Description
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. 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 books
Table 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
