Handbook for the Spirit

Originally published in 1990, this book contains the writings of many well-known authors reflecting on their experience of God. It begins with the Dalai Lama's message of love, compassion and kindness, then Matthew Fox explains his theology - I had not realised that he had polio at the age of 12 and how formative this experience was in his life. I enjoyed the essay by Wayne Dyer when he is always assessing whether he is loving, giving or serving and writes that the highest spiritual act in life is to see yourself in everyone else and everyone else in you. Barbara de Angelis aims to be in a relationship with God through everything she does, especially intimate relationships as a profound opportunity to recognise what is unloving in us and replace it with everything that is loving: 'nothing can make you feel less enlightened than being in an intimate relationship.' Readers may recognise this? I also enjoyed the essay by David Steindl-Rast on longing and belonging in love. There are many short personal reflections for spiritual sustenance.