The book presents a structured seven-day retreat program inspired by Thomas Merton's writings and accompanied by his notable photography. Esther de Waal offers flexibility for participants to engage in this reflective experience at home, in retreat centers, or while on vacation, making it accessible for both individuals and groups. The program encourages deep personal reflection and connection with Merton's insights, promoting spiritual growth and contemplation.
Esther de Waal is one of today's most beloved spiritual writers. In The White Stone , she reflects on the changes and losses that come with growing older. Esther reflects on solitude and, following a period of illness, saying goodbye to a family home and the Welsh border landscape she had known for decades which inspired some of her greatest writing. In her characteristic style, she sees everything as a portal into a deeper spiritual understanding.She draws on the wealth of the Christian tradition, especially scripture and the monastic and Celtic spiritualities she knows so well, to help her navigate her way through not only the inevitable sense of loss that accompanies such change, but also to embrace the new possibilities it brings. The white stone of the title refers to a small pebble from the river that ran through her garden that she keeps in her pocket, but also strikes a note of hope referring to the new identity promised by God (Revelation 2.17). This is a book of simple, profound wisdom that will speak to many coping with change in their own lives.
Żyjemy dzisiaj niewątpliwie w czasach wielkich przemian. Z jednej strony załamują się tradycyjne więzi – poczynając od rodziny poprzez lokalne społeczności, aż do poczucia przynależności narodowej i patriotyzmu. Coraz częściej neguje się i odrzuca klasyczne europejskie wartości, które mają swój rodowód w Biblii i chrześcijaństwie oraz w kulturze antycznej greckiej i rzymskiej. Stopniowo narasta poczucie chaosu. Z drugiej jednak strony następuje proces jednoczenia się Europy. Znikają granice, a z nimi, mamy nadzieję, znikną wzajemne niechęci. Budzi się jednak niepokój, że narody utracą swoją własną oryginalność. Europa i Europejczycy potrzebują nowej tożsamości. Wokół czego? Czy tylko wokół ekonomicznych interesów? Jaka ma być ta jedność? Przy takich pytaniach warto sięgnąć do źródeł, początków tworzenia się kultury europejskiej. Tutaj odnajdujemy Regułę św. Benedykta jako jeden z podstawowych tekstów. Została ona napisana w momencie, gdy upadała kultura antyczna, powstawało ogólne zamieszanie, z którego miał się zrodzić późniejszy nowy porządek. W wymiarze duchowym i kulturowym w dużym stopniu budowali go mnisi (w tym czasie byli nimi właściwie benedyktyni) swoją wiedzą, pracą i duchem.
`The satanic sex ring takes place around a quarry, near your friend's house. As well as your family there are four others, so far that we know of, involved.'When her dad was arrested and imprisoned for violently abusing his 15 children, Esther thought her life could begin at last.
This reflective commentary explores the Rule of St Benedict from the perspective of someone whose life and faith has been shaped by its gentle wisdom and realism. Its approach is personal and contemplative; it is written for all who seek to deepen their Christian understanding and discipleship.
The celebrated spiritual writer Thomas Merton remains one of the most influential voices of our day. Here, Esther de Waal devises a seven day personal or group retreat programme using extracts from Thomas Merton's writings and a selection of his photography.
In The Way of Simplicity Esther de Waal reveals the riches of the Cistercian (Trappist) tradition and its relevance for today's world. The book draws not only on such twelfth-century writers as Bernard of Clairvaux and Aelred of Rievaulx, but also on Thomas Merton and many contemporary Cistercians. These Cistercian men and women wrote on matters of perennial concern: the true self, growth, integration, friendship, the love of God, and above al the life of prayer. Anyone wishing to explore Cistercian spirituality will find this book an illuminating and practical guide. Esther de Waal is one of today's most celebrated spiritual writers. Seeking God, her classic book on the relevance of the Rule of Saint Benedict, has opened up the riches of the monastic tradition to readers throughout the world for almost twenty-five years. Greatly in demand as a speaker and retreat leader, she lives in Herefordshire, UK.
Esther de Waal's classic guide to Celtic spirituality makes vital connections between the Celtic Christian world and our own world. This is an essential read for those wishing to engage with Celtic history and spirituality; its beauty and wisdom lingers in the mind well after the book has finished.
Exploring the concept of thresholds as significant points of transition, Esther de Waal reflects on their importance in both physical and spiritual realms. Set against the backdrop of the Welsh countryside, she emphasizes the value of slowing down and connecting with the environment. Through this lens, the book invites readers to appreciate the sacredness of borders and the transformative experiences they offer, encouraging a deeper receptivity to both the tangible and intangible aspects of life.
Focusing on the everyday experiences of life, Esther de Waal explores how seemingly insignificant moments can lead us closer to God. By cultivating a childlike sense of wonder, she emphasizes that spiritual growth is a gift rather than a result of anxious striving. Each chapter, such as "Seeing With the Inner Eye" and "Silence," invites readers to reflect on themes like change and mystery, accompanied by quotes from the Psalms and spiritual writers to enhance prayerful contemplation.