Reflections

I received my copy of “Listen” today which is a free publication of Spiritual Directors International.  My book The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom received a lovely review.  Here is an excerpt: In The Artist’s Rule, the familiar subjects of creativity and spirituality explode into a kaleidoscope of connections that invite the reader into the borderland where these topics converge. Grounded in scholarly knowledge, the book quotes Scriptures, theologians, mystics, psychologists, artists, poets, and others, yet it reads like a stimulating conversation with a soul friend. To read the whole review, here is the PDF>> Consider joining me

Beth Patterson at Virtual Tea House offered to write this guest post for the Abbey in support of a new book being published (see below).  I am delighted to host her words here.  Last Christmas I had what felt very much like my own near death experience (or NDE as Beth writes) and I am very intrigued by the qualities common to folks who touch their own mortality in such an intimate way.  I am also drawn to her story because of the wisdom she expresses from her grandmother and my own deep appreciation for what our ancestors offer to us.

Last week’s Poetry Party was another shimmering gathering of poetic beauty.  If you haven’t yet, make sure to stop by and see the offerings.  You are still welcome to share a poem in response to the prompt but it is time for me to announce the winner of the random drawing. . . Genora Powell has won a free registration spot in my upcoming online retreat Honoring Saints & Ancestors: Peering through the Veil (October 30-November 19, 2011).  Contact me with your email address and I will get you registered (or you can gift a friend).

Are you in need of a holy pause this week?  A few moments of poetic beauty and refreshment?  Then I encourage you to pour yourself a cup of tea and stop by here to linger over the incredible responses to this week’s prompt about “going home.”  You might be with the poems in a lectio way of reading until a line shimmers for you, than pausing there and letting the word or phrase wash over your being until your heart responds. Then share your own poem because on Sunday, September 25th, I will draw a name at random from the