"There is a secret medicine given only to those who hurt so hard they can't hope. The hopers would feel slighted if they knew"-RumiChesler lost his 22-year-old son, Ofir, a tragedy that threatened to effectively end both their lives. Grief-stricken, his life in shambles, he hit rock bottom. It was only then when he hurt so hard he could not hope anymore, that he was gifted with a secret medicine - a way to turn his inconsolable grief into a blessingThis book is that story, Chesler felt compelled to share his soul-stirring journey with anyone in the midst of suffering a loss because his experience could inspire hope by revealing what is possible. He invites the reader to consider the unthinkable: grief is not the beast we have been taught to fear, but rather a powerful, elemental force - like love. The force can destroy, but it is not malevolent. It can also be a great teacherA plethora of books have been written on grief, including many that have focused on the loss of a child, which is arguably the most traumatic loss an adult will ever face. But this book is unique. It is an experience of grief that is distinguished from other books about grief. It does not discuss grief in academic or distant philosophical terms; it does not treat grief scientifically, as something to be studied or dissected, nor to analyze grief as something to be overcome, resolved or even understoodChesler treats grief for what it is: the other face of love - a powerful, but natural, human response to loss. In Fierce Illumination, grief is met head-on - as a force to be reckoned with. Grief is alive and dynamic in the book, a living character. As such, it can be constructive or destructive; a teacher or a destroyerNone of us is spared the pain of loss; it comes for us all. As pervasive as a loss is, we view it not as a natural part of life, but as a terrifying stranger. Western culture, especially, denies death. All of us, and men, in particular, have been taught to deny our grief, to be tough and not give into emotion, to soldier on, to get over it. Sadly, this philosophy has a devastating effect. In refusing to grieve, we deny life. In time, we become like ghosts. Our lives are haunted by deep, unprocessed woundsAlthough grief nearly destroyed Chesler, that was only the first part of the story. Grief then becomes a catalyst for a deep and profound experience of self-discovery, a moment of profound-and fierce-illumination Chesler's book will help readers explore ideas that: - Loss/grief does not have to be devastating- Counter to all we have been taught, loss/grief is a gift. But we only learn this if we are willing to embrace, honor and respect it for what it truly is- If one is willing to dive deep into the wound, to sit in "the fire" and remain there for as long as it takes, then, when the time is right, something new, special and beautiful can, and will emerge.- Life/Death + Love/Grief are different sides of the same coin. Honor and praise the whole.- Control is an illusion. Surrender and acceptance are powerful philosophies to live byThe book is a must-read for: - Anyone who has suffered a loss- Men who have faced loss but are finding it difficult to process their grief. The Feminine/Masculine plays a significant role in the book revealing that it is possible for a man to engage one's feminine side without compromising his masculinity - to the contrary it only enhances it. The goal is to bring the two into balance- Women who are partners of men who have suffered loss, to help them better understand how some men react to loss and grief"Fierce Illumination portrays a compelling contemporary quest with grief as the catalyst for deep psychological and spiritual transformation. Chesler takes us inside his vivid journey of loss and suffering with acute authenticity and self-revelation until we reach his final breakthroughs which are both luminous and profound" James O'Dea: former President of IONS.
