Embark on the Spiritual Journey of Knowing Your True Self

"Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee." —Augustine

Much is said in Christian circles about knowing God. But what if thereis also value in knowing yourself? Christians throughout the ages have agreed that there cannot be deep knowledge of God without deep knowledge of the self. Discerning your true self is inextricably related to discerning God's purposes foryou. Paradoxically, the more you become like Christ, the more you become authentically yourself.

In this exploration of Christian identity, psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery. Heexposes the false selves that you may hide behind and calls you to discover the true self that emerges from your uniqueness in Christ. Freeing you from illusions about yourself, Benner shows that self-understanding leads to the fulfillment of your God-given destiny and vocation.

Through The Gift of Being Yourself, you can:



- Identify and let go of the false selves that hold you back.

- Discover your true self rooted in your identity in Christ.

- UnderstandGod's purpose for your life through deeper self-awareness.

- Embrace authenticity without needing to compare or strive to be someone you're not.

This expanded edition, one of three books in The Spiritual Journey trilogy, includesa new epilogue and an experiential guide with questions for individual reflection or group discussion.

You don't need to try to be someone you are not. Instead, as you uncover your true self, you'll deepen your experience of God through discovering the gift of being yourself.

"In contrast to other books filled with drive-through pop psychology and sound-bite spirituality, Benner, a psychologist and spiritual director, offers an impressively deep and challenging introduction to Christian self-discovery..." – Publishers Weekly Starred Review, January 2004



David G. Benner is an internationally known depth psychologist, transformational coach, and author whose life passion has been helping people walk the human path in a deeply spiritual way and the spiritual path in a deeply human way. His books include Sacred Companions and the Spiritual Journey trilogy, including The Gift of Being Yourself.



Foreword by M. Basil Pennington

Preface: Identity and Authenticity

1. Transformational Knowing of Self and God

2. Knowing God

3. First Steps Toward Knowing Yourself

4. Knowing Yourself as You Really Are

5. Unmasking Your False Self

6. Becoming Your True Self

Epilogue: Identity and the Spiritual Journey



Appendix: For Reflection and Discussion

A Six-Session Discussion Guide to The Gift of Being Yourself

A One-Session Discussion Guideto The Gift of Being Yourself

Notes

About the Author

Books by David G. Benner