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Close to the Knives


Synopsis


I am glad I am alive to witness these things; giving words to this life of sensations is a relief. Smell the flowers while you can.

Close to the Knives is the artist, writer and activist David Wojnarowicz's extraordinary memoir. Filthy, beautiful, and sharp to the point of piercing, it is both an exploration of the world seen through the eyes of an artist, and a moving portrait of a generation living, grieving, and dying through the AIDS crisis. It is a triumphant hymn of resistance, and a dizzying celebration of the joys of seeing and living in the world.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

* Introduces the concept of radical self-acceptance and its importance for personal growth.
* Real example: A woman struggling with body image issues uses the principles of radical self-acceptance to challenge negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive self-image.

Chapter 2: The Pain of Not Being Enough

* Explores the root causes of feeling inadequate and the psychological impact of self-criticism.
* Real example: A man who constantly compares himself to others experiences anxiety and depression as a result of his feelings of inadequacy.

Chapter 3: The Invitation to Self-Acceptance

* Presents the practical steps to building a foundation of self-acceptance.
* Real example: A woman who has been through a painful divorce learns to accept her past mistakes and forgive herself, allowing her to move forward with a healthier sense of self.

Chapter 4: The Mirrors of Our Lives

* Discusses the role of relationships in reflecting our self-perceptions.
* Real example: A young woman realizes that her friendships are draining her because she is constantly seeking validation from others.

Chapter 5: The Courage to Live

* Explores the challenges and rewards of living a life guided by self-acceptance.
* Real example: A man who has struggled with addiction finds the strength to face his past and build a meaningful life by embracing radical self-acceptance.

Chapter 6: The Path of the Heart

* Offers insights on developing compassion for ourselves and others.
* Real example: A therapist who works with people who have experienced trauma uses the principles of radical self-acceptance to help them heal and rebuild their lives.

Chapter 7: The Art of Spiritual Surrender

* Discusses the concept of surrender as a path to acceptance and liberation.
* Real example: A woman who has faced a terminal illness finds peace and meaning by surrendering to the unknown and accepting her present moment.

Chapter 8: The Gift of Embodied Presence

* Explores the connection between self-acceptance and physical well-being.
* Real example: A yoga instructor uses the principles of radical self-acceptance to help her students cultivate body awareness and self-love.

Chapter 9: The Dance of Imperfection

* Celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of our imperfections.
* Real example: A writer who has struggled with dyslexia learns to embrace her writing as a form of self-expression, despite its challenges.

Chapter 10: The Embrace of Grace

* Concludes the book with a reflection on the importance of grace and forgiveness for the journey of self-acceptance.
* Real example: A woman who has lost a loved one finds comfort and healing in the power of forgiveness and the grace of acceptance.