With empathy and insight, they offer readers solace drawn from the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching.
by William and Nancy Martin
Those who care for the ailing, whether helping someone recover, grapple with a long-term disability or face a terminal illness, often feel alone, overwhelmed and exhausted. The authors have worked as counselors, hospice trainers and Zen guides — and as caregivers to Nancy’s late mother.
With empathy and insight, they offer readers solace drawn from the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, and present a series of wisdom teachings that touch the very core of living a caring life in the midst of constant change.
They have added reflections and suggestions to help the reader discover natural responses and helpful actions in the midst of the confusion of caring for those in life-altering circumstances.
Like the original Chinese text, this book contains 81 chapters. Each chapter includes a poem for caregivers, evocative of the verses of the Tao Te Ching, followed by a reflection that presents practical guidance for navigating the emotional and physical hardships of caregiving.
The resulting resource gently awakens readers to the grace, growth and even joy possible at each step along their path.
$14 — New World Library, 14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 1, February/March 2011.
April 13, 2012
Book review