The rollicking adventures of a man born into privilege, who chose to leave his old world behind to find a path of soul.
The rollicking adventures of a man born into privilege, who chose to leave his old world behind to find a path of soul.
Inspiration & personal growth, Personal memoirs, Psychotherapy (general)
Amazing Grace: Memoirs of a Transformational Journey is about one man’s struggle to discover his soul in a soulless world, in which he argues that a new kind of human being needs to emerge if our society is to be healed. This new person will need to be someone who will have ‘worked on themselves’ to have become less materialistic and less ego-centred, more planet-friendly and, in particular, more concerned about the well-being of their fellow human beings. In this honest and no-holds-barred book, we learn that if we choose to undertake such a journey, there is no avoiding a confrontation with all those areas of ourselves which prevent this. In author Serge Beddington-Behren’s case, this included his need to come face to face with his chauvinism, his ‘little boy’ who refused to grow up, his narcissism - the myth that the ‘right woman’ would save him - and the delusion of being ‘special’! Chronicling his encounters with the many wise people he’s met along his way, Amazing Grace shows how to let go of attachments to false narratives and assists one in becoming more honest and open-hearted. Serge’s adventures are amusing in places; his hope is that upon discovering the many gifts and blessings that came his way as he aspired to evolve, the reader might feel moved to embark upon similar journeys of self-discovery, vital to our planet’s survival.
Click on the circles below to see more reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Amazing Grace: Memoirs of a Transformational Journey by Serge Beddington-Behrens is an enthralling and heartfelt narrative. Beddington-Behrens, a man of unparalleled style, has not only embraced life to the fullest but has also endured profound suffering in his relentless pursuit of a profound transformation. In this captivating memoir, Beddington-Behrens shares his remarkable journey towards a completely redefined existence. His story is one of passion and resilience, as he grapples with the challenges that come with breaking free from conventional living. With eloquence and sincerity, Beddington-Behrens recounts the trials and tribulations he faced along the way. His experiences serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of personal growth. Through his vivid storytelling, Beddington-Behrens invites readers into his world, allowing them to witness his profound metamorphosis firsthand. His narrative is both enlightening and inspiring, offering valuable insights into the transformative power of self-discovery. Amazing Grace: Memoirs of a Transformational Journey is a testament to the author's unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. Beddington-Behrens' unique perspective and captivating writing style make this memoir a must-read for anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the human experience. ~ P Loveday (Reviewer), NetGalley
In ‘Amazing Grace’ my dear friend Serge has described not only his own transformational journey, but he also speaks for many of his generation who grew up in the ferment of 1960’s hippiedom, looking for new ways of being and living. This is a passionate and engaging narrative by a man of unique style who has lived fully while also often suffering deeply as he struggles to break through to a whole new way of living. Born into a huguely privileged background entailed its own dysfunctions and wounds and these very much shaped the agenda of Serge’s life journey as he felt that many of the values which he had been raised to subscribe to, were the very ones which needed to be surrendered if one was to have a world that worked. A deeply humane and wise book. ~ David Lorimer - programme director of the Scientific and Medical Network and author of many books including 'Resonant Mind' and 'Science, Consciousness and Ultimate Reality.'
Serge’s journey from titled entitlement to spiritual seeker, told with panache and humour, show us how staying true to our deepest vision brings profound, lasting changes in our outer world, and the worlds of those we meet. This transformation inspires us to rebalance our lives, valuing Self over ego, having the courage to face mistakes and discover the ordinary; and with it find the extraordinary, the miracle of being human. To step free from ‘material blessings’, he explains, is not a sacrifice, but a gift- personal freedom. If you feel trapped by this too, here is a guidebook towards an ever-opening inner door. ~ Dale Mathers - Jungian Analyst & Author of 'Alchemy and Psychotherapy'
A marvellously entertaining account of Serge's adventures through the material and spiritual worlds, filled with equal measures of humour and spiritual insight. Serge writes as if speaking to a close friend, and offers the distilled wisdom of a lifetime of spiritual exploration. ~ Steve Taylor, PhD -Steve Taylor, Ph.D. - Poet, University Lecturer and Author of 'The Leap and The Clear Light'
Serge Beddington-Behrens is a unique person and friend, whom I met in England in the mid 1970s. We shared much in the area of spiritual search. In Amazing Grace he opens his soul, mind, and heart with honesty in looking-back at his personal development from his British aristocratic upbringing in his childhood to the present mature phase of his life journey. He conveys beautifully the challenges and conflicts of growing-up in this context and his struggles to become his own person with a deep vision, concern, and sense of identification with the perils and opportunities we are all facing on Planet Earth in this crucial phase of our collective evolution. ~ Abelardo Brenes, Ph.D. - Co-author of The Earth Charter and multiple academic publications in Psychology, Peace Education, and Sustainable Development Education.
In our present times of obsessive consumerism, billionaires who spend fortunes going into space, media moguls and false information to say nothing of hogging the limelight film stars, it is refreshing to read the memoirs of someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the son of a Russian princess and a very successful businessman, educated at Harrow and Oxford, but who decided to put all that behind him and seek another way to live. Serge Beddington-Behrens has travelled the path to self-enlightenment through experiences via Carlos Castaneda, Findhorn, fasting, Shamanism, Zen Buddhism and much more. He readily admits that without his financial inheritance it would have been a much more difficult journey, but the importance of this memoir lies in the fact he chose a difficult path to follow in life rather than the one, given his upbringing, which would have been much easier to follow. As he says, we need a new vision of life- one with heart, compassion, and wisdom. Read this book and hopefully you too will start to search for a new vision in your life. ~ John Bell M.A.(Oxon.) - Educational Consultant
Once upon a time a son of princess… Reading Dr Serge Beddington-Behrens' book will take you on a fascinating journey. You will look forward to the next chapter and regret having finished it, but you will be left with a true taste, a thrill in your soul, a desire to shine and honour your own nature as the author has so skillfully done. ~ Pier Luigi Lattuada M.D., Psy. D., PhD - Transpersonal Psychotherapist, Author and Spiritual Teacher
