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Rituals for Life: A guide to creating meaningful rituals inspired by nature
by Isla MacleodRituals are among the most powerful tools we have to create meaning and cultivate wellbeing in our lives. In Rituals for Life, you can learn to live a more intentional life, enriched by your connection with nature. The book explores the essential components of ritual and how to use them to bring happiness and inner peace into your every day life. Includes instructions for twenty rituals, some for every day and others for specific moments and occasions, that you can adapt for your own needs, as well as an exploration of the roots and purposes of ritual. Beautifully illustrated by Luisa Rivera, this inspiring book is a guide more authentic and soulful way of living.
Muhammad: Biography of the Prophet
by Karen ArmstrongA life of the prophet Muhammad by bestselling author Karen Armstrong.'Armstrong has a dazzling ability: she can take a long and complex subject and reduce it to its fundamentals, without over-simplifying' SUNDAY TIMES'One of our best living writers on religion' FINANCIAL TIMES'Not just a sympathetic book that would dispel the misconceptions and misgivings of its western readers, but also a book that is of considerable importance to Muslims' MUSLIM NEWSMost people in the West know very little about the prophet Muhammad. The acclaimed religious writer Karen Armstrong has written a biography which will give us a more accurate and profound understanding of Islam and the people who adhere to it so strongly. Muhammad also offers challenging comparisons with the two religions most closely related to it - Judaism and Christianity.
Night Vision: A Field Guide to Your Dreams
by Theresa CheungNight Vision is a visual field guide to the richly rewarding art of dream interpretation. Have you ever dreamt that you were flying? That you missed your flight? Or that you got a radical new haircut? Keep a copy of this beautifully illustrated book by your bedside table to help you understand what your dreams are trying to tell you.First you need to learn the techniques, including how to get a good night's sleep, how to recall your dreams and understand the symbolic language through which they unfold. Then you can start interpreting: over 50 common dream themes are explained with accompanying illustrations. Understand what your mind is telling you when you're asleep, and you'll unlock your true potential when you're awake.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel
by James McBrideThe new novel from the bestselling, National Book Award-winning, Oprah Book Club-picked, Barack Obama favourite James McBride. In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighbourhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.As these characters' stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins struggle and what they must do to survive. When the truth is finally revealed about what happened on Chicken Hill and the part the town's white establishment played in it, McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community-heaven and earth-that sustain us.
Happy Dog, Happy You: A positive guide to a joyful relationship with your dog
by Verity HardcastleWant to raise a calm, happy and fulfilled dog?Award-winning groomer, TV personality and experienced dog handler Verity Hardcastle has compiled everything you need to know in this comprehensive dog-care manual: from choosing a breed, to practical diet and nutrition tips and knowing what to buy, to behaviour training and exercise advice... everything you need to fill life with fun and create a joyful friendship with your dog. With a positive focus on mindfulness and wellbeing, Verity shares her expertise as a dog handler and reiki practitioner to help encourage a calm daily routine - this book includes mindful tips and techniques you can try at home or out on walks together. You will also discover how to communicate effectively with your dog, and learn beautiful bonding activities such as massage, meditation and 'doga' (or dog yoga) to build a warm and loving environment in which you can both thrive.This is a must-have for anyone who wants to forge a lasting bond with their four-legged friend. Make both your life and your pooch's happier than ever before! 'If you're considering getting a dog; or have one already and need some advice, this is a great book, full of useful, interesting and practical tips!' - Julian Norton, aka The Yorkshire Vet, veterinary surgeon and author 'If you want to know all about your pooch - fetch this. Inspiring, warm and practical guide to cohabiting with your canine.' - Russell Kane, comedian 'This book is full of practical, heartfelt advice for both new and experienced dog owners. Dogs have long been human's best friend and this book helps us to benefit even more from this relationship. Your furry friend will thank you!' - The Reverend Canon Kate Bottley
Astrology Self-Care: Live Your Best Life by the Stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. You aren't loving yoga or finding meditation works for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're an Aries - you need massages, aerobic exercise and a routine!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Aries are full of energy and headstrong, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.* Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's OK! Maybe you just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Taurus - you need gardening, painting and cooking up your favourite dish!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Taurus are focused and hard-working, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.* Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Gemini - you need to do a fun exercise, take a long walk in nature or read!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Geminis are energetic and adaptable, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.* Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Cancer - you need to take a spa trip, watch a heart-warming movie and bake!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Cancers are loyal and nurturing, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.* Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Leo - you need to do some pilates, volunteering or go to the theatre!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Leos are generous and bold, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.* Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Virgo - you need to do bullet journaling, sewing or reorganise your closet!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Virgos are meticulous and methodical, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Libra - you need to swim, try tai chi or listen to a podcast!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Libras are fair-minded and intelligent, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Scorpio - you need to do a puzzle, go rock climbing or yoga!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Scorpios are passionate and determined, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra,, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Sagittarius - you need to write in a journal, go outside or plan a weekend away somewhere!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Sagittarius are adventurous and independent, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Capricorn - you need to meditate, catch up with your friends or enjoy a meal at a lavish restaurant!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Capricorns are practical and goal-oriented, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces.
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're an Aquarius - you need to do stretching, hiking or spend time with family or friends!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Aquarius are quirky and unique, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces
Astrology Self-Care: Live your best life by the stars (Astrology Self-Care #1)
by Sarah BartlettSo, you've tried all the normal self-care tips and energising rituals but you're confused because none of the techniques are working for you. That's ok! You just haven't found the right self-care habits that relate to your specific star sign! You're a Pisces - you need to try a facial mask, do crafts or clean!Your body is a temple and you need to slow down every once in a while and put yourself first. This is a guide specifically tailored to your needs - we know you Pisces are creative and intuitive, so let us empower you to take care of yourself and vitalise your mind, body and spirit to be your best self.*Each book focuses on a wide range of easy and inspiring self-care practices and rituals specifically geared to your sun-sign personality, providing all the information you'll need to understand your sun-sign qualities and potentials and how to enhance these personal strengths.Other books in the series Astrology for Self-Care series include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius
Sacred Seasons: Nature-inspired rituals, wisdom and self-care for every day of the year
by Kirsty GallagherDo you want to live a life with more meaning, purpose and connection? In this inspirational handbook, moon mentor, soul alignment and spiritual coach, Kirsty Gallagher, takes us through the year season by season to help us reconnect with nature. Sacred Seasons shows us how to find balance and a deep connection with the seasons, the astrological cycles and the lunar phases in order to live well and thrive. Packed with nourishing moon rituals, crystals and altar set-ups, journal prompts and practices and Kirsty's trademark wisdom, Sacred Seasons will show you how to draw on inspiration from nature's events, including the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice, the Autumn Equinox and Imbolc. You'll learn about the Wheel of the Year and the best moments to pause and reflect and look inwards, as well as when to tap into your abundant energy and achieve all your goals. Live your best year yet with Sacred Seasons.
Stone Yard Devotional
by Charlotte WoodTHE NEW NOVEL BY THE STELLA PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE WEEKEND AND THE NATURAL WAY OF THINGSA book of the year for the Sydney Morning Herald and ABCA fearless exploration of forgiveness, grief and the complicated beauty of female friendship'Both profound and addictively entertaining. I loved it' CLARE CHAMBERS, bestselling author of Small Pleasures'A masterful novel of quiet force'GUARDIAN 'Beautiful, strange and otherworldly' PAULA HAWKINS, bestselling author of A Slow Fire Burning'The consistently brilliant Wood delivers yet again'SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 'It's remarkable. I'm still trying to figure out how she pulled it off. The best thing she's done'TIM WINTON, author of The Shepherd's Hut'Magnificent and radical . . . It gripped me from the opening line to the very last'AGE'No words can quite convey how much I loved this book'KAREN JOY FOWLER, author of Booth'Extraordinary . . . a stunning work of fiction from a major writer who keeps getting better'AUSTRALIAN'Subtly powerful and utterly engrossing' CLAIRE FULLER, bestselling author of Unsettled Ground'It extends and deepens Wood's already remarkable achievements as a novelist in powerful and often profound ways'SATURDAY PAPERBurnt out and in need of retreat, a middle-aged woman leaves Sydney to return to the place she grew up, taking refuge in a small religious community hidden away on the stark plains of the Australian outback. She doesn't believe in God, or know what prayer is, and finds herself living this strange, reclusive existence almost by accident.But disquiet interrupts this secluded life with three visitations. First comes a terrible mouse plague, each day signalling a new battle against the rising infestation. Second is the return of the skeletal remains of a sister who disappeared decades before, presumed murdered. And finally, a troubling visitor plunges the narrator further back into her past.PRAISE FOR CHARLOTTE WOOD'S THE WEEKEND A Sunday Times 'Best Book for Summer 2021'A Times, Observer, Independent, Daily Express and Good Housekeeping Book of the Year'So great I am struggling to find the words to do it justice . . . Wood is an agonisingly gifted writer. I am now going to read all her other books'MARIAN KEYES'A rare pleasure'SUNDAY TIMES'A perfect, funny, insightful novel about women, friendship and ageing'NINA STIBBE'Glorious . . . Charlotte Wood joins the ranks of writers such as Nora Ephron, Penelope Lively and Elizabeth Strout'GUARDIAN'Riveting'ELIZABETH DAY'Triumphantly brings to life the honest inner lives of women'INDEPENDENT'A lovely, lively, intelligent, funny book'TESSA HADLEY'These women are so alive on the page, it is impossible not to feel a kinship and intimacy with each of them'DAILY EXPRESS'Hypnotic and profoundly unsettling . . . Masterful'ROSAMUND LUPTON
Fervour
by Toby Lloyd'Intriguing, propulsive and profoundly disturbing, this is a fearless look into the dark heart of family politics from a naturally gifted storyteller'JONATHAN COE'A suspenseful debut novel that propels the reader deep into the heart of an idiosyncratic family'OBSERVER'Remarkable . . . a work of real poignancy'DAILY MAIL'Extraordinary. . . A tremendous debut from a strikingly talented new writer'KIRKUS (starred review)'Gripping and powerful . . . Fans of Isaac Bashevis Singer and Stephen King alike will thrill to this superb modern folk tale'PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)'In this debut that explores identity, faith, and folklore . . . the dynamics are acutely observed, the characters vividly realised, and the escalating drama has the hypnotic, chilling effect of a horror film'BOOKSELLER (Editor's Choice)THE ROSENTHALS ARE NOT LIKE OTHER FAMILIESHannah and Eric are devout Jews living in North London with their three children and Eric's father Yosef, a Holocaust survivor. Both intellectually gifted and deeply unconventional, the Rosenthals believe in the literal truth of the Old Testament and in the presence of God (and evil) in daily life.As Hannah prepares to publish a sensationalist account of Yosef's years in war-torn Europe - unearthing a terrible secret from his time in the camps- Elsie, her perfect daughter, starts to come undone. And then, in the wake of Yosef's death, she disappears. When she returns, just as mysteriously as she left, she is altered in disturbing ways.Witnessing the complete transformation of her daughter, Hannah begins to suspect that Elsie has delved too deep into the labyrinths of Jewish mysticism and got lost among shadows. But for Elsie's brother Tovyah, a brilliant but reclusive student at Oxford, the truth is much simpler: his sister is the product of a dysfunctional family, obsessed with empty rituals and unbridled ambition.But who is right? And how can they stop the darkness from engulfing Elsie forever?
Going Home: One of the Observer's Debut Novels of 2024
by Tom Lamont'Meltingly warm'OBSERVER, 10 BEST NEW NOVELISTS FOR 2024'A beautiful, funny tale of London and lives new and old'SUNDAY TIMES'A spirit-lifting debut'DAVID MITCHELL, author of Cloud Atlas'Poignant yet very funny . . . Tom Lamont writes in clear, swift prose about the power struggles that exist in even the most loving of families and the longest of friendships. A lyrical, hypnotic delight'KATHERINE HEINY, author of Games and Rituals'I will never forget these characters: so pained and funny, so brilliantly drawn, wrestled with and forgiven' HELEN GARNER, author of The Children's Bach'I adored every moment. The characters have stayed with me ever since'BELLA MACKIE, author of How To Kill Your Family'It has a bright ring of truth which chimes on every page' CLAIRE FULLER, author of Unsettled Ground'Explores parenthood, responsibility, freedom and faith . . . Immersive and finely observed'THE BOOKSELLER, Editor's ChoiceLocal boy Téo Erskine is back in the north London suburb of his youth, visiting his father - stubborn, selfish, complicated Vic. Things have changed for Téo: he's got a steady job, a brand-new car and a London flat all concrete and glass, with a sliver of a river view.Except, underneath the surface, not much has changed at all. He's still the boy seeking his father's approval; the young man playing late-night poker with his best friend, unreliable, infuriating Ben Mossam; the one still desperately in love with the enigmatic Lia Woods.Lia's life, on the other hand, has been transformed: now a single mum to two-year-old Joel, she doesn't have time for anyone - not even herself.When the unthinkable happens, Joel finds himself at the centre of an odd constellation of men - Téo, Vic, Ben - none of whom is fully equipped to look after him, but whose strange, tentative attempts at love might just be enough to offer him a new place to call home.
Sacred Rituals: A Simple Book of Everyday Prayer
by Nóirín Ní RiainThe human soul longs for connection. The deepest form of this is connection to a higher power. In Sacred Rituals, renowned interfaith minister and spiritual singer Nóirín Ní Riain provides us with the tools and confidence to create meaningful rituals that connect us to our own Higher Source, offering us a sense of deep and lasting peace in our lives.Drawing from the traditions which have fed her own heart - both Celtic and Christian - and with personal stories and guidance for creating spiritual space and practice, Sacred Rituals is a valuable book for people of all faiths and none who are searching for deeper meaning in today's world.'Prayer through ritual is where the human heart meets the Divine heart' Nóirín Ní Riain
Everything is Extraordinary: True stories about how we live, love and pay attention
by Cole Moreton'Clive James raged against the dying of the light, as you would expect from a man who had punched out prose like a prizefighter all his life; yet he also showed grace and gratitude at being allowed to stay in that light for a little while longer. He saw beauty in even the smallest things. Every moment was potentially precious, because there were so few left. As his daughter Claerwen said, for him "Everything was Extraordinary."'What if we could learn to live with such awareness long before the end? To appreciate every moment, and every encounter with another human or with the natural world around us? Might we, too, learn that everything is extraordinary? That we are interconnected and interdependent? Each encounter we have with another person is potentially meaningful because our very humanity depends on being connected with others. As Desmond Tutu says: 'I couldn't be a human being on my lonesome, I wouldn't know what to do.'In a set of lyrical meditations, award-winning writer and interviewer Cole Moreton takes us face-to-face with the famous, the infamous -- and others with insights to share -- from Scarlett Johansson, Tiger Woods and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Zahra, a refugee who crossed the Channel on a tiny, overladen rubber boat. We meet all of them as equals and each fascinating story tells us something about the way we live, love and reach out to find each other, whoever we are.Everything Is Extraordinary builds into a mesmerising and lyrical meditation on the joy of being alive and open to the world. All we need to do is pay attention.
The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life
by Sister Joan ChittisterActivist, nun and spiritual guide Joan Chittister invites us to create a monastery within ourselves: to cultivate wisdom and resilience, so we can live more easily and give of ourselves more fully, no matter our circumstances.'In every beating heart is a silent undercurrent that calls each of us to a place unknown, to the vision of a wiser life, to become what we feel we must be - but cannot name.' So begins Sister Joan Chittister's words on monasticism, offering a way of living and seeing life that brings deep human satisfaction. Amid the recent global disruptions, Sister Joan calls readers to cultivate the spiritual seeker within all of us, however that may look across our diverse journeys.The Monastic Heart carries the weight and wisdom of the Benedictine spiritual tradition into the twenty-first century. Sister Joan draws deeply from Saint Benedict, a young man who sought moral integrity in the face of an empire in the sixth century, not by conquering or overpowering the empire, but by simply living an ordinary life extraordinarily well. This same monastic mindset can help us grow in wisdom, equanimity and strength of soul as we seek restoration and renewal both at home and in the world. At a time when people around the world are bearing witness to human frailty - and, simultaneously, the endurance of the human spirit - The Monastic Heart invites readers to embrace a new beginning of faith. Without stepping foot in a monastery, we can become, like those before us, a deeper, freer self, a richer soul - and, as a result, a true monastic.'Essential reading for anyone wishing to find the compass of their heart and the wellspring from which to live fully.' Gregory Boyle, New York Times bestselling author of Tattoos on the Heart
Repackaging Christianity: Alpha and the building of a global brand
by Andrew AtherstoneThe story of Alpha is of major significance for understanding the place of religious faith in the modern world, but that story has never been told - until now.Since its launch in 1993, the Alpha movement has evolved from 'supper party evangelism' in the Kensington suburbs into a global brand of Christian outreach. Today, over a million people attend Alpha every year, but the history of its rise to popularity has never been documented. What caused such spiritual renewal in an age of scepticism? And what propelled Alpha into a phenomenon that is recognised across the globe?Alpha is far more than an introductory course to Christianity. At the core of its brand identity is a 'repackaging' of the Christian message for contemporary audiences. Innovation and cultural adaptability are built into Alpha's DNA, one of the chief reasons for its longevity and influence. Nimbly utilising the multimedia and digital revolutions, it has contextualised into cultures and languages across the planet. And led by charismatic, savvy individuals, it has attracted people from across the social spectrum, making waves in national media.Andrew Atherstone leaves no stone unturned as he presents this fascinating history. With exclusive access to original archives, Atherstone recounts the miraculous stories of HTB's early years, the first full account of Nicky Gumbel's conversion, and the strategic decisions that launched Alpha onto the global stage of Christian influence. With sharp historical analysis, Andrew Atherstone uncovers the story of Christian resurgence in our contemporary age.