The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work
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Description
Powerful and life-affirming, this watershed volume brings together the voices of pioneers in the field of contemplative care--from hospice and hospitals to colleges, prisons, and the military. Illustrating the day-to-day words and actions of pastoral workers, each first-person essay in this collection offers a distillation of the wisdom gained over years of compassionate experience. The stories told here are sure to inspire--whether you are a professional caregiver or simply feel inclined toward guiding, healing, and comforting roles. If you are inspired to read this book, or even one touching story in it, you just might find yourself inspired to change a life.
The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work Hardcover – 23 October 2012
by Cheryl A. Giles (Author), Willa B. Miller (Author)
Powerful and life-affirming, this watershed volume brings together the voices of pioneers in the field of contemplative care--from hospice and hospitals to colleges, prisons, and the military. Illustrating the day-to-day words and actions of pastoral workers, each first-person essay in this collection offers a distillation of the wisdom gained over years of compassionate experience. The stories told here are sure to inspire--whether you are a professional caregiver or simply feel inclined toward guiding, healing, and comforting roles. If you are inspired to read this book, or even one touching story in it, you just might find yourself inspired to change a life.
Cheryl A. Giles
Cheryl A. Giles is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Francis Greenwood Peabody Professor of the Practice in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Harvard Divinity School. She has extensive experience in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families with significant mental illness, high-risk behaviors, and traumatic stress. Her primary research interests are identifying the role of risk and resilience in developing healthy adolescents, health care disparities in African American populations, and contemplative care for the dying. Professor Giles is a core faculty member of the Buddhist Ministry Initiative at the Divinity School. She is a member of Natural Dharma Fellowship and practices Tibetan meditation.
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Claire hershman
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2012
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A really inspiring book for anyone interested in end of life care? A collection of interesting caring papers written by people who are doing the carving in a very challenging area
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katydiscussions
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful surprise
Reviewed in the United States on 16 July 2013
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These are the stories of people who have jobs (volunteer or professional) working with those who suffer serious illness and want spiritual support to be part of their care. When compassion for the suffering of others brings people into this line of work good things can happen for both the care provider and the recipient. My take on it is that it's not about religion or any particular religion, but neither does it exclude religious experience. It was a wonderful surprise to realize that chaplains and other professionals seek to support sufferers in whatever they find meaningful, and not to assert their own patterns of faith. I learned that Buddhist practices are very well suited to compassionate work and that they can promote growth and collaboration between people who have differences. I agree that these are pioneering voices and I hope they are heard.
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Mz Berry
5.0 out of 5 stars This is an important read for everyone interested in chaplaincy
Reviewed in the United States on 23 September 2013
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Even if you are not buddhist. Likewise it is good for those interested in Buddhism, even if you are not interested in ministry or chaplaincy.
Chaplaincy and contemplative care are more about the people needing caring support and deep listening, than about spiritual practices. Each chapter is written by someone working in a specific field of chaplaincy, and they bare their experiences, struggles and feelings deeply. It is a wonderful book.
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Mary M.
5.0 out of 5 stars caregiving with mindfulness
Reviewed in the United States on 12 May 2019
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This book is a treasure for anyone tending to the suffering of others or of oneself.
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johnjayr
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource
Reviewed in the United States on 2 August 2013
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If you are currently working in Chaplaincy, or considering it, this is an excellent resource. Many very experienced chaplains give their advise and experience in it. Covers Hospital, Institutional, and other types of work. One of if not the best books on the topic of Chaplaincy and a must for Buddhist chaplains.
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