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  • Through the Dark Wood

  • Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life
  • Written by: James Hollis PhD
  • Narrated by: James Hollis PhD
  • Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (76 ratings)

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Through the Dark Wood cover art

Through the Dark Wood

Written by: James Hollis PhD
Narrated by: James Hollis PhD
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Publisher's Summary

Have you ever looked at your career, your relationships, or your role in life and wondered, "Is this why I’m really here?” If so, then you are ready for your “midlife crisis" - the pivotal time when you have the opportunity to become the person your soul seeks to be.

"When the illusions of our youth begin to crumble," explains James Hollis, "we reach a turning point that the poet Dante called the 'dark wood.'" With Through the Dark Wood, this author and Jungian analyst reveals the steps we all must take on our road to true maturity, meaning, and fulfillment.

When the Second Half of Life Begins

How do you know when you’ve reached the “second half ”of life? According to Hollis, the first sign comes when you feel dissatisfied by where you are today—and hear a call from within to live a more purposeful life. This marks the collision between your “False Self,” created from the expectations of others, and your instinctive “True Self.”

Drawing upon his experiences with hundreds of clients, Hollis provides an essential map for traversing the universal challenges of midlife, such as building genuine relationships, cultivating a mature spirituality, and letting go of old beliefs that no longer serve you.

An Invaluable Guide through the Challenges of Midlife

"The second half of life isn’t about looking for easy answers," James Hollis says. "It’s about honestly exploring the questions that bring richness and value to your life." With Through the Dark Wood, this penetrating thinker shares a lifetime of insights about how to navigate your life’s most turbulent passages - and emerge from the darkness wiser, stronger, and in greater harmony with your soul’s purpose.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2009 James Hollis (P)2009 James Hollis

What listeners say about Through the Dark Wood

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my comments on the book

very intelligent conversation about life and the ups and downs very end up very in depth. I passed it on to my son hopefully he will buy it listen to it one or the other his wife recently passed away and he is absolutely devastated. from my last comment that was a little while ago there's a third or second time I've listened to this book I'd like to buy the paper book but it's a bit expensive for me. a book that I read at least once a year sometimes twice to put my place my mind in a good place. and recommend to other people.

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My first purchase and an absolute fave

I love this audiobook. I have never learned so much while cleaning my house. #Audible1

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7 people found this helpful

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Very Thought Provoking

Excellent discussion about understanding and finding approaches to confronting life’s internal struggles. Well worth the listen.

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James' best

This is my favourite of his books. It has less stories about clients and more meat and potatoes.

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Diamond In the rough

Expanded my consciousness to a more positive state and understanding. It’s a long road ahead through the dark wood but a lot of the content in this book was eye opening and allowed me to open my mind in a better way on this road we call life.Highly recommend audio version , I am 36 and am so glad I listened to this before my “second half of life”

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The way up is down

If you want to be the best you then enter into the suffering and dark places of your soul, mine that s%^t and allow light to shine on the darkest crap. face it accept it float and let time pass. there is no short cut no self appointed guru path. haha excellent book. loved it

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