The transcendent self and the Mid-Life crisis -- The middle years: functional phase an formation -- Transcendence crisis and the mid-life model -- Detachment in the second half of life -- experience of death of others -- Crisis of contingency, detachment, expectation and direction -- Crises of continuity and of idealized life directives -- Crisi of appearances -- Crisis of deactivation and of ultimate meaning -- Recollection and mid-life meditation --The world as the house of God Our Life of Prayer after the crisis -- Repentance in mid-life spirituality transcendence and self-denial -- Creativity and transcendance -- The middle years and the principles of spiritual formation -- The transcendent self: formative death and resurrection -- Formative transcendence: negative phase -- Formative transcendence: positive phase

The formative spirituality of middle, early and later years of life by Adrian van Kaam. human life approaches its full spiritual potential by way of transition from lower to higher forms of life, and transition is often accompanied by intense crises. Today such crises may be delayed to midlife and give way to deep psychological problems commented upon by social scientists. In this absorbing and interesting book Adrian van Kaam, the famous priest-psychologist of the Institute of Formative Spirituality at Duquesne University in Pittsburg, reintegrates the development in recent psychological insight with the age-old wisdom of spiritual formation. He clarifies how the midlife crises may be seen as a symbol of all crises and may be used to deepen our insight into the basic dynamis of all human life.This important book work is intended as an aid for one's own personal spiritual unfolding, as well as a guide to help us understanding and assist those who are going through the difficulties of midlife crises. There are numerous practical suggestions drawn from everyday experience of individuals. Scientific reports are used extensively but are kept in the background so they don't interfere with the dialogue the reader is helped to set up between his own transcendent self and his experience in everyday life. This book is absolutely indispensable for people in all walks and ages of life ho wish to grow in self understanding as well for priest, ministers, counselors, teachers, and all who wish to understand how to pray, be creative, and get along with others.