Written in simple, straightforward language for the layperson, "In The Spirit of Happiness" provides readers as well as distressed and hopeless pilgrims with wholehearted advice. Particularly, it is appropriate for those hungry for spiritual direction, guidance, hope and happiness. The colorful, real examples and guidance provided by the Monks of New Skete stems from their contemporary way of life that has its roots in the Orthodox Catholic Church.
The Monks of New Skete support that spiritual change 'has to come from the heart, and not by simply following someone else's behavioral prescriptions'. They maintain that change requires spiritual discipline and, 'our task is to work continuously to clean up our hearts, our intentions, our fundamental stance towards life'.
"In The Spirit of Happiness" educates readers about monasticism, and monastic asceticism which integrates the wisdom of the mind with that of the heart' and, 'right practice should flow naturally from right thinking about reality' with God at the depths of our souls. The monks share with readers their belief that spiritual life is 'pushing ourselves beyond our own static self-conceptions in an ever-deepening communion with the source of life itself'.
Readers will gain much insight from the chapters in this book. For instance, in the chapter of 'Self-Knowledge', the monks emphasize the importance of knowing ourselves to the core. This,requires courage, that is, the need to dive deep within our souls and deal with whatever issues and pain we may have.
To accomplish self-knowledge, we need certain tools and, the Monks of New Skete share them with the readers. They emphasize the value of contemplative, silent prayer, liturgical and community worship.
Spiritual nourishment can be obtained from colorful writings on the chapter of 'Sacred Reading'. 'Lectio Divina', or 'spiritual reading', a discipline of meditating from Bible passages. The monks advocate that 'God is present everywhere' and that we must 'invite God's Spirit to lead us to deeper understanding and a willingness to show it in the way we act'. God speaks to us in silence, and where there is too much noise within the depths of our souls and in our environment we cannot hear His whisper. Hence, the monks provide suggestions on how to pray.
Food for reflection is available from chapters about 'What Does Love Look Like?' and 'Good Work'. The writers emphasize that 'Love is not abstract: it must be concrete'. It is in the small human deeds and acts that we are able to grasp true love. Furthermore, the monks support the need to work as it 'is essential in spiritual life'. In essence, work should be one of the many sources of spiritual nourishment as we pilgrims journey towards happiness.
In the chapter 'A River of Mercy', the writers discuss the importance of Divine and human forgiveness. They maintain that we do not earn Divine forgiveness.Instead, it is given to us as a gift. Being created in God's image, 'He exists in a mode of being that is eternally forgiving'. The monks discuss that it is only when we receive God's forgiveness with open hearts, that we are better able to forgive others. Consequently, forgiveness facilitates spiritual maturity and change.
Change, the monks advocate, 'is a fundamental reality of living'. True love, forgiveness, change and spirituality is reflected on how we act.
Of essence, "In The Spirit of Happiness" does not neglect the essential role of a spiritual mentor or, 'teacher'. A soul-friend, someone who reaches out in true love and compassion and is willing to guide us towards the realm of happiness. Thus,"In The Spirit of Happiness" is appropriate for spiritual study, meditation and soulful reflection.
We live in a world that has lost its heart where pilgrims are searching for true love and happiness. "In The Spirit of Happiness" comes to us as a blessing. Throughout the book, the Monks emphasize that we were created to be happy. Their writings reflect a torch that has been picked up in some of the darkest tunnels and in the process, they lighten our paths as we carry out our roles in this life.
Clearly, this book was written with love, as defined by the monks. I highly recommend it as it is filled with substance, wisdom, and, wholehearted thoughts that will give readers insight and bread as they journey home, into the Spirit of Happiness.
I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in deepening their spiritual path--regardless of their religion.