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Broken Open

How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

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Broken Open

Written by: Elizabeth Lesser
Narrated by: Susan Denaker
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About this listen

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This inspiring guide to healing and growth illuminates the richness and potential of every life, even in the face of loss and adversity.

In the more than twenty-five years since she co-founded Omega Institute—now the world’s largest center for spiritual retreat and personal growth—Elizabeth Lesser has been an intimate witness to the ways in which people weather change and transition. In a beautifully crafted blend of moving stories, humorous insights, practical guidance, and personal memoir, she offers tools to help us make the choice we all face in times of challenge: Will we be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed? Lesser shares tales of ordinary people who have risen from the ashes of illness, divorce, loss of a job or a loved one—stronger, wiser, and more in touch with their purpose and passion. And she draws on the world’s great spiritual and psychological traditions to support us as we too learn to break open and blossom into who we were meant to be.©2004 Villard; (P)2008 Random House Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality Meditation

What the critics say

"Elizabeth Lesser bravely and beautifully explores one of the most compelling questions of life: how do we emerge from suffering and challenge with real, encompassing wisdom and love. Broken Open is personal, pragmatic and enlightening."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience

"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

“There's more food for philosophical mastication--and more sparkling good sense--in one lucid chapter of Broken Open than in a library of ordinary books on similar subjects.”
—Tom Robbins

“Elizabeth Lesser has written a most extraordinary book that examines our relationship to the changing nature of life. Lesser, a brilliantly gifted writer, has created a treasure chest of personal stories that bring wisdom, insight, compassion, and common sense to the experiences familiar to so many of us as the years of our lives unfold within their immortal cycle of endings and new beginnings.”
—CAROLINE MYSS, author of Sacred Contracts and Anatomy of the Spirit
All stars
Most Relevant
No doubt in my mind I have been changed by this book. What a powerful book that I will listen to again for sure.

Outstanding!

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I found this book at the right time in my life! I’ve listened to it twice now. Plan on listening again in a few months and excited for more life lessons! Truly a great read!

More lessons the more I listen

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I expected a different book. Although I consider myself spiritual, I was not ready for this book. Expected more concrete information. Way too long for my taste, I struggle to finish it.

A bit disappointed

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