Journey of the Heart

Synopsis

"An extraordinarily good book, because it goes to the heart of the matter of human relationships. In a world in which so many live in crowded solitude and are afraid of intimacy or have difficulty understanding it, John Welwood's Journey of the Heart comes as a saving grace. . . . It is a rare, enriching, and exhilarating experience." -- Ashley Montagu, author of Touching

A powerful approach to intimate relationships--as a path of personal and spiritual discovery, whose challenges call forth our deepest strengths and resources.

As men and women find that they can no longer rely on old roles and formulas to get along, intimate relationships call for a new kind of honesty and awareness, a willingness to let go of old patterns and cultivate new capacities. Journey of the Heart shows how we can rise to this challenge by learning to use whatever difficulties we face in relationships as opportunities to expand our sense of who we are and deepen our capacity to connect with others. This is the path of conscious love.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call to Adventure

* Summary: The protagonist, a young woman named Sarah, is called upon to embark on a journey to find her true self. She has been feeling restless and unfulfilled in her current life.
* Real Example: Sarah is a successful lawyer, but she has always felt like there was something more to life. She begins to question her choices and the direction her life is taking.

Chapter 2: Crossing the Threshold

* Summary: Sarah leaves behind her comfortable life and embarks on her journey. She enters a foreign and unfamiliar land, where she is challenged to confront her fears and limitations.
* Real Example: Sarah quits her job and travels to India, where she faces the poverty and inequalities of the world firsthand.

Chapter 3: The Road of Trials

* Summary: Sarah encounters numerous obstacles and challenges along her journey. She must overcome her fears, doubts, and weaknesses.
* Real Example: Sarah is robbed in a market and loses all her money. She is forced to rely on the kindness of strangers and learns the importance of trust.

Chapter 4: The Meeting with the Mentor

* Summary: Sarah meets a wise and experienced mentor who guides her along her journey. The mentor provides support, advice, and encouragement.
* Real Example: Sarah meets a spiritual teacher who helps her connect with her inner self and find meaning in her life.

Chapter 5: The Ultimate Boon

* Summary: Sarah reaches the end of her journey and discovers her true self. She finds fulfillment and purpose in her life.
* Real Example: Sarah realizes that her passion lies in helping others. She decides to become a social worker and dedicates her life to making a positive impact on the world.

Chapter 6: The Return

* Summary: Sarah returns home a changed person. She brings her newfound wisdom and experiences back to her community and uses them to make a difference.
* Real Example: Sarah returns from India and starts a non-profit organization that provides education and healthcare to underprivileged children.

Epilogue

* Summary: Sarah's journey continues throughout her life. She continues to learn, grow, and inspire others.
* Real Example: Sarah becomes a successful social worker and dedicates her life to advocating for the rights of the marginalized. She lives a fulfilling and meaningful life, guided by the lessons she learned on her journey.