The call of the soul -- The Phoenix process -- The shaman lover -- Children -- Birth and death -- The river of change.

« “A most extraordinary book . . . Lesser is a brilliantly gifted writer.”—Caroline Myss, author of Sacred Contracts and Anatomy of the Spirit

“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

“Rich in food for philosophical mastication, and sparkling in their stylistic clarity, the true-life stories in Broken Open are both entertaining and enlightening.”—Tom Robbins, author of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Still Life with Woodpecker, and Villa Incognito

“Insightful reflections . . . Reminiscent of Rachel Naomi Remen’s books (e.g. Kitchen Table Wisdom), the book is gentle in tone without falling into sentimentality an clear without being dogmatic or simplistic.”—Library Journal » (Publisher's Website)