Gerald G. May
Born: June 12, 1940 – Hillsdale, Michigan, United States
Gerald G. May was an American psychiatrist, theologian, and spiritual writer whose work explored addiction, grace, contemplative prayer, and discernment. Best known for Addiction and Grace and The Awakened Heart, he helped bridge psychology and Christian spirituality, and his books became enduring resources in spiritual direction and pastoral care.
Biography & Author's Journey
Gerald G. May was an American psychiatrist, theologian, and spiritual writer whose career joined clinical practice to contemplative Christianity. Born in Hillsdale, Michigan, on June 12, 1940, he was the half-brother of the existential psychologist Rollo May. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1962 and earned his M.D. from Wayne State University in 1965. Early posts in Air Force hospitals and at Andrews Air Force Base, followed by work in addiction treatment, prison mental health, and medical teaching, exposed him to dependence, suffering, and the limits of purely technical care. ((https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2005/04/13/jerry-may/2eb46c5b-ef15-49f5-b79b-31c794224eb8/?utm_source=openai))
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Popular Books
The dark night of the soul
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist explores spiritual growth through darkness, blending mysticism and psychology to illuminate life's challenging periods.
Addiction and Grace
Gerald G. May
A compassionate exploration of addiction's grip and the transformative power of grace in healing and spiritual growth.
The wisdom of wilderness
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist's spiritual journey into nature, revealing profound lessons on healing, wholeness, and our connection to the wilderness within.
The dark night of the soul
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist explores spiritual growth through darkness, blending mysticism and psychology to illuminate life's challenging periods.
Addiction and Grace
Gerald G. May
A compassionate exploration of addiction's grip and the transformative power of grace in healing and spiritual growth.
The wisdom of wilderness
Gerald G. May
A psychiatrist's spiritual journey into nature, revealing profound lessons on healing, wholeness, and our connection to the wilderness within.
Discover more
Grace for the Chemical Storm
This plan is designed for individuals navigating mental health challenges who want to reconcile their clinical reality with their faith. It provides a compassionate framework for those seeking to stabilize their lives and restore relationships without sacrificing their spiritual identity.
Mind, Body, God: The Path to a Perfect Self
This comprehensive guide is designed for high-achievers seeking a holistic approach to self-actualization beyond mere productivity. It bridges the gap between modern science and ancient spirituality, making it ideal for anyone looking to integrate physical health, mental mastery, and divine purpose.
Living the Grace-Based Life
This plan is essential for individuals seeking to navigate high-conflict environments without burning out. It is ideal for leaders, caregivers, and anyone looking to balance radical empathy with firm personal boundaries.
Master Mind, Habits & Behavioral Science
This plan bridges the gap between neurological theory and practical application for anyone seeking total self-mastery. It is ideal for professionals, leaders, and individuals looking to optimize their performance by understanding the science of how they think and act.
Eckhart & Jung: The Mystic Path
This plan bridges the gap between spiritual presence and psychological depth, offering a unique synthesis of modern mysticism and Jungian theory. It is ideal for seekers and practitioners looking to integrate shadow work with mindfulness for a more complete journey of self-realization.
The Somatic Path to Awakening
This plan is essential for practitioners who feel a disconnect between their spiritual insights and their lived emotional experiences. It is specifically designed for those seeking to ground their personal growth in somatic safety and authentic relational boundaries.
The Art of Living Well
In an era of constant distraction, this plan provides a foundational toolkit for mental clarity and ethical decision-making. It is ideal for individuals seeking to bridge ancient wisdom with modern challenges to build a more resilient and meaningful life.
Speak with Grace and Grit
In fast-paced professional environments, the ability to think on your feet is a critical differentiator. This plan is designed for professionals who struggle with mental blanks or verbal fluency, offering tactical tools to balance authoritative command with authentic social connection.
Community Voices
"Gerald May finds a language for his soul in his experiences of nature and the poetry of John of the Cross"
— John Welch
"Gerald May was a psychiatrist whose work with chemically addicted people convinced him... every human is addicted"
— Christianity Today
"Jerry May was a great soul who teaches us to be present in the world and to notice things in their mystery"
— Alan Jones
"A gifted and insightful writer, Gerald May's book uses the same title... to place it in a modern setting"
— Conversations Journal
"As the humble, lucid, earthy spiritual master that he is, Jerry May shares with us the guiding, healing spiritual power"
— Tilden Edwards
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
