cover image The Awakened Heart: Living Beyond Addiction

The Awakened Heart: Living Beyond Addiction

Gerald G. May. HarperOne, $18 (260pp) ISBN 978-0-06-065544-0

Efficiency versus love; attachment to performing, or achieving, against the freedom of simply being; the ``how'' of life opposed to the ``why''--within these polarities occur the addictions that noted psychiatrist May ( Addiction and Grace ) defines as dysfunctions hobbling human spiritual potential. Integrating the wisdom of ancient mystics and the insights of contemporary thinkers, May examines the spiritual longings that are often hidden and controlled by society's pressures and expectations. Counseling against expecting perfection in human relationships, he reminds that ``we are not meant to have all our yearnings satisfied and our spaces filled as individuals.'' In the tradition of M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Travelled , this eloquent guide to spiritual self-awareness is accessible to all and far removed from omnipresent 12-step programs. May is director for spiritual guidance at the Shalemsp ok?/yes Institute in Washington, D.C. Major ad/promo; author tour. (Nov.)