A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, Grief and Growth, on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron.
Ric Light’s 21-year career includes Professor Emeritus at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, and appointments in Australia and the UK.
He has been invited to lecture and speak at highly regarded universities in Japan, Canada, and France. Over his career, he has published more than 200 journal articles and book chapters, and 12 academic books on sport and physical education.
Growing up in Byron in the ’60s
Ric told The Echo that the first half of Grief and Growth centres around growing up in Byron in the ’60s, but shifts after his brother’s death in the Simpson Desert.
‘It is a story about dealing with the loss of loved ones, and how it promoted personal, professional, and spiritual growth that gave life deep meaning’, he says.
Rethinking grief
The synopsis reads in part, ‘Grief and Growth suggests answers may be found through meditation, sport, exacting disciplines like karate and tuning in to the spirits of nature’.
‘It will have you rethinking your ideas on grief and other major challenges in life’.
Reviews have been positive, with Delvene Delaney saying, ‘Ric Light’s engaging, intriguing and enlightening life story highlights meaningful human emotions, from romantic nostalgia for his boyhood Byron Bay, to swift cultural shifts, and the momentous milestones that deeply affect us all’.
‘It’s well worth the read’.
Grief and Growth will be launched at The Book Room on Thursday, April 4 from 6–7.30pm, with music from Simon Greaves and Gyan.
Should fly off the shelves around here.