Begin, Reinvigorate, or Deepen Your Spiritual Life

books:


	• Entering the School of Your Experience (Bridges to Contemplative Living With Thomas Merton) The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living Ave Maria Press, 2006 - 59 pages average customer review:based on 2 reviews view larger image
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Begin, Reinvigorate, or Deepen Your Spiritual Life

"Entering the School of Your Experience" is the first of eight booklets in the "Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton" series edited by Merton scholars Jonathan Montaldo and Robert G. Toth. Themes are based on key principals from Merton's thought including (1) our everyday life is our spiritual life, (2) spiritual formation is grounded in the experience of relationships and community, and (3) personal transformation is the foundation for societal and cultural transformation.

The series is designed for adult Christians in committed small groups, but is also appropriate for individual use. Each of the eight sessions consists of four to five pages containing excerpts on the given topic from two "voices," Merton's and that of another spiritual leader; a psalm; an introduction to the readings; and questions for reflection and dialogue. In addition, optional concluding prayers and a facilitator's guide are provided.

As shown in the following examples from the Contemplative Dialogue session of "Entering the School" the material is broad enough to address the needs of those wishing to begin, reinvigorate, or deepen their spiritual lives. From the introduction to the texts: "Our natural urge is to be heard, and therefore we are often not fully present to one another when communicating." From Merton's voice: "Silence...can at times be the response of a greater love, and of a love that does not endanger truth..." From the voice of Eckhart Tolle: "Most people don't know how to listen because the major part of their attention is taken up by their thinking." From reflect and dialogue: "What value do we place on silence in our culture and our everyday lives?"

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Great Foundation for Discussion Groups

This book - the first in a series - is a wonderful tool that I can see used in many faith-based groups. As a springboard for the exploration of Thomas Merton's work, it also serves as a conversation starter for faith-sharing and similar endeavors. I did not find that this book was very conducive for individual reflection nor would I recommend this for someone looking for a preliminary survey of the work of Thomas Merton alone. There are many other sources for both cases.

This is excellent for parish, campus ministry and small-group based discussion.

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Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton gently leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. Each eight-session booklet offers an introduction to Merton and contemplative living through prayers, readings from Merton and other spiritual masters, and questions for small group dialogue. Book One: Entering the School of Your Experience helps readers explore what is meant by contemplative living and contemplative dialogue while moving them forward in their journey toward spiritual transformation. While the series uses Merton as a starting point, it seeks most of all to mine the spiritual depths of those who use it.

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