Sprouting Spiritual Growth: A Memoir and Guide to Spiritual Journaling

by Marie Higgins

In 2009 Marie left corporate America after more than 15 years in Human Resources Management to pursue life. Before long she found massage therapy and became a nationally certified, state-licensed massage therapist. Having only one previous experience with receiving massage before choosing her new career, she began school with no real understanding of the body, mind and spirit connection. With massage, she came to quickly believe in the healing power of touch. At the same time, she felt a partial hardening of the heart (figuratively and spiritually). She found a coach to give her spiritual direction. During this time, she learned different spiritual disciplines (ways to pray) which helped her to develop a more personal relationship with God*. It was during 2009 when she became an active journaling person. This activity has grown and changed over the years, but the most constant thing she has put into practice is that, after writing what’s on her heart, she writes both this "God*, what else should I know?" and the answers that result. In 2015, she “broke ground” by setting up a blog site and then, beginning in 2016 and continuing, regularly shares some of the insights that come from a journaling practice. With these posts, she also poses questions that offer others some journaling prompts. More information can be found at CardinalTouch.net. Marie is also a speaker. She presents on a variety of topics concerning the body, mind and spirit connection. For example, as a small business owner and provider of healing touch, she speaks about smart practices for leading a balanced life. Most recently she has been teaching spiritual journaling and other ways to pray and develop our inner spirit wisdom. Venues include schools, especially colleges and universities, women’s groups (large and small), and holistic centers. * Marie uses the term God as a universal term. You may decide that Great Spirit, Allah, Higher Power, Sensibility, etc. better suits you today. It is not for anyone else to decide.

Genres: Christian

172 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2017

Reviews

[Didi Oviatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Marie Higgins took a very unique approach to guiding individuals in the process of Spiritual Journaling. Some aspects of the book have a sort of chicken soup feel. I'd recommend purchasing it in paperback as parts of it actually provides space for writing as a part of the guide. Life reflecting questions are asked based on the challenges presented to Marie in the previous chapter. Then there are lines for the readers to answer in accordance to their own lives. Very unique, and extremely useful to the reader!

Through out the book Marie tells exactly how to journal spiritually in a way that anyone can comply. It's tailor made to fit any individual. It's packed with useful tips and tutorials on what may or may not work for each and everyone new to spiritual journaling.

Marie bares her past proudly in Sprouting Spiritual Growth, and wears it on her sleeve for everyone to see. She tells exactly how journaling helped her in every aspect of life. Including the highs and lows in her career/changes in career, as well as her marriage, health, and the grieving process of loosing loved ones. Marie's story is very touching, and extremely encouraging to try one's hand at spiritual journaling. I went into this book a little skeptical, and came out completely impressed.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sprouting Growth details Marie’s spiritual journey from the corporate world to spiritual adventurer. The book has a “Chicken Soup” feel to it, which is not my cup-of-tea, but I know it is for several. It’s a beginner’s guide into how to journal from a spiritual framework and exactly what is needed for those beginning this journey.

Recommended for any journaling newbies.

**This was a review copy supplied by NetGalley for an honest review**