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Book Synopsis

'And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom' Anaïs Nin

Elizabeth Lesser shows how it is possible to deal with fearful change or a painful loss and be reborn, like the Phoenix, to a more vibrant and enlightened self. In Broken Open she shares penetrating tales from her own life, the lives of those she has taught and counselled and the lives of friends and family, tales that explore the big challenges of death, illness and divorce, as well as the daily roller coaster rides of relationships, parenting and work.

Woven into these stories are quotations from great poets and philosophers. And following them is a toolbox of valuable aids, including meditation, psychological enquiry and spiritual practice. The result is a book that runs the gamut of the human experience, and in a style that is genuine, funny, often heartbreaking, but always inspiring, she shows us how we, too, can allow the pain of adversity to break us open instead of breaking us down, making us bitter or closing our hearts.



Trade Review
Never again will a painful experience wipe me out. This book shows how you can transform any difficult transition into a time of great strength and awakening. * Jane Fonda *
Elizabeth Lesser bravely and beautifully explores one of the most compelling questions of life: how do we emerge from suffereing and challenge with real, encompassing wisdom and love -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness

Broken Open: How difficult times can help us grow

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    £17.09

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    RRP £18.99 – you save £1.90 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Elizabeth Lesser

    1 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of Broken Open: How difficult times can help us grow by Elizabeth Lesser

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 03/06/2004
      ISBN13: 9781844135615, 978-1844135615
      ISBN10: 1844135616

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      'And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom' Anaïs Nin

      Elizabeth Lesser shows how it is possible to deal with fearful change or a painful loss and be reborn, like the Phoenix, to a more vibrant and enlightened self. In Broken Open she shares penetrating tales from her own life, the lives of those she has taught and counselled and the lives of friends and family, tales that explore the big challenges of death, illness and divorce, as well as the daily roller coaster rides of relationships, parenting and work.

      Woven into these stories are quotations from great poets and philosophers. And following them is a toolbox of valuable aids, including meditation, psychological enquiry and spiritual practice. The result is a book that runs the gamut of the human experience, and in a style that is genuine, funny, often heartbreaking, but always inspiring, she shows us how we, too, can allow the pain of adversity to break us open instead of breaking us down, making us bitter or closing our hearts.



      Trade Review
      Never again will a painful experience wipe me out. This book shows how you can transform any difficult transition into a time of great strength and awakening. * Jane Fonda *
      Elizabeth Lesser bravely and beautifully explores one of the most compelling questions of life: how do we emerge from suffereing and challenge with real, encompassing wisdom and love -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness

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