How we see the world and ourselves is more important than what we see or have. Our perspectives are what matter. Classic wisdom literature has emphasized this for generations and clinical psychology has followed suit from its inception. In essence, living with a healthy perspective is truly tantamount to possessing the proverbial "psychological pearl of great price."
Knowing this, Robert J. Wicks, world-renowned psychologist and author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life, has assembled and offered readers the most current and powerful approaches to discovering and regaining a balanced, healthy perspective that modern psychology has to offer. In Perspective, Wicks combines top research with classic wisdom, providing accessible, practical advice to his readers. In a lively tone, he guides them through strategies on:
-Understanding how the psychology of gratitude and happiness can help you perceive the beneficial things already in your life
-Seeing yourself more completely through the lens of cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and narrative therapy
-Overcoming resistances to openness so that beneficial, needed change becomes more possible
-Following a reflective regimen that can help you maintain a healthy perspective each day
Wicks reveals that gaining a healthy, positive perspective will help us become the calm within the storm. Our newfound perspective will enable us to enjoy enriching experiences, maintain balance, and reach out to others without being pulled down in the process.
Industry Reviews
"Wicks's writing comes alive when he focuses on his patients and their experiences, and renders in intimate terms the warmth and faith he expresses towards his readers." --Publishers Weekly
"This is the kind of book you can't put down because it is so necessary." --Alexandra Fuller, author of Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness
"As usual, [Wicks] provides a treasure-trove of thoughts, quotations, and spiritual insights which combine to make these meditations on perspective both distinctive and immensely appealing in their accessibility." --Spirituality & Practice
"Dr. Wicks unlocks the secret to achieving the fullest potential in each of us. I wish I had read this book 30 years ago and had assigned it to everyone under my command." --Mike Gould, Lieutenant General (retired), USAF, Superintendent USAF Academy, June 2009-August 2013
"Robert Wicks leads us on an inward exploration designed to foster our own personal journey toward enlightenment by opening the door to pathways for living and being that have always been there right before our eyes, but perhaps previously not readily accessible to us." --Jeffrey E. Barnett, PsyD, ABPP, Past President, Division of Psychotherapy, American Psychological Association
"This book is a lovely, clear, and inspiring read. Using personal examples combined with the insights of Eastern spiritual traditions and clinical psychology, the author guides the reader through easy-to-follow steps to develop a healthier perspective on life." --Kristin Neff, PhD, Author, Self-Compassion; Associate Professor, Human Development and Culture, Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin
"Dr. Wicks inspires the reader but more importantly challenges you to 'practice' the skills he proposes to achieve greater self-awareness and open-mindedness in managing everyday life." --M. Tish Knobf, PhD, FAAN, Professor, Yale School of Nursing
"Perspective: The Calm within the Storm is the type of gift that keeps giving. Wherever you are on your journey, this book is your perfect companion. I feel wiser and richer because of it." --Francoise Adan, MD, Medical Director, Connor Integrative Medicine Network, University Hospitals; Assistant Professor, Case Western Medical School
"An immensely helpful book bound to help people in need of healing--that is, all of us." --James Martin, SJ, Editor-at-Large of America Magazine and author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage.
"Wicks provides his readers with practical advice for regaining balance and a healthy sense of perspective during stressful situations in life. Combining wisdom and experience, Wicks aims to give a greater sense of gratitude for the little things in life." -US Catholic
"Robert Wicks has written a truly remarkable book for leading a more meaningful, balanced, resilient life." --Robert Brooks, PhD, Faculty, Harvard Medical School; Co-Author, The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life
"Perspective: The Calm within the Storm is surely an anchor of restored perspective to be picked up and regained often for spiritual directors and with their spiritual directees."
--Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction
Featured in - Journal of Mental Health
