Robert J. Wicks - Perspective: The Calm Within the Storm

PERSPECTIVE

Bounce: Living the Resilient Life (OUP)

Streams of Contentment (Sorin Books)

Riding the Dragon (Sorin Books)

The Inner Life of the Counselor (Wiley)

Primer on Posttraumatic GrowthWritten with Mary Beth Werdel (Wiley)

This is the kind of book you cant put down because it is so necessary: gentle, wise, erudite advice on how to slow down and notice the uncertainty and beauty of life. I read it in one hungry helping, underlining frantically, phoning up friends to read them quotes. I know that I will return to it often.

ALEXANDRA FULLER
AUTHOR, Cocktail Hour under the Tree of Forgetfulness

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. Perspective: The Calm within the Storm guides us to be more positive, focused, and open-mindedshaping a state of mind where each of us will succeed!

MIKE GOULD, LIEUTENANT GENERAL (RETIRED), USAF SUPERINTENDENT, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 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. Wicks opens these doors for the willing participant, offering us the possibility of achieving our full potential and living life more richly, in a more rewarding, fulfilling, and meaningful manner. The key is to join him on this journey of perspective that he masterfully leads within the pages of this book.

JEFFREY E. BARNETT, PSY.D., ABPP
PAST PRESIDENT, DIVISION OF PSYCHOTHERAPY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Robert Wicks has written a truly remarkable book for leading a more meaningful, balanced, resilient life. His ability to tie together and apply different theories, including those related to mindfulness, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, happiness, and posttraumatic growth is very impressive. Dr. Wicks skillfully draws from these perspectives to provide realistic, practical strategies that we all can use to adopt a more positive, healthy outlook and lifestyle. He does so in a reader-friendly, nonjudgmental, empathic manner, which makes it easier to understand, appreciate, and apply his ideas. This book will be read and re-read by those seeking to experience a life that is more enriching and purposeful. It will also serve as a valuable resource by therapists/counselors both in their professional and personal lives.

ROBERT BROOKS, PH.D., FACULTY, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL; CO-AUTHOR, The Power of Resilience

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, PH.D.
AUTHOR, Self-Compassion; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

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. My wish for you is a willingness to receive and start reading in order to discover the tools you need to create your own umbrella to weather the storms that come with life.

FRANCOISE ADAN, M.D.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, CONNOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE NETWORK, UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

THE CALM WITHIN THE STORM

ROBERT J. WICKS

Author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life

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Published in the United States of America by
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Oxford University Press 2014

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wicks, Robert J.
Perspective : the calm within the storm / by Robert J. Wicks.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9780199944552
1. Attitude (Psychology) 2. Perspective (Philosophy) 3. Meditation. I. Title.
BF327.W53 2014
158.1dc23
2013028104

1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2
Printed in the United States of America
on acid-free paper

For Sue and Doug Ferraro, whose faithful friendship, compassionate presence, natural wisdom, and great sense of humor continue to inspire and help me gain a healthier sense of perspective

Wish not for wealth or power
but for the passion of possibility,
for the eye, eternally young,
eternally ardent, that sees
possibility everywhere.
SREN KIERKEGAARD, Either/Or

W hen someone gains or regains a healthy sense of perspective, it feels like pure magic. The person sees more clearly and experiences greater freedom. Unforeseen possibility surfaces. New peace and joy are seeded.

The situation hasnt changed. Unwanted occurrences arent denied or minimized: Instead, they are faced and explored differentlynot with unrealistic expectations or the projection of blame, harshness, or self-recrimination, but with a sense of intrigue. There is a realization that whatever darkness, suffering, confusion, or potentially addictive attraction may be present in the moment, it is not the end of the story. It is not the last word.

And so, having the passion and tools to continually seek out a healthier perspective is not simply a good idea. No, it is much more than that. It is actually a determining factor as to how life can be enjoyed more completely and shared more fully every minute of ones day. Having a healthy perspective is tantamount to possessing the psychological pearl of great price. Yet, as we shall see, this pearl may not be what we think it is.