A natural sequel to Some's book on ritual and intimacy, this book draws on the wisdom of the African ancestors to show how to build communities where children are not only welcomed but prized.

A renowned, respected teacher and mentor to thousands, Sobonfu Somi is one of the first and foremost voices of African spirituality to come to the West. Somi was born in Dano, Burkina Faso, a remote West African village with a population of about two hundred people. Dano has preserved the old ways of African village life, with family structures, spiritual practices, and methods of living that have been in place for more than ten thousand years. In The Spirit of Intimacy, Somi distills the ancient teachings and wisdom of her native village to give insight into the nature of intimate relationships. Somi generously applies the subtle knowledge from her West African culture to this one. Simply and beautifully, she reveals the role of spirit in every marriage, friendship, relationship, and community. She shares ancient ways to make our intimate lives more fulfilling and secure and offers powerful insights into the "illusion of romance," divorce, and loss. Her important and fascinating lessons from the heart include the sacred meaning of pleasure, preparing a ritual space for intimacy, and the connection between sex and spirituality. Her ideas are intuitively persuasive, provocative, and healing--and supported by sound practical advice, along with specific rituals and ceremonies based on those used for thousands of years. With this book, the spiritual insights of indigenous Africa take their place alongside those of native America, ancient Europe, and Asia as important influences on Western readers.

“An antidote to the veneer of perfectionism so often presented by books of its kind, Wabi-Sabi Welcome offers readers license to slow down and host guests with humility, intention, and contentment.” —Nathan Williams, founder of Kinfolk Wabi-Sabi Welcome is sharing a pot of tea with friends. It is preparing delicious food to nourish, not to show off. It’s keeping a basket of cozy slippers at the door for guests. It is well-worn linens, bouquets of foraged branches, mismatched silverware, and heirloom bowls infused with the spirit of meals served with love. In this lush entertaining manual, author Julie Pointer Adams invites readers into artful, easygoing homes around the world—in Denmark, California, France, Italy, and Japan—and teaches us how to turn the generous act of getting together into the deeper art of being together. In this book, readers will find: unexpected, thoughtful ideas and recipes from around the world; tips for creating an intimate, welcoming environment; guidelines for choosing enduring, natural decor for the home; and inspiring photographs from homes where wabi-sabi is woven into daily living.

This long-awaited work by African spiritual leader Sobonfu Som reflects the profound developments in Som's thought and teaching since the publication of her first two bestselling books, "The Spirit of Intimacy" (1997) and "Welcoming Spirit Home" (2000). Som is a compassionate student of life who has contemplated deeply the nature of personal triumph and defeat.

A theological, inspirational, and practical guide for congregations that want to move beyond diversity and inclusion to present a vision for the church of the future: one where the transforming gifts, voices, and power of marginalized cultures and groups bring new life to the mainline church.

Welcome to the spirit world. Allow me to introduce you to the universe of metaphysics. Based on my personal experiences this book explains the fundamental concepts of psychic phenomena. While in the spirit world my thoughts and emotions were shared first by my friend Ruth, and later by others as though we had one mind. I felt their fears and desires, their awe and adventurous spirit. They knew mine as well. Yet back in our body we could only communicate through the spoken word. We journeyed to the land of the dead, danced in the eternal light, delved into spirit worlds none of us dreamed existed. Specters of the dark side guided us through their realms: Shaman in the twilight wolf wilderness, Spirit Bird in the Valley Of The Birds, Joel the medieval Irishman in the Record Of All Time. Ruth and I thought our travels together were wondrous accidents until it happened again and again. Each experience was more complex and powerful than the last. Our journeys were never planned, nor did we discuss beforehand places we had discovered while there alone. Neither of us wanted to plant subconscious hints as to where we should go or what we should do. But once we were there we led each other to our secret places, dimensions, and past lives of which the other person had no knowledge. This book tells of my experiences on the astral planes with Ruth, alone, and with other travelers. It also includes explanations of metaphysical topics such as astral travel, channeling, and metaphysical energy. This should help you to understand the goings-on during my journeys as well as afford you a sound base for further investigations. Take my hand and let us begin our voyage.