Spirituality and Practice has named The Soul of a Pilgrim one of the best spiritual books of 2015!
(click the link to see the entire list)
by Christine Valters Paintner, PhD
(Ave Maria Press 2015)
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To order through Ave Maria Press click here
The renowned author of eight books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, Christine Valters Paintner takes readers on a new kind of pilgrimage: an inner journey to discover the heart of God. Eight stages of the pilgrim's way–from hearing the call to coming home–are accompanied by scripture stories of great biblical journeys and the author's unique and creative practices of prayer, writing, and photography.
As she did in The Artist's Rule and Eyes of the Heart, Christine Valters Paintner once again helps readers travel to the frontiers of their souls to discover the hidden presence of God. In The Soul of a Pilgrim, Paintner identifies eight stages of the pilgrim's way and shows how to follow these steps to make an intentional, transformative journey to the reader's inner "wild edges." Each phase of the exploration requires a distinct practice such as packing lightly, being uncomfortable, or embracing the unknown. Paintner shows how to cultivate attentiveness to the divine through deep listening, patience, and opening oneself to the gifts that arise in the midst of discomfort.
Each of the eight chapters offers reflections on the themes, a scripture story, an invitation to the practice of lectio divina, and a creative exploration through photography and writing.
The Soul of a Pilgrim has been named one of the best books of 2015 by Spirituality and Practice!
Printable Bookmark and Infographic
Download a printable bookmark with the 8 practices>>
Download a printable infographic with details of the 8 practices>>
Webinar
The Parish Pilgrim: Cultivating Intentional Inner Journeys
Interviews
A print interview with Christine at Carl McColman's website
A print interview with Christine at Patheos for the June Book Club
A radio interview with Christine at On Call with Wendy Wiese
A print interview with Christine with Sibyl Dana Reynolds at Sacred Life Arts
A print interview with Christine at Always We Begin Again with Judy Smoot
A print interview with Christine at AnamCara with Tara Owens
Reviews
At Clare Bangasser's blog A Seat at the Table
Other Blog Reflections on The Soul of a Pilgrim
Bruce Epperly responds to my book in his blog post Everyday Pilgrimage>>
Lisa Burgess responds to my book in her blog post Design Your Own Pilgrimage>>
Carl McColman responds to my book in his blog post Life is a Pilgrimage: Embrace the Journey>>
Christine offers a guest post at God Space on pilgrimage>>
Praise for the Book
(see above for printable version of this graphic)
"This creative, moving book beckons the pilgrim into the inner journey through daily life. Deeply grounded in creative spiritual practices, it is both a guidebook and an inspiration." —Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Author of Pilgrimage–The Sacred Art
"Of all the books that Christine Paintner has written, this is by far my personal favorite. To refer to it as a comprehensive manual for the journey doesn't do justice to the incredible richness of its resources. It definitely reawakened the inner pilgrim in me!" —Wil Hernandez, Obl. O.S.B., Founder and Executive Director, CenterQuest.org
"Making our own pilgrimage to the heart inside our heart is perhaps the most challenging and yet most rewarding journey we can make. The Soul of a Pilgrim is the perfect companion to have in our pocket along the way." —Bruce Davis, Retreat Leader, SilentStay.com
"Christine Valters Paintner and her husband John beckon the reader toward a transformative way of pilgrimage. Poetry, practices, and midrash weave this wisdom into daily life." —Mary C. Earle, Author of Marvelously Made: Gratefulness and the Body
"Christine Valters Paintner's latest work is an invitation to take leave of the familiar and go on pilgrimage–not necessarily by traveling abroad, but by simplifying one's life, letting go of pre-conceived and perhaps deeply rooted notions, and opening oneself up to the Spirit of wisdom in one's heart. Complemented by the scriptural reflections of her husband, John, and her own creative poetry, this marvelous book takes the reader on a journey of discovery that can profoundly change the direction of one's life." —Edward Sellner, Author of Pilgrimage: Exploring a Great Spiritual Practice