Many are searching for a deeper spiritual life. Yet, often seekers don't really know where to begin. In this short book, James Alexander demystifies the mystical journey. Realizing that the mystics have much to offer those searching for a richer spiritual life, and yet that not everyone is called to a monastic life, Alexander offers a path for everyday mystics. If you have been wanting "something more," but don't know how to go about it, this book is for you! Characteristics of the mystical journey as well as practices that will deepen your spiritual life and relationships with others are presented in an inviting, doable way. The mystic's way is a reality for everyone. This book offers a starting point for a fuller, richer experience of God that will encourage you and excite you. Discover a path that has enriched the life of many followers of Jesus--both now and in the past. The journey awaits you. Now is the time to begin!

An organizational psychologist looks at the stories of ordinary people who choose a solitary lifestyle to find wholeness and self actualization.

To those without time or inclination for intensive spiritual reading and study, this handbook is a find! The work is firmly grounded in Scripture and Christian teachings on growth through contemplation. The wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross has been distilled to help us understand the stages and experiences of the inner journey. The reader is guided through the classic works of these time-tested directors, in a logical, easily understood fashion. Enlightenment, encouragement, and energy are drawn from these pages, and a sense of adventure beckons the reader to new perspectives. For over a quarter century the author, married and mother of eight, has been nourished by these masters and by the way of life of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. Drawing on her experience in counseling and teaching contemplative meditation, she meets the need for a practical modern guidebook.

The Bahá'í Faith is a religion that was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in the mid-nineteenth century and has since spread all around the world. Though a way of life that is largely grounded in action, the mystical connection between the individual believer and God stands at its core. The seeker of truth aims to walk the mystical path with practical feet. This book highlights the place of mysticism in the Bahá'í Faith through an exploration of its sacred literature. It discusses Bahá'u'lláh’s teachings on God and creation, the purpose of life, the nature of spiritual experience and transformation, as well as the principles and practices that the spiritual seeker utilises on the path of transformation. Through this exploration we discover the potential of the human being to live an active and spiritual life in this world, drawing closer to God. Each person was created in the image of God and has the capacity to mirror all of God’s perfections, experiencing His light both in the outside world and within, in this world and the next.

The Christian mystics are the treasure of Western civilization—yet they remain little known among those of us who are potentially their spiritual heirs. Andrew Harvey's anthology confronts us with the mystics in their own words, to show us how well they serve, even now, as guides for the spiritual life—and to challenge our preconceived ideas about the path of Christianity. He has chosen selections that represent all eras of the Christian tradition, as well as the amazing range of people who have embodied it, people like Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Bede Griffiths, and many others.

When meditation master and author Ken Mellor had a life-changing experience at 13, he had no idea where it would take him. In Urban Mystic: Discovering the transcendent through everyday life, he describes his amazing journey to spiritual awakening. Mellor's story takes you from Melbourne, Australia to the United States, India, England, Switzerland, and Germany. You'll meet psychotherapists, healers, astrologers, and many others. You will participate in fantastic experiences with masters of meditation and spiritual enlightenment-a Siddha Master, Tantric Master, Vedic Master, and a "Divine Mother." Mellor's intriguing and compelling narrative prompts self-discovery, and offers inspiration to dwell in the moment in order to awaken the soul to extraordinary transformations. Your reading will encourage you to embrace living, to cope with life's ups and downs, and to advance your own spiritual awakening. Learn to celebrate how new beginnings, hopes, dreams, successes, mistakes, and challenges are all part of your unique destiny. "An amazing odyssey from the everyday to the spirit - and back again! - that reads like the true adventure it is. I was glad to be part of it and you will be too." -Stephen Karcher, prolific author in the fields of comparative mythology, divination, and religious experience.

"An organizational psychologist looks at the stories of ordinary people who choose a solitary lifestyle to find wholeness and self actualization."--Publisher description.