Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety

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Summary: Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety
Review: Considering the rave reviews of other readers I was expecting much more from this book. There are a few decent suggestions in the book but most often it gets lost among a bunch of worthless information. Chapter 5 on inner talk is worth reading but not much else is. Chapter 10 has a few decent suggestions on positive visualization. The whole section on sacred anxiety is spacey and unproductive! ... All the charts and graphs are a silly waste of time.
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Summary: An excellent self-help guide to serenity.
Review: Having been through a difficult mid-life transition the past year, I have read all kinds of things as I've sought to find serenity and acceptance within the reality of my life situation. This book has been extremely helpful in providing a practical framework from which to courageously live through my deepest fears and anxieties while giving me the courage to trust the natural process of grieving and healing that I have so frequently found myself stuck in. Gerzon believes that "toxic anxiety," and all the negative inner talk that keeps us fixated there is really a signpost of underlying "natural and sacred anxiety;" and that, rather than places to be avoided, experiencing anxiety as spiritual healing place that we surrender to instead of fleeing from. That in fact our greatest gifts can come from the places in which we have been wounded most deeply. This book has helped me gain a perspective on my life and difficulties and has helped me to accept that life's greatest treasures are often found in the seemingly darkest and most painful of times and places.

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Summary: Effective process for dealing with anxiety
Review: I found this book extremely helpful in dealing with and better understanding myself and my lifelong issues with anxiety. Though I read this book two years ago, I continue to use its techniques often to better respond to situations that make me extremely anxious. Highly recommended!

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Summary: A Profound Work
Review: I recently read Robert Gerzon's book. It was a powerful and personal book, which struck to the heart of my own experiences. His self-revealing style captured me, and I found myself nodding in recognition on so many pages. Gerzon's retelling of the Siddhartha (Buddha) story is the most compelling I ever read. Told in the context of anxiety, it stays with me still, and has propelled me to further my own spiritual search. While some parts were a little dense reading, my captivation overall kept me going, because the gems I got from the book have been life-changing. My attitude and relationships are improving through the use of his methods. Few books of this nature are so honest and personal. I am grateful to Robert Gerzon for writing this lovely book, that gives hope to those of us who suffer from anxiety.

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Summary: Outstanding book on the topic of anxiety
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book as the author was comprehensive and extremely knowledgeable about the subject. The section dealing with our chatter and self talk is a must read for everyone. I rank this self help/ psychology book up there with Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled.

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Summary: Very helpful
Review: This book is terrific! Gerzon's writing style is very readable. The self assessment test was good but I would've liked a description of each anxiety type and specific techniques around dealing with your particular style. That is the only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars. I found his A+ Formula to make alot of sense and it has been easy to apply to my own life. Some of his suggested techniques are very "New Age" and didn't fit for me. For example, I am not interested in meditation. So I would've liked more techniques for people who don't find this philosophy accessible.

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Summary: Changed my life
Review: This book is very well-researched and rich in its advice. Many self-help books take one good idea and restate that one idea multiple times--you know the kind you can skim/read in an hour. Mr. Gerzon's book thoughtfully develops a context for anxiety, depression and worry that helps to understand where they come from and how they are clues to improving our lives. The book has many practical techniques for converting our "toxic" anxiety into personal growth and change. I found that the book had new ideas in every chapter and wove mythology, psychology and religious principles into a very complete model of the proper role for anxiety in our lives. Highly recommended!

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Summary: A timeless, practical resource in managing anxiety.
Review: Through solid research and well-written prose, the author has written a practical, accessible, inspirational resource for those interested in personal growth. I have read many "self-help" books, but none that so deftly combined spirituality, psychology, philosophy, mythology... in such a seamless way to convey the wisdom of the author. I am not going to read all these sources, but I'm glad he has - to give me a practical framework (and exercises) to quell my destructive anxieties and grow through my spiritual anxieties. A unique approach that affects me every day, and I hope is improving the quality of my life. I e-mailed all my friends about it!

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Summary: This one works!
Review: Want to change those harsh and fearful little voices inside your head to a more healthy and serene sound? Want to learn to face your fears and enjoy the present? Read this book.

After decades of "what if's..." "should haves" and negative fantasies, these easy to understand theories and techniques changed my life. There's not a lot of jargon here...just insightful examples and realistic hope.

Happy reading.