Spiritual Notes to Myself: Essential Wisdom for the 21st Century

by Hugh Prather

A follow-up to the classic, Notes to Myself . As an author, minister, and counselor, Hugh Prather had extensive experience sharing wisdom on worldly (and other-worldly) topics. His book, Notes to Myself , offers a treasury of thoughtful and eye-opening insights and reminders. And this spiritual-themed follow-up book masterfully accomplishes the same goal of guiding readers to greater awareness. A modern Book of Proverbs. Throughout the book, Prather offers countless tidbits of wisdom. Each line is packed with powerful insight and inspiration that is sure to leave a lasting impact on readers. Though his words are written as “notes-to-self,” Prather’s gaze looks to and reflects on the outside world, and so he draws us all into his thoughts. Through this inner dialogue, we see the world more clearly. Essential guide for your spiritual journey. Journeys are made easier when we have a guide. This book fills that role for readers on their own journey toward spirituality. Spiritual growth can be a slow but rewarding process if we devote the time to it. Prather’s words throughout this spiritual book remind us that we are not alone on our journey, and that it is through realizing our oneness with all living things that we find our way. Check out Spiritual Notes to Myself , one of Hugh Prather’s classics, and find… Readers of books such as A Path with Heart , Life of the Beloved , Beholding and Becoming , and The Perils and Opportunities of Reality will enjoy Hugh Prather’s Spiritual Notes to Myself .

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Poetry

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Hugh Prather, Jr. was a writer, minister, and counselor, most famous for his first book, Notes to Myself. , which was first published in 1970 by Real People Press. It has sold over 5 million copies, and has been translated into ten languages.
Together with his second wife, Gayle Prather, whom he married in 1965, he wrote other books, including The Little Book of Letting Go; "I Touch the Earth, The Earth Touches Me"; How to Live in the World and Still Be Happy; I Will Never Leave You: How Couples Can Achieve The Power Of Lasting Love; Spiritual Notes to Myself: Essential Wisdom for the 21st Century; Shining Through: Switch on Your Life and Ground Yourself in Happiness; Spiritual Parenting: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing the Heart of Your Child; Standing on My Head: Life Lessons in Contradictions; A Book of Games: A Course in Spiritual Play; Love and Courage; Notes to Each Other; A Book for Couples; The Quiet Answer; and There is a Place Where You Are Not Alone.
Born in Dallas, the younger Hugh Prather earned a bachelor's degree at Southern Methodist University in 1966 after study at Principia College and Columbia University. He studied at the University of Texas at the graduate level without taking a degree. While he could be categorized as a New Age writer, he drew on Christian language and themes and seemed comfortable conceiving of God in personal terms. His work underscored the importance of gentleness, forgiveness, and loyalty; declined to endorse dramatic claims about the power of the individual mind to effect unilateral transformations of external material circumstances; and stressed the need for the mind to let go of destructive cognitions in a manner not unlike that encouraged by the cognitive-behavioral therapy of Aaron T. Beck and the rational emotive behavior therapy commended by Albert Ellis.

Reviews

[Ed Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I grew a little impatient with the folksy quality to this one. Books of loosely related aphorisms can be a slog already, but add to it the "aw shucks" factor, and it's a deal breaker.

Having said that, however, there is one observation that the whole world would do well to heed, especially us American Christians:

"God is the only sane thing there is, and we are all a part of God. However, if I believe there's some divine law manifesting itself as parking places and fat bank accounts in the West, while allowing children in the East to step on land mines, I have got an insane God on my mind."

I've shared a similar sentiment countless times over the course of my life, not only when I see athletes thanking God for scoring a touchdown (what, does God not like the other team?) or sick people attributing their being cured to God (does He not like some cancer patients?), but also whenever I am thankful for some ostensible good fortune. In a lot of ways, then, Prather challenges our view of God, which is always good. It's just a shame that the good stuff seems so sparse.

[Luanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of thoughts/info

my favorites

The key to a happy marriage is to say, "Yes dear." If you can't do that, at least be as kind to your partner as you would be to a total stranger.

and

Yes, dying is inconvenient. But I have already lost greater opportunities than the opportunity to get out of bed and walk through this world for one more day. Let me go forth this day and lose no more.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spiritual thoughts in short chuncks. Filled with bits of inspiration. Grab it and read a few pages and you'll realize that Hugh Prather has something to offer your spiritual practice and perception of life.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge fan of Hugh Prather...began reading him years ago and I still keep his books near my night stand to read through. This is one of my favorites, I enjoy the honesty and his effort to let you in on his thoughts. Great to read a few pages in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spiritual and thought provoking book. Hugh Prather was one of my favorite authors when I was young. It seems that his works continue to enlighten .

[Karen Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not perfect. Some parts were irrelevant and some seemed a little bit TMI. His editor ought to have told him that some random thoughts may not be pertinent to include inside this book. But most of the writing in here feels like it came from his heart and the vein of Christianity is present within his little anecdotes. Felt somewhat wiser coming out of this book but there is still a lot for me to learn.

[Susan Sanders]

Inherited book, didn't connect with message. It felt more about God than spirituality

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

meaningful insights than can inspire everyone...