Human Matters.

Human Matters

Steven Kalas

Stephens Press, LLC

PO Box 1600, Las Vegas, NV 89125-1600

ISBN 9781932173574, $16.95, www.stephenspress.com

"Human Matters: Wise and Witty Counsel on Relationship, Parenting, Grief and Doing the Right Thing" is a newspaper column that the author Steven Kalas writes in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "Human Matters" contains a collection of his articles that have already been published. He covers a multitude of topics ranging from relationships, to authenticity, to grief, to spiritual matters. In his book, Kalas states that he provides "people a context of meaning, safety, and encouragement in which to confront themselves, learn, suffer, celebrate, grow." Through his writings he teaches us about human wholeness and authenticity.

In addition to being a therapist, he is a divorced parent and he was once an Episcopal priest. He has had quite a variety of life experiences that have provided him with some interesting, thought-provoking insights into our human condition. In his writings, not only does he relate experiences of others, but he also uses a great deal of self-disclosure. By incorporating self-disclosure into his discussions, he teaches us that it is okay to look into our own lives and reflect on what we are experiencing.

While reading "Human Matters" I discovered some important insight into an issue that has been troubling me for over a year. I find myself having difficulty forgiving two people who have betrayed me and treated me without respect. I distanced myself from these two people without directly confronting them. In spite of this, I frequently get hit with waves of anger. While I was reading this book, I came to the realization that the core of my anger is not directed at these two people, but more so at myself for allowing them to get in close enough and repeatedly hurt me. I discovered that I hurt myself by continuing to allow these people to mistreat me. So the real anger I need to let go of is directed at my self. I think that I will heal faster now that I have discovered what is really happening within me.

"Human Matters" is a book that we all need to read. So many issues are covered, if one doesn't directly involve us, it will still give us insight into someone that we know. I think that it is best read slowly, section by section, so that when we finish one part, we take some time for self-reflection. This would be an excellent choice for a reader's group. Every person reading it will be able to relate to some part of it, and it will definitely inspire some interesting discussions.