Walter
Apr 02, 2010Walter rated it it was amazing
This is the author's last book, published posthumously and representing an edited compilation of his work in this area. Therefore, one might expect it to differ in form and substance from his previous work; this would be a mistaken assumption. It is a very well-done piece of meaningful insight and practical application rolled into one.
As a discipline, spiritual direction is something that Henri Nouwen both practiced and preached, so to speak, serving in the role of spiritual director for many while he was also led by others himself. I believe that it's this experience of the process from both sides - that of being the leader in the relationship and that of being the follower - that informs this work. In this book, his colleagues set out to collect his work in this domain and to develop it into a coherent guide to the art and practice of spiritual direction. They do so ably.
The format of the book is to focus on an aspect of the discipline of spiritual direction and then to conclude each corresponding chapter with an exercise that is the practical application of what preceded it. In fact, the exercises are so reflective and comprehensive that they could form a separate piece of work. For the person with a serious interest in this process of spiritual self-discovery and -development, these practical applications are both meaningful exercises in themselves as well as helpful tools when working with others (including one's own spiritual director and/or prayer group).
The theory and theology that are contained in the work are also outstanding. For example, Nouwen's treatment of relationships (or being in community as he calls it) and the expectations that we bring to them is particularly insightful. Distinguishing between what is possible for us as humans - our love is always somewhat conditional, he maintains - versus what emanates from the experience of the divine - which is truly unconditional - he then suggests a re-orientation: given that we cannot provide to ourselves or to others truly unconditional love (which is only God's provenance), we must be able to forgive and to celebrate. We must forgive each other for being unable to provide what everything that another wants and needs and yet celebrate what he/she/they can and do provide. In other words, we recognize each other's limits, respect them and work within these boundaries to achieve a synergistic, mutually beneficial relationship. As he puts it, "Community is solitude greeting solitude: 'I am the beloved; you are the beloved; together we can build a home or place of welcome together,'" a place he acknowledges will be happy at times and less so at others. That he acknowledges the reality of fluctuating human emotions makes his theology both more accessible and more practical for daily use.
Similarly, as he points out, the questions in our lives must be lived (though we tend only to want to find the answers and in so doing to conclude our unknowing as quickly as possible and then to move on). "The first task of seeking guidance is to touch your own struggles, doubts, and insecurities - in short, to affirm your life as a quest.... Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken with Jesus as our friend and finest guide." This reminder that it's in the experience of divining answers that we live most fully - or, alternatively, that it's the focus on the journey that matters, not the destination per se - is especially prescient in today's performance- and goal-oriented, increasingly secularized culture.
There are some challenges with the book. For example, there are passages that are so "touchy-feely" that if one has even a touch of skeptic in him or her, there will be a tendency to want to discard the attendant insights. Don't; live through the squishiness and the author will guide you back to more (emotionally/spiritually) balanced ground soon enough. Also, some of the author's revelations about himself are a bit overwrought and can distract somewhat from the points that he's trying to make.
This being said, these are mere quibbles about an otherwise strong work. Those who are interested in this discipline and open to the wisdom contained in this book will be deeply moved and effectively developed by the experience. Therefore, this effort represents a fitting coda to the author's incredible body of work. Read it and be moved, skilled, guided and lifted.... (less)
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Kirsten
Apr 17, 2008Kirsten rated it really liked it
provided much inspiration.
"it helps to realize that the Bible is not primarily a book of information about God but of formation of the heart. it is not merely a book to be analyzed, scrutinized, & discussed, but a book to nurture, unify, & serve as a constant source of contemplation. we must struggle constantly against the temptation to read the Bible instrumentally as a book full of good stories & illustrations that can help us make our point in sermons, lectures, papers, & articles. the Bible does not speak to us as long as we want to use it. as long as we deal with the word of God as an item with which we can do many useful things, we don't really read the Bible or let it read us. only when we are willing to hear the written word as a word for us can the Living Word disclose himself & penetrate into the center of our heart." (less)
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Luke Hillier
Sep 04, 2017Luke Hillier rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: christianity
This is the first new Henri Nouwen book that I've read in a few years (after a deep dive into his work in college) and it was so much like returning to an old friend. I just find his words to be so comforting, gentle, and wise; it was exactly the book I needed for a more stressful and anticipatory stretch I was in. I particularly liked his thoughts around solidarity, downward mobility, and compassion here, but the book as a whole was great. (less)
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Fred
Feb 27, 2020Fred rated it it was amazing
Shelves: prayer, discipleship
This is a book that should be read slowly. It is really a collection of Henri Nouwen's thoughts on Spiritual direction put together by people who knew and studied with him. It comes with guided prayers and suggested topics for journaling. There is tremendous wisdom here, including insights into the necessary components for spiritual growth and the importance of both solitude and community. It is a short book, but it will take some time to properly digest it. (less)
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Stacey
Jan 19, 2015Stacey rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2015, non-fiction
I tried to read this semi-slow, but it didn't work out. The best way I suggest to read this as they do at the beginning of the book. Once straight through, and then once taking a chapter a week or month to work through the questions, topics, and ideas. There is a lot here which I can take away from the book, and I will probably go through it slower after I finish the trilogy. (less)
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Johnny
Jul 05, 2011Johnny rated it really liked it
Shelves: devotional
As a young seminarian and pastor, I was profoundly affected by a book written by this psychologist, professor, and priest. As an old geezer, I was inspired by another book by the same author--an individual who practiced what he "priest" in that he left a prestigious position at Harvard and ended up fulfilled by ministering to a handful of mentally challenged individuals--trading influence on millions to influence on less than 10.
I suppose the secret can be found in a story he tells about talking to a trapeze artist whom he had enjoyed. This gracious priest seems to have gone all fan-boy on the trapeze artist and the following is what he learned:
“As a flyer, I must have complete trust in my catcher. The public might think that I am the great star of the trapeze, but the real star is Joe, my catcher. He has to be there for me with split-second precision and grab me out of the air as I come to him in the long jump. The secret is that the flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything.” (pp. 148-9) “The worst thing the flyer can do is to try to catch the catcher. If I grab Joe’s wrists, I might break them, or he might break mine, and that would be the end of both of us.” (p. 148)
There is the authentic Christian life in parable. As a believer, I can do nothing, but my catcher can and has done everything. God as Jesus caught all my sins when I could do nothing about them. God as Spirit catches all my opportunities and potential and allows me to do the kinds of flips and jumps that enable me to experience the exhilaration of Christian life.
Henri Nouwen was never afraid to share out of his weakness in order to challenge some of us to get past our own weaknesses. Late in the book, he confesses to the following experience. He went to a psychiatrist after a friend betrayed him and sent him into deep depression. The psychiatrist said that he had gotten too deeply involved with this friend and that it would take about six months of grieving to get over it. The psychiatrist said he should never see the person again and dismissed his neurosis as being about a 2 on a scale of 10. To which Nouwen responded: “I’m not going to keep seeing you. You have me all figured out, my pain is all so simple to you, and I’m not going to see you anymore.” (pp. 121-2) He went on to say that he knew that forgiveness and reconciliation was the only way that he was going to get past all he was going through.
Early in the book, he told of complaining to Mother Teresa of how incredibly complicated and frustrating his life had become. She was not sympathetic: “Well, when you spend one hour a day adoring your Lord and never do anything which you know is wrong…you will be fine.” – (p. 5)
My favorite section of this book was the section on prayer. Three parts jump out at me. First, “Our inclination is to reveal to God only what we feel comfortable in sharing. …We are often tempted to select carefully the thoughts that we bring into our conversation with God.” (p. 59) This is the “…road of spiritual censorship.” (p. 59)
Second, “To pray unceasingly, as St. Paul asks us to do, would be completely impossible if it meant to think constantly about or speak continuously to God. …It means to think, speak, and live in the presence of God.” (p. 61)
Third, “Prayer is outward, careful attentiveness to the One who invites us to an unceasing conversation.” (p. 62)
My favorite quotation from the whole book would have to be the one on ministry, though. “Ministry is when two people toast their glasses of wine and something splashes over. Ministry is the extra.” (p. 131)
Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith isn't for everyone. It isn't for people who are willing to compartmentalize their faith and live as double-agents between the sacred and secular. This book isn't for people who want to keep God in a box of ideas with which they are comfortable. Finally, this book isn't for people who feel like they are already spiritually mature. This book is for people who are still becoming. And that's why it's for me.
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Kurtis Allan
Feb 07, 2021Kurtis Allan rated it it was amazing
I loved this book. Henri Nouwen is humble, insightful and authentic. Like few other writers, he offers himself to us. His reflection on writing as a spiritual discipline was particularly inspiring.
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Brenda H.
Jan 14, 2018Brenda H. rated it it was amazing
This posthumously written book still captures Nouwen's passion for ministry and spiritual formation. This book is filled with very approachable material and guidelines to implement these disciplines in your everyday life. (less)
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Madelyn
Jan 01, 2021Madelyn rated it it was amazing
This collection of Henri Nouwen’s thoughts challenged me to consider my spiritual life with God as the beautiful and sacred thing it is.
Nouwen poked against the edges of my traditionally Protestant theology, and I’m thankful. I was challenged to think a bit differently about how I interact with God, my community, and the broader world.
This lovely little book needs to be soaked in. So much so that I want to revisit it in the future.
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Ann Gemmel
Jul 17, 2017Ann Gemmel rated it it was amazing
Such a wonderful read. As was suggested - it is one to read through initially and then go back and take a chapter at a time. So much to ponder. I particularly was both challenged and touched by the chapters on community and service. This really is one that all Christ followers should read at some point in their spiritual journey.
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Patti
Aug 20, 2021Patti rated it it was amazing
Drawn together from Nouwen’s writings by two of his students, this little book is a very user friendly guide on how to seek spiritual direction in the Christian life. I read and absorbed this over several months and will definitely read parts of it again.
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Edward Ortiz
Sep 23, 2012Edward Ortiz rated it really liked it
This book is a collection of articles, sermons, and other related works from the late Henri Nouwen, a catholic priest. The book is very interesting and informative but a word of caution for the readers. Some of Henri’s views are problematic but overall it is a good book, specially in the area of living in community. The book starts with a definition for Spiritual direction, that states, “it is a relationship initiated by a spiritual seeker who finds a mature person of faith willing to pray and respond with wisdom and understanding to his or her questions about how to live spiritually in a world of ambiguity and distraction”. In other words, a mentor. In this world with so much confusion and troubles, we sure need a godly person that can provide us with wisdom and help us in our walk with God.
The main point that in my opinion captures the essence of the book is the area of forgiveness. Community requires forgiveness. The book, states “that forgiveness means that I continually am willing to forgive the other person for not fulfilling all my needs and desires. Forgiveness says, ” I know you love me, but you don’t have to love me unconditionally, because only God can do that”. I too must ask forgiveness for not being able to fulfill other people’s total needs, for no human being can do that”. In addition, “our heart longs for satisfaction, for total communion. But human beings, whether it’s your husband, your wife, your father, mother, brother, sister, or child, are all limited in giving the level of love and acceptance we all crave. But since we want so much and we get only part of what we want, we have to keep on forgiving people for not giving us all we want. This is of enormous importance right now because constantly people look to blame their parents, their friends, and the church for not giving them what they need. Any relationship you enter into – will always be riddled with frustration and disappointment. So forgiveness becomes the word for divine love in the human context”. I completely agree with his views in this area. We get in the habit of asking and expecting too much from the people that are close to us, or even the government. But I think it is important to understand that only God can fill the void inside of us. If we trust God and faithfully follow His word then all things are possible.
I recommend this book but again the reader must keep a discerning eye. (less)
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Ceste Stanly
May 23, 2021Ceste Stanly rated it it was amazing
always so much food for thought w/ Henri's writings....love the reflection ?s ...more
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Bob Price
Dec 19, 2013Bob Price rated it liked it
Spiritual Direction is a series of lectures based on Henri Nouwen's classes and articles he wrote about...so in that sense it is not necessarily a Henri Nouwen book.
But any chance to go through Nouwen's wisdom on spiritualty is a good one. This book is divided into three sections: looking within, looking for God in the Word and looking for God in community. He explores each of these sections with biblical knowledge, personal stories, and a deep insight into the nature of people.
The book is designed for a quick read, but then provides an opportunity to go back and to re do the book with spiritual practices.
Nouwen's writing is very clear and very accessible. This is a good beginning to an understanding of Christian spirituality.
The title is misleading, because one might think the book is about the acutal art of spiritual direction...when it is not.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Spiritualty
Grade: B
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Seth
Nov 25, 2017Seth rated it it was amazing
This book was fantastic to read.
A lot of questions I have about my own stage in life and what I’m becoming had light shed on them from this book. The book is divided into three parts: Looking within, Looking to God, and Looking to others.
Looking within asked questions such as, “where do I begin?” “Who am I?” “Where have I been and where am I going?” While the answers (and others I have personally) weren’t *completely* answered, they did provide a roadmap for me to travel.
Each chapter ends with a spiritual practice of some sort. They are meant to be done in a group, alone, or with a spiritual director.
The book is meant to be read twice: once through quickly and the next time slowly and allowing the chapter to soak into you. I look forward to go back and let the chapters speak to me once again. Would recommend. (less)
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Glenn Cameron
Sep 11, 2019Glenn Cameron rated it it was amazing
I was an agnostic for many years. I have opened to New Age spirituality in the past eighteen months. Organized religion is not something I adhere to so reading a book from a Catholic priest seemed strange to me. But Henri Nouwen shares truths that cross all religions and helped me open my own eyes and drop my judgements on religion.
It seemed with every chapter I would think to myself that there was nothing for me in the topic at hand, then I would be in awe of the words on the pages. There are no idle words in this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone on a spiritual journey, regardless of your religious affiliation. (less)
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Buddy Draper
Sep 13, 2015Buddy Draper rated it it was amazing
This is a compilation of essays and lessons from Nouwen brought together on this subject. I truly love and enjoy everything by Nouwen and I found this encouraging and challenging.
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Joelle
Oct 31, 2017Joelle rated it it was amazing
This is an incredible book, and while not long, is chock full of great stuff. I read it purposefully slow, so that I could really chew on all that was written. Highly recommend this one!
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Jeff
Jun 12, 2018Jeff rated it it was amazing
This is a wonderful little book on the topic of spiritual direction. The definition of "spiritual direction," as provided by the book is "a relationship initiated by a spiritual seeker who finds a mature person of faith willing to pray and respond with wisdom and understanding to his or her questions about how to live spiritually in a world of ambiguity and distraction."
The chapters of the book all have questions for titles. "Who Will Answer My Questions?" "Where Do I Begin?" "Who Am I?" "Where Have I Been and Where Am I Going?" And so on.
The chapters are also broken down into parts: Look Within to the Heart, Look to God in the Book, and Look to Others in Community.
Each chapter begins with parable of sorts, all from different sources. I suppose some people would object to the fact that some of the parables are from different "religions." Personally, that doesn't bother me. Why can I not learn from the wisdom of other religions?
This book is the first that I have read of Nouwen's work, although I have heard about him for many years. I definitely want to read more. There is great spiritual wisdom to be found in his writings. And this book will most definitely be read again, more slowly, perhaps with journaling involved.
I think this is a great volume to read for one, like me, who is on the beginning paths of spiritual direction. One thing it made me realize for certain is that I need spiritual direction. Either that of a more mature believer or a group of people. I'm kind of leaning toward a group that will begin this journey together. (less)
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Simon
May 08, 2021Simon rated it really liked it
In many ways this is typical Nouwen. But with a surprise. More of that in a bit. How is it typical? Well, so many themes: silence and solitude; the word of God and Lectio Divina; the intimacy and accountability of community are all there. They come to us in the, oh so often, three points Henri would make. They always include the witness of his life and many stories and parables to illustrate his points. His former students, Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird, craft a marvellous work of editing in preparing this volume. At the end they introduce the surprise.
Perhaps their editing captures it best:
"A fourth discipline, the discipline of the body, can be discerned in the later Nouwen."
They continue by quoting Nouwen:
"Real spiritual life, I became aware, is an enfleshed life calling for a new spirituality of the body. To believe in the Incarnation - that God becomes flesh - is to realize that God enters into a body, so that if you touch a body, in a way you touch the divine life. There is no divine life outside the body because God decided to become one of us."
Not only is this a profound insight in itself, but is more so coming from one who lived his life in academic settings for many years.
Like all works in spiritual direction, this is a workbook. It encourages us to listen to God in the silence, the sacred word, in the community, and in our body in our midst. Readers will find accessible exercises with questions to assist that work.
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Jodie Pine
Mar 12, 2022Jodie Pine rated it it was amazing
Highly recommend this one. Put together by two of Nouwen's longtime students after his death, this book is divided into three parts: Look Within to the Heart, Look to God in the Book, and Look to Others in Community. I especially appreciated what he had to say about the practice of spiritual writing:
"Many think that writing means writing down ideas, insights, or visions. They are of the opinion that they must first have something to say before they can put it on paper. For them, writing is little more than recording preexistent thoughts. But with this approach, true writing is impossible.
Writing is a process in which we discover what lives in us. The writing itself reveals to us what is alive in us. The deepest satisfaction of writing is precisely that it opens up new spaces within us of which we were not aware before we started to write.
To write is to embark on a journey of which we do not know the final destination. Thus, writing requires a great act of trust. We have to say to ourselves: 'I do not yet know what I carry in my heart, but I trust it will emerge as I write.'
Writing is like giving away the few loaves and fishes we have, trusting that they will multiply in the giving. Once we dare to 'give away' on paper the few thoughts that come to us, we start discovering how much is hidden underneath these thoughts and thus we gradually come in touch with our own riches and resources." (less)
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Thea Smith
Mar 18, 2022Thea Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
‘Spiritual Direction’ gets 5 stars. Deeply honest, inspiring and encouraging you to dig deeper as you live out your faith and walk with Jesus. Henri Nouwen at his finest although he didn’t ‘write’ this book the thoughts, quotes and illustrations come from many of his sermons, articles, journals, class lecture notes and both published and unpublished manuscripts. It’s full of wisdom and particle advice on how to develop good habits in your spiritual journey.
One of my favourite parts reads….
“For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to know God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life - pray always, work for others, read the scriptures- and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tired again, even when I was close to despair.
Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realised that during this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” But “How am I to let myself be found by God” The question is not “How am I to know God?” But “How am I to let myself be known by God?” The question is not “How am I to love God?” But “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” and finally, the question is not “Who is God for me?” but “Who am I to God?”
❤️📚 (less)
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Rita
Oct 08, 2018Rita rated it really liked it
Best to slowly read small sections at a time...reminds us that we suffer from a fear of empty space, finding it hard to give up our work and preoccupations to create empty space...we fear the voice of God, not sure we would want to go in the direction God may call us to go. Reminds us the Bible is not primarily a book of info about God, but of formation of our hearts. Gave helpful methods of praying, meditating on scripture, and journaling. Author reminds us that all humans are limited in giving the level of love and acceptance we all crave, so we must keep forgiving people (spouses, parents, friends, etc.) The author taught psychology and pastoral theology at Harvard & Yale before becoming a senior pastor at a Canadian community for adults with mental disabilities. Last part of book defines our ministry to help people and other disciplines of spiritual life...now to live more accordingly to what I've read and learned... (less)
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Jack Darida
Aug 12, 2021Jack Darida rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I suppose I could have saved ink by highlighting the passages I didn't find profound. While not a proponent of Nouwen's theological universalism, I found much food for deep thought. The section on spiritual community was especially valuable to me in my spiritual walk. "We need to forgive one another for not being God," is pure gold. Frustrations with human fellowship should drive me to the Lord, rather than away from people. Our relationships with others find their foundation in our relationship with God, as his beloved. The authors have done an admirable job of piecing together a collection of Nouwen's thoughts into a cohesive whole. Books that keep you thinking, like this one, deserve all the stars. (less)
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Joe
May 25, 2018Joe rated it it was amazing
I have read many books by Henri Nouwen on Spirituality. This book is amazing because it offers an almost a "how-to" book on forming small groups to explore one's own spiritual journey. When he was a young priest, Henri Nouwen understood spiritual direction as a formal relationship for supervision and accountability between a mature spiritual leader and a new priest or minister. Later in life, he preferred the term "spiritual friendship" or "soul friend." Anyone looking for spiritual direction wi ...more
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Summer Green
Nov 12, 2020Summer Green rated it it was amazing
I've spent a solid week seeping in this small and mighty book. It's beauty is in it's simplicity and honesty. I found so much that convicted me, challenged me, and encouraged me. One of my favorite chapters is entitled "Where do I belong". It focus on being in community with God through solitude greeting solitude. Giving God the space to be God and others the space to be human brothers and sisters. The chapter is one that I read aloud to my family, and will continue to sip it as the days go by, allowing it to nourish my soul and rehydrate my soul. (less)
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10/16/14 
