EclecticWanderer reviewed Rites to a Good Life by Jack Kornfield
Review of 'Rites to a Good Life' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I've read several books on ritual and spent a few years studying the mythopoetic landscape of Campbell, Meade, Bly, and others, so it was nice to dip back into that energy again while read Marx's book, which builds on their work.
He opens the door on his own life throughout the book, examining his own rites of passage, healthy and less-healthy. He also dialogues with others around the need for ritual and rites of passage. This diverse chorus of voices is a unique strength of the book and I enjoyed hearing their perspectives alongside the author's––so many new voices to me! Most chapters end with practical next steps, which are both a collection of things for one's self (e.g. practices for deepening your awareness in nature), and resources to help others (e.g. links to right of passage resources for small groups/communities).
While the book offers many rituals around various aspects …
I've read several books on ritual and spent a few years studying the mythopoetic landscape of Campbell, Meade, Bly, and others, so it was nice to dip back into that energy again while read Marx's book, which builds on their work.
He opens the door on his own life throughout the book, examining his own rites of passage, healthy and less-healthy. He also dialogues with others around the need for ritual and rites of passage. This diverse chorus of voices is a unique strength of the book and I enjoyed hearing their perspectives alongside the author's––so many new voices to me! Most chapters end with practical next steps, which are both a collection of things for one's self (e.g. practices for deepening your awareness in nature), and resources to help others (e.g. links to right of passage resources for small groups/communities).
While the book offers many rituals around various aspects of life, it seems to focus on preparing one to serve others, particularly boys, and to help guide them into more mature lives. I think this book would be particularly useful for therapists, counselors, religious educators, and parents––especially those who are wondering how best to serve their sons. Likewise, Marx's journey is in some ways the journey of many men, and so men and those who love them, may find it compelling from that perspective.