This engaging contemplation of maturity addresses the long neglected topic of what it means to grow up, and provides a hands–on guide for skilfully navigating the demands of our adult lives.
Growing up happens whether we like it or not, but maturity must be cultivated. Challenged to consider his own sense of maturity while mentoring a group of teenage boys, Fischer began to investigate our preconceptions about what it means to be "an adult" and shows how crucial true maturity is to leading an engaged, fulfilled life. Taking Our Places details the marks of a mature person and shows how these attributes can help alleviate our suffering and enrich our relationships. Discussing such qualities as awareness, responsibility, humour, acceptance, and humility, Fischer brings a fresh and at times surprising new perspective that can turn old ideas on their heads and reinvigorate our understanding of what it means to be mature.
New York, NY: HarperOne; Reprint edition (May 4, 2004) Originally published by HarperOne (May 6, 2003)
“Taking Our Places is wise, compassionate, poetic, and deeply moving. Growing up (at any age) at its best.”
“A beautiful expression of deep spiritual maturity by a teacher whose wisdom shines brightly on every page.”
“Zen-like in its elegant simplicity, this wonderfully wise presentation of maturity is inspirational.”
“Remarkably profound, moving, and far-ranging....Every word is an occasion to align yourself in the most practical of ways with what it might mean for you to be your best self and follow a path of wise action, compassion, and integrity.”
“Warm and endlessly wise... offers indispensable answers to the only question worth asking; What do we do with this life?”
“Thoughtful, wise, considered, beautiful. Helps you ask the questions of the heart.”
“This book beautifully illustrates that true maturity is more than a physical endeavor, it is a lifetime process.
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“A refreshing book! For anyone who has struggled with their practice amid the complexities, frustrations, and ambiguities of real life.”
“Fischer offers us a lifetime of experience in making sense of Zen.”
“Remarkable for its clarity in expressing complex concepts... this work focuses Fischer’s intellectual power into visceral, emotional reading.”