Such a wonderful read. As was suggested - it is one to read through initially and then go back and take a chapter at a time. So much to ponder. I particularly was both challenged and touched by the chapters on community and service. This really is one that all Christ followers should read at some point in their spiritual journey.

This is a slow burn, one I took my time with and really savored. The insights and wisdom are simply stunning. I wrote “whoa” in the margins of several pages. This came at an important time for me. In the midst of constant striving and relentless pursuits, Nouwen reminds us of a simple truth. We are beloved.

This is an important (even pivotal) book for those who are seeking a life that does not answer the questions, but encourages us to live them.

I don’t know if my words can do this book justice.

“We often say, “I am not very happy. I am not content with the way my life is going. I am not really joyful or peaceful. But I don’t know how things can be different, and I guess I have to be realistic and accept my life as it is.” It is this mood of resignation that prevents us from actively naming our reality, articulating our experience, and moving more deeply into the life of the Spirit.”

An evocative and enjoyable devotional read.

A good book for those considering becoming spiritual directors, though not actually written by Nouwen. Gathered together materials presented as from Nouwen posthumously.

always so much food for thought w/ Henri's writings....love the reflection ?s

I especially loved Henri’s words about the hard and necessary work of community, his honesty about the obstacles, and the call to live in forgiveness and celebration of the people around us.

This is the author's last book, published posthumously and representing an edited compilation of his work in this area. Therefore, one might expect it to differ in form and substance from his previous work; this would be a mistaken assumption. It is a very well-done piece of meaningful insight and practical application rolled into one.

As a discipline, spiritual direction is something that Henri Nouwen both practiced and preached, so to speak, serving in the role of spiritual director for many while he was also led by others himself. I believe that it's this experience of the process from both sides - that of being the leader in the relationship and that of being the follower - that informs this work. In this book, his colleagues set out to collect his work in this domain and to develop it into a coherent guide to the art and practice of spiritual direction. They do so ably.

The format of the book is to focus on an aspect of the discipline of spiritual direction and then to conclude each corresponding chapter with an exercise that is the practical application of what preceded it. In fact, the exercises are so reflective and comprehensive that they could form a separate piece of work. For the person with a serious interest in this process of spiritual self-discovery and -development, these practical applications are both meaningful exercises in themselves as well as helpful tools when working with others (including one's own spiritual director and/or prayer group).

The theory and theology that are contained in the work are also outstanding. For example, Nouwen's treatment of relationships (or being in community as he calls it) and the expectations that we bring to them is particularly insightful. Distinguishing between what is possible for us as humans - our love is always somewhat conditional, he maintains - versus what emanates from the experience of the divine - which is truly unconditional - he then suggests a re-orientation: given that we cannot provide to ourselves or to others truly unconditional love (which is only God's provenance), we must be able to forgive and to celebrate. We must forgive each other for being unable to provide what everything that another wants and needs and yet celebrate what he/she/they can and do provide. In other words, we recognize each other's limits, respect them and work within these boundaries to achieve a synergistic, mutually beneficial relationship. As he puts it, "Community is solitude greeting solitude: 'I am the beloved; you are the beloved; together we can build a home or place of welcome together,'" a place he acknowledges will be happy at times and less so at others. That he acknowledges the reality of fluctuating human emotions makes his theology both more accessible and more practical for daily use.

Similarly, as he points out, the questions in our lives must be lived (though we tend only to want to find the answers and in so doing to conclude our unknowing as quickly as possible and then to move on). "The first task of seeking guidance is to touch your own struggles, doubts, and insecurities - in short, to affirm your life as a quest.... Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken with Jesus as our friend and finest guide." This reminder that it's in the experience of divining answers that we live most fully - or, alternatively, that it's the focus on the journey that matters, not the destination per se - is especially prescient in today's performance- and goal-oriented, increasingly secularized culture.

There are some challenges with the book. For example, there are passages that are so "touchy-feely" that if one has even a touch of skeptic in him or her, there will be a tendency to want to discard the attendant insights. Don't; live through the squishiness and the author will guide you back to more (emotionally/spiritually) balanced ground soon enough. Also, some of the author's revelations about himself are a bit overwrought and can distract somewhat from the points that he's trying to make.

This being said, these are mere quibbles about an otherwise strong work. Those who are interested in this discipline and open to the wisdom contained in this book will be deeply moved and effectively developed by the experience. Therefore, this effort represents a fitting coda to the author's incredible body of work. Read it and be moved, skilled, guided and lifted....

I highly recommend this book! Nouwen’s intuition, gentleness, and brilliance converge to encourage and direct. So good!

Best to slowly read small sections at a time...reminds us that we suffer from a fear of empty space, finding it hard to give up our work and preoccupations to create empty space...we fear the voice of God, not sure we would want to go in the direction God may call us to go. Reminds us the Bible is not primarily a book of info about God, but of formation of our hearts. Gave helpful methods of praying, meditating on scripture, and journaling. Author reminds us that all humans are limited in giving the level of love and acceptance we all crave, so we must keep forgiving people (spouses, parents, friends, etc.) The author taught psychology and pastoral theology at Harvard & Yale before becoming a senior pastor at a Canadian community for adults with mental disabilities. Last part of book defines our ministry to help people and other disciplines of spiritual life...now to live more accordingly to what I've read and learned...

God, if you're willing, please send me to a mountain top cabin alone with plenty of blank journals, pens, no distractions, and adequate sustenance for the next time I read this book.

I loved this. As I said in an earlier comment, I wish I'd read this before I attempted Foster's Celebration of Discipline. This was so clear, so practical. This is going on my must-read list.

I've spent a solid week seeping in this small and mighty book. It's beauty is in it's simplicity and honesty. I found so much that convicted me, challenged me, and encouraged me. One of my favorite chapters is entitled "Where do I belong". It focus on being in community with God through solitude greeting solitude. Giving God the space to be God and others the space to be human brothers and sisters. The chapter is one that I read aloud to my family, and will continue to sip it as the days go by, allowing it to nourish my soul and rehydrate my soul.