The Sacred Gaze: Contemplation and the Healing of the Self

by Susan Pitchford

Eight hundred years ago, Clare of Assisi advised a correspondent to gaze into the mirror of the crucified Christ and study her own face within it. One hundred years ago, sociologist Charles Horton Cooley said we can know our self only as it is reflected to us by others. Contemplation is the choice to find our reflection in the divine Mirror. In The Sacred Gaze, Susan Pitchford explores how a false self is created by distortions in the mirrors around us. Drawing from the mystical and sociological traditions, and with practical suggestions for how to begin, Pitchford shows how gazing into the face of Christ can reveal to us who we really are. When the true self is known, and known as God's beloved, the way is opened to radical freedom and joy.

184 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Emily Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and honest delve into the Sacred Gaze. Pitchford looks into Reasons that humans stay away from him our sacredness and gives ideas on how to see the sacred all around. A wonderful and meaningful look into how much God loves humans as God’s children and how we can live into that love.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

in private notes

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book covering issues of "true self/false self". What I particularly liked was the way Pitchford, as a sociologist, came at these issues from a wider perspective than some other writers. I also enjoyed her very honest and often quirky illustrations from her own life. I would definitely lend this book to anyone struggling with the "who am I" questions - especially if they have had hurtful and difficult past experiences that cloud their sense of self.