or loss of a loved one are universal experiences, not retribution or a symptom of bad luck. But few of us comprehend the ways in which suffering can give rise to growth.
In this sensitive and caring book, Kathleen Brehony describes the experiences of people who have endured life's trials and consequently found deeper spiritual and psychological meaning in their lives. Drawing on a rich selection of mythological and religious stories from many faiths, Berhony provides a historical and cultural context that enriches the meaning of these deeply personal tales.
After the Darkest Hour explores the qualities--psychological, behavioral, and spiritual--of those who have turned periods of pain and suffering into opportunities for growth and renewal. The final chapters offer exercises that will help readers approach the difficult situations they face in a more conscious, enlightened way, as well as specific suggestions for creating personal healing rituals.
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Psychotherapist Brehony (Awakening at Midlife; Ordinary Grace) believes that psychology and self-help have focused almost exclusively on dysfunction, rather than on healing and "resilience." Revealing her lack of familiarity with the recovery and inspiration genre, this dubious notion propels her into a lecture on how "suffering builds character." Part One offers a theoretical take on the subject, with many religious and philosophical references. To explain why some people withstand emotional losses better than others, Brehony draws a parallel with the tale of the little pigs, with houses made of straw and brick: a traumatic or abusive childhood builds a house of straw, easily toppled by the vicissitudes of adult life. Unfortunately, Brehony offers little help to those who are "less equal than others," and implies that because some people with bad childhoods become healthy, competent adults, there's no excuse for others who still feel overwhelmed. In the context of her own idyllic childhood, followed by the death of her mother (from cancer) and a car accident involving her father and stepmother (they survived), she encourages those whose houses are already made of brick to roll with life's punches and grow from suffering. Part Two provides a compendium of excellent "strategies" for turning suffering into wisdom and personal growth. However, Brehony's counsel to "count your blessings," "express your feelings," "help others," "pray and meditate," "find courageous role models" and "keep a sense of humor" have all been offered by many others, often with greater clarity and compassion.
