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Soul of a Pilgrim , The - Eight Practices for the Journey within Language- English
The renowned author of eight books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts , Christine Valters Paintner takes readers on a new kind of an inner journey to discover the heart of God. Eight stages of the pilgrim's way--from hearing the call to coming home--are accompanied by scripture stories of great biblical journeys and the author's unique and creative practices of prayer, writing, and photography.As she did in The Artist's Rule and Eyes of the Heart , Christine Valters Paintner once again helps readers travel to the frontiers of their souls to discover the hidden presence of God. In The Soul of a Pilgrim , Paintner identifies eight stages of the pilgrim's way and shows how to follow these steps to make an intentional, transformative journey to the reader's inner "wild edges." Each phase of the exploration requires a distinct practice such as packing lightly, being uncomfortable, or embracing the unknown. Paintner shows how to cultivate attentiveness to the divine through deep listening, patience, and opening oneself to the gifts that arise in the midst of discomfort.Each of the eight chapters offers reflections on the themes, a scripture story, an invitation to the practice of lectio divina, and a creative exploration through photography and writing.
Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
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About the author
Christine Valters Paintner
29 books134 followersChristine Valters Paintner, PhD is the online Abbess at AbbeyoftheArts.com, a virtual monastery and global community. She is the author of over 20 books on contemplative practice and creative expression including three collections of poetry. She lives in Galway, Ireland where she leads online retreats with her husband John. Christine is a Benedictine oblate, living out her commitment as a monk in the world.
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August 4, 2015
While many pilgrimages are outer journeys to sites of spiritual significance, The Soul of a Pilgrim invites readers on an inner pilgrimage. Creative expression and contemplation are the practices offered to solo pilgrims who read this book. It's full of poetry; scripture stories by John Valters Paintner to explore each theme; an invitation to the practice of lectio divina; and creative exploration through photography. Readers are also invited to write their own Midrash, an ancient Jewish practice, "as a way of entering into the story and finding your own journey."
Each chapter ends with a poem written by Christine Valters Paintner. The poems come out of her own experience and influences of ancient and modern guides; they share wisdom from her own learning and contemplation.
In the introduction, Paintner invites readers to open themselves to receiving a seven-word prayer to be carried with them. And she suggests anointing yourself for the pilgrimage by using some essential oils of your choice and blessing different parts of your body.
Chapter 1 is about hearing the call and saying yes. Quotations in the chapter are from St. Augustine, Hafiz and Rumi. I appreciated the inspiration from various wisdom traditions throughout the book.
Chapter 2, "The Practice of Packing Lightly," invites readers to consider what is needed on the journey. Pilgrimage invites a radical simplicity. There are things we can let go of as well as commitments and relationships that drain us of energy. Books are essential to many of us, as they are to the author, but she asks: "Am I avoiding embracing my own wisdom by relying on the words of others?" With the many questions offered for reflection throughout the book, I felt I was being gently guided to that sort of embrace.
Chapter 3 is about "The Practice of Crossing the Threshold." Readers are invited to pay attention to thresholds such as doorways, windows, or portals of another kind in their photography as contemplative practice. The images captured can help one reflect on what the thresholds reveal "about your own inner crossings."
In Chapter 4, "The Practice of Making the Way by Walking," Paintner describes apavia, a Latin word meaning "roadlessness." The second-century bishop and theologian St. Irenaeus wrote that the true pilgrim was to live life in this state. It means walking without maps, plans and guidebooks.
In Chapter 5, "The Practice of Being Uncomfortable," we are reminded that "when we risk the unfamiliar, our resilience grows, and we become more capable of living life." John Valters Paintner offers "The Story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well" for personal reflection. Readers are invited to lay aside theological interpretations and biblical criticism.
"We are to simply enter the story as if it were our own, as if it were written just for us in this moment of our lives," Paintner says. In the story, Jesus and the woman each cross boundaries to meet one another in a holy place.
The pilgrim is always starting and Chapter 6 is about "The Practice of Beginning Again." Each moment offers us the chance to lay a new foundation, Paintner advises.
Chapter 7 asks readers to go deeper. Pilgrimage "calls us to a radical sense of mystery," Paintner says in the chapter entitled "The Practice of Embracing the Unknown."
In Chapter 8, "The Practice of Coming Home," the author reminds us that pilgrims return home without all the answers. "Instead, they receive better questions; questions that bring the pilgrimage experience into daily life and reveal depth in all they see around them."
Whatever your spiritual tradition, I would recommend this book. If you have no spiritual tradition, I would especially recommend this book. It helps us to pay attention to all that is around us and to the divine. And as with all pilgrims, we return home with better questions.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Each chapter ends with a poem written by Christine Valters Paintner. The poems come out of her own experience and influences of ancient and modern guides; they share wisdom from her own learning and contemplation.
In the introduction, Paintner invites readers to open themselves to receiving a seven-word prayer to be carried with them. And she suggests anointing yourself for the pilgrimage by using some essential oils of your choice and blessing different parts of your body.
Chapter 1 is about hearing the call and saying yes. Quotations in the chapter are from St. Augustine, Hafiz and Rumi. I appreciated the inspiration from various wisdom traditions throughout the book.
Chapter 2, "The Practice of Packing Lightly," invites readers to consider what is needed on the journey. Pilgrimage invites a radical simplicity. There are things we can let go of as well as commitments and relationships that drain us of energy. Books are essential to many of us, as they are to the author, but she asks: "Am I avoiding embracing my own wisdom by relying on the words of others?" With the many questions offered for reflection throughout the book, I felt I was being gently guided to that sort of embrace.
Chapter 3 is about "The Practice of Crossing the Threshold." Readers are invited to pay attention to thresholds such as doorways, windows, or portals of another kind in their photography as contemplative practice. The images captured can help one reflect on what the thresholds reveal "about your own inner crossings."
In Chapter 4, "The Practice of Making the Way by Walking," Paintner describes apavia, a Latin word meaning "roadlessness." The second-century bishop and theologian St. Irenaeus wrote that the true pilgrim was to live life in this state. It means walking without maps, plans and guidebooks.
In Chapter 5, "The Practice of Being Uncomfortable," we are reminded that "when we risk the unfamiliar, our resilience grows, and we become more capable of living life." John Valters Paintner offers "The Story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well" for personal reflection. Readers are invited to lay aside theological interpretations and biblical criticism.
"We are to simply enter the story as if it were our own, as if it were written just for us in this moment of our lives," Paintner says. In the story, Jesus and the woman each cross boundaries to meet one another in a holy place.
The pilgrim is always starting and Chapter 6 is about "The Practice of Beginning Again." Each moment offers us the chance to lay a new foundation, Paintner advises.
Chapter 7 asks readers to go deeper. Pilgrimage "calls us to a radical sense of mystery," Paintner says in the chapter entitled "The Practice of Embracing the Unknown."
In Chapter 8, "The Practice of Coming Home," the author reminds us that pilgrims return home without all the answers. "Instead, they receive better questions; questions that bring the pilgrimage experience into daily life and reveal depth in all they see around them."
Whatever your spiritual tradition, I would recommend this book. If you have no spiritual tradition, I would especially recommend this book. It helps us to pay attention to all that is around us and to the divine. And as with all pilgrims, we return home with better questions.
by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
August 25, 2020
i enjoyed being able to read this book while attending weekly online sessions with the author. i highly recommend doing this as group. As you move through each of the eight practices, it is also good to right the theme of the week someplace where you will notice it daily. This will help you concentrate more fully on that theme as you do your spiritual disciplines for that week. One of the things i love about the themes is that they helped move me from a 'pie-in-the-sky' hopeful spirituality toward a more organic, learn from all of life, both the ups and the downs. Everything is spiritual. Everything is invitation.
April 16, 2018
Refreshing, non-judgemental, open exploration of the concept of pilgrimage. This book has put into word some of the frustration I feel as a spiritual person, knowing that I am on some track, but never seem to find the answer. Perhaps, as Painter points out, I assume the end occurs on some proverbial mountaintop with a screaming call of "King of the world." Nothing humble in that.
The book stresses so many grand points, using the journey of other pilgrims to highlight key concepts.
To listen and be open
To jump into fear/challenges
To not seek an end
To be stranger to one's life, one's journey
To explore scripture by being part of it, similar to St. Ignatius. To not let scripture own you, but guide you.
There is a gentleness to her writing. I sort of hand on one's shoulder. She is making her journey and sharing it with other like-minded pilgrims; I am glad for the company.
My favorite question: "What assumptions do I make?"
Quotes:
"The process is not about perfection or product but discovery and encounter."
"The journey of a pilgrim is about returning home with a new awareness of what home really means."
"The spiritual journey calls us out into the wild places where God is not tamed and domesticated. We are asked to release out agendas and discover the holy direction for our lives."
The book stresses so many grand points, using the journey of other pilgrims to highlight key concepts.
To listen and be open
To jump into fear/challenges
To not seek an end
To be stranger to one's life, one's journey
To explore scripture by being part of it, similar to St. Ignatius. To not let scripture own you, but guide you.
There is a gentleness to her writing. I sort of hand on one's shoulder. She is making her journey and sharing it with other like-minded pilgrims; I am glad for the company.
My favorite question: "What assumptions do I make?"
Quotes:
"The process is not about perfection or product but discovery and encounter."
"The journey of a pilgrim is about returning home with a new awareness of what home really means."
"The spiritual journey calls us out into the wild places where God is not tamed and domesticated. We are asked to release out agendas and discover the holy direction for our lives."
July 28, 2021
I have been drawn to Christine’s words all summer long, devouring one book after another. Although this isn’t a book on grief, it has helped me be with the grief of losing my mom more than any other. I love how most of her books enable the reader to read and meditate on one chapter daily, soaking in the words throughout the day. I have been on an inner journey this past year without leaving my garden. This book has taught me that time being with God is not time wasted, but a restful time to just be with and listen to God. Her personal stories and experiences help me to navigate my own journey closer to God. This book has encouraged me to take two contemplative walks each day with my pug, paying attention to divine encounters in nature.
Her husband’s scripture reflections always speak to me and are perfect for lectio and contemplation. Her poems continue to touch me deeply. This is a transformative book and it’s had a healing effect on me. Settle down with a cup of tea while reading, and be ready to have all your fears, worries, anxieties, dissolve as you find peace on each page.
Her husband’s scripture reflections always speak to me and are perfect for lectio and contemplation. Her poems continue to touch me deeply. This is a transformative book and it’s had a healing effect on me. Settle down with a cup of tea while reading, and be ready to have all your fears, worries, anxieties, dissolve as you find peace on each page.
February 4, 2019
A thoughtful and reflective book for the inward journey. My upcoming sabbatical is a pilgrimage of sorts, so I picked up this book to help prepare me for the sacred act of pilgrimage. In the book, Paintner reflects on her and her husbands pilgrim journey of selling most of their possessions and moving to Europe. That storyline provides the background from which she offers eight practices for all of us to incorporate into our faith journeys. In this book, Paintner focuses both on the physical act of pilgrimage to far away lands, but also highlights how pilgrimage can be an internal journey regardless of whether or not you travel. The practices of packing light and learning to be uncomfortable spoke into my current space well and helped guide me through valuable internal reflection.
Read
August 12, 2024I like the lens of pilgrimage. Enstein supposedly said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." And while this quote is likely apocryphal, you could say the same thing about pilgrimage. You can live your life believing that it's all a bunch of random chance, going nowhere... or choose to believe that the path just might be leading somewhere. A good book to read if you find yourself wandering around in a minivan for months on end.
July 3, 2019
This book came as a friend with wisdom for the right time. I found both Christine and John's sharing of testimony and story to be so meaningful. The book offers a retreat with practical activations, the unfolding of journey in stages, and beautiful poetry completes each chapter. It reads smoothly and as a companion to anyone on spiritual pilgrimage or entering a season of newness and change.
May 6, 2019
A Beautiful Journey
This is a journey drawing on Celtic and Benedictine practices using scripture, reflection, and contemplation which draws the reader deeper and deeper into the heart of spirituality. Well worth the read.
This is a journey drawing on Celtic and Benedictine practices using scripture, reflection, and contemplation which draws the reader deeper and deeper into the heart of spirituality. Well worth the read.
July 7, 2019
LOVED it! I took this book on pilgrimage to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, using it as a guide for reflection. It served that purpose and so much more! It will be a book that I return to again and again. My pilgrimage reflections are at BeingBenedictine.com. Jodi
July 10, 2025
This is my second time of reading this book - slowly. Each time it challenges me in new ways at a new stage in life. We are pilgrims on this journey of life - Soul of a Pilgrim gives tools for truly being a pilgrim.
July 16, 2017
Great book for self-directed retreat!
September 23, 2019
ספר מצוין לשוחרי מסעות
אם אתם מרבים במסעות בעולם ורוצים לחקור אותם גם מההיבט הרוחני, הספר הזה יתן לכם הרבה כלים וחומר למחשבה. ספר שהוא תוסף טוב לכל מסע
אם אתם מרבים במסעות בעולם ורוצים לחקור אותם גם מההיבט הרוחני, הספר הזה יתן לכם הרבה כלים וחומר למחשבה. ספר שהוא תוסף טוב לכל מסע
June 2, 2020
I loved the format and the theology and I loved getting back into the Bible. The theology opened that door for me.
October 28, 2021
I loved this book, and having gotten to the end of it, will probably go back to the beginning and start again.
May 8, 2022
A beautiful and invitational introduction to the spiritual practice of pilgrimage - both literal and metaphorical.
Read
December 18, 2022Enlightening guide for embarking on a spiritual journey. The author explains the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage and why both are important to our lives.
August 1, 2023
Second or third reading. Very good
June 28, 2024
I love and resonate with the pilgrim motif. Christine Valters Paintner always prods me to reflect in a meaningful way.
July 13, 2022
a gentle challenge
This book is a challenging and inspirational reflection on one’s life and includes beautiful biblical stories as well as the authors personal experience. A great read, or journey, for anyone who is questioning the meaning and purpose of life or needing a guide to reflect on their spiritual walk.
This book is a challenging and inspirational reflection on one’s life and includes beautiful biblical stories as well as the authors personal experience. A great read, or journey, for anyone who is questioning the meaning and purpose of life or needing a guide to reflect on their spiritual walk.
October 22, 2015
What does it mean to be a pilgrim on a pilgrimage? The Soul of a Pilgrim seeks to answer this question with us. Being on a spiritual journey is not new to most but to define yourself as a pilgrim is more than just being a traveler. I would say it is by way of seeking that makes the difference. The author speaks of letting some things find you and not to push to hard to understand but let it wash over you.
I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the story of the physical move of the author to Ireland and her inner spiritual journey. The book is more about being open and taking chances. I liked the creative praying the scriptures with immersing yourself into the story and speaking interiorly with the characters. I also, liked the photographic walks where you receive photos instead of taking photos. Using photography as meditation was a new concept to me and I love photography.
I thought the biblical reflections by John Valters Paintner, the authors husband was the best part of the book. The introduction seemed a little new age like with yoga and meditation for me, this traditional Catholic. The reflections are explaining how to do Lectio Divina, which is a very Catholic way of prayer and bible study. The writing exploration through midrash is an ancient Jewish practice of explaining problems encountered in bible study.
There is a part in Chapter 6 of the book about being okay with feeling uncomfortable. That may be a way of realizing something you need to learn and this spoke to me of letting things happen and not pushing so hard. I’ve been so schooled on making things happen that letting things wash over you is foreign to me. Intentional silence and intentional letting go of control is freedom. My favorite line in the book is “All of the feelings I encounter that make me want to slam the door on my inner life, these are precisely the place we are called to meet God”. Mrs. Painter goes on to say “I hope you see that much of our lives rest in the space between loss and hope. Our lives are full of Holy Saturday experiences.”
I would recommend this book to you in beginning spiritual exploration and bible study in Lectio Divina. I was definitely left wanting more which is a good thing.
I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the story of the physical move of the author to Ireland and her inner spiritual journey. The book is more about being open and taking chances. I liked the creative praying the scriptures with immersing yourself into the story and speaking interiorly with the characters. I also, liked the photographic walks where you receive photos instead of taking photos. Using photography as meditation was a new concept to me and I love photography.
I thought the biblical reflections by John Valters Paintner, the authors husband was the best part of the book. The introduction seemed a little new age like with yoga and meditation for me, this traditional Catholic. The reflections are explaining how to do Lectio Divina, which is a very Catholic way of prayer and bible study. The writing exploration through midrash is an ancient Jewish practice of explaining problems encountered in bible study.
There is a part in Chapter 6 of the book about being okay with feeling uncomfortable. That may be a way of realizing something you need to learn and this spoke to me of letting things happen and not pushing so hard. I’ve been so schooled on making things happen that letting things wash over you is foreign to me. Intentional silence and intentional letting go of control is freedom. My favorite line in the book is “All of the feelings I encounter that make me want to slam the door on my inner life, these are precisely the place we are called to meet God”. Mrs. Painter goes on to say “I hope you see that much of our lives rest in the space between loss and hope. Our lives are full of Holy Saturday experiences.”
I would recommend this book to you in beginning spiritual exploration and bible study in Lectio Divina. I was definitely left wanting more which is a good thing.
February 25, 2018
Genre: Religion and spirituality
The author has structured the book into eight segments of spiritual guides designed to assist the reader on an inner pilgrimage.
Excerpt from the book:
"Missing you" scrawled on a postcard sent home, but you don't follow with "wish you were here." This is a voyage best made alone.
Chapter 1 "The Practice of Hearing the Call and Responding"
The first chapter deals with the concept of the discovery of our true selves after stripping away all self-deception, self-criticism, self-inflation, masks, expectations and judgments.
Loss of a job, health, a friend, a sense of identity, financial security or a marriage can be acknowledged in sorrow - acceptance of the loss can lead to renewed vision and life. The author takes a page from the "one door closes, another opens" school of thought.
Chapter 2 "The Practice of Packing Lightly"
Traveling teaches us what essentials need to be packed and carried along with you. You also learn what can be left behind to lighten your load. The same principal applies to our spiritual baggage as we start on the pilgrimage. You have, in your power, the ability to decide which attitudes, beliefs and expectations can journey along with you and which one can discarded. Less truly is better, baggage of any kind is heavy.
Chapter 4 "The Practice of Making the Way by Walking"
Excerpt:
"On a true pilgrimage, we soon discover that the journey has its own rhythm and momentum. We realize, if our hearts are listening, that there are secret destinations that reveal themselves as our path unfolds."
The author discusses a means of letting go of trying to maintain control over our lives. We are advised to let spiritual wisdom guide us safely on our way.
The eight guides are thought provoking and profound steps to complete the spiritual journey. Our journey is a lifelong voyage.
Excerpt:
"The journey transforms us so we may be ready for our destination."
I highly recommend this book.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author has structured the book into eight segments of spiritual guides designed to assist the reader on an inner pilgrimage.
Excerpt from the book:
"Missing you" scrawled on a postcard sent home, but you don't follow with "wish you were here." This is a voyage best made alone.
Chapter 1 "The Practice of Hearing the Call and Responding"
The first chapter deals with the concept of the discovery of our true selves after stripping away all self-deception, self-criticism, self-inflation, masks, expectations and judgments.
Loss of a job, health, a friend, a sense of identity, financial security or a marriage can be acknowledged in sorrow - acceptance of the loss can lead to renewed vision and life. The author takes a page from the "one door closes, another opens" school of thought.
Chapter 2 "The Practice of Packing Lightly"
Traveling teaches us what essentials need to be packed and carried along with you. You also learn what can be left behind to lighten your load. The same principal applies to our spiritual baggage as we start on the pilgrimage. You have, in your power, the ability to decide which attitudes, beliefs and expectations can journey along with you and which one can discarded. Less truly is better, baggage of any kind is heavy.
Chapter 4 "The Practice of Making the Way by Walking"
Excerpt:
"On a true pilgrimage, we soon discover that the journey has its own rhythm and momentum. We realize, if our hearts are listening, that there are secret destinations that reveal themselves as our path unfolds."
The author discusses a means of letting go of trying to maintain control over our lives. We are advised to let spiritual wisdom guide us safely on our way.
The eight guides are thought provoking and profound steps to complete the spiritual journey. Our journey is a lifelong voyage.
Excerpt:
"The journey transforms us so we may be ready for our destination."
I highly recommend this book.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2015
As someone who has embarked on the Journey Within for some years, the experience of reading The Soul of A Pilgrim was singularly powerful for me. As I read about each of the eight practices, I instantly recognised a time in my own journey where I had been called to take up that very invitation. These eight practices of Hearing the Call and Responding; Packing Lightly; Crossing the Threshold; Making the Way by Walking; Being Uncomfortable; Beginning Again; Embracing the Unknown and of Coming Home feel simultaneously deeply familiar yet tantalising new.
This is a beautifully contemplative read. It is meant to be pondered upon and prayed with. Each chapter is accompanied by suggestions for Lectio Divina, a writing exploration (Midrash), and a Contemplative Photography exercise. Each chapter is also brought to a close by a profound and beautiful reflection based on a Scripture passage by John Valters Paintner - the author's husband.
If you are someone who has been feeling the tug to "enter within"; if you are someone who desires to explore the interior landscapes of your own soul and to begin what the saints variously refer to as the journey into the Interior Castle (St. Teresa of Avila) or the ascent to Mt Carmel (St. John of the Cross), this book could be a your guide. Filled with references to scripture, poetry, and the sayings/writings of saints, and written in a deeply contemplative and loving spirit, this book is a prayerful retreat experience waiting to be had.
Pilgrim, do you hear the call? Come!
This is a beautifully contemplative read. It is meant to be pondered upon and prayed with. Each chapter is accompanied by suggestions for Lectio Divina, a writing exploration (Midrash), and a Contemplative Photography exercise. Each chapter is also brought to a close by a profound and beautiful reflection based on a Scripture passage by John Valters Paintner - the author's husband.
If you are someone who has been feeling the tug to "enter within"; if you are someone who desires to explore the interior landscapes of your own soul and to begin what the saints variously refer to as the journey into the Interior Castle (St. Teresa of Avila) or the ascent to Mt Carmel (St. John of the Cross), this book could be a your guide. Filled with references to scripture, poetry, and the sayings/writings of saints, and written in a deeply contemplative and loving spirit, this book is a prayerful retreat experience waiting to be had.
Pilgrim, do you hear the call? Come!
May 25, 2015
This book came at the right time in my life. I had finally accepted the need to leave a place very dear to me. As John Valters Paintner explains in Chapter One, "The Practice of Hearing the Call and Responding":
"Pilgrimage ... can mean the life journeys we take in response to unwelcomed circumstances... Any time life ousts us from our places of security, we are called upon to bring ourselves fully present to our experience. We honor that even unbidden journeys can take us to places where we encounter God more closely." (21)
As some of you know, I have gone on pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. I have spent days walking, sixty-eight days the first time, then thirty days, then fewer and fewer. I also made a pilgrimage once to Dharamsala to listen to the Dalai Lama. A seeker by nature, I have gone on inner pilgrimages most of my life. Also, next year, we will be taking our children and grandchildren on a short pilgrimage to Santiago to celebrate my 70th birthday. This book came as a preparation for it.
The Soul of a Pilgrim is meaningful on several levels, levels which are presented by Christine and her husband John. Those levels are identified as practices: hearing the call and responding; packing lightly; crossing the threshold; making the way by walking; being uncomfortable; beginning again; embracing the unknown; and coming home.
http://acatholicwomansplace.blogspot....
"Pilgrimage ... can mean the life journeys we take in response to unwelcomed circumstances... Any time life ousts us from our places of security, we are called upon to bring ourselves fully present to our experience. We honor that even unbidden journeys can take us to places where we encounter God more closely." (21)
As some of you know, I have gone on pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. I have spent days walking, sixty-eight days the first time, then thirty days, then fewer and fewer. I also made a pilgrimage once to Dharamsala to listen to the Dalai Lama. A seeker by nature, I have gone on inner pilgrimages most of my life. Also, next year, we will be taking our children and grandchildren on a short pilgrimage to Santiago to celebrate my 70th birthday. This book came as a preparation for it.
The Soul of a Pilgrim is meaningful on several levels, levels which are presented by Christine and her husband John. Those levels are identified as practices: hearing the call and responding; packing lightly; crossing the threshold; making the way by walking; being uncomfortable; beginning again; embracing the unknown; and coming home.
http://acatholicwomansplace.blogspot....
September 5, 2015
I am a daily practitioner of centering prayer. Silent prayer is a special time for me. I need silence. Christine's book, The Soul of a Pilgrim, came along at a perfect time for me. This book has both complemented and deepened my contemplative practices.
Christine's book has taken me on a pilgrimage. It has challenged me to explore new contemplative practices. I have rediscovered Lectio Divina. Previously, I was just not able to do it. I now find that I can! I have added Lectio Divina to my daily practice.
I also plan on reading her book, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice. I enjoy photography. I also want to incorporate photography into my contemplative practices. (Christine mentions contemplative photography within each chapter.)
I love this quote from her book. "Each morning ask where you need to begin and start there with humility, compassion, and with holy anticipation." This is excellent advice. This is how I now try to begin each day.
Read The Soul of a Pilgrim! You will not be disappointed!
Christine's book has taken me on a pilgrimage. It has challenged me to explore new contemplative practices. I have rediscovered Lectio Divina. Previously, I was just not able to do it. I now find that I can! I have added Lectio Divina to my daily practice.
I also plan on reading her book, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice. I enjoy photography. I also want to incorporate photography into my contemplative practices. (Christine mentions contemplative photography within each chapter.)
I love this quote from her book. "Each morning ask where you need to begin and start there with humility, compassion, and with holy anticipation." This is excellent advice. This is how I now try to begin each day.
Read The Soul of a Pilgrim! You will not be disappointed!
January 1, 2025
Skimmed this one picking up inspiring tidbits here and there. Would be very good for more in depth work. Doesn’t seem as repetitious of her other books in terms of spiritual exercises as some are. Several points are reflected in pathways retreat I co-led.
December 31, 2024. Started studying this with a friend but finished in my own. Pilgrimage is a strong metaphor of life for me and having it as the theme that runs through the book gave it cohesion. Paintner puts the elements of pilgrimage to good use to deepen and broaden our spiritual lives. While using New Testament scripture, followers of other paths will find much to engage and inspire.
December 31, 2024. Started studying this with a friend but finished in my own. Pilgrimage is a strong metaphor of life for me and having it as the theme that runs through the book gave it cohesion. Paintner puts the elements of pilgrimage to good use to deepen and broaden our spiritual lives. While using New Testament scripture, followers of other paths will find much to engage and inspire.
October 12, 2015
Love her perspective, made me think more deeply.
December 25, 2016
Beautiful book for those preparing for pilgrimage, either physically or spiritually. I go back again and again to read my highlighted notes.
Read
December 26, 2016 This is a very good read and I plan to re-visit it either before or during my Sabbatical.
November 23, 2020
incredible Invitation
If you have been trying to find meaning in these last ten months of pandemics, or any other time of unraveling this book is for you!
If you have been trying to find meaning in these last ten months of pandemics, or any other time of unraveling this book is for you!
April 12, 2017
I came to this book seeking to discover the "meaning" behind a pilgrimage. Did I need to travel on a physical journey in seeking to find whatever it was I'm seeking or simply to experience one each day with Jesus? Call it a yearning, for something more. To experience more of God, to realise a life fully immersed in surrender to Him. This book helped bring clarity in such a gentle way.
Christine Valters Paintner mirrors her spiritual pilgrimage with the physical one that she and her husband have experienced in recent years, firstly in moving from the US to Austria and then onto their current abode in Galway, Ireland.
This is one of those books that lingers in you. In a really good way. I borrow this next paragraph from another reviewer (unfortunately they go by the anonymous title of "Amazon Customer") as she wrote it so well:
"The book describes eight practices to help the pilgrim on the road. Don’t worry, these are not eight ‘disciplines’ designed to break the back of those with a less than iron will - think of ‘attitudes’ that need to be nurtured and grown. We don’t need to come to this book already ‘perfected’. Rather we come as learners, ready to traverse the spiral as many times as it takes."
Funny that, a visiting pastor described the other day our spiritual walks as not being linear rather in "loops" which supports one of Paintner's concluding remarks: "We sometimes think of the journey as a linear path to travel, when in reality we travel more in circles and spirals."
Paintner grabs inspiration from the desert monks who left civilisation behind to experience an "unhindered" perspective of God. "They yearned for an experience of God beyond the boundaries of what they had known. They let this desire lead them to wild edges." This is my desire and working through this book has helped me realise the importance of "dive[ing] into the waters of life to see where the current carries us."
For too long I've held back; by fear, uncertainty and anxiety. But Paintner describes similar concerns throughout her pilgrimage. But it's usually the scariest decisions we make that are the most fulfilling especially when we feel completely ill-equipped. And that's the point: to feel ill-equipped. Because that makes us depend on our Creator who so desires to actively walk with us and equip us with whatever we require to discover Him in all His fullness.
This book was written after Paintner had run some workshops that aided in the formulation of her premise. Further, her husband John contributes some reflections on well known Biblical passages in each chapter. We then get two practical exercises to engage in. The first, Lectio Divina using the passage John references and we're encouraged to join the scene and write our personal experience (Midrash) of it. Some examples taken from the workshops are provided which I found enlightening. The second practice is creative exploration using photography by venturing out on a contemplative walk each chapter using the Biblical story as inspiration to capture images reminiscent of that story.
So, no, I don't need to leave home even though one would be fun. Who doesn't love to travel? But I can take the same pilgrimage every day as I dive into it, hand-in-hand, with Jesus exploring all there is available and learning the power of love in all my interactions.
Highly recommended.
Christine Valters Paintner mirrors her spiritual pilgrimage with the physical one that she and her husband have experienced in recent years, firstly in moving from the US to Austria and then onto their current abode in Galway, Ireland.
This is one of those books that lingers in you. In a really good way. I borrow this next paragraph from another reviewer (unfortunately they go by the anonymous title of "Amazon Customer") as she wrote it so well:
"The book describes eight practices to help the pilgrim on the road. Don’t worry, these are not eight ‘disciplines’ designed to break the back of those with a less than iron will - think of ‘attitudes’ that need to be nurtured and grown. We don’t need to come to this book already ‘perfected’. Rather we come as learners, ready to traverse the spiral as many times as it takes."
Funny that, a visiting pastor described the other day our spiritual walks as not being linear rather in "loops" which supports one of Paintner's concluding remarks: "We sometimes think of the journey as a linear path to travel, when in reality we travel more in circles and spirals."
Paintner grabs inspiration from the desert monks who left civilisation behind to experience an "unhindered" perspective of God. "They yearned for an experience of God beyond the boundaries of what they had known. They let this desire lead them to wild edges." This is my desire and working through this book has helped me realise the importance of "dive[ing] into the waters of life to see where the current carries us."
For too long I've held back; by fear, uncertainty and anxiety. But Paintner describes similar concerns throughout her pilgrimage. But it's usually the scariest decisions we make that are the most fulfilling especially when we feel completely ill-equipped. And that's the point: to feel ill-equipped. Because that makes us depend on our Creator who so desires to actively walk with us and equip us with whatever we require to discover Him in all His fullness.
This book was written after Paintner had run some workshops that aided in the formulation of her premise. Further, her husband John contributes some reflections on well known Biblical passages in each chapter. We then get two practical exercises to engage in. The first, Lectio Divina using the passage John references and we're encouraged to join the scene and write our personal experience (Midrash) of it. Some examples taken from the workshops are provided which I found enlightening. The second practice is creative exploration using photography by venturing out on a contemplative walk each chapter using the Biblical story as inspiration to capture images reminiscent of that story.
So, no, I don't need to leave home even though one would be fun. Who doesn't love to travel? But I can take the same pilgrimage every day as I dive into it, hand-in-hand, with Jesus exploring all there is available and learning the power of love in all my interactions.
Highly recommended.
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