Spirituality and religious experience Books

Book SynopsisCultivate the potential for deeper connection in every conversation. "To think of conversation as a sacred art challenges us to imagine all the conversations in which we participate, from the acquaintance we run into at Target to the dialogue for which we've spent weeks in preparation, as a potentially sacred conversation." —from the Introduction We often find ourselves distracted and overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and demand for connectivity. Now more than ever, we need to develop our capacity for greater presence in our daily lives and relationships. One of the best ways to do this is by improving the quality of our conversations. Dr. Diane M. Millis offers us inspirational stories, insights and spiritual practices from many faith traditions to increase our awareness of the deep, natural holiness waiting to be unlocked in our everyday encounters. This resource is a catalyst for anyone who would like to enrich seemingly ordinary conversations as well as for leaders in educational, ministry and corporate settings who want to: Increase their capacity to listen deeply Become more self-aware and attentive to others Learn how to move beyond conventional topics to exploring purpose, meaning and values in conversation.Trade ReviewMillis (founder, Journey Conversations Project) has tackled an unusual topic in spirituality: conversation. We think of conversation as an element in democratic governing or an ornament in society, but Millis makes a good case for using conversation to approach the sacred in the self and others; she shows how to enlarge the element of the sacred in dialog, with examples from many traditions. VERDICT An interesting and truly multifaith approach to a topic of broad application (we all talk!); good for reading groups and retreats, as well as individuals. Library Journal 8/1/2013, Vol 138: 13, p. 81. * Library Journal *Table of ContentsForeword ix Introduction xiii Part One What Is the Sacred Art of Conversation? 1 Chapter 1: Encountering the Sacred Within 5 Practice: Entering the Cave of Your Heart 10 Practice: Listening to the Conversation in Your Heart 11 Chapter 2: Encountering the Sacred in Each Other 13 Reflection: Souls Who Have Made Us Wiser 17 Practice: Tending One Another's Light— Holding, Beholding, and Being Held 18 Chapter 3: Encountering the Sacred Between Us 19 Reflection: Increasing Awareness of the Sacred Between Us 24 Part Two Gateways for Conversation 25 Chapter 4: Listening to Your Life 31 Reflection: Steppingstones on the Journey 40 Chapter 5: Noticing and Naming What Gives You Life 41 Reflection: Nurturing Awareness of What You Hold Sacred 49 Reflection: Looking at the World with the Eyes of a Poet 50 Chapter 6: Discerning a Heart-Centered Path 51 Reflection: Listening to Your Inner Guide 60 Reflection: The Thread You Follow 61 Part Three Practicing the Sacred Art of Conversation 63 Chapter 7: Practicing Attentive Presence: Listening Within Before Speaking Out 69 Practice: Three Deep Breaths 75 Practice: Centering on the Breath 76 Chapter 8: Practicing Receptive Presence: Welcoming All That We Encounter 77 Reflection: The Three Gates 85 Practice: The Welcoming Prayer 86 Chapter 9: Practicing Compassionate Presence: Going Within Before Venturing Out 89 Practice: Offering the Gift of Contemplative Questions 100 Practice: Sacred Holding 102 Practice: Compassionate Abiding 103 Conclusion 105 Appendices The Sacred Art of Conversation in Community: Creating Occassions for Contemplative Conversations 111 Appendix 1: Cultivating Contemplation and Compassion in Community through Journey Conversations 115 Appendix 2: Appreciatively Focused Conversations at Home and Work 127 Appendix 3: Conversation Catalysts 131 Notes 139 Suggestions for Further Reading 147 Acknowledgments 151 About the Journey Conversations Project 153 Credits 154

Read more less

Book SynopsisUnlock the transformative power of movement as a life-changing spiritual practice. "If you're thinking 'But I’m not a dancer’ or ‘I feel awkward,’ I hope to reassure you. You don’t need a special talent to move. You don’t need to be ‘graceful’ or especially coordinated. You don’t need a body that’s ‘in shape.’ Dancing helps us embrace all this humanity. Dance connects us to the holy of life." —from the Introduction Seize the joy and healing power of dance! Drawing from her years of experience as a dance and movement teacher, and as cofounder of the international dance organization InterPlay, Cynthia Winton-Henry helps you overcome your embarrassment or anxiety and discover in dance a place of solace and restoration, as well as an energizing spiritual force. She taps into the spirit of dancing throughout history and in many world cultures to provide detailed exercises that will help you learn to trust your body and interpret its physical and spiritual intentions. For both newcomers and seasoned movers alike, she encourages you to embrace dance as a spiritual tool to: Celebrate your unique spirituality and get in touch with your emotions Unify your body and mind, and push your personal boundaries Work through trauma or crisis and restore spiritual well-being Deepen your relationships and strengthen your community Find spiritual direction … and much more!Trade ReviewDo you sometimes feel as if you are experiencing information overload? Then pick up this book and learn the technique of "exformation" through dance. That is only one of the many ideas Winton-Henry shares in this creative contribution to spiritual practice. The author presents the Divine as asking each person "May I have this dance?" Yet so many religious traditions downplay or deny the value of the body in spite of numerous traditions of God's movement toward creatures and the lively response of followers. This repression was not always so nor need it be so in the future, according to the author. In fact, words such as “carol” and “chorus” mean to dance and to dance together. Winton-Henry develops ways in which to approach the Holy through unlocking the dance of joy, approaching wholeness through movement and dancing for healing. Interestingly, she also promotes dancing as a part of spiritual direction, as action of the beloved community and as a form of peacemaking. Included in the book are a variety of movement practices for each theme, additional reading suggestions and resources for particular forms of dancing. No matter what age, what physical ability or limitation or what spiritual tradition you are, there is much in this volume to invite you to the sacred dance. -- Colette Hanlon * Catholic Library World *Table of ContentsIntroduction ix A Dancing Parable xv Chapter One: May I Have This Dance? 1 Chapter Two: Approaching Holy Ground 16 Chapter Three: Unlocking the Dance of Joy 37 Chapter Four: Dancing into Wholeness 51 Chapter Five: Dancing for Healing 77 Chapter Six: Dancing for Spiritual Direction 103 Chapter Seven: Dancing with Beloved Community 131 Chapter Eight: Dancing as Peacemaking 158 Resources 181 Suggestions for Further Reading 185 Index of Movement Practices 191 Gratitude 193

Read more less

Book SynopsisStay spiritually grounded and open to divine wisdom as you shape your life. "To make wise decisions, we need the aid of that wise and loving Spirit whose wisdom and light exceed our own. With the Spirit illuminating the complexities of our decisions, we can see and understand more about ourselves and our choices." —from the Introduction Spiritual discernment is the traditional name for listening and responding to divine guidance. In this book you will approach decision making as an active participant, a co-creator with God in shaping your life. Drawing on twenty-five years of experience as a psychologist and fifteen years as a spiritual director, Nancy L. Bieber presents three essential aspects of Spirit-led decision making: Willingness—being open to God's wisdom and love Attentiveness—noticing what is true, discerning the right path Responsiveness—taking steps forward as the way becomes clear. With gentle encouragement, Bieber shows how to weave these themes together to discover the best path for you. Each chapter is enriched by practical spiritual exercises to help you understand yourself and your specific situation, as well as to strengthen spiritual discernment as a daily way of life. An appendix includes a detailed guide for using the book in group study.Trade Review"Prayerfully and skillfully facilitates the readers' recognition of 'truths (they) already know ... hidden anywhere in life,' thus opening us to the heart of discernment as the process of living the values of our lives." —Rose Mary Dougherty, SSND, author, Discernment: A Path to Spiritual Awakening; codirector, Companioning the Dying: Opening Fully to Living "Weaves practical insights for cultivating discernment with page-turning stories and repeatable practices. [It] will create ... healthy decisions that are the ripe fruit of ongoing practices for discernment." —Kent Ira Groff, founding mentor, Oasis Ministries; author, What Would I Believe If I Didn’t Believe Anything? and Facing East, Praying West “A brilliant lead and many lessons.” —Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, founder, Center for Action and Contemplation; author, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See “Compelling and beneficial … filled with insight and wisdom, as well as practical practices in discernment. This is a volume you’ll return to often.” —J. Brent Bill, Quaker minister, retreat leader and photographer; author, Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment “Offers readers clarity and practical tools—just what we yearn for when facing uncertainty and change…. It will reassure those seeking to understand their own experience of being led by the Spirit.” —Eileen Flanagan, author, The Wisdom to Know the Difference: When to Make a Change—and When to Let Go “Balancing self and other, honoring self and other, embracing self and other is a great challenge for many of us. [This book] helps us take up that challenge in a manner that moves us further along the path of godliness. Read this book. And, more importantly, practice its method.” —Rabbi Rami Shapiro, translator and annotator, Ecclesiastes: Annotated & Explained; author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice “I loved this! A priceless book for living a spiritually centered life. User-friendly and reassuring … the practices offer gentle guidance for making any decision, large or small. A must have for everyone on a spiritual path as well as anyone supporting that journey.” —Kay Lindahl, author, The Sacred Art of Listening: Forty Reflections for Cultivating a Spiritual Practice; founder, The Listening CenterTable of ContentsIntroduction: Making a Start 1 PART I Willingness 1 Opening with a "Yes" 15 2 Facing Our Fears 31 PART II Attentiveness 3 Surveying the Situation 49 4 Listening to the Inner Self 65 5 Noticing God's Nudges 81 6 The Habit of Attentiveness 95 PART III Responsiveness 7 Testing Our Decisions 115 8 Step by Step 131 9 When We Have to Wait 147 10 The Harvest of Discernment 161 Epilogue: A Letter for Decision Makers 175 Guide for Groups: A Six-Session Course of Study and Practice 178 Suggestions for Further Reading 192 Acknowledgments 195 Index of Exercises 196

Read more less

Book SynopsisTake Your Understanding of Church Teachings from Limiting to Life-Giving—and Free Your Faith to Flourish "No longer sustained by easy answers, we may find ourselves standing before a three-pronged fork in the road: we can wander in the direction of conventional beliefs and practices, we can reject God and turn away from religion altogether, or we can embrace our uncertainty as an invitation to a more vital understanding of both God and religion." —from the Introduction Do you describe yourself as "spiritual but not religious"? Whether young or old, church connected or not, are you spiritually restless for an authentic faith life but do not find conventional religious teachings pertinent to you? This accessible guide to a meaningful spiritual life is a salve for your soul. It reinterprets traditional religious teachings central to the Christian faith—God, Jesus, faith, prayer, morality and more—in ways that connect with people who have outgrown the beliefs and devotional practices that once made sense to them. It helps you find new ways to understand and relate to traditional, narrowly defined Christian "truths" that honor their full spiritual power and scope, and opens your mind and heart to the full impact of Christian teachings.Trade ReviewSo begins the Rev. Canon Marianne Wells Borg's Foreword to Tom Stella's book: Finding God Beyond Religion. Drawing on this poem by Amichai, Borg explains, "Tom Stella has been moved, shaped, liberated by 'doubts and loves'." A Christian author who champions doubt? Here’s why Borg’s insight is so important: Millions of men and women are coming to appreciate the value of doubt in their spiritual lives. Of course, some religious traditions value doubt more than others. The full spectrum of Judaism, for example, runs from ultra-orthodox through secular humanist congregations—Jews who believe that the entity we have traditionally called "God" is really the enlightened spirit of humanity. In Buddhism, as the Dalai Lama regularly explains, the traditional Western concept of God is irrelevant to the Buddhist search for compassion and enlightenment. Sufis and other mystics value doubt. To clarify his message, Tom Stella is not an atheist. In fact, you’ll find in today’s interview with Read The Spirit Editor David Crumm that Tom considers himself a Christian. But, he also describes his concept of God, now, as a powerful sense of a Spirit within the world and within all of us. He says his theology is much like that of retired Bishop John Spong, who we also interviewed recently. Stella’s opening lines in this book quote the Muslim-Sufi mystic Rumi inviting "us to leave behind the narrow notion of religion understood as moral teachings and to enter the field where spiritual seekers gather." That “field” does not try to impose traditional doctrines, Stella explains. Many religious writers scoff at people who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” But, Tom Stella is a stalwart friend of such seekers. He has become a spiritual counselor to the Nones—the growing minority of Americans who decline to give pollsters a religious affiliation and, instead, respond: “None.” Read The Spirit earlier took a close look at the Rise of the Nones. Sociologist Dr. Wayne Baker, creator of the Our Values project, also has reported on the Nones. For much of his adult life, Tom Stella served as a Catholic priest. Now, he has left his religious order. As you can learn from Tom’s homepage, he is a spiritual director, counselor, hospice chaplain and author. He has become a sage of the Rockies—a wise teacher drawing from West and East to help men and women from his home base in Colorado Springs. Highlights of Our Interview with Tom Stella on Finding God Beyond Religion DAVID CRUMM: You don’t like that label—”Nones.” Instead, you use a phrase that I like, too: “unorthodox believers.” Explain what you mean by that. TOM STELLA: These are people who are not being fed by the traditional church. Yet, some of the healthiest religious people I know are unorthodox believers. They wouldn’t call themselves “religious” necessarily. Many of the unorthodox believers I have encountered do believe that there is a communion with the divinity, although they are likely to see this divinity as a communion with the spirit of humanity. The term “unorthodox believer” covers a lot of ground—it’s a big umbrella. I’m saying in this book that it’s important for traditional religious groups not to just write off these folks as heretics or atheists. These folks are spiritually hungry. They’re grappling with—and many of them longing for—ways to relate to the larger community. DAVID: There’s an unfortunate stereotype floating around that “spiritual seekers” are somehow self-centered dilettantes. They’re too soft for real religion and prefer selfish feel-good experiences. That’s essentially what Rabbi David Wolpe said in TIME magazine this spring. We just discussed the Wolpe commentary in a recent interview with Ram Dass. In sharp contrast, you say that the spiritual-but-not-religious path takes a great deal of courage. Some folks may, indeed, be using that line to avoid the whole subject. But for many people, you’re saying, this phrase describes taking a courageous dive into the deep end of the religious pool, right? TOM: Our culture has developed a very cynical take on these folks. People discount them by describing them as just wanting fuzzy, self-centered stuff. That’s an unfair stereotype. In my experience, folks who’ve chosen to walk this path want a faith that has integrity. Now, we don’t want to stereotype traditionally religious people, either. But I can say this: It’s easier in our culture to go the traditional route of membership and practice than it is to walk the spiritual pathway. Jack Spong says that people go to religion for safety, not for truth. I think it’s very courageous for people to walk outside of the traditional, institutional paths. People who choose this path can find themselves separated from members of their own family, as relatives learn what traditional beliefs they may have left behind. In the last chapter of my book, I write about so-called “Cafeteria Catholics,” a stereotype of Catholics who like to choose which beliefs they will follow. The institutional Catholic Church wants to write them off. I say: No, these people are trying to work out what they can claim with integrity. I think Jesus was probably regarded as a Cafeteria Jew in his day, which is why he encountered so much friction from the religious officials of his day. TOM STELLA: 'This can blow up old assumptions’ DAVID: At Read The Spirit, we have published a number of interviews with Bible scholar Marcus Borg—the husband of Marianne Borg, who wrote your Foreword—and Marcus often talks about this problem of conflict within organized religion over what people truly believe, and things the denominations tell them to believe. You’re a fan of Spong’s writing, too, and Spong frequently talks about this problem: Many organized religious groups insist on doctrines that millions have a hard time believing. In your research for this book, what would you say are some of the toughest barriers to belief today? TOM: Doctrines about Jesus are a barrier, which Marcus also addresses in his books. I’m talking about what we could call High Christology—Jesus descended from above, born of a virgin, died for our sins, and so on. Today, a lot of people who want to have a life of faith say, “I can’t go there anymore.” They may say, “I once reveled in those traditional beliefs, but I just can’t believe that way anymore.” I’m talking about those teachings that give us a dualistic sense of life—that there is this world and then God is somewhere else. God is this anthropomorphic Father, a Guy in the Sky who sometimes decides to intervene. For a lot of people, that notion just doesn’t make sense anymore. When people describe this problem to me, they’ll say: “My life experience tells me this isn’t so.” A lot of people have prayed for someone to recover from a life-threatening illness—for the Guy in the Sky to step in and change the world with a miracle. When that doesn’t happen, this can blow up old assumptions about faith. DAVID: So, are you an atheist? Turning to Wikipedia, the term “atheist” means “the rejection of belief in the existence of deities.” Is that you? TOM: You might say that I am non-theistic. I believe in “God,” but my definition of “God” is different than what you’ll find in most churches. I go into this more in my earlier book, A Faith Worth Believing: Finding New Life Beyond the Rules of Religion. I don’t believe that there is a God who is a separate entity out there somewhere—a Guy in the Sky. I don’t believe the word “God” refers to someone. It refers, I would say, to the spiritual essence of reality and creation. What I am describing, I think, is very similar to what Jack Spong writes and teaches, except that he often comes across as somewhat strident. My work is softer. DAVID: Yes, I’ve read most of Spong’s books and have known him for nearly 30 years and, you’re right: He deliberately remained within the Christian church, as a bishop, and so came across as very controversial and often as strident—an outspoken prophetic voice within the church. You’ve chosen a different path. You left your religious order and you’re working with folks who also are outside of organized religion. I agree: Your book is pastoral, both for people inside and outside of churches, now. TOM: I wouldn’t choose to call myself more pastoral than Jack Spong. I would say that my perspective is more contemplative. Thomas Merton has been a big influence on me. DAVID: Let me push you further. Jack argues strongly that he remains a Christian. How about you? Do you use that term to describe yourself? TOM: Yes, I would say that I am Christian, because I see the person of Jesus as someone who is a revelation of the truth of this non-theistic God immanence, this God closeness, this Oneness. Jesus is someone who woke up to the truth of his own divinity and surrendered to that to a degree that most people don’t ever achieve. Now, at the same time, I would not say that Jesus is the one and only incarnation of God. I do think that—while Christians have taken the idea of incarnation seriously for 2,000 years—we’ve forgotten to take it personally. The term incarnation applies to Jesus, but it also applies to all of us. We are the enfleshment of the divine. TOM STELLA: Prayer, T.S. Eliot and Waking Up DAVID: So, a lot of readers will ask: Where does that leave prayer? You just referred to Thomas Merton as a major influence in your life. Throughout your book, readers will encounter a number of famous Christian mystics, including the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. We just talked about the revival of Hopkins’s poetry in an interview with Richard Rohr. You’re a spiritual director—an advocate of prayer. Yet, in your book, you point out the obvious question: “If we’re not sure there’s a God out there, then what’s the point?” That’s a question a woman asks you in the book. So, what do you say? TOM: I’m trying to say that prayer is a lot bigger than we have been taught. I was taught that I was praying when I intended to pray and thought I was praying—and I was engaged either in a communal setting or some other formal setting of prayer. Prayer was confined to those settings and formats. But, in the New Testament, Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing. What does that mean? He’s inviting us to see that prayer is a lot bigger than we can imagine. And, I am trying to say that life can be so much richer when we recognize that the living of it can be considered a prayer. Life is an encounter with the divine, embodied in everyday ordinary creation, if we are fully present and aware of this. Prayer can become something much more pervasive in our lives, almost indecipherable from the way we move through life itself. You may have seen this in the lives of people who have truly given over their lives to these truths. Think of the way St. Francis walked through life. People can come to a realization that every piece of the earth is holy ground. That’s where we get into contemplative sensitivity. It’s not just another way of defining and teaching prayer—this is about realizing that prayer is an entirely different sensitivity to life. DAVID: I have to ask you, in this regard, about your choice of T.S. Eliot and a quote from his Four Quartets. Personally, I’m struck by how often Eliot is turning up in contemporary Catholic writing, these days. We published a review of a remarkable book, collecting contemporary Catholic writers under a title that also is taken from Eliot’s Four Quartets, the phrase “Not Less Than Everything.” Eliot kept asking: How can anyone who cares about humanity keep going in such tragic times? His answer was as long and complex as the 50 pages of the Four Quartets. But it involves making a total personal commitment to life. Or, as Eliot puts it—a commitment “costing not less than everything.” In your book, you quote four lines that come just before that famous phrase about the cost. You quote this: We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. Tell us why you chose those lines. TOM: Ultimately, this is all about waking up. That’s what the spiritual life is all about—recognizing the fullness of where we are and where we’ve been. It’s enlightenment. William Wordsworth put it this way in his Ode, Intimations of Immortality: Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! In a sense, Wordsworth is saying something very much like Eliot was saying in those lines you just quoted. We wander through life. We forget. We are lost. In a sense, we have to wander to find that we are home, again. Ram Dass says it this way: “We’re all just walking each other home.” Ultimately, we recognize that we’ve been on sacred ground the whole time. DAVID: What do you hope readers will find when they’ve read your book? TOM: I hope they will come away from this book with a spiritual understanding of religious truth that is a deeper understanding than the conventional interpretations that are all around us. I want them to realize there is a real baby in this bathwater of spirituality and it shouldn’t all be tossed out the window. I want them to be able to name and claim something new as the foundation for a more life-giving faith. -- By David Crumm * Read the Spirit *Table of ContentsForeword xi Introduction xv 1. God Beyond Religion 1 2. What Becomes of Prayer If There Is No God? 13 3. From Belief to Faith 27 4. Jesus: The Way, or in the Way? 39 5. Why Didn't Someone Tell Me I'm a Mystic? 51 6. Inspiration Is Not Dictation 65 7. Morality As Right Relationship 77 8. What Problem of Evil? 89 9. Church with a Mission, Mission with a Church 103 Epilogue: A Spiritual Epoch on the Rise 115 Acknowledgments 119 Notes 121 Suggestions for Further Reading 125

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the spiritual potential hidden in every cast of the fly rod. "For us, fly-fishing is about more than catching fish. We have been skunked on the stream too many times to count, and stood shivering in our waders in 45-degree water long after sundown. Yet, every chance we get, we head back to the river in search of trout and something more." —from Rabbi Eric's Introduction "Early in my fly-fishing career I remember telling a friend that there is so much to learn! Some forty years later, that is still true. Every trip I learn something new about rivers, fish and the natural world. Most importantly, I learn something new about myself. Every encounter with the waters of our planet draws me deeper into who I am and who I want to become." —from Reverend Mike's Introduction In this unique exploration of fly-fishing as a spiritual practice, an Episcopal priest and a rabbi share what fly-fishing has to teach us about reflection, awe and the wonder of the natural world, the benefits of solitude, the blessing of community and the search for the Divine. Tapping the wisdom in the Christian and Jewish traditions and their own geographically diverse experiences on the water, they show how time spent on the stream can help you navigate the currents and eddies of your own inner journey.Trade Review"Offers beautiful and original perspectives on a pastime that for many is a kind of religion. They find common ground in the rivers they fish and the spiritual truths they encounter. Lovely, learned, personal, heart-warming and instructional." —James Prosek, author, Trout: An Illustrated History and Fly-Fishing the 41st: From Connecticut to Mongolia and Home Again—A Fisherman's Odyssey "Tastefully integrates valuable fly-fishing principles, accounts of adventures and deep spiritual truths that we can all apply to our lives and reflect on when we are on the water." —Italo Labignan, television host, Canadian Sportfishing "Clearly [shows] we are all united in our spirit…. A great read for anyone who cares about people, the conservation of our planet or learning to fly-fish." —Sherry Steele, communications chair, Federation of Fly Fishers National Board of Directors “Wonderfully written, inspirational … thoughtful and articulate, a careful read of this exceptional book will make you a better fly-angler, but more importantly, it will make you a better person.” —Todd Larson, PhD, history professor, Xavier University; publisher, Whitefish Press; creator, the Fishing for History blog “Help[s] explain why so many people have ascribed spiritual meaning to this sport, and it does so in a way that will help others find such meaning in this pastime as well.” —Kenneth H. Lokensgard, PhD, creator, the Literary Fly Fisher blog “I loved this book. Both men write beautifully, lyrically, poetically about ... the connection, the preparation for and act of fly-fishing. You will enjoy it. The words will 'take' you there.” —John Lionberger, author, Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural WorldTable of ContentsForeword: Chris Wood, CEO, Trout Unlimited v Preface: Lori Simon, executive director, Casting for Recovery ix Introduction: Rabbi Eric xi Introduction: Reverend Mike xv Chapter One In the Beginning Preparing for the River 1 The Fly-Angler's Gear Checklist 11 Reflection Questions 12 Exercise: The Significance of Your Gear 13 Chapter Two Getting There Escaping the Everyday 15 Reflection Questions 31 Exercise: Meditative Walking to the River 31 Chapter Three Being There Wading into the Stream and into Yourself 33 Reflection Questions 48 Exercise: The Basics of Fly-Casting 49 Exercise: Improving Your Fly-Casting with Lefty Kreh's Five Principles 51 Chapter Four Homecoming Peace and Harmony at the End of the Day 53 Reflection Questions 61 Exercise: Five-Step Meditation for the End of the Day 62 Chapter Five Common Ground Fishing with Friends 65 Reflection Questions 79 Exercise: Become a Part of a Fly-Fishing Community 79 Chapter Six Unfamiliar Terrain Fishing Far from Home 81 Reflection Questions 96 Exercise: Keep a Fly-Fishing Travel Journal 97 Chapter Seven Fly-Tying A Recipe for Creativity 99 Reflection Questions 106 Exercise: Tie Your Own Fly 106 Chapter Eight Stewardship and Conservation Giving Back to the Stream 109 Reflection Questions 123 Exercise: Get Involved to Protect the Rivers You Fish 124 Acknowledgments 127 Notes 129 Suggestions for Further Reading 131 Fly-Fishing Resources 133

Read more less

Book SynopsisSearching for happiness in our modern world of stress and struggle is common; finding it is more unusual. This guide explores and explains how to find joy through a time-honored, creativeand surprisingly practicalapproach based on Kabbalah and the teachings of Jewish mystics.The very core of the Jewish mystical tradition is centered on the belief that if our focus is spiritual, then true appreciation of our lives, and true joy, are possible. Step by step, Finding Joy describes the basis of happiness in the context of Jewish mystical tradition and shows, in an easy-to-understand way, how we can use its concept of the 10 divine "rays of light," the Sefirot, to remedy the everyday unhappiness in our lives.Clear, creative, personal and down-to-earth, Finding Joy introduces the ancient insights of the Jewish mystics, and offers practical week-by-week exercises for the soul which bring them into our daily routines. Finding Joy is not an instant cure for modern life''s burdens. Instead, it's a guide to a time-honored method for thinking and living ... and finding real joy.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFulfill the reality that the glory of God is the human fully alive. "Reverend Vennard is fearlessly awake to the wild dance of life. Rather than sleeping through life, she awakens to it. Rather than escaping from reality, she embraces it. Rather than distracting herself with a life to come, she dares to live the life that is. And she wants you to do all this as well. Read this book. Live this book. Wake up." —from the Foreword In a culture enthralled with technology, striving and speed, people of many faith traditions and no faith tradition long to slow down, pay attention and wake up to the present moment. They want help in realizing their hope that they can become more truly alive. This engaging and highly readable book offers you guidance for the journey. Sharing stories from her personal life as a spiritual seeker and from her professional career as a retreat leader, spiritual director and teacher, Reverend Jane Vennard illustrates the joys and frustrations of spiritual practice, offers insights from various religious traditions, and provides step-by-step exercises and meditations to practice: Caring for the body • Rest • Silence Solitude • Letting go • Community • Hospitality • Service • Living gratefullyTrade Review"Invaluable [for] expanding our definition and understanding of spiritual practice." —The Phoenix SpiritTable of ContentsForeword by Rami Shapiro xiii Introduction xv Expanding Our Understanding of Prayer and Spiritual Practice xvi Defining Terms xvi Becoming Fully Alive xviii Examining Our Practices xix On Cushion, Off Cushion xx A Variety of Practices xxi 1. The Practice of Caring for Your Body Finding New Images, Deep Wisdom, and Blessings 1 Body Image: Experiencing Your Body as a Gift 3 Befriending Your Body 5 Embodied Wisdom 7 Healing the Divide 10 How Are You Called to Practice? 11 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 13 Writing a Letter to Your Body 13 Body Blessing 14 2. The Practice of Rest Restoring Your Energy, Your Creativity, and Your Spirit 15 Cultural Perceptions of Resting 16 Restful Activities 19 Biblical Call to Rest 21 Four Steps of the Creative Process 23 Sabbath Rest 24 How Are You Called to Practice? 26 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 27 Grateful Breathing 27 Resting While You Walk 28 3. The Practice of Silence Finding Spaciousness, Stillness, and Inner Peace 29 Discovering Well-Being in Quiet Places 30 Listening to Ourselves and Beyond Ourselves 31 Honoring Effortless Silence 34 Practicing Silence in a Supportive Community 35 Exploring the Shadow Side of Silence 36 Be Still and Know That I Am God 39 How Are You Called to Practice? 41 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 43 A Variety of Meditation and Contemplative Prayer Practices 43 Breath Counting 43 Centering Prayer 44 True Meditation 45 4. The Practice of Solitude Making Friends with Yourself 47 Facing the Dragon of Loneliness 50 Early Experiences of Being Alone: Avoided or Encouraged? 52 The Journey Is the Destination: Walking Nowhere Alone 55 The Capacity to Be Alone: Self-Discovery, Creativity, and Intimacy 57 Silence and Solitude Together: A Furnace of Transformation 60 How Are You Called to Practice? 62 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 63 Exploring Your Experiences of Loneliness 63 Walking Meditation: Slowly Going Nowhere 64 5. The Practice of Letting Go Releasing Your Attachments, Your Past, and Your Future 67 Letting Go of Material Things 68 Fasting: Making Space for the Sacred 70 Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurts and Leaving the Past Behind 72 Nonattachment: Letting Go of the Outcome 75 Accepting the Life That Awaits Us 78 How Are You Called to Practice? 81 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 82 The Courage to Forgive 82 Dancing Nonattachment 83 6. The Practice of Community Discovering Support, Encouragement, and Interdependence 85 The Rhythm of Contemplative, Communal, and Missional Spiritual Practices 87 Singing Together We Become the Music 89 Dancing, Moving, and Playing Together 91 Making Music Together: Surrendering to the Whole 93 Spiritual Direction 96 How Are You Called to Practice? 98 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 100 My Communal Spiritual Practice: Examining Its History and Discovering Its Future 100 Playful Body Sculpting and Creative Naming 101 7. The Practice of Hospitality Inviting, Welcoming, and Nurturing the Stranger 103 The Three Movements of Hospitality 104 Hospitality: A Two-Way Street 107 Practicing Communal Hospitality: Blessings and Challenges 109 Welcoming the Stranger Within 112 Cultivating the Hospitable Heart 114 How Are You Called to Practice? 115 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 116 Welcoming the Stranger Within 116 The Welcoming Prayer 118 8. The Practice of Service Cultivating Generosity, Kindness, and Joy 121 Hidden Service: The Power of Practices That No One Notices 125 The Practice of Discernment: Deciding Who, Where, and How to Serve 131 Bearing Witness: No Need to Fix Anything 134 Many Hands Make Light Work: Practicing Service in Community 135 Responding to the Needs of Mother Earth 138 How Are You Called to Practice? 138 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 140 Letting the Mud Settle and Becoming Still 140 Listening with an Open Heart—Including Silence in the Conversation 142 9. The Fruits of Practice Living Gratefully, Humbly, and Compassionately 145 The Experience of Living Gratefully 149 Surprise Is the Wisdom of a Grateful Heart 151 Humility—the Forgotten Virtue 152 The Gracious Gift of Humility 154 Cultivating Humble Hearts 155 Discovering the Depth of Your Compassion 157 The Courage to See, the Courage to Feel, and the Courage to Act 159 How Are You Called to Practice? 162 Guidelines for More Extended Practice 163 Keeping a Gratitude Journal 163 Discovering Your Image of Humility 164 Knowledge of the Stranger Deepens Compassion 165 Acknowledgments 167 Notes 169 Suggestions for Further Reading 175 Index of Practices 179

Read more less

Book SynopsisA profound reminder of our role in God's vision for a restored and reconciled world. "The work before us—this mission of God's—is immense, cosmic, even. The world is hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, lonely, imprisoned and enslaved—because some parts are. The creation is groaning in travail because of our abuse of the garden in which we have been set. The body is ailing. Participating in God’s mission is about seeing and responding to that collective suffering, and beginning to understand our interconnection with the other parts of the body." —from the Introduction In the Christian tradition, believers are called to do more than sit around and pray. Throughout the Gospel—and throughout history—people of faith have been quite literally booted out into the world to bring God’s love to everybody, not just a select few. That’s the meaning of mission—from the Latin verb mitto, meaning, "to send." It is the work that Jesus and his disciples set out to do—feeding, healing and teaching. In an insightful and powerful voice, Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, explores the meaning of mission in the context of contemporary life, reminding us of the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission: Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom Teach, Baptize and Nurture New Believers Respond to Human Need with Loving Service Seek to Transform Unjust Structures of Society Strive to Safeguard the Integrity of Creation, and Sustain and Renew the Life of the EarthTrade Review"Teems with the particulars of human care, human contact and human compassion.... Readers will be able to 'take heart' and 'lift up our hearts' at Katharine's compelling testimony." —Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary "A gift to our worldwide Communion, indeed to the whole church. These gems sparkle with insight and challenge…. A classic for renewal in the church’s commitment as servant to God’s mission." —Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate, the Anglican Church of Canada "A love story between the churched soul and the all-consuming work of God on earth. This compilation of stories and commentary, confession and hymning joy, will move even the most recalcitrant of us to greater humility and more gratitude." —Phyllis Tickle, author, Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, Why It Matters “Invites us to gain strength from the stories of courageous mission leaders, listen for God’s call into new and sometimes risky places and to become transformative leaders for the church today." —The Rev. Margaret R. Rose, Ecumenical and Interreligious Deputy, The Episcopal Church “Wide-ranging, biblical and creative … weaves a tapestry of spirituality for the Five Marks of Mission that inspires a discipleship of solidarity and illuminates what the church’s faithfulness in God’s mission means in the twenty-first century.” —The Rev. Canon Dr. Titus Presler, principal, Edwardes College, Peshawar; author, Going Global with God: Reconciling Mission in a World of DifferenceTable of ContentsAcknowledgments xi Introduction xiii Part I The First Mark of Mission: To Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom Fear Not 3 Proclaiming the Good News Relentlessly 7 Seeing the Face of Jesus 12 From the Upper Room to the Ends of the Earth 15 Archaeology of Hope 20 Blessing and Hope 25 Leaving Home 29 Tweeting the Gospel 33 One Spirit, Many Gifts 38 The Meaning of Martyrdom 42 Looking for Life 47 Living Abundantly 51 Nourished by the Word 55 Part II The Second Mark of Mission: To Teach, Baptize, and Nurture New Believers Jesus: Our GPS 61 Nurturing New Believers 65 Learning to Be Light 72 Teaching and Learning the Presence of God 75 On the Road 78 The Freedom to Serve 82 Leading into New Waters 87 Part III The Third Mark of Mission: To Respond to Human Need with Loving Service Salt of the Earth 97 Face to Face 101 Healing and Wholeness 106 City on a Hill 116 Many Gifts, One Mission 120 The Meaning of Mercy 124 Spring Training 128 Part IV The Fourth Mark of Mission: To Seek to Transform Unjust Structures of Society The Quest for Justice 135 Turning the Tables 139 Building Justice 143 Border Crossings 148 Minding the Gap 153 Living the Dream 157 Enough for Everyone 160 Created for Life 163 Tending the Vine 168 Casting Out Demons 172 Traveling Light 176 Sharing the Wealth 180 Living in Joyful Hope 186 Part V The Fifth Mark of Mission: To Strive to Safeguard the Integrity of Creation, and Sustain and Renew the Life of the Earth One Body 193 In the Garden 197 Healing the Body of God 202 Transforming the Planet 206 Networks for the Future 210 Notes 215 Suggestions for Further Reading 219

Read more less

Book SynopsisA deeply personal journey to interfaith collaboration that offers hope for an inclusive and healing way of being together in the world. Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more conflict than collaboration. Interfaith Talk Radio's "interfaith amigos"—a pastor, a rabbi and an Imam—provide a rich understanding of the road to interfaith collaboration by sharing their stories, challenges and the inner spiritual work necessary to go beyond tolerance to a vital, inclusive spirituality. From their deep commitment and lived experience, they present ways we can work together to transcend the differences that have divided us historically. Together they explore: The five stages of the interfaith journey The power of our stories The core of our traditions The promises and problems of our traditions New dimensions of spiritual identity And much more Along with inspiring insights and encouragement for tapping into the promise of interfaith dialogue, they provide practical actions, additional readings and discussion questions to help you embody their revolutionary spirit of healing.Trade Review"A masterful first-hand account of interfaith dialogue. Insightful, interesting, informative and important ... [will be] of great interest to individual readers and a rich resource for religious communities seeking to create such dialogue." —Marcus J. Borg, best-selling author, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith and other books "[A] very personal book … proposes a road map for spiritual growth and interfaith cooperation. It will open [our] hearts and minds to each other and each other's faith traditions." —Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, founding director, Center for Religious Inquiry, New York; author, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews “Not an ordinary book, rather the lived experience of three religious leaders and the exploration of their faith differences. Lifts up a way to peaceful living based in understanding and compassion.” —Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary, The National Council of Churches in Christ (United States) “Courageous…. Provides an essential and inspiring guide to religious healing and the human step to spiritual maturity.” —David Korten, board chair, YES! Magazine; author, Agenda for a New Economy and The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community “Brings us something new: true and honest friendship as evidenced in tough talk and deep interspiritual sharing. Read this book and live it. Get your clergy to do the same.” —Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice “Important. The perfect book to introduce the world of interfaith cooperation and understanding [and] a great way for any local religious community's adult study group to safely dive in.” —Rev. Bud Heckman, director for external relations, Religions for Peace; author, InterActive Faith: The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook “Written with clarity, insight and wisdom ... provides a judicious model for developing bonds across religious boundaries. Read it—and put its recommendations into practice.” —Sr. Mary C. Boys, Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology, Union Theological Seminary, New York City; coauthor, Christians & Jews in Dialogue: Learning in the Presence of the OtherTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 1. THE INTERFAITH JOURNEY: Stages of Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration 5 What Is Interfaith? 5 Five Stages on the Interfaith Journey 7 The Next Step 26 2. THE POWER OF OUR STORIES: Moving Beyond Separation and Suspicion 27 Interfaith from the Inside Out 27 Pastor Don's Journey to Interfaith 29 Rabbi Ted’s Journey to Interfaith 34 Sheikh Jamal’s Journey to Interfaith 38 How We Got Together 43 Forging a Path 48 3. THE CORE OF OUR TRADITIONS: Inquiring More Deeply 51 Timeless Teachings 51 Pastor Don: Love 53 Rabbi Ted: Sh’ma 60 Sheikh Jamal: Basmala 69 Finding Common Ground 77 4. THE PROMISES AND PROBLEMS OF OUR TRADITIONS: Sharing Both the Easy and the Difficult Parts 79 Honest Dialogue 79 Living into Deeper Sharing 103 5. PERSPECTIVES ON ISRAEL AND PALESTINE: Moving Beyond Safe Territory 105 The Elephant in the Room 105 A Christian in Israel and Palestine 107 A Jew in Israel and Palestine 114 A Muslim in Israel and Palestine 121 Blessings at the Galilee 129 Expanding Our View 131 6. NEW DIMENSIONS OF SPIRITUAL IDENTITY: Exploring Spiritual Practices from Other Traditions 135 A Deeper Taste 135 Pastor Don’s Practices 136 Rabbi Ted’s Practices 141 Sheikh Jamal’s Practices 147 Healing through Spiritual Practices 152 7. THERE IS ALWAYS MORE: The Conclusion Is Also a Beginning 155 Authentic Spiritual Paths 155 Inclusive Spirituality 159 Don’s Reflections 160 Ted’s Reflections 162 Jamal’s Reflections 163 Honoring the Spirit 164 The Future of Interfaith Dialogue and Celebration 168 Discussion Questions 171 Suggestions for Further Reading 178 Acknowledgments 180 Credits 183

Read more less

Book SynopsisPractical tips and inspiring thoughts for living a life of abundance and spirit-filled generosity. Giving of your resources is a profound act that can change your life and the lives of those around you. With gentleness and wisdom, this practical guide outlines the ways in which cultivating a lifestyle of generosity can be a source of personal transformation, spiritual renewal and deep joy. You will learn about: Giving as Worship—how the major faith traditions offer reverence through giving Giving as Stewardship—managing resources for maximum benefit Giving as Charity—providing for others out of a sense of compassion Giving as Justice—creating righteous equality in our worldTrade ReviewIt is hard to make individual philanthropy, a sacrificial virtue mandated by the major world religions, sound enticing, inspirational and even occasionally pleasurable—but this book often succeeds in doing just that. "Generosity can give you joy," asserts Wright, a researcher on faith and family at Indiana University. In this refreshingly candid volume on the transformative power of sharing one's material, emotional and spiritual wealth, the author ponders the theological, psychological and social significance of giving. It is many things, she says: worship, stewardship, discipline and an act of redemption, charity and justice. Less a scholarly tome than a practical treatise, Wright’s book offers multiple resources, including worksheets, exercises, quotations from some of the world’s faith traditions and a bibliography. Readers of all faiths, or none, will find many useful suggestions for incorporating giving into their lives. The writer’s willingness to share specific examples of change from her own life is both helpful and provocative, underlining her assertion that giving offers the potential to change not only the individual but ultimately the world. (Sept). * Publisher's Weekly *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Giving as a Sacred Art? ix 1 Giving as Worship: Responding to God's Generosity with Joyful Gratitude 1 2 Giving as Stewardship: Managing Our Abundance 21 3 Giving as Holy Obligation: Transforming Identity through Discipline 57 4 Giving as Redemption: Restoring Money as Life-Giving Legal Tender 77 5 Giving as Charity: Providing for the Needy with Compassion 95 6 Giving as Justice: Believing in and Working toward Righteous Equality 113 Appendices 131 Appendix A—How Much Money Do I Receive Each Year? 132 Appendix B—How Much Money Do I Spend Each Year? 133 Appendix C—What's Left? Debt or Extra-abundance? 138 Appendix D—Creating a Budget 139 Notes 141 Glossary 149 Suggestions for Further Reading 153 Resources 159 Acknowledgments 168

Read more less

Book SynopsisChallenge our common images of God by blowing the lid off conventional God-descriptors. "We do not have to let go of one sense of God to take up another. Neither do we need to go about challenging old metaphors. What is crucial is to find a metaphor—or two, or six—that creatively point toward what we believe." —from Chapter 1 Let Carolyn Jane Bohler inspire you to consider a wide range of images of God in order to refine how you imagine God to have and use power, and how God wills and makes divine will happen—or not. By tapping into your God-given ability to re-imagine God, you will have a better understanding of your own beliefs and how you, God and the world relate to each other. Wonderfully fresh and down to earth, Bohler uses playful images, moving stories and solid scholarship to empower you to break free of old habits and assumptions, whatever your faith tradition. She encourages you to explore new names for God that are not only more consistent with what you believe, but will also deepen and expand your experience of God. Think about … God the Choreographer of Chaos God the Nursing Mother God the Jazz Band Leader God the Divine Blacksmith God the Divine Physical Therapist God the Team Transformer … and moreTrade Review"No book can be more helpful than this one in guiding pastors and lay people to come to greater clarity about what they really believe about God. Guides us in critical reflection in a way in which all can participate. At once genuinely popular and genuinely theological." —John B. Cobb, Jr., professor emeritus, Claremont School of Theology "Titillating ... an adventure in 'metaphor wondering' and in multidimensional faith." —Rev. Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, professor of pastoral care, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University “A treasure house of word pictures, some conventional and some outrageously original. A testimony to the inveterate need, on the part of humanity, to connect with God.” —Rabbi Neil Gillman, professor of Jewish thought, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America “Lays out the implications of our choices of metaphors for the Divine and expands our minds with practiced and practical suggestions. A must for all who wish to leave parochial worlds!” —Nancy Corcoran, CSJ, Catholic chaplain at Wellesley College; author, Secrets of Prayer: A Multifaith Guide to Creating Personal Prayer in Your Life “Scholarly and accessible … will help seminarians and seekers, professors and pastors explore new ways to talk about the Divine. Deftly compels the reader to continually nuance the mystery and complexity of our God—no matter what our faith tradition. A book we've been waiting for!” —Marsha Foster Boyd, president, Ecumenical Theological Seminary in DetroitTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. God the What? A Lively, Multidimensional Faith What Makes a Good Metaphor? Bringing New Meaning to Old Metaphors Metaphor Wondering Imagining New Metaphors 2 God Can Do What? God's Power A Shaky Search to Understand God’s Power An Attitude of Inquiry A Hundred Ways of Wondering Powerful Options Transforming Power 3 God Wants What? God’s Will God the Designer of All Events: Is What Is, Meant to Be? God the Proposer: Dare We Say No to a Proposal? God the Improviser: How Do We Creatively Respond to God’s Nod? God the Graffiti Artist: How Do We Get Clues to What God Wants? 4 God Interacts How? Our Relationship with God Twin Spiritual Needs Implications for Human Relationships A Closer Look at One Metaphor Conclusion: Metaphors Matter Epilogue: Personal Metaphor Wondering Reflective Questions Discussion Guide for Groups Notes Credits Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic Scriptures Index Metaphor Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou Are God''s Partner Put on This Earth to Do God's Work "What on earth are you here for? To do the tasks that God has for you. You can call someone who is lonely. You can visit a friend who is sick. You can read a book to a child. You can comfort a mourner. You can volunteer your time. You can make a difference. You can give of your selfa self that is infused with godliness."from the IntroductionAll human beings are made in the image of God. But for what purpose were you made? The biblical answer is clear: you are to imitate God in order to bring God's presence into your life and the lives of others.This practical guidebook to repairing the worldoften in simple everyday waysdetails the biblical accounts of what God does, not what God says: God creates, blesses, rests, calls, comforts, cares, repairs, wrestles, gives and forgives. For each of God's actions, this provocative resource suggests what might be on God's to-do list for you, the many ways you can make small and great differences in the lives of others and find the ultimate source of meaning for your own.An inspiring gift to uplift your spirit and share with others, whatever your faith, you can do God's To-Do List.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat do we need to do to turn our religion into our lives? This 20th anniversary sequel to a seminal book of the Jewish renewal movement deals with spirituality in relation to personal growth, marriage, ecology, feminism, politics, and more. Including new chapters, Waskow outlines original ways to merge "religious" life and "personal" life in our society today.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHave a "haiku moment"—when your mind stops and your heart moves. “Writing haiku offers the chance to honor, hold, and fully experience a fleeting moment that takes you out of yourself, a moment that hints at the deeper unity that lies beneath the surface of things.” —from Chapter One In this encouraging guide for both beginning and experienced haiku writers, Margaret D. McGee shows how writing haiku can be a consciously spiritual practice for seekers of any faith tradition or no tradition. Drawing from her experience as a spiritual retreat leader and published haiku writer, McGee takes the mystery and intimidation out of beginning to write haiku. For those already on their way, she provides helpful hints and exercises to broaden and deepen both your haiku artistry and your appreciation of haiku as part of your spiritual life. With humor and encouragement, she offers step-by-step exercises for both individuals and writing groups, and shows how haiku can help you: Pay attention to the world around you to connect with sacred moments Overcome fear and self-doubt to access your innate creativity Explore and use haiku together with spiritual practices in your own faith tradition Make haiku a spiritual part of your daily routineTrade Review"With exceptional skill and elegance, Margaret guides us into the practice of haiku-making. As we awaken to the mystery of the moment, something splashes in our heart and we experience the Glow of Presence." —Imam Jamal Rahman, Interfaith Community Church, Seattle; author, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi and an Imam “Captures the heart essence of a moment and the feelings it evokes by paying attention to small things and honoring the sacredness of everyday life.” —Lucy Wynkoop, OSB, coauthor, Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness “Insightful and informative…. Enhances our awareness of our daily lives and the spirit that surrounds us.” —Stanford M. Forrester, editor, bottle rockets; author, the toddler's chant “Simple, personal and profound.... A convincing call into this ancient way of honoring moments as Holy.” —Nancy Barrett Chickerneo, PhD, author, Woman Spirit Awakening in Nature: Growing into the Fullness of Who You Are; director, SPA Sisters “Opens an important door wide ... instills a desire and ability to write what is essential and understand how it entwines with our individual spiritual practices…. It became irresistible not to try my hand at it.” —Sheila Bender, author, A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief “Inviting and accessible ... beautifully breaks open the art of paying close attention to the world through the heightened language of poetry.” —Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author, Wind, Water, Earth, Fire: The Christian Spiritual Practice of Praying with the Elements “Shows us how we can each enjoy intimacy with the divine in our everyday lives. Partake with Margaret McGee as she partakes of Presence, available to us all by fully paying attention to what is marvelously present. As it is.” —Gary Gach, author, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to BuddhismTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 CHAPTER ONE: The Heart of a Moment 9 CHAPTER TWO: A Simple Prayer 25 CHAPTER THREE: A Companionable Form 41 CHAPTER FOUR: A Sense of Time and Place 61 CHAPTER FIVE: Inspired Conversations 83 CHAPTER SIX: Haiku in Community 101 CHAPTER SEVEN: Haiku with Pictures or Prose 123 CHAPTER EIGHT: The Haiku Life 137 Acknowledgments 146 Haiku Resources 148 Notes 154 Suggestions for Further Reading 159 Credits 162 Index of Practices 167 Index of Poets 168

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn inspiring collection of readings that will raise deep questions about service and its roots in faith. "There is a deep yearning among the vast majority of people of all religious and philosophical traditions to make real their most enduring shared principles—to care for creation, to serve others with compassion, and to protect and enhance the gift of life…. We believe that reflecting on these principles strengthens our capacity to embody them." —from the Introduction Explore the connections between faith, service, and social justice through the prose, verse, and sacred texts of the world's great faith traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and more. Drawing from diverse literary genres, religious and philosophical perspectives and historical periods, these short and provocative readings cut to the heart of the many obstacles and joys that accompany lives devoted to faith and service: Why do I serve? • Whom do I serve? • How do I serve? This rich collection will create a platform for discussing and understanding the faith-based service of others as well as inspire you to reflect on the meaning behind your own commitment to improving the world. Contributors: Umar Faruq Abd-Allah • Jane Addams • Sholom Aleichem • Bidpai • Cesar Chavez • Chuang-Tzu • Dorothy Day • Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni • Mahatma Gandhi • Linda Gregg • Hafiz • Hamzayusuf • Thich Nhat Hanh • Mark Helprin • Abraham Joshua Heschel • Gerard Manley Hopkins • Kabir • Martin Luther King Jr. • The Dalai Lama • Anne Lamott • Lao-Tzu • Abraham Lincoln • Maimonides • Valerie Martin • Gabriela Mistral • Mikhail Naimy • Friedrich Nietzsche • Tim O'Brien • Flannery O’Connor • Mary Oliver • George Orwell • John Oskison • Eboo Patel • Peggy Payne • I. L. Peretz • Rumi • Ryokan • Tayeb Salih • Harold M. Schulweis • Leslie Marmon Silko • Anna Swir • Rabindranath Tagore • William Trevor • Shih Te • Swami Vivekananda • Walt WhitmanTrade Review"An original and necessary work that deserves to be passed on to reading publics and citizens who gather to make things better in a spiritually and ideologically warring world." —Martin E. Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago "A usable, wonderful instrument designed to take our dreams of action and make them real. Provides new insight and wisdom that will deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. I commend this book to readers and seekers of all ages!" —Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute; cofounder, Hands On Network; author, Be the Change! Change the World. Change “Brings the best wisdom of our respective traditions to guide us on the journey to faith, service and reconciliation.” —Rabbi Sid Schwarz, founder, PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values; author, Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World “A rich abundance of both provocative readings and, more importantly, good questions to lead those bold enough to explore with others across these lines…. [A] required anthology of readings for those earnestly seeking the path of religious cooperation.” —Rev. Bud Heckman, director for external relations, Religions for Peace; editor, InterActive Faith:The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook “A delightful symphony of inspiring readings from the world's religions. Finds harmony in a shared commitment and value for service and celebrates the distinctive and inviting melodies on this theme played in diverse communities of faith.” —Anantanand Rambachan, professor and chair of the religion department, St. Olaf College “An important contribution to the field of public service. And for those who are motivated to serve because of deep faith commitments, this book will only strengthen that calling.” —Wendy Kopp, CEO and founder, Teach for AmericaTable of ContentsPREFACE:THE HEAVENS OF FAITH,THE HARLEM OF LIFE By Eboo Patel EDITORS' INTRODUCTION Part I: Why Do I Serve? MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. The Drum Major Instinct Why the Buddha Had Good Digestion, from Avadanasataka In Praise of Generosity, from the Rig Veda ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL Solidarity, Reciprocity, and Sanctity, three selections from Who Is Man? TAYEB SALIH A Handful of Dates, in The Wedding of Zein and Other Stories JANE ADDAMS The Subjective Necessity of Social Settlements, in Twenty Years at Hull-House CHUANG-TZU Action and Non-Action Isaiah 58:2–12 SHIH TE Three Poems Luke 10:25–37 HAMZAYUSUF Miserliness, from Purification of the Heart FLANNERY O'CONNOR The River, in A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories THE DALAI LAMA Compassion, from The Essential Dalai Lama: His Important Teachings FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE The Joy of Giving Joy, from On the Genealogy of Morality Selfless Service, from the Bhagavad Gita Surahs 93 and 107, from the Qur'an TIM O'BRIEN Church, in The Things They Carried RABINDRANATH TAGORE Section 50, from Gitanjali: Song Offerings HAROLD M. SCHULWEIS Between WALTWHITMAN The Base of All Metaphysics, in Leaves of Grass Part II: Whom Do I Serve? LAO-TZU A Good Traveler Has No Fixed Plans, in the Tao Te Ching DOROTHY DAY The Faces of Poverty, in Loaves and Fishes HAFIZ The Difference Between LESLIE MARMON SILKO The Man to Send Rain Clouds I. L. PERETZ If Not Higher ANNA SWIR The Same Inside, in Talking to My Body JOHN OSKISON The Problem of Old Harjo THICH NHAT HANH Meditation on Compassion and Not Two, from Peace Is Every Step The Legend of the Lowly Devotee, in The Tiruvaçagam Ruth 1–4:22 CESAR CHAVEZ The Mexican-American and the Church CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI The Walk, from Leaving Yuba City LINDA GREGG The Shopping-Bag Lady, in Alma BIDPAI The Camel Driver and the Adder VALERIE MARTIN A Rich Young Man on the Road, from Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis RUMI Say Yes Quickly MIKHAIL NAIMY His Grace Part III: How Do I Serve? GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS God’s Grandeur SWAMI VIVEKANANDA The Secret of Work, in The Complete Works, I:3 SHOLOM ALEICHEM Reb Yozifl and the Contractor, in Inside Kasrilevke RYOKAN First Days of Spring WILLIAM TREVOR Sitting with the Dead, in A Bit on the Side UMAR FARUQ ABD-ALLAH Mercy:The Stamp of Creation MAHATMA GANDHI Yajna,Welfare, and Service, from a letter to Narandas Gandhi, October 28, 1930 GEORGE ORWELL Reflections on Gandhi, from the Partisan Review MAIMONIDES Levels of Giving, in Mishneh Torah MARY OLIVER The Buddha’s Last Instruction, in House of Light MARK HELPRIN North Light—A Recollection in the Present Tense, in Ellis Island and Other Stories RUMI Come Out and Give Something PEGGY PAYNE The Pure in Heart, in Revelation GABRIELA MISTRAL The House ABRAHAM LINCOLN Proclamation of a National Fast-Day KABIR The Yogi Dyes His Garments ANNE LAMOTT Why I Make Sam Go to Church, from Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith Appendix I Toward Action:The Interfaith Youth Core Model for Interfaith Reflection and Service Appendix II Questions for Discussion Appendix III Guide to Readings by Faith Tradition and Genre About the Supporting Organizations Permissions

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn inspiring collection of readings that will raise deep questions about service and its roots in faith. "There is a deep yearning among the vast majority of people of all religious and philosophical traditions to make real their most enduring shared principles—to care for creation, to serve others with compassion, and to protect and enhance the gift of life…. We believe that reflecting on these principles strengthens our capacity to embody them." —from the Introduction Explore the connections between faith, service, and social justice through the prose, verse, and sacred texts of the world's great faith traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and more. Drawing from diverse literary genres, religious and philosophical perspectives and historical periods, these short and provocative readings cut to the heart of the many obstacles and joys that accompany lives devoted to faith and service: Why do I serve? • Whom do I serve? • How do I serve? This rich collection will create a platform for discussing and understanding the faith-based service of others as well as inspire you to reflect on the meaning behind your own commitment to improving the world. Contributors: Umar Faruq Abd-Allah • Jane Addams • Sholom Aleichem • Bidpai • Cesar Chavez • Chuang-Tzu • Dorothy Day • Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni • Mahatma Gandhi • Linda Gregg • Hafiz • Hamzayusuf • Thich Nhat Hanh • Mark Helprin • Abraham Joshua Heschel • Gerard Manley Hopkins • Kabir • Martin Luther King Jr. • The Dalai Lama • Anne Lamott • Lao-Tzu • Abraham Lincoln • Maimonides • Valerie Martin • Gabriela Mistral • Mikhail Naimy • Friedrich Nietzsche • Tim O'Brien • Flannery O’Connor • Mary Oliver • George Orwell • John Oskison • Eboo Patel • Peggy Payne • I. L. Peretz • Rumi • Ryokan • Tayeb Salih • Harold M. Schulweis • Leslie Marmon Silko • Anna Swir • Rabindranath Tagore • William Trevor • Shih Te • Swami Vivekananda • Walt WhitmanTrade Review"An original and necessary work that deserves to be passed on to reading publics and citizens who gather to make things better in a spiritually and ideologically warring world." —Martin E. Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago "A usable, wonderful instrument designed to take our dreams of action and make them real. Provides new insight and wisdom that will deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. I commend this book to readers and seekers of all ages!" —Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute; cofounder, Hands On Network; author, Be the Change! Change the World. Change “Brings the best wisdom of our respective traditions to guide us on the journey to faith, service and reconciliation.” —Rabbi Sid Schwarz, founder, PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values; author, Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World “A rich abundance of both provocative readings and, more importantly, good questions to lead those bold enough to explore with others across these lines…. [A] required anthology of readings for those earnestly seeking the path of religious cooperation.” —Rev. Bud Heckman, director for external relations, Religions for Peace; editor, InterActive Faith:The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook “A delightful symphony of inspiring readings from the world's religions. Finds harmony in a shared commitment and value for service and celebrates the distinctive and inviting melodies on this theme played in diverse communities of faith.” —Anantanand Rambachan, professor and chair of the religion department, St. Olaf College “An important contribution to the field of public service. And for those who are motivated to serve because of deep faith commitments, this book will only strengthen that calling.” —Wendy Kopp, CEO and founder, Teach for AmericaTable of ContentsPREFACE:THE HEAVENS OF FAITH,THE HARLEM OF LIFE By Eboo Patel EDITORS' INTRODUCTION Part I: Why Do I Serve? MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. The Drum Major Instinct Why the Buddha Had Good Digestion, from Avadanasataka In Praise of Generosity, from the Rig Veda ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL Solidarity, Reciprocity, and Sanctity, three selections from Who Is Man? TAYEB SALIH A Handful of Dates, in The Wedding of Zein and Other Stories JANE ADDAMS The Subjective Necessity of Social Settlements, in Twenty Years at Hull-House CHUANG-TZU Action and Non-Action Isaiah 58:2–12 SHIH TE Three Poems Luke 10:25–37 HAMZAYUSUF Miserliness, from Purification of the Heart FLANNERY O'CONNOR The River, in A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories THE DALAI LAMA Compassion, from The Essential Dalai Lama: His Important Teachings FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE The Joy of Giving Joy, from On the Genealogy of Morality Selfless Service, from the Bhagavad Gita Surahs 93 and 107, from the Qur'an TIM O'BRIEN Church, in The Things They Carried RABINDRANATH TAGORE Section 50, from Gitanjali: Song Offerings HAROLD M. SCHULWEIS Between WALTWHITMAN The Base of All Metaphysics, in Leaves of Grass Part II: Whom Do I Serve? LAO-TZU A Good Traveler Has No Fixed Plans, in the Tao Te Ching DOROTHY DAY The Faces of Poverty, in Loaves and Fishes HAFIZ The Difference Between LESLIE MARMON SILKO The Man to Send Rain Clouds I. L. PERETZ If Not Higher ANNA SWIR The Same Inside, in Talking to My Body JOHN OSKISON The Problem of Old Harjo THICH NHAT HANH Meditation on Compassion and Not Two, from Peace Is Every Step The Legend of the Lowly Devotee, in The Tiruvaçagam Ruth 1–4:22 CESAR CHAVEZ The Mexican-American and the Church CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI The Walk, from Leaving Yuba City LINDA GREGG The Shopping-Bag Lady, in Alma BIDPAI The Camel Driver and the Adder VALERIE MARTIN A Rich Young Man on the Road, from Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis RUMI Say Yes Quickly MIKHAIL NAIMY His Grace Part III: How Do I Serve? GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS God’s Grandeur SWAMI VIVEKANANDA The Secret of Work, in The Complete Works, I:3 SHOLOM ALEICHEM Reb Yozifl and the Contractor, in Inside Kasrilevke RYOKAN First Days of Spring WILLIAM TREVOR Sitting with the Dead, in A Bit on the Side UMAR FARUQ ABD-ALLAH Mercy:The Stamp of Creation MAHATMA GANDHI Yajna,Welfare, and Service, from a letter to Narandas Gandhi, October 28, 1930 GEORGE ORWELL Reflections on Gandhi, from the Partisan Review MAIMONIDES Levels of Giving, in Mishneh Torah MARY OLIVER The Buddha’s Last Instruction, in House of Light MARK HELPRIN North Light—A Recollection in the Present Tense, in Ellis Island and Other Stories RUMI Come Out and Give Something PEGGY PAYNE The Pure in Heart, in Revelation GABRIELA MISTRAL The House ABRAHAM LINCOLN Proclamation of a National Fast-Day KABIR The Yogi Dyes His Garments ANNE LAMOTT Why I Make Sam Go to Church, from Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith Appendix I Toward Action:The Interfaith Youth Core Model for Interfaith Reflection and Service Appendix II Questions for Discussion Appendix III Guide to Readings by Faith Tradition and Genre About the Supporting Organizations Permissions

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe user-friendly, interfaith guide to making and using labyrinths—for meditation, prayer and celebration—updated, revised and expanded! A labyrinth is a circuitous path that people have used as a form of prayer and meditation for thousands of years—a path that is being rediscovered as a spiritual tool in our own day. There are now thousands of labyrinths in North America, made of stone, cement, sunflowers, grass or canvas; indoors and outdoors; in Christian, Pagan and even nonreligious settings; and adaptable for use by people of all spiritual backgrounds. This guide explains how the labyrinth is a symbol that transcends traditions, and how walking its path brings us together. Here is your entry to the fascinating history and philosophy of the labyrinth walk, with directions for making a labyrinth of your own or finding one in your area, and guidance on ways to use labyrinths creatively for: Prayer • Stress reduction • Meditation • Commemorating personal or family milestones • Faith rituals • Celebrations of all kinds Labyrinths—a twenty-first century method of approaching the sacred—are a spiritual practice more ancient than Stonehenge or the ruins of Troy. This practical and inspiring guide will help you to explore them.Trade ReviewA great way to get started on a walk that may change your life. Instructions, insights, and invitations abound in this practical volume. Resources include where to find labyrinths and how to make your own. Pray while walking as people have done for centuries. * WATER *Table of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition: Walking a Labyrinth: Another Kind of Power vii Introduction: Labyrinths from the Outside In 1 Part One Approaching the Labyrinth Donna Schaper 1. The Labyrinth Revival 17 2. The Absolute Meets the Ancient:What Labyrinths Do 29 3. What Is Spiritual about the Labyrinth? 39 4. Spiritual Authority in the Labyrinth 49Part Two Walking the Labyrinth Carole Ann Camp 5. Hearing the Dark: Elements of the Labyrinth Walk 61 6. Walks for Rites of Passage 79 7. Walks for the four Seasons 97 8. Walking in Many Spiritual Traditions 109 9. Walks for the celtic year and the Zodiac 127Epilogue: Labyrinths from the Inside Out 145 Appendix A: Making your Own Labyrinth 151 Appendix B: finding a Labyrinth in your Area 164 Notes 189 Photo credits 190

Read more less

Book SynopsisLaughter—the GPS System for the Soul Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren’t we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn’t laugh Debunk the myths that you don’t deserve joy Find perspective when faced with adversity Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others Reclaim play as a spiritual practice Heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually Keep your faith when God is silent Live with elegance, beauty, and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition—or if you have none at all—join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.Trade Review"Like music, laughter is a universal language. And Susan Sparks speaks this language like no other. [This book] weaves humor and the sacred into one beautiful work of art. If you want to blast some fresh air into your spiritual life, then by all means read this book!" —Naomi Judd, multi-platinum country music artist; actress; author, Naomi's Guide to Aging Gratefully and other books "Thank God for Susan Sparks! By immersing ourselves in her honest insights, warm encouragement and hysterical stories, we're able to shatter the crust around our hearts that has kept us from fully experiencing the grace of life as God intended." —Peter Wallace, host and producer, Day1; author, Living Loved: Knowing Jesus as the Lover of Your Soul “Pure joy. Lively and lighthearted examples illustrate the connection between guffawing and God. A must-read if you want to laugh, learn and lighten up your journey on your spiritual path.” —Allen Klein, author, The Courage to Laugh and The Healing Power of Humor “The definitive book about how humor and laughter have everything to do with God. You will laugh out loud, and then it will move you to quiet contemplation and awe. It has done more for me than most of the theology books I’ve been forced to plow through. I’m still smiling ... and contemplating.” —Edward L. Beck, CP, author, God Underneath: Spiritual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest; ABC News religion contributor “Helps us transcend to a higher and better place, no matter what our circumstances. A much needed balm for a world that often forgets how to laugh.” —Saranne Rothberg, CEO, The ComedyCures Foundation; host, ComedyCures LaughTalk Radio “More than a delightfully written book; it is a Saturday afternoon conversation with a favorite friend at the neighborhood coffee shop. I hope that this is just the first installment in an ongoing Saturday afternoon conversation with a new favorite friend, Susan Sparks.” —Pam Durso, executive director, Baptist Women in MinistryTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction A Letter from God Disclaimer PART I Why Aren't We Laughing? 1 Humor and Holiness Are Not Oxymorons: Finding My Way as an Ordained Comedian 2 The Lost Branch of the Family Tree: Remembering Our Legacy of Laughter 3 Spiritual Geliophobia: The Fear of Laughing in the Presence of God 4 Eating Dessert on the Titanic: The Opportunity for Joy Is Now PART II What Would Happen If We Laughed? 5 High Places of the Heart: Finding Perspective through Laughter 6 We're All Hells Angels: Using Humor to See Past Our Differences 7 Burping in the Pulpit: Rediscovering a Fresh Spiritual Practice through the Eyes of a Child 8 Breathe, Just Breathe: The Healing Power of Breath and Laughter 9 Into the Ark: Laughter in Times of Crisis 10 A Leo's Search for God: Laughter Helps Us Keep Faith When God Is Silent 11 The Dash In Between: How We Live and What We Leave Suggestions for Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisBy breaking free from our misperceptions about what it means to be an adult, we can reshape our world and become harbingers of grace. "In our desire to grow up, mature, become adults, we become enamored with who we are supposed to be. When we have finally 'grown up' we realize much of who we really are has been left behind or buried under various masks and roles we play. But the knowledge of who we truly are never leaves us. To reclaim our selfhood, we must grow up again and consciously embrace all that it means to be childlike." —from Chapter 12, "It Takes a Long Time to Become Young" By restoring the childlike ways of humility, trust, awe, wonder, playfulness and more, we can recover a fuller picture of what it means to be human. This unique spiritual resource explores what Jesus may have meant when he said, "Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." It addresses our modern misperceptions regarding the nature of maturity and the common coping mechanisms—distrust, guardedness, insecurity, judgmental thinking—we acquire, and feel we require, in adulthood. Along with the wisdom of ancient and modern spiritual luminaries, this book provides over twenty-five spiritual practices to help us cultivate the childlike ways of attention, self-awareness, joy and resilience in our inner lives as well as in our relationships with others.Trade Review"With a scholar's careful eye and a pastor's heart ... Tim Mooney employs the insights of art, theology, literature, popular culture and his own winsome humanity to invite us to become the children Jesus meant. This is an important book." —John Buchanan, editor/publisher, The Christian Century "Invites us to ... boldly explore the realm of grace.... Equips us with navigational aids in the form of biblical understandings, spiritual practices, and stories from those who’ve undertaken the journey. This book inspires hope ... and faith." —Susan S. Phillips, PhD, executive director and Christian studies professor, New College Berkeley; author, Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction “Who of us has not wondered ... why Jesus praised spiritual childhood so much? ... This might be the most intelligent, inspiring and integrated book I have read on the subject. [It] will not give you clichés or glib answers here, but genuine wisdom.” —Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico “[A] jewel of a book. [Helps us] rediscover the ability to give ourselves wholeheartedly to all aspects of life and, even in the dark times, fully embrace joy and wonder as God’s beloved children. What better way to live?” —The Rev. Peter Wallace, Day1 radio host; author, The Passionate Jesus: What We Can Learn from Jesus about Love, Fear, Grief, Joy and Living Authentically “Offers us the vital gift of learning to take ourselves less seriously. [A] delightful exploration of what it really means to bring a childlike trust and joy to daily life.” —Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author, Lectio Divina—The Sacred Art: Transforming Words & Images into Heart-Centered Prayer and other booksTable of ContentsIntroduction ix 1. Cowabunga! 1 Resting in Wholehearted Trust A Heart Checkup 9 An Exercise in Trust 10 2. Humble Me 11 Finding Your True Self in Authentic Humility I Am … 20 Who Are You? 21 A Long, Loving Look at the Real 22 3. A Burning Bush in Every Backyard 23 Restoring Your Capacity for Awe and Wonder Simply Notice 29 Specifically Notice 29 Things in Themselves 30 Walking Meditation 30 4. The Eyes of Innocence 31 Seeing as God Sees A Pair of Glasses 39 A Conversation with Your True Self 40 5. The Truth of a Tantrum 41 Discerning the Gifts in Desire and Emotion Throw a Fit 51 What Do You Want Me to Do for You? 51 6. Change the Way You Think 53 Reclaiming Beginner's Mind (Old Dogs Thrive on New Tricks!) A Fist and an Open Hand 63 Meditation 64 Draw What You Feel 64 7. Let It Be and Let It Go 67 Practicing Forgiveness as a Choice and a Gift What Am I Holding on To? 79 The Log in Our Own Eye 79 8. Fully Embodied, Fully Inspirited 81 Recognizing and Reading Your Body as a Source of Wisdom Praying with Postures 88 Body Scan 89 9. Laughter and a Sense of Humor 91 Grace's Daily Dietary Requirement Think of Something Funny 98 Laughing at Yourself 99 10. Recess! 101 Playing Your Way to Life and Purpose Go Out and Play! 106 Turn Everything into a Game 107 Contents vii 11. Inside Out, Outside In 109 Living an Undivided Life Return to Childhood 115 Act Like You're a Kid Again 115 Möbius Strip Meditation 116 12. It Takes a Long Time to Become Young 117 Transforming a Life, Cultivating a Soul Not Moses, Me 122 A Party of One 123 Notes 125 Suggestions for Further Reading 131

Read more less

Book SynopsisNurture your inner monk and surrender to the natural grace and rhythm of your heart's deepest longings. "The whole world is, in fact, a text of sacred revelation. All experience has the potential to be revelatory, and God is singing one unending song seducing each of our hearts. So the call is to listen, to attune to the words God utters in the world." —from the Afterword Break open this ancient contemplative practice of listening deeply for God's voice in sacred texts. Drawing on her own experience as a monk in the world, Christine Valters Paintner introduces the foundations for a practice of lectio divina. She closely examines each of the four movements of lectio divina as well as the rhythm they create when practiced as a process. She then invites you to expand your practice beyond traditional sacred texts to a sacred reading of the world through image, sound, nature and life experience. Whether you want to start a contemplative prayer practice or deepen your experience of lectio divina in new ways, you are invited to savor the gifts lectio divina has to offer your heart and spirit.Trade Review"With perceptiveness and grace … revitalizes an ancient way of reading the universe. A beautiful reminder that, if only we can slow down enough to see again, the heavens are still reflecting the glory of God." —Paula Huston, author, By Way of Grace: Moving from Faithfulness to Holiness "A highly practical resource! As a regular lectio practitioner and group facilitator, I enthusiastically recommend this book for both private and communal use. The applications are rich, creative and expansive!" —Wil Hernandez, PhD, spiritual director; author, Henri Nouwen and Spiritual Polarities: A Life of Tension "Draws on a wealth of experience and knowledge…. Opens rich new possibilities for lectio divina practice. An excellent resource, it will find a permanent place on my shelves and be taken down frequently." —Nancy L. Bieber, author, Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way “Reveals how one of the central practices of ancient Christian spirituality remains meaningful and relevant for the third millennium. More than a mere introduction to sacred reading—it's a creative and holistic invitation to a deeper spiritual life.” —Carl McColman, author, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism “Compellingly invites us to 'wake up' to God's presence in every moment. Shows how to listen and see all life in a contemplative way, leading to an awareness of the divine shimmering in the nooks and crannies of everyday.” —Dr. Nancy Copeland Payton, author, Losses of Our Lives: The Sacred Gifts of Renewal in Everyday Loss “Delve[s] into [lectio’s] historic and linguistic roots, and remind[s] us that a 'shimmering’ phrase may disturb as well as delight us…. Taps the 'inner monk’ in each of us.” —Kent Ira Groff, founding mentor, Oasis Ministries; author, What Would I Believe If I Didn’t Believe Anything? and Facing East, Praying West “A heart-centered engagement with sacred texts and the holiness in all of life—an invitation to the most interesting conversation you will ever have.” —Margaret D. McGee, author, Haiku—The Sacred Art: A Spiritual Practice in Three LinesTable of ContentsIntroduction Part One Beginning Our Exploration of Lectio Divina Chapter 1 Sacred Reading Chapter 2 At the Heart of Lectio Divina: Benedictine Chapter 3 The Role of Spiritual Practice Chapter 4 "Give Me a Word" Part Two The Four Movements of Lectio Divina Chapter 5 Listening for God's Voice Chapter 6 Savoring Sacred Text Chapter 7 Summoning Your True Self Chapter 8 The Gift of Being: Resting in Part Three Reading the World Chapter 9 Visio Divina: Praying with Images 145 Chapter 10 Audio Divina: Praying with Sound 157 Chapter 11 Nature as Sacred Text 167 Chapter 12 The Sacred Stories of Our Lives Afterword: The Divine Presence Is Everywhere Acknowledgments Appendix 1: Retreat Experience Appendix 2: Lectio Divina as a Small Group Experience Appendix 3: Mandala Notes Suggested Resources

Read more less

Book SynopsisDelve deeper into spiritual practice to find the power and meaning waiting there for you. Spiritual practice reveals that the Garden of Eden is right where you are standing and helps you to be here, now. Therefore, Jewish spiritual practices cultivate joy, hope, resilience and understanding so that you can undertake your soul's work in this lifetime with vision, passion and integrity.from the Introduction This innovative guidebook makes accessible Judaism's spiritual pathways, principles and applications, and empowers you to test their value within your own life. Each chapter provides step-by-step, recipe-like guides to a particular Jewish practice or group of practices, gives examples of how they might unfold inside your life, and shows how each can help refuel your spirit throughout the day. You'll discover: Prayer practices for embracing the body and creation with awe, limbering up your mind, and preparing for compassionate action How to draw sustenance from the Great Mystery, the inexplicable and unknowable Source of Life How to mine the Torah's stories, commentaries, symbols and metaphors for meaning Ways to develop your Hebrew vocabulary so you can formulate your own interpretations of sacred text How to explore and practice mitzvot as meaningful, compelling parts of your spiritual life How to view the Jewish people as a precious human resource and as a model for resilience and much, much more.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA life changing resource for re-imagining your spiritual life -- with help from today's most inspiring spiritual teachers. Contributors include Karen Armstrong, Andrew Weil, Sylvia Boorstein.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe wisdom from these stories can become a companion on your own spiritual journey. Native American Stories of the Sacred are intended for more than entertainment: they are teaching tales containing elegantly simple illustrations of time-honored truths. From tales of Creation to "Why?" stories that help explain the natural world around us, these stories highlight the sacredness of all life and affirm that we are each an integral part of all that is holy. Drawn from tribes across North America, these are careful retellings of traditional stories such as Son of Light's quest to win back his captured wife from the monstrous Man-Eagle; humble Muskrat’s noble self-sacrifice to establish solid land so other beings might live; Water Spider’s creative solution for retrieving fire for all the animals; and White Buffalo Calf Woman’s profound gift of the sacred pipe to the people. Each of the compelling stories in this collection illustrates principles that can guide you on your own spiritual quest. Now you can experience the wisdom of these teaching tales even if you have no previous knowledge of Native American traditions. SkyLight Illuminations provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains the cultural and spiritual significance of the seemingly mundane objects found in these stories—tobacco, gambling, even the exploits of mischievous tricksters such as Coyote and Weasel—while gracefully drawing comparisons to Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions, among others. Whatever your spiritual heritage, these Native American stories of the sacred are sure to delight and inspire you with the sacredness of all Creation, and remind you that the earth does not belong to us—we belong to the earth.Trade Review"Reader-friendly.... Enlightening and uplifting." —New York Spirit “Edifying.... Brims with insights into the relevance of Native American spirituality [to] the challenges that face us all as individuals and as a nation embedded in the natural world.” —Spirituality & Health “A gem.... A great group of tales to enjoy by yourself, to read aloud or to discuss with a group.... Timely.” —Read the Spirit “Highlight[s] the sacredness of all life.” —Sacred JourneyTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. Creation Stories The Mud Diver Story: Munsee The Making of the World: Huron 2. The Wager for the World The Chickadee Story: Mi'kmaq The Adoption of the Human Race: Natchez Co-No, the World’s Greatest Gambler: Winnebago 3. The Origins of Fire The First Fire: Cherokee Fire-Stealing Fox: Jicarilla-Apache 4. The Sacred Pipe White Buffalo Calf Woman: Lakota 5. "Why?" Stories How Deer Got His Horns: Cherokee Why Deer’s Teeth Are Blunt: Cherokee Why the Blackfeet Never Kill Mice: Blackfeet/Ojibway 6. The Sacred Hero Son of Light Defeats the Monster: Hopi Agulabemu, the Great Bullfrog: Mi’kmaq 7. The Return of the Sun Chipmunk Asks for the Light: Seneca Little Brother Gets Mad at the Sun: Winnebago Raven: Tlingit/Salish 8. Coyotes and Other Tricksters Deer and Blue Jay: Klamath Coyote and Wren: Klamath Coyote and the Salmon: Klamath 9. Nature Spirits, Landkeepers, and Tribal Guardians The Meesang, or Water Babies: Washo The Great Bird Ong: Washo 10. The Spiritual Journey The Stone Canoe: Ojibway/Anishinabi Notes Acknowledgments

Read more less

Book SynopsisA life changing resource for re-imagining your spiritual life -- with help from today's most inspiring spiritual teachers. Contributors include Karen Armstrong, Andrew Weil, Sylvia Boorstein.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWe live in two seemingly incompatible worldsrational and spiritual.How can we keep our balance? Like the dolphin who exists in both water and air, so must we learn to live and thrive in two conflicting worldsthe rational, material, everyday craziness of life versus the still, spiritual soulfulness of our deepest selves. Balancing the twodifficult as it often can beis the key to our spiritual survival.Through poignant stories, spiritual teaching and insights, Karyn Kedar shares with us the ways we can integrate the everydayfamily, work, personal challengeswith our quest for deeper spiritual understanding. She helps us to decode the three "languages" we must learn to weave the seemingly ordinary and extraordinary together: PrayerThe path through which our souls connect with the Divine. PerspectiveHow we define life''s twists and turns, and how our words and actions define the quality of our lives. MeaningThe quest to understand and make sense of all that seems incompatible. In graceful ways, Kedar shows us that by realizing the connection between the ordinary and the awe-inspiring, we can synchronize our hearts with the ways of the world and live with joy, a sense of calm and greater purpose.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore the many dimensions of the pilgrimage experience and change your orientation to the world. "Pilgrimage is an opportunity for pilgrims to cultivate their inner life (or inner voice) in a way that leads to a greater sense of peace and compassion—a sense that pervades all of life." —from Chapter 6, "Preparing to Practice" Pilgrimage is a spiritual practice of nearly every major religion of the world. If you are a Christian you may travel to sites associated with the life of Jesus; Jews might visit the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem and other sacred places in the Holy Land of Israel; Muslims participate in the Hajj, the journey to Mecca; Buddhists visit the sacred sites related to the life of Buddha. Even if you practice no religion at all you will still find that you most likely participate in this practice—the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, and Lenin's tomb in Moscow are considered national pilgrimage sites. As a spiritual practice, pilgrimage transcends religious, national, cultural and linguistic boundaries. This fascinating look at the sacred art of pilgrimage integrates spirituality, practice, spiritual formation, psychology, world religions and historical resources. It examines how the world's religious pilgrimages evolved as central spiritual practices and the relationship between pilgrimage and transformation. It explains what makes a place holy, and why and how some sites are so compelling that they attract thousands, even millions of pilgrims each year.Trade Review"A deeply satisfying—and oftentimes rollicking—account of one of the most important religious practices on earth.... You'll love this book!" —Mark Massa, SJ, dean, School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College "Beautifully written ... will take the reader to the center of the heart as it did to me." —Deepak Shimkhada, PhD, president, Indic Foundation; professor of Hindu studies, Claremont Lincoln University "Helping us claim our deepest heart's desires and find our way ... a trove of insight, both ancient and new." —The Rev. Curtis Almquist, SSJE, The Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Cambridge, Massachusetts "A timely and compelling invitation to both the secular and religious seeker.... Interreligiously aware, grounded in deep expertise and accessible." —Elena Procario-Foley, Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Catholic Studies, Iona College "A reflective journey through the liminal spaces of life where the need for meaning encounters the challenges and violence of contemporary experience.... Provides illustrative examples to structure the ways and means of spiritual homecoming." —Rodney L. Petersen, PhD, executive director, Boston Theological Institute “Beautiful and sensitive.... Blend[s] the lines between theory and practice such that the religious scholar and the thoughtful practitioner might each learn from the other.” —The Rev. Dr. Stephen Butler Murray, dean and associate professor of theology, Barrytown College; American Baptist chaplain, Harvard University “A treasure trove of guidance and inspiration for that which Sufis say can never be found by seeking, yet only seekers find.” —Imam Jamal Rahman, author, Spiritual Gems of Islam: Insights & Practices from the Qur'an, Hadith, Rumi & Muslim Teaching Stories to Enlighten the Heart & Mind “A true feast for both mind and spirit.... To students, scholars, activists, artists, spiritual seekers young and old, I can only say: Take, read, savor, and embark!” —Alexander Levering Kern, executive director, Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service, Northeastern University; poet and editor, Becoming Fire: Spiritual Writing from Rising GenerationsTable of ContentsChapter 1 Journeys Across Traditions and Cultures 1 Pilgrimage Across Cultures and Religions 7 The Hindu Tradition 9 The Buddhist Tradition 11 The Greek and Roman Traditions 12 The Abrahamic Traditions 14 Secular Pilgrimage 33 Virtual Pilgrimage 37Chapter 2 The Way of the Heart 40 Pilgrim Narratives 45 Jung and Images of Pilgrimage 53 The Stages of Pilgrimage 58 Spirituality of the Heart 64Chapter 3 Holy Places, Sacred Spaces 75 Sacred Landscapes 78 Memory Places 84 Quiet Places 90 Divine Activity Places 95 Commercialization and Environmental Impact 99Chapter 4 Walking the Labyrinth 106 A Single Path 111 Origins of the Labyrinth 115 The Labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral 119 Walking as Spiritual Practice 125Chapter 5 The Journey Home 135 The Need to Belong 142 Home and Pilgrimage 149 Stories of the Journey Home 156Chapter 6 Preparing to Practice 168 Beginning Spiritual Practice 169 The Practice of Prayer and Meditation 175 Spiritual Practices in Preparing for Pilgrimage 184 Practical Advice for Planning a Pilgrimage 185 Guidelines for Visiting Holy Places and Sacred Spaces 188 The Benefits of Group Pilgrimages 193 Keeping a Record of Your Pilgrimage 196 Walking the Labyrinth 198 Returning Home 201Acknowledgments 204 Notes 205 Suggestions for Further Reading 217

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe spiritual teachings of many faith traditions can help you step beyond the limits of any one tradition to the reality that can't be named. The fastest growing spiritual movement in the United States today is that of the religiously unaffiliated. These spiritual seekers make up 20 percent of the adult American population; they are the spiritual equivalent of political independents. Refusing to limit themselves to one religion or another, these seekers without borders are open to wisdom wherever it can be found. This is a "bible" for this vast and growing social movement. It weaves sacred texts and teachings from the world’s major religions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and more—into a coherent exploration of the five core questions at the heart of every religion’s search: • Who am I? • Where did I come from? • Where am I going? • How shall I live? • Why? It couples these sacred teachings with modern commentary designed to help readers use these texts in their daily lives. It also provides the basics of spiritual mentor Eknath Easwaran’s Passage Meditation to help you internalize the texts that articulate your deepest insights and values.Trade Review"Even the spiritually independent can use a wise pastor, and Rami Shapiro steps into this role admirably, with his inimitable combination of wit, irony, honesty and luminous mystical understanding. The perfect guide for navigating the deep seas of perennial wisdom!" —Cynthia Bourgeault, author, The Wisdom Way of Knowing, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene, The Wisdom Jesus and The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three "Do not read this book, unless, that is, you want insight into life's biggest questions.... This book is the fruit of the author's own search for meaning and will bear fruit for any reader who approaches it, and life, with sacred sincerity." —Tom Stella, author, Finding God Beyond Religion: A Guide for Skeptics, Agnostics & Unorthodox Believers Inside & Outside the Church "Marvelous ... it will change your life. Sufis say that once the Blush of the Beloved graces you, there is no going back to being a green apple." —Imam Jamal Rahman, author, The Spiritual Gems of Islam: Insights & Practices from the Qur'an, Hadith, Rumi & Muslim Teaching Stories to Enlighten the Heart & Mind "Wise ... I want all my friends to read and savor this book!" —Gordon Peerman, Episcopal priest and psychotherapist; author, Blessed Relief: What Christians Can Learn from Buddhists about Suffering “A deep mine filled with jewels of wisdom, each and every one radiant with light. When seen with our hearts, these jewels blaze the light of truth into the darkness of our limited understanding. A wonder-full offering.” —Krishna Das, internationally known chant artistTable of ContentsForeword ix Preface xiii Spiritually Independent, Not Spiritually Disinterested xiii Perennial Philosophy: It's Fourfold xiv Passage Meditation: Meaningful Memorization xiv The Five Questions: The Heart of the Spiritual Quest xv Personal Note xvi Acknowledgments xvii What Is Perennial Wisdom? 1 Who Am I? 10 Where Did I Come From? 54 Where Am I Going? 118 How Shall I Live? 176 Why? 258 Sages Cited, Annotated 283 Primary Sources, Annotated 296 Notes 309 Bibliography and Suggestions for Further Reading 310

Read more less

Book SynopsisGod Is Waiting for You in the Wilderness "How can I say I see divinity in the wilderness? How can I say I feel God's presence in a chorus of loons, in the throaty chuffing of a family of otter, in the primal call-and-response howling of wolves, in the splendor of a bald eagle, in a gibbous moon’s shimmering wash of orange light on dark moving water, in the healing silence of wild places or in a day when my soul has known the amazing grace of utter peace for six straight hours? How can I say I see God in those things? But how can I say that I don’t?" —from Chapter 1 You don’t need to spend forty years—or even forty days—in the wilderness to encounter God. This practical guide reveals the power of experiencing God’s presence in many variations of the natural world—from a backpacking trip in a truly remote wilderness to an afternoon spent in a nearby park to a single moment savored in your own backyard. While exploring wilderness wisdom from several faith traditions—Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and more—you will discover how the universal experience of being present in nature can lead to startling discoveries both about God and about yourself. Drawing from his own significant moments in the wilderness and stories from the many people who have accompanied him on wilderness treks, John Lionberger asks probing questions and offers inspiring suggestions that will spur you to look at all aspects of the world around you from a new point of view.Trade Review"If you've been wondering how to find God, here's a topo map." —Bill McKibben, author of The End of Natureand other books "Reminds us that wilderness offers us rapture, grace and, ultimately, transcendence. May help lead us to places of holy encounter—and to a deeper commitment to preserving those wild spaces." —Sy Montgomery, author of The Wild Out Your Window “Reading this book made my fingers tingle and the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The physical experience of wilderness strips us down to the basic elements of body and soul. And when our spiritual nerve endings are exposed, we find ... God. Start this journey today.” —Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite, president and professor, Chicago Theological Seminary “These musings evince a passion for fierce landscapes, drawing on a wide range of religious and spiritual traditions. It makes you want to shoulder a pack and head for the mountains.” —Belden C. Lane, professor of theological studies, Saint Louis University; author of Landscapes of the Sacred “Documents and advocates for the power of the raw, close communication with the divine that is frequently fostered far from the madding crowds. Lionberger has an encompassing reach, giving voice to atheists, agnostics and the simply soul-weary, as well as believers from many of the world’s great faith traditions…. Probing and provocative questions at the end of each chapter clear paths to self-discovery.” —Publishers WeeklyTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. God in a Hummingbird The wilderness is a place of transformation. 2. It's in Our DNA The wilderness is an ancient, universal experience. 3. Presence in the Present The wilderness brings us into the present moment, into God's presence. 4. Scraping the Hull The wilderness returns us to our essence. 5. God in a Box The wilderness takes us beyond our expectations into God’s surprises. 6. God on the Edge The wilderness takes us beyond our comfort zone, tests us, and teaches us. 7. Healing Waters The wilderness leads us to solitude and silence so we can know ourselves and God. 8. The Rapture of Being Alive The wilderness opens us to the transcendent. Notes Suggestions for Further Reading About Renewal in the Wilderness

Read more less

Book SynopsisLace up your running shoes and discover how your daily run can enrich your spiritual life. We run for exercise, relaxation and sometimes to indulge our competitive spirit. Now Warren A. Kay takes you on an exploration of an often-overlooked facet of the sport: running as an intentional spiritual practice. Kay's approach is more than just "blissing out" on a run. He combines penetrating reflections on God, creation and the role of Spirit in our lives with practical, concise tips for starting your own spiritual running journal. He helps turn your ordinary runs into extraordinary opportunities for spiritual growth. Whether you've logged thousands of miles or are new to the sport, you'll find the guidance and inspiration you need in this unique book. Experience your daily run as: Sanctuary—running time is sacred time Prayer—open yourself to conversation with God Meditation—reach inside yourself to find spiritual comfort Sacrament—experience the Divine in the physicality of running Pilgrimage—a run is the journey and the destinationTrade Review"Helpful and encouraging.... An excellent choice for any church or synagogue library." —Congregational Libraries Today “Helpful and encouraging, with a knowledgeable and personal tone.” —Publishers Weekly “Shows runners of all levels how to honor both the physical and the holy in this natural human activity.... Creative and meaningful.” —Spirit of Change “A daily retreat. Read a short segment, go for your usual run, then sit a bit with one of the helpful journal questions. You'll like it—body and spirit.” —Joan Sauro, CSJ, author, Inner Marathon: The Diary of a Jogging Nun and Does God Ever Sleep? “[Approaches] running as prayerful land even meditative. I recommend this book to all runners. It presents the good news of running.” —Dr. Edward T. Hastings, director, The Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development, Neumann College “Experience the transcendent through the physical—in this case, through running. A well-written and well-considered book…. Offers many compelling reasons to get out there and run with God.” —John Lionberger, author, Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural World “Practical wisdom and a down-to-earth approach that the spiritually hungry runner will find satisfying. The emphasis placed on journal keeping adds an important dimension to the art of spiritual running. Illuminating.” —Rev. Roger Joslin, author, Running the Spiritual PathTable of ContentsForeword Introduction 1. Let's Get a Few Things Straight 2. What Is Spirituality? 3. Seeing God while Running 4. Running as Sanctuary 5. Prayerful Running 6. Meditative Running 7. Sacramental Running 8. Running as Pilgrimage 9. Spiritual Running: Preparing to Practice Acknowledgments Notes Suggestions for Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisChart a Course to Wholeness in the Aftermath of Divorce "Divorce tends to rip away your façade and defenses, and call into question what you know or believe. That vulnerability is painful, but ultimately can bring you to a place where your spiritual life can gain strength and insight if you are open to it. In the midst of feeling lost, you can find a new path forward, which brings you to a better place." —from the Introduction Divorce is never easy and almost always includes profound experiences of pain, isolation, anger, despair, and confusion. Here is a spiritual map for regaining your bearings, helping you move through the twists and turns of divorce in a spiritually healthy way. Drawing on her work as a pastor and counselor—and her personal experience with divorce—Carolyne Call proposes a three-prong approach to help you reset your compass on a new destination—wholeness. Supported by first-person accounts from men and women from a variety of faith traditions who have found their way through divorce, she helps you identify: Where you want to go—“I want to be true to who I am” Where you don't want to go—the “cul-de-sacs” of bitterness, resentment, victimization, and guilt What you can do to get thereTrade Review"Like water in the desert—a lifeline for transformation. An invaluable tool for anyone in the process of a divorce, whether or not they consider themselves spiritual, and a must-have resource for all in the helping professions, especially clergy, spiritual directors and therapists." —Kay Lindahl, interfaith minister; founder, The Listening Center; author, The Sacred Art of Listening: Forty Reflections for Cultivating a Spiritual Practice “Brilliantly written, lovingly presented, courageously honest … plumbs the best wisdom from religious tradition, psychology, and personal experience to help grow the soul and rebuild a richer and more meaningful life…. A treasure.” —Rabbi Perry Netter, author, Divorce Is a Mitzvah: A Practical Guide to Finding Wholeness and Holiness When Your Marriage Dies “A remarkably wise guide through the perilous terrain of divorce … that shares stories and experience to chart a path through wrenching loss into deeper insight and new-found wholeness.” —Dr. Nancy Copeland-Payton, author, The Losses of Our Lives: The Sacred Gifts of Renewal in Everyday Loss “Thoughtful and practical ideas as well as cautions for common traps promise to be blessings for anyone moving through a divorce. A superb resource for clergy, Stephen Series ministers, and pastoral counselors as they care for hurting people.” —Marie A. Blunt, executive director, Samaritan Counseling Center of South Bend “[A] valuable resource…. The straightforward stories of others who have travelled this path are like signposts to show the way and let you know you are not alone.” —Nancy L. Bieber, retreat leader, teacher, Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development; author, Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way “A clear-eyed look at the overwhelming need for a fresh approach to divorce, one that is infused with forgiveness and hope.” —Marcia Ford, author, Finding Hope: Cultivating God's Gift of a Hopeful Spirit and The Sacred Art of Forgiveness: Forgiving Ourselves and Others through God’s Grace

Read more less

Book SynopsisAuthentic teaching is messy, exciting, frustrating, joyful, challenging—and sacred. "Through stories, information and reflection, we [will look] inward, going more deeply into the discovery of who we are, not only as teachers but also as women and men for whom teaching is only a part of life. I believe the deepest calling … is the call to be who we truly are." —from Chapter Seven, “Teaching Who We Are” Beloved teacher Rev. Jane E. Vennard leads an inner exploration of the hopes and fears, joys and frustrations, gifts and limitations that influence teachers of all kinds—teachers like you—every day. Drawing on her own experience as well as stories from many teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, she inspires you to reconnect to your original desire to open minds and hearts to learning. With reflection questions, practices and activities, she helps you reinvigorate your passion for your vocation, your students and your subject, thus recognizing how teaching is a sacred art.Trade Review"Required reading for any teacher. Jane's insights … are profound, challenging and inspiring. The spiritual dimension that she brings to this inquiry is the antidote for teacher burn-out." —Gary Friedman, Center for Understanding in Conflict/Center for Mediation in Law; author, Inside Out: How Conflict Professionals Can Use Self-Reflection to Help Their Clients “Truly a book for all who teach, at any level and in any subject…. Pivotal and persuasive … the reader comes away with a clear sense that those traits and practices by which we become most authentically human allow us to become uniquely effective teachers.” —Marjorie J. Thompson, author; Soul Feast: An Invitation to Christian Spiritual Life “A masterful meditation on teaching as a sacred art. With the gentle guidance of an experienced teacher, [this book] will enrich your life and may wholly transform your perspective on education.” —E. Glenn Hinson, Emeritus Professor of Spirituality and John Loftis Professor of Church History, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond “One of the finest books I’ve read on the vocation of teaching as a journey to deeper self-knowing. Eloquent and informative.” —Diane M. Millis, PhD, author, Deepening Engagement: Essential Wisdom for Listening and Leading with Purpose, Meaning and Joy “Teaching is a tough job; Jane Vennard shows us how to make it a blessed calling as well.” —Rami Shapiro, author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice “An intimate exploration of the deepest contours of one’s soul. For both self-identified teachers and would-be teachers … offers a challenge to view teaching as a life-long journey of discovery.” —Arthur C. Jones, clinical professor of culture and psychology, University of Denver; author, Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals “Extraordinary! The exquisite weaving of insights and stories illuminates a sacred teaching in Islam: the teacher kindles the light; the oil is already in the lamp.” —Imam Jamal Rahman, author, Sacred Laughter of the Sufis: Awakening the Soul with the Mulla’s Comic Teaching Stories and Other Islamic WisdomTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One Called to Teach: Discovering Our Vocation Listening for the Call Hearing and Living the Call Vocation in Religious Settings Call as Spiritual Journey An Authentic Call Risky Business Called to a Purposeful Life Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Two Engaging Our Students and Colleagues: Respect, Challenge, and Kindness Honoring Students' Innate Wisdom Discovering Multiple Intelligences Teaching to Multiple Intelligences Respect for the Struggle Creating a Safe and Hospitable Environment Engaging Kindly Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Three Love of Subject, Love of Learning: Communicating Excitement and Wonder The Learner Within When the Subject Is Alive Trusting the Learners' Needs The Continually Shifting Center Lifelong Learning Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Four Using Sacred Language: Telling Stories, Asking Questions, and Listening Well The Languages We Use Exploring the Power of Personal Language Recognizing the Differences between Dialogue and Debate Learning to Listen, Honoring Silence Expanding Our Use of Questions and Answers Living the Questions Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Five Claiming Our Authority by Letting Go of Control Examining the Differences between Authority and Power Sharing Responsibility for Teaching and Learning Letting Go by Offering Choices Reimagining Power Finding Your Own Way to Be in Charge Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Six Attending to Our Inner Landscape: Seeing, Embracing, and Transforming Our Shadows Embracing Our Shadows Paying Attention to Our Inner Landscape Leads to Authenticity Common Shadows in Teachers' Lives Striving for Perfection Fearing Interruptions and Surprise Believing Our Own and Others' Projections Being Realistic Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Seven Teaching Who We Are: Honoring Our Unique Gifts The Deepest Call Is to Be Who We Are Growing in Integrity and Authenticity Discovering Our Own Treasures Simplicity Patience Compassion Liberation Love Gratitude Wisdom Looking Inward, Going Deeper Acknowledgments Notes Suggestions for Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisA spiritual companion for those grieving infertility, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth, bringing solace from Jewish tradition. "This book begins where the others leave off. While the doctors do what they must do, when it is time for us to wait, or hope, or cry, or sleep, or pray, it is time for this book. The passages found within are drawn from the rich pool of spiritual responses that Judaism possesses. They reach out to us and embolden us to join our voices to the ancient prayers designed to get us through the night."from the Introduction Enables those frustrated and pained in their attempts at parenthood to mourn the loss of a pregnancy or infertility through the prayers, rituals, and meditations of the Jewish tradition. This new editionupdated and expandedincludes guided questions and pages on which to add personal reflections of your own emotions and experiences along the path toward parenting.

Read more less

Book SynopsisParadise is not some far-off distant time or place, nor is it beyond death. It is here and now ,according to Howard Cooper—one of the most eloquent new voices in spirituality. The Alphabet of Paradise contains twenty-six chapters, A–Z, on such topics as: Awe • Bodies • Creativity • Dreams • Emotions • Food • Humor • Illness • Justice • Kabbalah • Love • Money Throughout each, Cooper uses the ancient Jewish mystical interpretive technique of PaRDeS, examining: • The Plain or literal meaning of the subject • Reminders, hints, or allusions that the subject evokes • Deeper spiritual meanings • And the Secret or mystical meanings that are sometimes present Demonstrating a remarkable range of cultural understanding and spiritual insight—from Salman Rushdie to soccer to sauerkraut—The Alphabet of Paradise uncovers the mystical meaning of our everyday lives.Trade ReviewThe Alphabet of Paradise: An A–Z of spirituality for everyday life by Howard Cooper. Howard examines the sources of our daily life by using an ancient |ewish mystical method of interpretation that reveals both their literal and more allusive meanings—a remarkable range of cultural understanding and spiritual insight. * The Messenger *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ix Introduction 1 Awe 10 Bodies 20 Creativity 28 Dreams 35 Emotions 42 Food 49 God 56 Humour 63 Illness 70 Justice 78 Kabbalah 85 Love 93 Money 100 Nothingness 107 Orfices 116 Pleasure 124 Quiet 131 Relationships 138 Sports 145 Truth 154 Uncertainty 161 Vanity 169 Work 176 Xenophobia 183 You 191 Zeno's Paradox 198 Sources, References and Endnotes 206

Read more less

Book Synopsis"According to the Hebrew Bible, God made the world with words. God just spoke and the world became reality. (The Aramaic for ''I create as I speak'' is avara k''davara, or in magician's language, abracadabra.) ... This does not protect words from the numbing effects of overuse in any religious tradition.... We need to dust off the words, shake away the accretions, wonder again about what they originally might have meant and enable ourselves to live in the word."from the IntroductionWith creativity and poetry (and occasional heresy) Kushner dusts off thirty classical Hebrew words, shakes them free of the effects of generations of overuse, "re-translates" them and liberates their ancient holy power. The result is a contemporary spiritual guide for your personal religious life.According to the Hebrew Bible, God made the world with words. God just spoke and the world came into being. Words therefore are not merely sounds signifying something else; they are instruments of creation, primary reality itself. They need only to be read, spoken and interpreted. And to know them is to know reality itself.Kushner has designed the book himself, seamlessly blending graphics and content. In doing so he evokes the aesthetics of an ancient manuscript and a vision of our power to shape the future.Each finely crafted chapter begins with a Hebrew word and Kushner's provocative English translation. At the bottom of the page is a transliteration of the Hebrew along with its more customary English rendering. In addition to his own intriguing definition, he includes a biblical citation anchoring the word, along with a more recent text showing the word's evolution. Finally, we are offered a personal, meditative exercise designed to enable you to live in the word.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn inside look at the foundational sacred text of one of the world's youngest and fastest growing religions The Book of Mormon stands alongside the Bible as the keystone of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church/Mormonism). Translated by the prophet Joseph Smith from ancient writings inscribed on golden plates, the Book of Mormon is an account of people living in the Western Hemisphere in a timeline that parallels that of the Bible. It covers a thousand years of loss, discovery, war, peace and spiritual principles that focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ, outlining a plan for salvation and the responsibilities we must assume to attain it. The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained explores this sacred epic that is cherished by more than twelve million members of the LDS church as the keystone of their faith. Probing the principal themes and historical foundation of this controversial and provocative narrative, Jana Riess focuses on key selections that offer insight into contemporary Mormon beliefs and scriptural emphases, such as the atonement of Christ, the nature of human freedom, the purpose of baptism and the need for repentance from sin. She clarifies the religious, political and historical events that take place in the ancient communities of the Book of Mormon and their underlying contemporary teachings that serve as the framework for spiritual practices that lie at the core of Mormon life. Now you can experience this foundational sacred text even if you have no previous knowledge of Mormonism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the key teachings and essential concepts of the Mormon faith tradition with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that helps to dispel many of the misconceptions that have surrounded the Book of Mormon since its publication in 1830.Trade Review"Captures the spirit and gist of the distinctively Mormon scripture at one-tenth its length. Coupled with her informed, discerning and accessible commentary, Riess's editorial accomplishment is an act of interreligious generosity." —Philip Barlow, ThD, author of Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion "The most compelling, fascinating and gracious approach to the Book of Mormon that I have seen. Transforms dozens of cryptic passages and symbols into powerful messages that make the Mormon story shine with the beauties and mysteries of God's love." —Mary Ford-Grabowsky, editor of Spiritual Writings on Mary: Annotated & Explained “With her considerable historical and theological knowledge combined with her literary sensibilities, Jana Riess strikes precisely the right balance—an astute and sympathetic guide, not an overzealous proselytizer. Her informed and agile glosses help enormously in bringing the text to life.” —Randall Balmer, PhD, Ann Whitney Olin Professor of American Religion, Barnard College, Columbia University “At last, a version of the Book of Mormon that is suitable in both size and content for the classroom.… Manages to leave the sense of the whole intact, while commentary provides a simple guide to Latter-day Saint belief. A very useful, even necessary supplement to the study of Mormonism.” —Kathleen Flake, PhD, assistant professor of American religious history, Vanderbilt Divinity SchoolTable of ContentsForeword by Phyllis Tickle vii Introduction xi A Note about Language xxi The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi 1 Selections from the Book of Mormon 1. The First Book of Nephi 5 2. The Second Book of Nephi 51 3. The Book of Jacob 79 4. The Book of Mosiah 109 5. The Book of Alma 139 6. The Third Book of Nephi 185 7. The Book of Mormon 207 8. The Book of Moroni 219 Notes 232 Suggested Readings 234

Read more less

Book SynopsisLet the compelling words of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov guide and inspire you to pray. This deeply personal book of prayers opens the profound teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov to all who seek enrichment in their own prayer practice. Captured in words by Reb Noson, Rebbe Nachman''s closest disciple, this unique collection of Chasidic wisdom offers inspiring examples of how you can use spontaneous prayer as a powerful tool in your own spiritual life. Topics include:Finding God in Everything Awakening the Soul Living with Mindfulness Midnight Meditation Simplicity Grasping the Infinite Beginning Anew Love of Humanity Praying for the World Hospitality Spiritual Ups and Downs Turning Darkness to Light Unity in Diversity

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe recently discovered mystical sayings of Jesus, with facing-page commentary that brings the text to life for you. "The Gospel of Thomas really is, I believe, the clearest guide we have to the vision of the world's supreme mystical revolutionary, the teacher known as Jesus. To those who learn to unpack its sometimes cryptic sayings, the Gospel of Thomas offers a naked and dazzlingly subversive representation of Jesus’ defining and most radical discovery: that the living Kingdom of God burns in us and surrounds us at all moments." —from the Foreword by Andrew Harvey This ancient text can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. In 1945, twelve ancient books were found inside a sealed jar at the base of an Egyptian cliff. One of those texts was the Gospel of Thomas, one of the most important religious archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. While illuminating the origins of Christianity, it raises the question whether the New Testament’s version of Jesus’ teachings is entirely accurate and complete. Written at the same time as the canonical Gospels, the Gospel of Thomas portrays Jesus as a wisdom-loving sage. The aphoristic sayings emphasize the value of the present, teaching that the Kingdom of God is here and now, rather than a future promise or future threat. It presents a new way of looking at the challenging and intriguing figure of Jesus, and reminds us that the Divine can be found right here on earth. Now you can experience the Gospel of Thomas with understanding even if you have no previous knowledge of early Christian history or thought. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms, shares the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers, and gives you deeper understanding of Thomas’s innovative message: that self-knowledge and contemplation of the nature of this world are the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.Trade Review"Professor Davies has taken the Gospel of Thomas to the next level of intelligibility and accessibility. The commentary stretches the mind, while the comprehensible and accessible translation make Jesus' (and Thomas’s) voice clear. A masterful resource for both spiritual and intellectual seekers!" —Richard Valantasis, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Iliff School of TheologyTable of ContentsPreface ix Foreword by Andrew Harvey xiii About the Gospel of Thomas xxv Introduction xxxi Cast of Characters xli Sayings of the Gospel of Thomas 3 Suggested Readings and Resources 141

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor people who don''t believe that God can intervene in our lives, and why Judaism is still important."Judaism has so much to teach us about how we treat ourselves, each other, and our planet. Of course, you can learn these values elsewhere. But as a people, Jews have thousands of years of experience turning this kind of stuff over and over. [We''ve] had millions of users working to debug the system. Rather than look to other sources for guidance, let us turn to our own people's past to discover what it has to say about our present and our future."from the IntroductionFor some people, the biggest stumbling block in religion is Godeven for an ordained rabbi who admits her rational mind "can't buy into a God in the sky who writes down our deeds and rewards and punishes us accordingly." But not being sold on an intervening God shouldn't bar you from living a vibrant and fulfilling Jewish life. The God concept has seen many upgrades over the centuries and it is these reinterpretations that have kept Judaism relevant.In this provocative look at the ways in which God concepts have evolved and been upgraded through the centuries, Adventure Rabbi Jamie Korngold examines how our changing ideas of God have shaped every aspect of Judaism. With enthusiasm and humor, she shows that by aligning our understanding of God with modern sensibilities, Judaism can be made more meaningful, accessible and fully compatible with twenty-first-century life.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDoes the Golden Rule matter? It depends on the game. "We have to shift the game before we can promote the Rule. This is why teaching morality alone is insufficient. Educating our children in the Golden Rule without teaching about finite and infinite games and zero-sum and nonzero worldviews is a waste of time. Doing so would be like teaching them the rules of chess while insisting they play only checkers." —from Chapter 10, “Play Different” This provocative and challenging exploration of the Golden Rule, widely accepted as humanity's moral true north, neither praises the Rule uncritically nor naively insists that it is applicable in every situation. Rather, it looks critically at the Rule in the context of game theory to see where it works and where it doesn’t, when it is applicable and when it isn’t. It shows you why knowing the difference can offer you a powerful way to transform your life from one driven by fear to one driven by love. This philosophical game changer is written for people of all faiths or none who praise the Rule and yet violate it over and over again. It invites you into the fascinating world of ethical decision making in a way that helps you use the Golden Rule as a fulcrum for shifting your life from often unethical competition to compassionate and even loving cooperation.Trade Review"Brilliantly clear, easy to read, well-informed in relevant science, philosophy and religion ... a real contribution to our understanding of the Golden Rule." —Jeffrey Wattles, author, The Golden Rule; associate professor of philosophy, Kent State University “The Golden Rule may not be golden for the reasons you think! In this provocative book, Rabbi Rami leads us to a life of 'infinite play,' where the outcome of the game is a gorgeous paradox: everyone wins.” —Mirabai Starr, author, God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation “Intriguing.... Reverently considering scripture from a multitude of spiritual traditions while at the same time stripping the Golden Rule of its religious trappings, [it] calls and challenges us to live in the truly golden nonzero sum world of interdependence.” —Steven Greenebaum, author, Practical Interfaith: How to Find Our Common Humanity as We Celebrate Diversity “Provides a fresh look at the substance of the Golden Rule that has the potential to make it far more accessible and useful.” —Pastor Don Mackenzie, coauthor, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi and an Imam “[Does] all of us a big favor: help[s] us understand why we humans and our religions have so often failed in our practice of the Golden Rule, and give[s] us invaluable insights and practical tools to make the Golden Rule a lived reality.” —Paul McKenna, coordinator, Scarboro Missions Interfaith Department “Shapiro has an important message: either we play the game of life by trying to win at the expense of others (in which case we’ll likely all suffer) or we try to cooperate and treat others as we want to be treated (in which case we may all end up winning).” —Harry J. Gensler, author, Ethics and the Golden Rule; professor of philosophy, Loyola University ChicagoTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Games People Play: An Introduction to Game Theory 2. Warning: The Golden Rule May Be Hazardous to Your Faith 3. Evading the Rule in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism 4. Evading the Rule in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 5. What Have We Learned? Is God Necessary for Morality? 6. What's Love Got to Do with It? The Golden Rule and Reciprocity 7. Who Am I? The Golden Rule and the Nature of Self 8. To Do or Not to Do: The Golden Rule and Free Agency 9. Living the Rule: Toward a Global Ethic 10. Play Different: Shifting the Game Notes Bibliography and Suggestions for Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisKnitting is the miracle of creating new dimensions from a strand of yarn. Let it bring that miraculous transformation to your spiritual life too. "This book is about seeing and listening. It's about becoming aware that through knitting you can hear and give attention to what’s in your heart and soul—that knitting can be a place of rest and thought and a place for the Divine. It’s about connection—to yourself, to the world, to others and to the Holy." —from the Preface What can you learn about yourself through your knitting? What deeper symbolism lies behind the loops and patterns that you create? How can this simple activity help you make your way down a spiritual path? Delve into these questions and more in this imaginative book that will become your spiritual friend, your teacher and your sanctuary. Follow the knitting journeys of the authors and other knitters to discover how they have used their knitting to explore and strengthen their spiritual selves, and how you can do the same. In this joyful and engaging look at a time-honored craft you are invited to: Find time and space that was previously hidden in plain sight Try creative, thought-provoking original knitting patterns Recognize and deepen spiritual connections through knitting Meet other knitters on the journey to spiritual and self- discovery Explore new ways to expand and savor your knitting community Recognize your own power to pass along the knitting wisdomTrade Review"An enlightening, entertaining and affirming text on the spiritual depth of knitting. Finally, Skolnik and MacDaniels have put into words what I have been trying to express for so long about why knitting means so much to me." —Melanie Falick, author of Handknit Holidays, Weekend Knitting, Kids Knitting and Knitting in America “A fascinating tale, knitting together the often disparate strands of science and religion, faith and reason, art and technology. Expert knitters and spiritual seekers, Skolnik and MacDaniels have filled their book with stories about design and wisdom to enrich our journeys, and guide us gently into Mystery.” —Susan S. Jorgensen, spiritual director, retreat leader and coauthor of Knitting into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry “Can make some of our knitting time not be about product or even process, but about understanding, meaning and connection. Linda Skolnik brings to The Knitting Way an enthusiasm, curiosity and honesty that we trust.” —Elaine Rowley, editor of XRX Books “A heartfelt journey that inspires us all to look both outward, into our culture and families, and inward, into our hearts, to seek the true meaning of our own knitting pathways.” —Deborah Newton, author of Designing KnitwearTable of ContentsPreface Introduction: Finding the Knitting Way 1 Knitting into Awareness: Escape versus Care for the Soul 2 Science, Mystery, and Knitting: A New Way of Looking at Things 3 Sacred Space: Your Knitting as an Opening and a Sanctuary 4 Once Upon a Time: The Stories of Our Projects 5 The Bearable Lightness of Knitting: Learning to Let Go of Perfection 6 Making a Daily Practice: Cultivating the Time for Knitting 7 Mind and Body: The Role of Knitting 8 Bearing Witness: Following Your Own Knitting to Find Your Story 9 Paying It Forward: Passing On the Knitting and the Wisdom Conclusion: Continuing the Story Appendix Notes Resources Acknowledgments

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe timeless wisdom of an ancient Stoic can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. Stoicism is often portrayed as a cheerless, stiff-upper-lip philosophy of suffering and doom. Yet as experienced through the thoughtful and penetrating writings of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121–180 CE), the Stoic approach to life is surprisingly rich, nuanced, clear-eyed and friendly. With facing-page commentary that explains the texts for you, Russell McNeil, PhD, guides you through key passages from Aurelius's Meditations, comprised of the emperor’s collected personal journal entries, to uncover the startlingly modern relevance his words have today. From devotion to family and duty to country, to a near-prophetic view of the natural world that aligns with modern physics, Aurelius’s words speak as potently today as they did two millennia ago. Now you can discover the tenderness, intelligence and honesty of Aurelius’s writings with no previous background in philosophy or the classics. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful and engaging commentary that explains the historical background of Stoicism, as well as the ways this ancient philosophical system can offer psychological and spiritual insight into your contemporary life. You will be encouraged to explore and challenge Aurelius’s ideas of what makes a fulfilling life—and in so doing you may discover new ways of perceiving happiness.Trade ReviewForget Sun Tzu, author of the immensely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy, The Art of War. Move over Confucius, the scholar-official who remains the most prominent and respected philosopher in Chinese history. The sage in the spotlight of mainland society now is an outsider whose name may not necessarily be familiar despite cinematic exposure. Featured in the 2000 Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator, Marcus Aurelius (AD121–180) was the last of the "Five Good Roman Emperors" and a leading voice in stoic philosophy, which advocated accepting misfortune with virtus—toughness or character. Aurelius was a reluctant warrior and composed his classic work, Meditations, during campaigns lasting a decade from AD170. It contains a wealth of observations that reflect the stoic perspective and has one prominent admirer: Wen Jiabao. The Premier revealed last year that he had read the masterpiece almost 100 times, spawning a Marcus Aurelius craze that swept the Middle Kingdom and helped propel Meditations to the fifth place in—the admittedly government-backed—China Book International's best-seller list. Greg Sung, founder of the Hong Kong-based booklovers' network aNobii.com, observes that Wen may exert more cultural influence than a Hollywood "mega-blockbuster": the portrayal of Marcus Aurelius by Richard Harris in Gladiator had less effect on book sales than the Premier's disclosure, Sung claims. Wen's fascination with the dour, long-dead Roman may stem from a sense of fellowship, according to Russell McNeil, the author of Meditations of Marcus Aurelius: Selections Annotated & Explained. History remembers Aurelius as the proverbial "philosopher king". Likewise, Wen, a geologist by training, has a reputation for being a deft administrator who takes a consensual, collegiate tack. McNeil describes stoicism as "thoroughly rationalistic", anchored in arguments based on physics and "natural law", which means it squares with communist doctrine, which recognises no god. Better yet, stoicism has a "social", even socialist, slant. It decrees that morality should be based on doing what is right for the community or the state. "Personal satisfaction or happiness in stoicism does not flow from the gratification of personal desires or the avoidance of hard work or pain," McNeil says. When our actions stem from self-interest, we transgress. When we discriminate against others, we also err because, again, just like socialism, stoicism tells us we are all part of the proletariat and should treat everyone equally. The king is no better or worse than a pauper, Aurelius teaches, conjuring images of Wen in his famed plain green jacket, looking like a friendly next-door neighbour. Despite being written on the march, Meditations was "multiethnic and multinational", according to McNeil, who says the true stoic rises above nationalism and sees the world as a single political entity. Sung, for his part, credits fashion for the book's success on the mainland. He says the attention may have been amplified by a general renewed interest in the work of old masters such as the cryptic poet philosopher Master Zhuang, or Zhuangzi, who famously dreamed about being a butterfly. Hugely popular television lecture programmes on philosophy, hosted by university professors, are stoking the trend, Sung says. Meditations has, moreover, won the endorsement of Bill Clinton. The former US president features it in his list of his 21 favourite books of all time, among works by the likes of George Orwell and Maya Angelou. Bonnie Girard, president of business consultancy China Channel, is another fan. Like McNeil, Girard attributes the book's popularity partly to the fact that Aurelius ranks as a thinker but not a preacher. "In many ways," Girard says, "he is the antithesis of a religious or spiritual leader, so in modern Chinese political terms he is safe." Girard says that Wen, the unflappable "super-mandarin", as characterised by Time magazine, believes people will benefit from absorbing Aurelius' work now especially, because the mainland is in the throes of a spiritual awakening. Who better to direct the populace than a non-religious philosopher with no implied or actual affiliation to any of the world's great religions, says Girard. She paints Aurelius as a secular "lightning rod" with the power to help fulfil human hunger for answers to big questions. With the economic boom boosting expectations and widening the wealth gap, Aurelius' robust attitude is an inspiration, Girard adds. "The Chinese respect strength, I believe, more than almost any other human characteristic." The imperial superman immortalised by a legion of bronze and marble statues showed mercy to his vanquished enemies, battled corruption and slavery and even, like an early human rights agitator, decreed that gladiators fight with blunted weapons. When his empire was short on funds, instead of raising taxes he sold his plentiful belongings. At home, Aurelius was forced to contend with everything from famine and earthquakes (which have long afflicted China too) to fires and plague. Abroad, he faced threats posed by Germanic tribes to the north and Parthians to the east. In the light of all the aggravation, few other historical figures seem so "battle-tested". In case anyone doubts his gravitas, his publishers accord Aurelius the kind of reverence allotted the likes of Shakespeare and Socrates as top-tier literary greats. Penguin parades his book in its Great Ideas series devoted to writers who "shook civilisation". Watkins hails it as an inspiration to the best of humanity for almost two millennia. Tarcher calls Aurelius' voice "universal" and "equally recognisable to students of Christ, the Buddha, the Vedas, the Talmud and to anyone who sincerely searches for a way of meaning in contemporary life". Aurelius' cachet transcends boundaries of ideology and geography. "How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes," runs a characteristically terse Aurelius maxim. Whatever their outlook, few readers will be disappointed by his writing given its considerable clarity and punch. -- Wen Jiabao ASIA SPECIFIC David Wilson * South China Morning Post *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1 The Promise of Stoicism 2 Stoicism and Virtue 3 Stoicism and Vice 4 Stoicism and the Body 5 Stoicism and the Mind 6 The Method of Stoicism 7 Stoicism and the Environment 8 The Practice of Stoicism 9 Society and Government in Stoicism Glossary Notes Suggestions for Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the creativity that lies hidden within you—and express it! "Painting—because it is such a flexible and adaptable form of art—gives us unparalleled freedom to express what we are feeling. Through colors, forms, lines, even fabrics, we can tap into our deepest emotions and thoughts; we can access our very source. Given this opportunity, we unburden our spirits and are freed to express ourselves." —from the Introduction What can you learn about yourself through painting? How can a piece of artwork reflect your own personality, beliefs and values? How can touching brush to canvas help you portray something about yourself that is otherwise inexpressible? Delve into these questions and more in this imaginative, creative resource. Professional artist and beloved teacher Linda Novick leads you on an exploration of the divine connection you can experience through art. Each chapter includes a simple yoga-inspired breathing and stretching exercise to focus your mind and refresh your body, along with an original art project that helps you explore a theme essential to both your creativity and your spirituality. Whether you're a painting novice or an accomplished artist, no matter your faith and background, this engaging book has a place for you. Experience the joy of unbridled creativity!Trade Review"A wonderfully potent potpourri of technique, direction and spiritual discovery." —Art Times (Marion, NY) "A wonderful mix of spiritual insight and artistic rigor.... A fresh recipe for artistic development tinged with a yogic fragrance." —Staats Fasoldt, artist and director, Woodstock School of Art “Chapters flow easily.... Materials lists are precise enough for beginners but contain plenty of options for more experienced artists.... Impressive.... Encouraging.” —Publishers Weekly “Draws you into yourself with both playfulness and surprising depth. With artistic exercises, body-mind centered practices and contemplative questions, I couldn't wait to get started.” —Rasmani Deborah Orth, Ed.D., senior workshop programmer, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health “A playful, imaginative resource ... like a fantastic painting workshop with a wonderful teacher.... Easy to follow ... filled with inspiration and surprisingly deep awareness.” —Spirit of Change “Accessible and engaging ... draws a unique connection between painting and yoga. The projects ground the body and stimulate the mind while nurturing the spirit. A highly recommended tool for creative self-discovery!” —Cory Richardson-Lauve, author, The Scrapbooking Journey: A Hands-On Guide to Spiritual Discovery “Attractive.... Recommended.” —Catholic Library World “Kindles the spirit and summons the muse for whole-hearted self-expression. Warm and inviting, this is a book for everyone who has ever longed to journey the painting path.” —Karen Arp-Sandel, artist educator, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and IS183 Art School of the Berkshires “A great way to integrate the heart and soul. [Presents] clear explanations and draws similarities between seemingly diverse concepts. There is no better way to realize that we have all the tools within us to understand the world around us.” —Michael Mele, director, Il Chiostro arts workshops “A gentle, effective guide to the power of creating art. It's already helped me see things in a new way.” —Linda Skolnik, coauthor, The Knitting Way: A Guide to Spiritual Self-DiscoveryTable of ContentsForeword Introduction 1. Remembering Your Artist Self: Playful Experimentation with Oil Pastels 2. What's Real? Looking beneath the Surface with Drawing 3. Getting in Touch: Discovering What We Really Want with Watercolors 4. Your Circle of Power: Rediscovering Your Authentic Vision with Resist 5. Stepping Back: Cultivating Witness Consciousness Using Soft Pastels 6. Staying Flexible: Practicing Improvisation with Liquefying Pastels 7. Purposeful Direction: Practicing Beginner's Mind with Batik 8. Uncovering Your Dreams: Discovering the Power of Images through Collage 9. But Does It Look Like Me? Practicing Nonjudgment with Self-Portrait 10. Listening to Our Intuition: Nurturing Courage through Oil Paints 11. The Stories We Tell: Reinterpreting Our Lives through Painted Autobiography Conclusion: The Painting Path Continues Resources

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnter into the mystery of the Sabbath, into the wonder and light of the seventh day."We live in a world dominated by speed and distraction, with demands for our attention at every turn. We frequently forget the restorative blessing of stillness, our desperate need for rest a rest that brings us back to the center of existence, a calm that allows us to reconnect with the divine breath at the soul of All."from the IntroductionEnrich your spiritual experience of Shabbat by exploring the writings of mystical masters of Hasidism. Drawing from some of the earliest teachings in the family of the Ba''al Shem Tov through late nineteenth-century Poland and the homilies of the Sefat ''Emet, Eitan Fishbane evokes the Sabbath experiencefrom candle lighting and donning white clothing to the Friday night Kiddush and the act of sacred eating. Fishbane also translates and interprets a wide range of Hasidic sources previously unavailable in English that reflect the spiritual transformation that takes place on the seventh dayone that can shift your awareness into the realm that is all soul. Personal prayers of the Bratzlav (Breslov) Hasidic tradition express the spiritual dimension of Shabbat in the language of devotional and individual yearning.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOpen your mind and heart and discover how the sacred art of fasting can strengthen your spiritual appetite "Fasting as a religious act increases our sensitivity to that mystery always and everywhere present to us…. It is an invitation to awareness, a call to compassion for the needy, a cry of distress, and a song of joy. It is a discipline of self-restraint, a ritual of purification, and a sanctuary for offerings of atonement. It is a wellspring for the spiritually dry, a compass for the spiritually lost, and inner nourishment for the spiritually hungry." —from chapter 9 Though fasting is practiced in some form by nearly every faith tradition throughout the world, it is often seen as scary or something only for monastic life. But fasting doesn't have to be intimidating. And it doesn’t have to mean going weeks without food. The Sacred Art of Fasting invites you to explore the practical approaches, spiritual motivations, and physical benefits of this ancient practice by looking at the ways it is observed in several faith traditions. Inspiring personal reflections, helpful advice, and encouragement from people who practice fasting answer your questions, allay your fears, and reveal how you too can safely incorporate fasting into your spiritual life.Trade Review"A major contribution to a lost art, discipline, and spiritual practice. It reflects both a maturation of religion and a radical return to tradition. Thomas Ryan is teaching us how to refine our appetites!" —Richard Rohr, OFM, founder and director of The Center for Action and Contemplation “A solid and stimulating addition to the reading list of interreligious discussion groups.” —America “Insightful and balanced.... Garners the wisdom of different religious traditions ... needed in today's world.... Father Ryan has rendered a notable service in writing this book.” —Monastic and Interreligious Dialogue “A superbly written guidebook and practical resource…. Explores with ease and clarity our deeply rooted fascination with fasting and abstinence…. He writes from a Christian perspective yet compares and contrasts teachings and practices in other religious traditions with insight and respect.” —John Borelli, Special Assistant to the President for Interreligious Initiatives, Georgetown University “Broader and more complex than it might at first appear.... [A] sensitive treatment of fasting’s tradition and meanings in not only Christianity but also Judaism, Islam, and other faiths.” —Library Journal “A sober, practical, and deeply reverential discussion of an ancient practice undertaken in search for enlightenment.” —Midwest Book Review “Readers may be inspired to develop their own fasting practice.... Warm [and] personal ... accessible and inviting.... Equips readers to practice this sacred art safely and meaningfully.” —New Age Retailer “Accessible, thoughtful.... One of the book’s strengths is its evenhanded introduction to each of the six religions it covers....These [balanced] narratives allow adherents from each religion to speak from their own belief and experience.... [A] gem.... A much-needed treatise that will attract believers from all faiths.” —Publishers Weekly “Does an excellent service…. With diverse perspectives of social responsibility, devotion, ecology, the politics of hunger, and medicine, he explores the depth of human well-being … dispelling fears, guiding us with examples.” —Bhaswati Bhattacharya, MPH, MD, holistic physician-author and assistant professor of family practice in medicine, Weill-Cornell Medical College “Well-researched and developed.... Well-rounded.... Merit[s] serious consideration.... A feast of words that cannot fail to delight all who partake of it.... Reader-friendly ... a work of substance.” —Montreal AnglicanTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. In Search of Fasting as a Spiritual Practice 2. Judaism: Purification, Mourning, Atonement 3. Christianity: Mystical Longing, Liberation through Discipline, Work of Justice 4. Islam: Allah-Consciousness, Self-Restraint, Social Solidarity 5. Hinduism: Purity, Respect, Penance 6. Buddhism: Purity of Body, Clarity of Mind, Moderation 7. Latter-day Saints: Offerings for Those in Want, Strengthening in the Faith 8. What Makes Fasting a Sacred Art? 9. Preparing to Practice Notes Acknowledgments

Read more less

Book Synopsis How can my congregation become more vital? How can we both honor the past and embrace the future? [The Self-Renewing Congregation] calls for renewal'from within, not withouta renewal that begins with institutional self-reflection, proceeds through a process of self-engagement, and ends with self-generated innovations that can deepen the synagogue congregation as a sacred community. The core of this book offers any congregation seeking this path a compelling and realistic roadmap, a vision, and a process that is rooted in applied research and practical experience.from the Foreword by Dr. Ron Wolfson, codeveloper, Synagogue 2000; author of Shabbat: The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath Revitalizing and re-imagining the organization of our synagogues takes work! Combining expert advice and experience garnered from congregations throughout North America, The Self-Renewing Congregation shows us how transformative change is possible. A complete resource full of ideas, information, and support, this is a guide for those of us involved in, or interested in, energizing our spiritual communities. Isa Aron, founding director of Hebrew Union College's Experiment in Congregational Education (ECE), offers concrete, practical information on how to bring about change through collaborative leadership, and helps us grow dynamic, successful congregations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis powerful guide to Jewish meditation incorporates philosophy and story with ideas for daily living, including suggestions for setting up your own meditative practice, and invites you to wander an extraordinary and compelling path of the hearthitlahavut, the way of flame.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore the benefits of workplace spirituality in making work more meaningful and rewarding. Even as the subject of spirituality in the workplace is gaining momentum, surveys show the number of workers satisfied with their jobs is decreasing. Based on many years of professional, practical experience, the contributors to this powerful anthology help you correct this drop in morale by showing you how to restore meaning and purpose to the workplace. Offering new perspectives for a spiritual approach to work, each of the contributors to this innovative resource is a business leader, teacher, speaker, or writer on the topic of workplace spirituality. They represent the United States, Canada, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Together, they present a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a “spiritual workplace” and what it takes to create one. In today’s rapidly changing, challenging work environment, this is a resource no business leader, business management student, policymaker, or rising leader should be without. Contributors Richard Barrett Margaret Benefiel, PhD Jerry Biberman, PhD Kathy Lund Dean, PhD Satinder Dhiman, EdD Frederick T. Evers, PhD Linda Ferguson, PhD Charles J. Fornaciari, PhD Kerry Hamilton, CPCC, ACC Ellen Hayakawa Tanis Helliwell, MEd Craig E. Johnson, PhD Dr. Richard King Marjo Lips-Wiersma, PhD Joan Marques, EdD James F. McMichael, PhD Jacqueline Miller Julia Mossbridge, PhD Judi Neal, PhD Robert Rabbin Birute Regine, EdD Rev. Lucy Reid Rabbi Dennis S. Ross Lance Secretan, PhD

Read more less

Book SynopsisA challenge to each of us to take personal responsibility for repairing the world. "We are taught that every one of us is created in the divine image. All of us can be holy through imitating God…. So, you don’t have to look around or look away. You don’t have to wait for someone to come and do what you were put on this earth to do in the first place. Judaism empowers you, as one of God’s anointed ones, to do more than you ever dreamed possible." —from Chapter 1 The coming of the messiah is anticipated by millions of people of many faiths as the ultimate salve for our spiritual lives and as a way to finally make the world a better place. There Is No Messiah…and You’re It examines the history of messianic hope and anticipation, its evolution in Judaism and Jewish history, and other interpretations of “messiah” that shed new light on what it means to usher in the “kingdom of God.” This fascinating book is our call to see ourselves as the fulfillment of, not the anticipators of, messianic change. Drawing from the Bible, the Talmud, rabbinic sources, and modern-day scholars, Rabbi Robert Levine provides us with an accessible, fascinating understanding of messianic vision, as well as false messiahs throughout Jewish history. He challenges the powerful idea of messiah that has survived in the heart, soul, and ethos of the Jewish people, and reveals the immediacy of the messianic presence in our day—in our own lives. Compelling and controversial, There Is No Messiah…and You’re It inspires us to embody the noblest values of Jewish tradition—prayer, study, mitzvoth, and tzedakah—and embrace our own messianic potential to heal the world.

Read more less