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In The Spirit of Happiness: A Book of Spiritual Wisdom
Now in paperback, the bestselling authors of "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" distill their collective spiritual wisdom in a book that explains how the elements of a monk's life--self-discipline, solitude, prayer, acts of love and forgiveness--are pathways that anyone can follow to achieve true happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
January 3rd 2001
by Back Bay Books
(first published 1999)
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What a well-balanced and practical guide of monastic wisdom for the 21st century. This community is rooted in Orthodoxy, but open to all Christian traditions and all people, for that matter. It clearly and convincingly shows that the vocation of a monk is none other than the vocation of every Christian, that is, to be present with God in all of life, in every situation.
Lots of really helpful insights into how to live as a follower of Christ in a balanced, God-glorifying way. I liked how open-en...more
Lots of really helpful insights into how to live as a follower of Christ in a balanced, God-glorifying way. I liked how open-en...more
I've been seeking spiritual growth & this book really helped me. It's written by Christian monks but they are not exclusionary (thank God!). Many things resonated with me: such as meditating by reading the Psalms and keeping myself conscious of whatever it is I'm doing.
A quote from the book:
"We're not made for drudgery. Drudgery in life exists because human beings are also weak. We're defective, we make mistake, we succumb too easily to negative attitudes. ... It's entering into the struggle...more
A quote from the book:
"We're not made for drudgery. Drudgery in life exists because human beings are also weak. We're defective, we make mistake, we succumb too easily to negative attitudes. ... It's entering into the struggle...more
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Many of the great books I read on spirituality give me a new enthusiasm for my practice, but this one really turned me around and awakened me to some beautiful ideas about love, forgiveness, lectio, and even the psalms. A great book that focuses on what we all can do, whether we are monks, nuns, oblates, or living completely in the world.
After Julian's _Revelations_, this might be the one that has done the most for my progress. But I just finished it, so I'm bound to think that. Highly recommend...more
After Julian's _Revelations_, this might be the one that has done the most for my progress. But I just finished it, so I'm bound to think that. Highly recommend...more
Apr 10, 2012
Jean Marie Angelo
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
spirituality
Some years ago I started volunteering at a community center. Someone lovingly wrapped this and left it in my mailbox as a Christmas gift. I read it before the year was up. Wonderful reflections about the path. These are the same monks who have written numerous books about dog training as a spiritual practice. I never found out who left the gift, but I suspect it was one of our older members who has since passed away. My he live in enlightenment. He deserves it.
This book contains many universal truths. I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking a spiritual path, regardless of denomination (or lack thereof). At times, it made me want to run off and join a monastery, but that isn't possible at this time. Which got me to thinking that our homes are our monasteries, it is up to us to seek inner peace which can be achieved by following some simple practices which are included in the book.
Read while touring the Tuscan Italy for two weeks for work. For me, the perfect setting for this book. I spent many hours sitting in old churches and cathedrals meditating on the messages in this book. Lovely.
About halfway through this book, I am taking a breather. So far, I love it. It addresses spiritual journeying and knowledge-seeking, and the message (so far) is: it's difficult, there are no easy answers, live life in moderation, searching is a continual quest, seek out joy. This book is written with numerous anecdotes and conversational pieces throughout, which are one of the best ways, I think, to write about spiritual growth, and that is, write down conversations between people (usually two o...more
Feb 03, 2013
Benedette
added it
I enjoyed this book and really got something out of it. Especially the chapter about jobs and work.
Very good book through and through. Much sage wisdom herein, and many good reminders of the basics regarding right and embodied living. The last chapter—unlike all those gone before—left a bit to be desired, though. While attempting to encourage the reader’s best efforts towards “happiness,” the results appear to be too dependant on human effort (rather than, say, a collaborative sense of “joy”). I trust the monks could clarify what they meant were the question to be asked, but clarifying it in...more
This book is amazing and potentially life-changing. I will never read a book like this ever again.
A nice walk through monasticism and everyday spiritual life, by people who know a lot about raising dogs. Nothing heartbreaking and revolutionary so far, but recommended as a nicely written intro into contemplative practice and an antidote to words like "blogosphere" or phrases like "monetize site traffic." Plus, who doesn't like to say "New Skete"?
This book has some good advice and interesting, well meant anecdotes, but I just couldn't make myself sit down and finish it. I don't think it's poorly written, it just didn't capture my attention well enough to compete with other influences.
There was a lot about this book that I liked. It has several very good, very timely messages about the nature of humanity and its spiritual needs.
Excellent insights on how to acheive happiness in this life based on monastic principles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
A beautiful and honest look at monastic life and how one might live it today.
Mar 06, 2013
Adrian Hunley
marked it as to-read
Loving this book so far!
interesting
refreshing. loved it.
May 19, 2013
Monyca White
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
087
added it
May 14, 2013
Angelica Flores
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May 10, 2013
Greg Hillis
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May 07, 2013
Sandy
marked it as to-read
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