Description
Book SynopsisHas the art of accompaniment been lost in Western culture? Could non-judgemental accompaniment be the answer to rising levels of isolation and loneliness? Could spending time with others from different or marginalised backgrounds reduce feelings of 'otherness' and lead to a more open, trusting society?
Exploring the themes above, this welcoming book offers models of relationships, interdependence, and community for individuals who are marginalised from society. It emphasises the importance of being with people and time spent in physical activity and in the natural world, without demands being put on expressing feelings or even speaking out loud.
It draws on the author's own vast experience and work with those on the edge of society - including living in a Christian community which welcomes those in terms of crisis, living in a Palestinian village, working with adults with autism and as chaplain to Gypsies and Travellers - providing a varied, insightful and heart-warming view on the benefits of accompaniment.
Trade ReviewProfound, practical, gentle, adventurous, simple, witty - this book reflects the journey and personality of a daring, devout disciple. It offers joyful, if never easy, ways to heal our loneliness and brokenness through being together: listening, working, laughing, walking and making peace. -- Tobias Jones, author of A Place of Refuge
This beautifully written book draws on a rich fund of stories of community, ministry, and pilgrimage, and on centuries of spiritual wisdom from many traditions and cultures, in describing what it means to accompany another, and so resist the deepening culture of isolation fostered by modern individualism. Once you start reading you will find it hard to put down, as I did! And you will be blessed by the sense that in the voice of the author, you feel something of how it is to be accompanied by him. -- Michael Northcott, Emeritus Professor of Ethics, University of Edinburgh
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Foreword; Preface; Introduction; 1. Alienation; 2. Being in Community; 3. Walking Alongside Others; 4. Working Alongside Others; 5. Crossing the Divide; 6. Making Peace with Others; 7. Restoring our Relationship with the Earth; 8. Coming Home to Our True Selves; Appendix 1 Hints for Accompaniment; Appendix2 Essential Ingredients for Living in Community; References
