كتاب من اروع ما قرأت ، بكلمات محددة و و قويةو رقيقة يدخل الى اعماق اعماقك و يتسرب بهدوء الى المناطق المظلمة فى حياتك ، التى طالما اخفيتها عن الجميع حتى عن نفسك !
خلاصة تجربة رائعة لحياة من الالام الوحدة و الفراق ، الالام الرفض و الترك و الهجر ، و اختبار بركات اعظم و حياة اقوى بجذور مبنية على ارض صلبة لن تهتز غدا و لا بعد مائة عام
من افضل الاعمال بل يعد الافضل فى مجال شفاء النفس و الجروح القديمة

These are selections from a journal that Henri Nouwen wrote when he was in the midst of a very dark season in his life. He writes in the second person singular, saying things like, “You are called to live out of a new place, beyond your emotions, passions, and feelings. As long as you live amid your emotions, passions, and feelings, you will continue to experience loneliness, jealousy, anger, resentment, and even rage, because those are the most obvious responses to rejection and abandonment.” While writing with the word “you” could be off-putting for journal entries that are so direct and so emotional, I actually found the directness to be inviting. There is something about Henri Nouwen’s voice (at least in the way that I hear it when I read his writings) that draws me in and gives him the freedom to say direct, harsh, intrusive, and loving words to me. Some of the selections in this journal hit me as directly as anything I’ve ever read… with no hyperbole; they really resonated with me very deeply. I felt like I was the “you” to whom he was speaking. I feel like this is a book that will be worth rereading in the years to come. I safely assume that some of the entries that did not hit me as strongly this time will most likely hit me very strongly later on in life when I am going through a different season of growth, sadness, joy, discouragement, celebration, or whatever else. Like most of Nouwen’s writings, this book needs to be read slowly and one will only profit from the reading if he or she actually slows down long enough to allow the words to penetrate deeply into the core of his or her self.

If you have not read Henri Nouwen, please start now. His gentle, grace-filled perspective of the world is inspiring.

This is Henri Nouwen's journal that takes us through his own personal journey with depression. He was encouraged to publish it so others could see that the master too was human. An important work, especially for us novices. When you are struggling with your own path, it is good to see that those who continued on had struggles to. I give this volume to all I work with who are new on the journey.

أول مرة الاقي نفسي بقوة كده في كتاب ... ماعتقدش ان في اي جزء في الكتاب مقدرش يلمس اجزاء من قلبي و من ذاتي .. الكتاب كله مكتوب بصدق و عمق كاملين مأخوذين من تجربة حقيقية .. و كم الألم المنساب بين السطور بيخلق علاقة حميمة بين الكاتب المتألم المشفي و القاريء المتألم اللي بيدور علي طريق الشفاء .... :)))))

Tainted. My point of view is too tainted to look at this work objectively, and anyone who reads my review of this book should know that.

My reaction to this book was deeply personal and disturbing. This book is a compilation of Nouwen's journal entries over a series of months when he felt great dispair and angst. His colleagues felt the journal would serve as a great instructional tool for others, and hence this little book was born.

However, drawing from my personal experience, I could clearly hear the voice of a friend whose addictive and manipulative behaviors wreaked havoc in my life. This person sought out others to compel/impel love from/to them, and I could hear the same urgent, frantic need in Nouwen's words as he discussed not overwhelming others with his need for love and acceptance.

Also, as a refugee from the Catholic church, I know my perspective is tainted because I reject the notion of celibate priests making effective spiritual guides. As I would read these passages, I would think to myself, "this man needs 'real' issues to grapple with." As in, the kind of spiritual need one feels when holding an extremely ill baby in her arms. When the vows of marriage are tested. When the reality of grief, despair and loss all come thundering down on you. The fear of a deadly disease. As in, the "real world" pain and confusion that sets in when you live you life among others with real problems.

I like to think of myself as a thoughtful person, and part of me regrets that I cannot get to the meat of this book as so many others have. I'm glad others found enlightenment in this slim book -- for me, it left me cold and leery.

من أجمل ما قريت دي كدة المرة التالتة و كل مرة بحس بيه أكتر ...بيتلامس مع ألمي و كأنه جزء أو سند لي في طريق...بيوصف اللي مش بعرف أقوله شكرا يا هنري نووين علي كل حاجة عملتها في حياتي بكتاباتك...مفيش كتاب أروع منه

I had resisted doing the Goodreads challenge because I read stuff like this which is of no interest to my friends. But I read it so I'll count it. It's been my bedside reading for a while.

This is a book of short (1 to 3 pages) meditations by Nouwen when he was experiencing a dark time in his spiritual life. They are easy to identify with and uplifting to read, especially knowing that he came out of this stronger.

Br. Bill Bolts, S.M., introduced me to Nouwen's writings when he was the adult faith formation director at my old parish. I would highly recommend anything by Nouwen (although I think his book on the parable of the prodigal son is probably his best).

I never write reviews, but I had to for this one.

This took me such a long time to finish, even though it was only 118 pages. It was raw, gut-wrenchingly real and honest. It was almost painful to read — convicting, yet beautiful. It brought such comfort and truth to my heart. This is a book I will reread over and over again, especially in seasons of sorrow when I need to hear God’s voice of love.

The ending chapter sums up my feelings quite well: “I have heard the inner voice of love deeper and stronger than ever. I want to keep trusting in that voice and be led by it beyond the boundaries of my short life, to where God is all in all.”

I refuse to rate this book, due to its personal nature, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is essentially Henri Nouwen’s diary in his most vulnerable and painful part of his life. I read this book sporadically over a period of 3 years, which is how I believe it is to be read tbh. As he writes these short devotional chapters, you get a picture of sheer anguish, despair, and hope in a man fully devoted to God. Honest, heartfelt, and deeply emotional, I felt as though Nouwen was speaking to me directly in the depths of my despair, giving me guidance on how I could get through depression in a Christ like way. This book is a gift to the body of Christ and I highly recommend it

What an excellent book. Nouwen has really been through it, and so you trust him as you helps guide you through your troubles. There were so many excellent and deep insights in this book. It took me a while to get through, but that is because it is a series of devotionals meant to be read slowly and steadily. I can see a lot of growth in my life in the last year, and this book is a significant part of that.

This is one of the best books that you will find that contributes a true Christ centered view of the world with profound psychological insights. Recommend it to anyone you know who is going through a hard time.

Wow. This is the collection of Nouwen’s personal journal entries while he was in a dark time of his life, but it felt a lot like he was speaking directly into my life and giving me advice. He balances love, understanding, and allowance of feeling an array of emotions, while concurrently spitting straight wisdom fire. He is so loving and accepting of himself as he is, but is logical and spiritually mature enough to keep pushing himself forward in the hard times. It is as if he is counseling himself through his trials and difficulties. He does a wonderful job and I fully recommend this to anyone interested.