New Review of Desert Fathers and Mothers (and Living Spiritual Teachers Project)

I am really honored by Spirituality and Practice‘s review of my latest book Desert Mothers and Fathers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings — Annotated & Explained:

In her absolutely brilliant introduction to the desert fathers and mothers, Paintner does a wonderful job explaining the desert as a place of deep encounter; the significant figures in this monastic tradition; the spiritual importance of the cell and the heart; the value of surrender and humility in relationship to the unceasing presence of God; and the challenges of viewing the wisdom sayings of the desert fathers and mothers as Zen koans — “texts to be pondered and chewed on slowly and then integrated into your life.” . . .

In her engrossing commentaries on these sayings, Paintner shares how they have influenced her life, such as her listening for a word from the world of nature; her adoration of trees and their connection with saints; her role as an urban monk; her frighteningly close encounter with death; her love of books and her sense of the shadow side of them; and the need to be very honest with herself as a teacher, writer, and spiritual director.

This is one of the brightest and best resources on the desert fathers and mothers.

Click here to read the whole review>>

I am also deeply honored that I have been added to their Living Spiritual Teachers Project.  You can click the link to find a nice summary of my work as well as a link to the e-course I have available through them on the Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.