Synopses & Reviews
For readers of Thomas Moore, James Hillman, and Pema Chodron-a timely handbook for these troubled times that shows how to bring depth and meaning to our lives through cultivating our connection with something greater than ourselves. Can changing our view of ourselves and others affect the world? Bestselling author Stephanie Dowrick's major new book is a compelling look at how we can transform the world by seeing the extraordinary everywhere we look, both without and within. Through her intimate, beautiful, and encouraging writing, Dowrick shows that it is only in altering our perception-seeing all of life as sacred-that we will challenge the usual stories about who we are and what we are capable of being.
At a time when religion is increasing seen as a cause of prejudice and division, or as irrelevant to our most pressing concerns, the eternal truths of a genuinely inclusive spiritual wisdom have never been more urgently needed or sought. In Seeking the Sacred, Stephanie Dowrick invites us to go beyond cultural divisions and religious dogma and to discover what makes our lives sacred, satisfying, and meaningful.
Weaving personal stories-including her own-with an inspired vision of life's most healing possibilities, she reveals how the sacred can transform the way we understand and value life, changing forever how we interact with others and care for ourselves.
Seeking the Sacred is a provocative and accessible read for those contemplating God, faith, spirituality, and the nature of belief in twenty-first-century life. This is a book for the spiritually curios as well as those already engaged in the deeper questions. Richly hopeful and uplifting, Seeking the Sacred unravels some of our most complex contemporary dilemmas and speaks to the heart of our deepest yearnings.
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Winner of the 2014 Nautilus Award represents “Better Books for a Better World”—the Gold Award (Best Book of the Year) in the category of Religion/Spirituality: Other Traditions and Practices.
“This book brings such serenity. In a masterful gesture, Stephanie Dowrick has collected prayers from these days back to earliest centuries. All the prayers, including some by the author herself, are arranged in a mosaic pattern that leads us towards the oneness we all long for. I urge you to open this book and read one or two prayers whenever you feel the need to see your shrink . . . or are seeking instant peace.” —Hanan al-Shaykh, author of The Locust and the Bird
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“What a great gift Stephanie Dowrick has given us. Each person who picks up Heaven on Earth will discover many wonderful choices that she has brought together in one easy-to-use book for connecting with the One and with your own inner strength during the ups and downs of daily life. In addition, she supports and encourages each of our unique and different ways of going to that healing inner space of holiness that is beyond words. Her openness and non-judgmentalness are extra benefits of this book and very timely.” —Leonard Felder, PhD, author of Here I Am: Using Jewish Spiritual Wisdom to Become More Present, Centered, and Available for Life
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“Just as prayer moves us, this book moves me. By showing us how to find the presence of God, Dowrick restores our confidence in humanity. This is a profound and immensely helpful contribution, at a time when we need it the most—not one wasted page.” —Jeff Golliher, Episcopal priest and author of A Deeper Faith and Moving Through Fear
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“Stephanie Dowrick has written and compiled a wonderful interfaith resource and companion for anyone seeking to deepen their inner life. Heaven on Earth is a feast for the spirit.” —Rev. Diane Berke, founder and spiritual director, One Spirit Interfaith Seminary
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“This collection, in which the reader not only will find selections from various traditions but also from some of the worlds great literature, is an invaluable resource. But it is more than that. Stephanie Dowricks sensitivity as a teacher and writer provides the reader with a unique collection that reminds us that we find divinity most profoundly in relationship. In speaking the words of these prayers the reader will not only find solace, but also meaningful relationship with a world that is both subjective and sacred. Heaven on Earth is not so much a book for us to merely read and put on the shelf as it is one to carry with us in hand and heart on our journeys.” —Theodore Richards, author of Cosmosophia and Creatively Maladjusted: The Wisdom Education Movement Manifesto
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“Truthfully, Stephanie, all your prayers are divine. They speak to me as if I had made them up. They speak the words that are from my soul too. You have a great gift to write about the universality of being human and enable us who read your work to feel, in some very meaningful way, ‘You wrote this just for me.” —Sharon Snir, psychotherapist and author of The Little Book of Everyday Miracles
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“Wrap yourself in beautiful words and spiritual connection in times of fear, grief or simply reflection. These writings will transport you back to your core and wipe the slate clean. If you want the gift of prayer, give yourself the gift of this book.” —Laura Berman Fortgang, author of The Little Book on Meaning
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“Stephanie Dowrick offers us her wise insight into the transformative qualities of prayer, as well as an interfaith anthology that will become a precious resource to so many. Available to all, prayer can be great equalizing force for good, an instrument of personal and societal healing, a repair of what has been broken. Including her own prayers with those of many spiritual traditions, this book is an act of love by a writer devoted to the sacred.” —Joyce Kornblatt, meditation and writing teacher and author of The Reason for Wings
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“Whether or not you are in the habit of praying, whether or not you believe in a traditional God, this mosaic of prayers gathered from around the world will delight and inspire.” —Susan Katz Miller, author of Being Both: Embracing Two Religions in One Interfaith Family
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“Stephanie Dowrick gives prayer back to the reader like a precious gift that was somehow forgotten or mislaid. I carry a different feeling about prayer around with me since reading these beautiful pages. Prayer helps set my compass towards the highest. A generous and joyful book.” —Dr. Juliet Batten, author of A Cup of Sunlight and Spirited Ageing
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“This is a beautiful selection of prayers from many different faiths: a fabulous read, a real feast! Whatever stage you are at in your prayer life, you will discover how instinctive prayer is and how praying can bring out your true self in times of darkness and joy.” —Rosalind Bradley, author of A World of Prayer
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“Gently leading us into a deeply-felt experience of prayer, you can tell instantly that prayer is not something Stephanie Dowrick does—it is central to who she is. ‘Prayer moves us, she says, and I also found myself equally moved by her heartfelt book on prayer.” —August Gold, co-author of Multiply Your Blessings and The Prayer Chest
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“Stephanie Dowrick is emphatic that the Divine is accessible to all and not a dogmatic prerogative of the few. Her emphasis on contemplative thinking rather than formulated or ordinary thinking is the key to using this book as a springboard into personal prayer experience. Stephanies own prayers reveal how she embraces and feels embraced by God. Whilst contemplating her prayers one feels that Divine Hug. Her prayers give us the confidence and the compass on how to open our own hearts in trust and friendship to the Sacred.” —Anthony Strano, BK meditation teacher, author of Seeking Silence
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“Since I was a teenager, Stephanie Dowricks work has been absolutely central to my understanding of curiosity, spirit, faith and the possibility of happiness. Her words speak about faith and longing and hope in ways that people like me can be heartened by. The wisdom in her pages has comforted me in dark times and brought me insights that I fear I may otherwise have missed. With deep intelligence and enormous heart, Stephanie has written and interpreted these prayers, creating a well-loved companion for anyone seeking beauty, comfort and insight.” —Clare Bowditch, musician
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“Stephanie Dowrick sees prayer as the constant tuning of heart and mind to the bounty of Kabirs ‘single kind of love that is directly recognized in all streams of contemplative practice, however differently they may name it. Her volume of prompts towards that open state is bounty in its own right.” —Dr. Susan Murphy, Zen roshi and author of Minding the Earth, Mending the World
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“These stunning prayers and poems embody the Timeless, the Traditional, and the Beyond. Stephanie Dowrick emerges as a mystical poet with a radiance of her own in the company of those whose words she has chosen.” —Dr. Marj Britt, vice president of the Academic Governance Council, board of Unity Institute and Seminary
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“In this marvellous collection, Dr. Stephanie Dowrick offers what so many of us desire: an authentic invitation into the mystery of prayer. This is a book to cherish. But more than this, it is one to use as a pathway into greater awareness, deeper connection, and a more profound sense of gratitude for the gift of life. What could be more welcome in times like these, when a trustworthy guide to the spiritual life like this one is so urgently needed?” —Dr. Mark S. Burrows, professor of theology and spirituality and author of a new translation of Rainer Maria Rilkes Prayers of a Young Poet
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"In an era of inauthenticity Dowrick is a godsend. Her gift is the ability to write in a manner that genuinely enriches and changes lives.
Choosing Happiness is a glorious book - both in intent and in scope. In many ways it is the only book you need ever buy on happiness. Not only is it a wise and enjoyable read it is also an invaluable reference book to return to again and again".
—Nigel Marsh, author of Fat, Forty and Fired
“Youll be glad this book is in your knapsack as you explore the many hills and valleys of the happiness trail.”
—BookPage
“Part self-affirmation series, part cognitive psychology and part meditation on the power of generosity, this is a thoughtful and sincere guide for those seeking to find happiness within.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Stephanie Dowrick makes the hard questions simple. She makes the impossible real and possible. Her wisdom is contagious. If anyone can cause a happiness revolution, she can.”
—Paul Wilson, author of the bestselling Little Book of Calm
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“This book brings such serenity. In a masterful gesture, Stephanie Dowrick has collected prayers from these days back to earliest centuries. All the prayers, including some by the author herself, are arranged in a mosaic pattern that leads us towards the oneness we all long for. I urge you to open this book and read one or two prayers whenever you feel the need to see your shrink . . . or are seeking instant peace.” —Hanan al-Shaykh, author of The Locust and the Bird
Synopsis
Connecting to your inner life through the transformative poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.
In the Company of Rilke is a rare book about a rare poet. Rainer Maria Rilke was a giant of twentieth-century writing who remains a visionary voice for our own time, captivating readers not only with his brilliance but also his fearlessness about the "deepest things." Speaking through his own contradictions and ambivalences, he gives readers a profound understanding of the complex beauty of human existence.
Here, questions matter more than answers. Here, a poet can speak directly to God while also doubting God. Astonishingly, this is the first major study of Rilke from a spiritual perspective, even though the greatest of Rilke' s gifts was to show how inevitably life centers upon a profound mystery-to which we can freely open ourselves.
Drawing on her deep understanding of the gifts of Rilke's writings, as well as her own personal spiritual seeking, Stephanie Dowrick offers an intimate and accessible appreciation of this most exceptional poet and his transcendent work.
Synopsis
From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller?Creative Journal Writing? the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives. In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page.
Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn?t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being.
Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick?s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible?and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are:
u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives;
· inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes;
· key principles, practical suggestions, and helpful hints;
· 125 starter topics, designed to help even the most reluctant journal writer;
· more than forty powerful exercises;
· and much more!
Synopsis
Winner of the 2009 Silver Nautilus Award representing Better Books for a Better World”
The message of this book is very simple: Right now, you can be happier!
More things wont do it. Even a great relationship may not save you. In Choosing Happiness the focus is on the only place where real change can happen: in how you see yourself and relate to other people. The book uses practical guidance and warm, realistic inspiration to show clearly that while you can?t always choose what happens in your life, you can choose your responses, values and behaviors ? and the results are life changing.
Choosing Happiness offers skills and insights across all areas, from your most intimate relationships to your friendships, extended family, work, and community. Psychologically positive and astute, it also looks at the big spiritual questions that let you value your life rather than just spending it. Small changes bring big results. Beautifully packaged, with a flexibind spine and a red ribbon placeholder, this book is like the wise, kind friend you can?t wait to return to again and again.
Synopsis
A modern prayer book from an internationally renowned and bestselling author Heaven on Earth is a non-denominational collection of prayers meant to inspire reflection, gratitude, discipline, healing, and discovery along your spiritual journey. Culled from a number of the worlds wisdom traditions as well as from mystics and world-renowned artistsincluding such life-changing works as the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, and celebrated thinkers such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and original prayers by the author herself, among many othersthese prayers are structured in an easy-to-use format, and offer a new roadmap for the soul.
Prayers/poems in this collection include those by Emily Bronte, William Blake, Dorothy Day, John Donne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Fox, Francis of Assisi, Mahatma Gandhi, Ernest Holmes, Franz Kafka, Soren Kierkegaard, Lao-Tzu, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Katherine Mansfield, Thomas Merton, Thomas Moore, Rainer Maria Rilke, Oscar Wilde, and William Wordsworth.
Synopsis
Winner of the 2014 Nautilus Award represents Better Books for a Better World”the Gold Award (Best Book of the Year) in the category of Religion/Spirituality: Other Traditions and Practices.
Here is a prayer book that offers you the wisest, most comforting of prayers, while also guiding you on how to pray. Whatever your experience of prayer, you will find a new depth of inspiration and support in these pages. From the most ancient heartfelt prayers to those newly written by the author herself, this is a collection that meets us where we areand takes us where we most want to go.
As a writer and spiritual leader who has supported and guided many thousands of people to live more hopefully, Stephanie Dowrick has a rare understanding of what prayer is and how faithfully it can support you, whatever your faith background or journey. Some of the worlds most beautiful words are gathered hereas are many of the most uplifting and consoling. From prayers to be shared with family, friends or community, to prayers that take you within to your own souls depths, this is a collection to be used and cherished.
Synopsis
Here is a prayer book that offers you the wisest, most comforting of prayers, while also guiding you on
how to pray. Whatever your experience of prayer, you will find a new depth of inspiration and support in these pages. From the most ancient heartfelt prayers to those newly written by the author herself, this is a collection that meets us where we areand takes us where we most want to go.
As a writer and spiritual leader who has supported and guided many thousands of people to live more hopefully, Stephanie Dowrick has a rare understanding of what prayer is and how faithfully it can support you, whatever your faith background or journey. Some of the worlds most beautiful words are gathered hereas are many of the most uplifting and consoling. From prayers to be shared with family, friends or community, to prayers that take you within to your own souls depths, this is a collection to be used and cherished.
About the Author
Stephanie Dowrick, PhD, is noted for her highly encouraging, accessible writing on key issues affecting our personal and collective wellbeing. Her international best sellers include Choosing Happiness, Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love, Intimacy and Solitude, Creative Journal Writing, Seeking the Sacred and In the Company of Rilke. Formerly a publisher, and also a trained psychotherapist and literary critic, Dr Dowrick draws on the latest insights from the worlds of psychology and spiritual activism as well as timeless universal wisdom teachings. Written with beauty and remarkable care, her books are applauded by critics and loved by readers. "Courageous and original, she asks the most difficult questions with enormous heart and intelligence." Joyce Kornblatt, A Reason for Wings "Stephanie Dowrick is a godsend. Her gift is the ability to write in a manner that genuinely enriches and changes lives." Nigel Marsh, author and global CEO "Stephanie Dowrick makes the hard questions simple...if anyone can cause a happiness revolution, she can." Paul Wilson, Instant Calm. "I felt bathed in warmth and compassion, soothed and reassured as Stephanie Dowrick became my companion." Dr Juliet Batten, Dancing with Seasons. For more information visit http://www.stephaniedowrick.com