By Your Side - by David Richo (Paperback)

About the Book

"A necessary and needed character on our human journey is the ally, the reliable companion, the assisting force. In every heroic journey story the hero or heroine requires a trustworthy companion to fulfill his/her/their destiny. The assisting force is often depicted as a sidekick, an aide, a wise advisor, a spirit guide. In stories an assisting force can also be an elixir, a magic form of help, an animal, a wish-fulfilling gem. Some of the assisting forces in our lives are visible and some are invisible. Some are with us for life; some come and go. Examples of spiritual assisting forces are bodhisattvas and saints. Partners in a relationship that works are allies to one another. Carl Jung said that we cannot individuate on Everest, that is, alone. The archetype of the ally is necessary if we are ever to be fully who we are. Martin Buber beautifully describes this: "A person wishes to be confirmed in his being by another person. It is from one human being to another that the heavenly bread of self-being is passed." This book shows us how assisting forces are in and around us, how we can be assisting forces to one another, and presents spiritual practices that can help all this happen"--

Book Synopsis

A fascinating exploration of the "assisting force" archetype, with powerful psychological tools and spiritual insights on how to find and work with these forces in your life--from the bestselling author of How To Be An Adult in Relationships.

Psychotherapist David Richo draws from history, Jungian psychology, Buddhism, nature, and other spiritual traditions to illuminate our connection to the "helpers" we call upon to navigate life. Some of the assisting forces in our lives are visible, and some are invisible. Some are with us for life; some come and go. Spiritual assisting forces could be bodhisattvas and saints--or partners in a relationship who are allies to one another.

Richo says that helpers are a necessary character on our human journey, and that in every heroic journey story the hero or heroine requires a trustworthy companion to fulfill his/her/their destiny. The assisting force can take many forms, but is often depicted as a sidekick, an aide, a wise advisor, or a spirit guide. In stories, an assisting force can also be an elixir, a magic form of help, an animal, or a wish-fulfilling gem.

In this fascinating inquiry, Richo posits that the archetype of the ally is necessary if we are ever to be fully who we are. He shows us how assisting forces are in and around us, and how we can be one to others. Richo offers a compelling and accessible view--and time-tested practices including meditation, self-inquiry, journaling, and affirmations--that help us recognize and access the allies in our lives.

Review Quotes

"In a society suffering from severed belonging, David Richo illuminates a pathway of true companionship and compassion. We cannot survive or flourish alone. By Your Side is a beautiful exploration of how we can become spiritual allies for each other and inspire a growing connectivity throughout our world."
--Tara Brach, author of Radical Compassion

About the Author

​​DAVID RICHO​, PhD, MFT, is a psychotherapist, teacher, writer, and workshop leader whose work emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness and loving-kindness in personal growth and emotional well-being. He maintains a private practice and has taught at Esalen and Spirit Rock. He is the author of numerous books, including Triggers, How to Be an Adult in Relationships, and The Five Things We Cannot Change.