Willingly ACT for Spiritual Development: Acknowledge, Choose, & Teach Others

The title of this excellent book might lead you to think it is about a higher power or religion. It is not. Robb describes the human condition (we want certain kinds of experiences, we pursue them, in those pursuits we are often disappointed or experience sorrow, we can over-react to disappointment and sorrow, we can easily get distracted by momentary pleasures at the expense of longer-term fulfillments, we may not appreciate just how much choice we have about how to live). The spiritual development Robb encourages is to discover and pursue those experiences that truly fulfill, captivate, and at times amaze us, even if we are otherwise stressed, disappointed, or in sorrow, and even if there are other momentary distracting reasons not to pursue higher fulfillment. Robb does not minimize the effort involved. However, he identifies the psychological realities we face in the pursuit of a fulfilling life and describes how to address them. Although there are no citations to the scientific literature (they would be distracting in a popular work), the book could be packed with them, particularly references to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). If you are looking for a guide to living well, one that is profound but also practical, this may be the book you are looking for.

A thoughtful and well written book filled with both spiritual and psychological insights, and practical exercises. “Willingly ACT for Spiritual Development” is not just a simple translation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but instead came across as an accessible, practical approach to life written by someone who has thought deeply about life, his patient’s concerns and what our world needs to be on a path of healing and spiritual development. The philosophical, spiritual, and practical stance taken by Dr. Hank Robb is well supported by the science and seems consistent with lived experiences in life, placing spirit at the center. Whether you understand spirit as the center of our being or prefer to also use the word “soul” from a particular religious tradition, I think this book speaks to all.I’m coming to this book from a background as a pastoral psychotherapist and am already familiar with many religious traditions and psychological and spiritual approaches to healing. I will recommend this book to patients, family, and friends if they are interested in spiritual growth and open to spiritual growth but are not necessarily religious. While I don’t know Dr. Robb, after reading this book, I’m sure I would like him.Also, it’s refreshing that it’s not in any way ‘new-age’. I generally prefer a science-based approach, and although he doesn’t bring in the science, I’m very familiar with the relevant scientific literature and there is plenty of support for the ideas in this book. In this context, I think it’s great how instead of citing a lot of research, the author references lived, common experiences and respectfully leaves the decision to readers to decide if paying attention to our own experienced evidence is convincing. I also think there is a lot to be said for making thoughtful decisions from our own lived experiences and observations.While perhaps not everyone is ready to take the keys to a fulfilling life, Dr. Robb is handing them to the reader, so they can pick them up if and when they choose to open the door and integrate them into purposeful living. Highly recommended!

This is a masterfully written book that fills a very important gap in the literature. I can't recommend it enough