Soul Making: The Desert Way of Spirituality

Thomas Merton, William H. Shannon

The Inner Experience: Notes on Contemplation

7,Thomas Merton's groundbreaking last major work--a provocative and pivotal look into contemplation and the true meaning of spirituality"True contemplation is not a psychological trick but a theological grace."--Thomas MertonRevised directly before his untimely death and released in full for the first time ever, Merton's book on contemplation has captivated readers for decades. In it, Merton takes us down a different spiritual journey than his previous books, one that bridges eastern and western religions in his signature brilliant insightfulness.Thought-provoking and challenging, The Inner Experience delves into contemplation by exploring both Catholic monasticism and mysticism alongside Buddhism and the ancient traditions of meditation and spirituality.Merton was still tinkering with this book when he died; this was profoundly the book he struggled with most during his career as a writer. But now Merton's legacy lives on, through evergreen discussions on what a spiritual path can look like when you relinquish the need to be all-knowing, and how a lack of self-reflection and inner trust is actually the ultimate sin. Merton's last words are for anyone seeking faith in a higher ...

Karen Sinotok (Author)

The Little Book of Sanuk: The Thai Secret to a More Joyful Life

3, We all need a little more sanuk in our lives Sanuk is a Thai concept that can loosely be translated as meaning 'fun'. Though sanuk is in fact much more than that; it's about achieving pleasure and joy in all aspects of life. For Thai people, if it's not sanuk, it's not worth doing. Thai people believe that it's the little things that add up to a joyful life. Whether it's raising happy kids, enjoying a quick chat with your neighbour or having a laugh with friends, they try to bring a sense of joy into their daily routines. This easygoing, fun-loving way of life is why Thailand is often called The Land of Smiles. But how can we learn to prioritise this sense of fun and pleasure in our own lives? With recent clinical studies showing a clear link between a person's outlook on life and their health, a mindset of optimism and positivity has obvious benefits. Being a glass half full kind of person doesn't just help us live longer, it helps us live better. Embracing sanuk and approaching life a glass-half-full attitude can make you happier, healthier and more productive - and this book will show you how.

Lisa Purcell (Editor)

Wisdom of Owls

6, "It's all in the eyes: those magnificent piercing optics are what make all owls look like they are deep in concentrated scrutiny and steeped in long-lost knowledge." --Matt Swell With their big round eyes and intense gaze, owls have long captured our hearts and imaginations. Here, charming images of these mysterious nocturnal raptors are presented with an inspiring compendium of wise words and wits throughout the ages. The pairing of quotations and images will turn even the grumpiest frown upside down. Wisdom of Owls makes the perfect present for a forlorn friend, a perky pal, a loved one or even yourself -- no matter what the mood. People quoted include Toni Morrison, C.S. Lewis, Maya Angelou, Abraham Lincoln and, one of the great invokers of owls, William Shakespeare. "Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often." --Mae West Make somebody smile today -- with the delightful Wisdom of Owls.