Living in Process : Basic Truths for Living the Path of the Soul
What is process? It is the way of doing, not what is being done, according to Anne Wilson Schaef. It is the tone of voice, not what is being said; the act of parenting, not the 21-year-old child product. In a world that emphasizes results, control, and material rewards, Schaef's process-oriented approach is a soothing antidote. "We are not static," she writes in her opening chapter. "The planet is not static. Life is not static. Life is unfolding.... We can participate, that is all. We cannot predict or control."Chapter by chapter Schaef breaks down the daily situations that beg for attention to process, including "The Family," (which features intelligent essays on the various styles of parenting, such as "Benevolent Dictator" and "The Little King/Queen Approach") and "Relationships," (which includes helpful essays on "Intimacy" and "Making Love"). Occasionally Schaef meanders, especially in the beginning of the book, where she delves into the deep spiritual healing work involved in becoming process-conscious. However, her overriding voice is authoritative and intelligent, bringing in indigenous religions, spiritual leaders, and even poets to explain the how-tos and implications of process thinking.--Gail Hudson