The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning
by Ernest Kurtz, Katherine KetchamSign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
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Read in January, 1995
Easily read, this book introduces us to the concept that to grow in spiritual realm means to accept imperfection --- no to celebrate it! Using stories and quotes from some of the worlds greatest thinkers and mystics the authors share this concept encouraging each person to take steps to become their own.
The messaage is don't wait for someone to tell you who you are--begin this path and unfold the letter God wrote to you upon your birth!
The messaage is don't wait for someone to tell you who you are--begin this path and unfold the letter God wrote to you upon your birth!
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Read in January, 2002
recommended to Suzanne by:
Um yes My friend Rita (Rita Mae)recommends it for: Anyone interested in spirituality
'When the King visited the monasteries of the great Zen Master Lin Chi, he was astonished to learn that there were more than 10,000 monks living there with him.
Wanting to know the exact number of monks, the King asked, "How many disciples do you have?"
Lin Chi replied, "Four or five at the very most." '
(Story Tellers cites a street entertainer named ken Feit)
Also : 'A man walking through the forest saw a fox that had lost its legs and he wondered how it li...more
Wanting to know the exact number of monks, the King asked, "How many disciples do you have?"
Lin Chi replied, "Four or five at the very most." '
(Story Tellers cites a street entertainer named ken Feit)
Also : 'A man walking through the forest saw a fox that had lost its legs and he wondered how it li...more
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Read in September, 2008
It's difficult to describe the impact this book has had on my life, but for anyone struggling with developing a sense of spirituality that isn't dependent upon organized religion, this book is key.
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I won't rate this book because I haven't finished it yet. I started reading it months ago and occasionally pick it back up. It is basically a good compilation of deep thoughts and short stories, not to be rushed through. When I was in Junior High I came across an AAA 12 step book at my mom's house(I have no idea why she had it) and because I love to read and had nothing else to do, I read it. This book is written in the context of AAA, though not about alcoholism in specifics. But I find it very...more
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
stella
this book goes from stories told by ancient sages and wise men/women, profits and philosiphers to the modern movement of the recovery culture. All the while, saying the same thing ... we all fear change, we all need to learn how to express ourselves productively, we all need to listen better, we are all imperfect and we all need to embrace each other rather than compete with each other. This book gave me a lot to think about, and made me want to share it with everyone who is on a journey of lear...more
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Read in January, 2007
As M. Scott Peck said, "Life is difficult." Things never go completely the way we wish they would. Things are just not like they are supposed to be. Or maybe they are. The thesis of this book is that we can find meaning, truth and even a sense of peace in things just the way they are, imperfection not withstanding. In fact, perhaps things are imperfect because that is where the the most amazing insights are to be found.
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Read in November, 2007
Did not realize it was a sort of companion to the AA philosophy till I started reading it. Knowing little about AA I was intrigued. Interesting angles on Christianity and Judaism as sources of psychological well being. I was more familiar with the Eastern stories in this book than the Muslim-Judeo-Christian ones, but they all had something to say.
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Read in July, 2008
I will keep this book close by as a book to read and re-read over and over. I can open up to any page and learn something new or gnaw on a good idea.
I can't say much more except that I ADORE this book. It made me loved humanity in a new way.
I can't say much more except that I ADORE this book. It made me loved humanity in a new way.
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I always end up going back to this book when I need some inspiration. The stories in this book have so much wisdom and I have used them on numerous occasions. It also has some interesting insights on the spirituality of alcoholics anonymous.
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When the student is ready, the teacher appears. This book, like much of the 12-step literature, has this message: forgive yourself-- again and again and again. For whatever reason, it's making a difference for me. Right now.
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Read in July, 2008
Being a very spiritual perfectionist by nature this book has been very eye opening. The author makes the compelling argument that spirituality does not demand perfection, but instead an acceptance of and compassion for our humanity.
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Explained the meaning of my life. spirituality is more at home with question than with answer. Religeon if for those who don't want to go to hell and spirituality is for those who have already been there.
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Despite its title, someone described this book to me as the best explication of a modern relationship to Christianity. I'll let you know if that's accurate.
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Read in January, 1993
This book taught me how to embrace my imperfections and understand true humility,which is nothing more than an accurate self-appraisal.
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