The Deepest Spiritual Life: The Art of Combining Personal Spiritual Practice With Religious Community - Softcover

THE DEEPEST SPIRITUAL LIFE: The Art of Combining Personal Spiritual Practice with Religious Community reveals that many mainstream religious communities are beginning to teach, guide and support their congregants in both developing individual meditative and prayer lives, as well as in following traditional religious practices within a communal context. Religious leaders, spiritual directors, meditation group leaders and congregants describe in this book how religious community and individual spiritual practices combine to enrich one's life with meaning, love, compassion and an intimate connection with the Divine. The voices of the many spiritual and religious leaders I interviewed add substance to the narrative. In THE DEEPEST SPIRITUAL LIFE, ideas and viewpoints are expressed in the words and beliefs of 27 individuals representing a wide variety of religious practices: Roman Catholic, United Methodist, Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Buddhist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Quaker, Judaism, Islam, Presbyterian, the Vedanta Society (Hindu) and Science of Mind.

In another approach, I weave my own experiences into the text, sharing my personal shortcomings, frustrations, challenges and successes. I've tried to share my own insights along with practical and empathetic counsel, and worked to communicate in a manner accessible not only to spiritual and religious practitioners but to any dedicated and inquisitive layperson who is open to the spiritual wealth of the journey.