Winner of the 2016 Georgia Author of the Year: Inspirational-religious books. Respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as "the hidden jewel of the Church," presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today. Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality's beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient, contemplative spirituality for all people. Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful, and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God.

This guide was originally designed and tailored to teach ESL students in Spain (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) some useful tools and strategies to destress and focus during exam period, however, any student aiming at achieving their best result in exams is encouraged to follow this "Easy guide on reducing anxiety and coping with examination stress". Ideal for non-native English language speakers worldwide taking major international standardised tests of English language. "One easy guide on reducing anxiety and coping with examination stress" may also help students of any discipline increase productivity, a documented benefit of Mindfulness that comes alongside decreased stress.

Silence is long-established as a spiritual discipline amongst people of faith. However, its examination tends to focus on depictions within texts emerging from religious life and the development of its practices. Latterly, feminist theologians have also highlighted the silencing of women within Christian history. Consequently, silence is often portrayed as a solitary discipline based in norms of male monastic experience or a tool of women’s subjugation. In contrast, this book investigates chosen practices of silence in the lives of Christian women today, evidencing its potential for enabling profound relationality and empowerment within their spiritual journeys. Opening with an exploration of Christianity’s reclamation of practices of silence in the twentieth century, this contemporary ethnographic study engages with wider academic conversations about silence. Its substantive theological and empirical exploration of women’s practices of silence demonstrates that, for some, silence-based prayer is a valued space for encounter and transformation in relationships with God, with themselves and with others. Utilising a methodology that proposes focusing on silence throughout the qualitative research process, this study also illustrates a new model for depicting relational change. Finally, the book urges practical and feminist theologians to re-examine silence’s potential for facilitating the development of more authentic and responsible relationality within people’s lives. This is a unique study that provides new perspectives on practices of silence within Christianity, particularly amongst women. It will, therefore, be of significant interest to academics, practitioners and students in theology and religious studies with a focus on contemporary religion, spirituality, feminism, gender and research methods.

Does prayer have to be silent? Does meditation have to be solemn? If I’m an extrovert, can I worship God? In this groundbreaking book, psychologist and spiritual adviser Nancy Reeves presents a refreshing view of spirituality that goes beyond personality to provide extroverts (and those who love them) with exciting new ways of approaching God.Reeves explores a wide variety of spiritual practices for extroverts, including:Praying in motionSingingCultivating spiritual friendships Practicing spirituality in groupsIn the end, she urges all of us, extrovert and introvert alike, to seek a mature spirituality that embraces all the aspects of our personalities. Includes questions for reflection and discussion. Perfect for book clubs, discussion groups, and bible study classes. “For some reason, we think of quiet, introverted people as the very name of holiness. This cannot be true, and Nancy Reeves shows us why!”-Richard Rohr, author of Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality“I’ve been waiting a long time to read a book like this! Nancy Reeves provides much needed insight and guidance.”-Joyce Rupp, author of Fresh Bread: And Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment“As an introvert, I found Reeves’ perspectives eye-opening and enormously helpful. They will change the way I interact with the extroverts in my life. This book should be required reading for anyone offering spiritual guidance.”-Marjorie J. Thompson, author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual LifeNancy Reeves is a clinical psychologist, spiritual director, poet, and author. She is director of the Island Loss Clinic, teaches at the University of Victoria, and conducts many lectures and workshops internationally. She is the author of A Match Made in Heaven: A Bible-Based Guide to Deepening Your Relationship with God and I’d Say Yes, God, If I Knew What You Wanted.

Uncover the healing power of your story, express your authentic voice, and find connection with this positive holistic guide to writing and creativity. Lisa Weinert’s work is based on the premise that we hold our stories in our bodies. The extent that we learn how to release them affects how we perceive and approach our lives - but what if we don’t have the tools to understand our narrative outside of what’s been told to us? What if we don’t have access to our own story due to trauma? What if we are unable to share our truth with the world? In Narrative Healing, she empowers readers to identify, understand and tap into the healing power of their stories. Following her own personal healing journey, Lisa draws upon twenty years of experience to offer a new paradigm for personal growth, self-care and community action through an embodied writing practice. Combining somatic practices, creative prompts, and mindfulness exercises, Lisa guides you through the six steps of healing through storytelling: awaken, listen, express, inspire, connect, and grow. Incorporating creativity as a core part of the process, Narrative Healing provides writers and non-writers a comforting yet equally empowering process to find a path to themselves and find deep connection with the world around them. The premise here is simple: our stories have a healing purpose and are meant to be shared. As we are able to better know our own stories, we are better able to take in the humanity of those around us.

A black family and a white family in 1960s Texas find common ground during the Civil Rights Movement.

All journeys are journeys of encounter with the Lord who walks with us in the cool of the evening. Sometimes they are deadly silent; other times they are full of travail. But all times, no matter what the occasion or circumstance, they are journeys with rather than against; journeys to rather than from; journeys indwelling rather than dissipating. Any journey demands both a challenge and a risk; an act of faith in what is to come because of the assurance of what is past. Yet, the challenge and risk always leads to a homecoming. And the journey home is always shorter and full of special memories because it embodies the reality of a happy ending. A journey is an exercise in discovery; discovery of latent talents; opportune moments and the creative ability to fashion the tapestry of one’s life under the guidance of the Master Weaver. This book is a journal of life weaved from the fabric of people’s lives. Their hearts are stories of strength and weakness, heroism and heartbreak yet, woven together with hope. It is a sacramentality of life, love and living. May your journey be the same but different.