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How to Be an Adult: A Handbook on Psychological and Spiritual Integration
by
David Richo
Using the metaphor of the heroic journeydeparture, struggle and returnthe author shows readers the way to psychological and spiritual health.
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
May 1st 1991
by Paulist Press
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What impressed me most about this book is that Richo doesn't offer any kind of objective evidence to back up his statements; he just comes right out and says what he believes to be true about being a mature adult. He often makes bold statements in a very compelling (and sometimes provocative) way. I certainly didn't agree with all of it, but his confident and intelligent voice was compelling enough to make me want to stay with it. This is a literary self-help book. There are no quick fixes, and...more
I didn't always like this book as I was reading it -- it was dry at times, and irritatingly "soothe your inner child" at others. That said, this book changed my life. I'm not sure I've ever seen so many fundamental truths spelled out in such accessible, straight-forward language. Many people seem to swing between the extremes of needing too much and needing too little from other people; Richo seems to understand how to be an independent, self-actualized person while still receiving an appropriat...more
This is my handbook for life... I have referred to it over and over again for over a decade now... it is finally starting to make sense for me. If you are interested in developing a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships - and if you are drawn to the Jungian perspective - this is a great book... the only book you need. I am now working my way throuhg it with a therapist and it has been very rewarding.
I think everybody should read this before settling down... It won't help the the self-righteous narcissist, nothing can really; they are destructive tornados to be avoided, unless your a masochist'.
This is a great book, but there are some real things that can't and shouldn't be simplified in such a way as to creat disposable love/fast food love; that's a bit shallow.
This is basically all of talk therapy condensed into a hundred pages. I have a mixed relationship at best with talk therapy, but I do think it has its useful points, and this is a hell of a cheaper way to get at them than paying for a few hour-long sessions.
The chapter on anger was particularly powerful, and did a good job explaining how to separate anger-the-feeling from its more dramatic manifestations. The chapter on dream analysis, on the other hand, should probably be skipped unless you hav...more
The chapter on anger was particularly powerful, and did a good job explaining how to separate anger-the-feeling from its more dramatic manifestations. The chapter on dream analysis, on the other hand, should probably be skipped unless you hav...more
A clear and straightforward guide to the hardest task each of us faces: growing up. Discusses making peace with your past, building fulfilling relationships with healthy boundaries, handling conflict, and creating a meaningful life. All stuff that's far easier said than done of course, but this book says it well and surely that's something.
Very good - however, I can say this for sure: Richo only gets better!!! That is exciting for all of you who have started with this book. Keep reading - Richo is quickly becoming one of the primary motivators in my life. Richo inspires me to create new spins on classic phrases like, "Richo bless you" and, "I believe in Richo" and "Richo-damnit" Okay, the last one went to far, but I freaking LOVE Richo.
Richo uses the metaphor of the heroic journey to describe the process toward psychological and spiritual maturity. First he discusses "personal work" and the three challenges to adulthood: fear, anger, and guilt, as well as the self-esteem that comes from meeting those challenges. Then he discusses relationships and the dual problem of maintaining personal boundaries and establishing appropriate intimacy. Finally, he discusses the techniques of integration: flexibility, befriending the shadow, u...more
A short but concise handbook. Dr Richo covers issues on relationships, emotions, our belief systems and how as individuals we often seem stuck to certain ways of being. Although light in weight, the book is actually quite chewy, intense and packed with insight.
Don't let the title turn you off. A wonderfully accessible, frank and helpful dissection of the intricacies involved in recognizing and maturely handling one's own emotional reactions
A great resource to help one fulfill his/her potential. What a world it would be if we were presented with a learning manual for life!
A very short book, but very chewy. Dr. Richo breaks down some of the challenges that individuals face in relationship to themselves and those they are in relationship with. He also outlines how to identify certain belief and behavioral patterns that might keep individuals stuck in certain ways of being and some alternatives to those learned behaviors. Good stuff. A little intense, since I could really identify some of my own emotional habits being elucidated (kind of like having a bright light t...more
A book that can be read again and again. It speaks so much truth.
I will return to this book again and again.
I'm still working on it. :)
This book helps.
This book helps.
This book is a bit of a dry read but it was one of the most life changing books I've ever read in regards to understanding myself. It is like the ultimate handbook to feelings. There is a chapter on anger, a chapter on guilt, and a chapter on fear. There is also a section about assertiveness vs. aggressive and passive behavior. It helped me to see that each person is responsible for their own feelings and that betrayal and rejections are not feelings at all, but beliefs.
Dec 07, 2012
Patty France
added it
Its helpful for people who didn't have parents to guide them through adult life changes.
i've gotten one chapter in and highlighted half of it already, written some down to quote. lovely stuff...i wish i could directly implant it in my brain, as remembering this stuff in the midst of crisis is so hard.:: After putting it down for awhile, I picked it back up and finished it and it's great soul food. I know I will go back to this when I'm feeling despair or confusion.
This is not an ordinary book where you can simply breeze through. Though the book is slim, each page is compact with meaning that forces you to dig deep and reflect. I think this is a type of book where you can revisit at any stage in your life and still be able to find gems in each chapter that can help enrich your lifestyle.
This is the best, most concise book on psychological transformation. If you read this and get it and can embody it, you will jump up the learning curve of life. For the rest of us, it's a great companion to any personal growth work.
One of my all time favorite books, um I've been told it's a little boring, but I loved it. Great instruction/information on integrating meditation/spirituality into your daily life. I have read multiple times.
A wonderful book that I feel has a lot of good advice for those who think they've somehow missed something along the way to adulthood. It's practical, no-nonsense, and best read in small segments.
For the essential self help student. Well it's a simple read which is nice and gives clear examples on how one acts like an adult and how one regresses to childlike behavior. Very insightful.
one of the best self help books I've ever read.
A good read about understanding myself that I read during the summer after graduating from college.
It's a dense text, not something to be read straight through. And it really is a handbook.
This small book is packed with terrific insights and exercises for personal growth.
Concise instruction manual on your emotional and spiritual life.
May 19, 2013
Valerie Wilson gorski
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Beth
marked it as to-read
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David Richo, PhD, is a therapist and author who leads popular workshops on personal and spiritual growth.
He received his BA in psychology from Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1962, his MA in counseling psychology from Fairfield University in 1969, and his PhD in clinical psychology from Sierra University in 1984. Since 1976, Richo has been a licensed marriage, family, and chi...more
More about David Richo...
He received his BA in psychology from Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1962, his MA in counseling psychology from Fairfield University in 1969, and his PhD in clinical psychology from Sierra University in 1984. Since 1976, Richo has been a licensed marriage, family, and chi...more
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“In the hero stories, the call to go on a journey takes the form of a loss, an error, a wound, an unexplainable longing, or a sense of a mission. When any of these happens to us, we are being summoned to make a transition. It will always mean leaving something behind,...The paradox here is that loss is a path to gain.”
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Aug 09, 2012 06:27pm