Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Inspirational writings from a journey to happiness. Stumbling Toward Happinesscelebrates the process of personal growth and the enduring center of joy within. Like a diary of inner travel, these 111 original reflections of interconnected prose and poetry honor the insights from a raw and sometimes magical surrender to personal spiritual inquiry.
Presented in 9 chapters of elegant Japanese-form poems called haibun and tanka prose, these contemplations combine a lyrical paragraph of heartfelt reflection with a haiku, tanka, or other 1-5 line poem that expands its meaning.
Informed by the author's deep contemplation of loss and renewal, and reminiscent of the reflections of Mark Nepo and Mary Oliver, this book encourages deep soul-searching.
Themes include connectedness and compassion, the gifts of imperfection, radical forgiveness, the search for happiness and healing, a return to simple abundance, awakening to wonder, and the rediscovery of beauty in our lives.
Stumbling Toward Happiness captures the field notes that will resonate with every reader as they reflect on their own source of inner wisdom and joy.
Synopsis
Meditations from an all-immersive journey of self-discovery and transformation.
In her third collection of poems, Kat celebrates the process of personal growth and the enduring center of joy within. "Do not let every drop of rain soak into your beautiful sun-kissed heart."
Stumbling Toward Happiness contains 111 entries of linked poetry and prose that combine a heartfelt paragraph with a short poem that expands its meaning.
The book is divided into nine chapters. Themes include connectedness and compassion, the gifts of imperfection, radical forgiveness, healing after loss, a return to simple abundance, re-awakening to wonder, and the rediscovery of beauty in our lives.
Reminiscent of the reflections of Mark Nepo, Mary Oliver, and Thich Nhat Hanh, Stumbling Toward Happiness takes readers through a personal quest of deep soul-searching. This collection will resonate with every reader as they reflect on their own source of inner wisdom and joy.
Stumbling Toward Happiness includes new poems as well as poems published by literary journals, including Rattle, Frogpond, Modern Haiku, The Heron's Nest, tinywords, Blithe Spirit, and NHK-Japan Haiku Masters.
Notes on the haibun genre of Japanese poetry are included in the back of the book.
Praise for
Stumbling Toward Happiness from Amazon Readers (international):
"Uplifting and a guide to help in troubled times. Brilliantly moving, and inclusive, at a time when more of us are suffering in these troubled times." ★★★★★
"seduced me into loving poetry" ★★★★★
"captures wonderfully the profundity of the everyday processes we all live through" ★★★★★
"Kat Lehmann's abilities to express deep feelings of emotion in graceful, insightful language are extraordinary." ★★★★★
"I am savoring each deeply touching piece of prose, every sparkling gem of poetry." ★★★★★
"Tremendously cathartic." ★★★★★
Read sample poems using the Amazon Look Inside feature.
Synopsis
Poetic meditations from a journey of self-discovery and transformation. "This book will find you when your soul needs it most. What a beautiful experience I have loved all of Kat Lehmann's books over the years, but this one struck me as her most profound work yet " - The Rebecca Review (Vine Voice) ★★★★★
Stumbling Toward Happiness celebrates the process of personal growth and the enduring center of joy within.
Themes include connectedness and compassion, the gifts of imperfection, radical forgiveness, healing after loss, a return to simple abundance, re-awakening to wonder, and the rediscovery of beauty in our lives.
Reminiscent of the reflections of Mark Nepo, Mary Oliver, and Thich Nhat Hanh, Stumbling Toward Happiness will take you on a quest of deep soul-searching. The 111 entries of linked poetry and prose will resonate as you reflect on your own source of inner wisdom and joy.
Stumbling Toward Happiness includes new poems as well as poems published by esteemed literary journals, including Rattle, Frogpond, Modern Haiku, The Heron's Nest, tinywords, Blithe Spirit, and NHK-Japan Haiku Masters.
Notes on the Japanese haibun form, in which the meaning of prose paragraphs is expanded by short haiku and tanka poems, are included in the back of the book.
Praise for
Stumbling Toward Happiness from Amazon Readers (international):
"Uplifting and a guide to help in troubled times. Brilliantly moving, and inclusive, at a time when more of us are suffering in these troubled times." ★★★★★
"seduced me into loving poetry" ★★★★★
"captures wonderfully the profundity of the everyday processes we all live through" ★★★★★
"Kat Lehmann's abilities to express deep feelings of emotion in graceful, insightful language are extraordinary." ★★★★★
"I am savoring each deeply touching piece of prose, every sparkling gem of poetry." ★★★★★
"Tremendously cathartic." ★★★★★
Sample poems can be read using the Amazon "Look Inside" feature.