Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology by Gerald May Essay (Book Review)

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Introduction

For many people, the question of understanding their inner spirit belongs to the most difficult and controversial ones. In his book Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology, Gerald May makes a successful attempt to untangle the complications of perception and explain the relationship between psychology and spirituality. The book uncovers several important topics, but what is most valuable about it is that each reader can find something meaningful that suits specifically to him or her.

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Ideas of the book

The fundamental ideas of the book are concerned with the understanding of how spiritual and psychological ideas and actions related to them are interconnected. In a simple yet fascinating manner, May (1987) manages to give answers to questions that many people ask themselves every day. What is more, the author sometimes responds to queries which the readers have probably never dared to ask themselves. The first concept that interested me was that of mystery.

Particularly, I got attracted to May’s (1987) explanation of the requirements for those who want to encounter mystery. According to the author, an individual should, first of all, have the will to surrender common inclinations to either ignore or solve mysteries. Another requirement is the ability to risk some degree of one’s fear (May 1987). The combination of the two required conditions makes up what May (1987) calls the “essence of contemplative spirituality,” which is the willingness and power to “open oneself to the mystery” (p. 32). This explanation, whereas it sounds so clear in the book, has never occurred to me earlier in its full substance, so the writer brought me into deeper thought.

Another concept that made me reconsider my worldview is May’s (1987) explanation of spiritual surrender. The author calls this notion a paradox and explains that when one gives himself or herself fully, it does not mean that the person becomes passive or restricted. On the contrary, as May (1987) argues, spiritual surrender offers intimate involvement and limitless freedom along with an elevated sense of responsibility. This idea has altered my previous understanding of spiritual surrender and provided me with insights into this serious matter.

Overall, the book teaches many important lessons, which I could utilize both in my spiritual thought and for guiding others. The author helps the audience to gain a deeper understanding of love, fear, energy, and attention. Furthermore, May (1987) teaches the difference between good and evil and explains how to behave once a person meets evil. The last chapter of the book instructs how to help others in their spiritual pilgrimage. The writer emphasizes the role of love in every human’s life and remarks that without the ability to become a pilgrim, one cannot fully comprehend the gift of love (May 1987). I would use this idea when helping people to find their spiritual path. The book has not left any unanswered questions: on the contrary, it has explained more than I could have possibly expected.

Conclusion

Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology discusses truly substantial concepts without which life would not be complete. In a sophisticated yet straightforward manner, the author opens secrets to understanding oneself and others. If before reading the book, one may ask oneself what contemplative psychology is, then after reading it, one will wonder how he or she could have lived for so many years and not considered the concepts incorporated in this science.

Reference

May, G. G. (1987). Will and spirit: A contemplative psychology. New York, NY: HarperCollings Publishers.

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IvyPanda. 2021. "Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology by Gerald May." July 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/will-and-spirit-a-contemplative-psychology-by-gerald-may/.

1. IvyPanda. "Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology by Gerald May." July 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/will-and-spirit-a-contemplative-psychology-by-gerald-may/.


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IvyPanda. "Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology by Gerald May." July 25, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/will-and-spirit-a-contemplative-psychology-by-gerald-may/.

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