Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit Hardcover – May 25, 2010

This book captures the essence of spiritual formation, citing excerpts from some of Nouwen’s most important books. A wonderful read,!

Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the SpiritThis is Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird second compilation (in a series of three books) of Nouwen’s works The first in this series is “Spiritual Direction” which you can read a review of here. The 3rd book in this series of Nouwen’s “Spiritual Trilogy” is “Spiritual Discernment” which I have already began reading among some other books currently.This book is compilation of a variety of Nouwen’s previously published and some unpublished pieces on the topic of spiritual formation to create this seamless book as though Nouwen himself had penned it.This compilation is very beneficial for understanding the process of spiritual formation against the grain of a progress-oriented culture. Christensen, in the appendix, describes how Nouwen’s concept of spiritual formation is not progressive and linear, but rather a progressive journey. “The journey implies that progress is possible, but not in a measurable upward way, with cumulative results” (129).Christensen also points out that nearly all of Nouwen’s works describe movements between various attitudes or stages. Spiritual Formation contains seven movements along the path of adult spiritual formation.The major movements, according to Nouwen, are from opaqueness to transparency, from illusion to prayer, from sorrow to joy, from resentment to gratitude, from fear to love, from exclusion to inclusion, and from denying to befriending death. (Kindle Location 70)One of the most impactful for me in this movement is creating a shift in thinking from time as Chronos to time as Kairos.Once we discover that writing letters, attending classes, visiting friends, cooking food, and even doing the dishes are not a series of random activities but contain within themselves the transforming power of re-creation, we move from time lived as chronos to time lived as kairos (right time, the real moment , the opportunity for change, the chance of a lifetime). When our time becomes kairos, endless new possibilities and opportunities open up to our vision. (Kindle Location 450)I also liked among the various spiritual practices that are incorporated throughout this book is one which was new to me “VISIO DIVINA” (sacred looking based on images not text).Read full review at: joemcfadden.org

This book is comforting, helpful and accurate psychologically and theologically.I work as a lay person helping homeless alcoholics and addicts. Introducing them to spiritual principles is difficult at best since the spectrum of spiritual education is wide and practice of spiritual disciplines even wider among this group of people.. What is beautiful about Nouwen's writings and the way the editors compiled his thoughts for us to digest, is the appeal of the idea that our souls are in constant movement between inner polarities. Nouwen has identified 28 of these sorts of movements, seven of which are explored in this book. For people bereft of spiritual education, this concept is hopeful and non-judgmental without much denominational dogma to debate while feeding the soul. One of my favorite chapters explores the movement from Resentments to Gratitude --- so helpful in recovery.For souls immersed in spiritual education it is helpful also. Using the spiritual disciplines he suggests will only move us further in the direction we want to go.... from Fear to Love, Illusion to Prayer, Sorrow to Joy and more.Nouwen is both lofty and practical; his understanding of the human mind and heart is profound and compassionate. I am blessed in reading this book.

This is a helpful and insightful book for those who wish to strengthen their faith, and live a more spiritual life in communion with Christ.

While I am unfamiliar with the use of icons as an aid to prayer and meditation, even skipping that element for the moment, the book still brings such joy and release from painful ways of thinking/living. His succinct, gentle meditations on being transformed from, for example, resentment to gratitude, opaqueness to transparency, fear to love, are brilliant. The chapter on befriending death is amazing, as well. Read and re-read a chapter as a mini-retreat over a weekend, meditate on the scriptures he brings you, respond to the questions he asks, and watch your heart melt from stone to soft lovingkindness.

I adore everything Henri Nouwen has written. I use his books for morning devotions and as inspiration for journal writing.

Spiritual Formation is one of three compilations of the thoughts and writings of beloved spiritual master Henri J. M. Nouwen. This is one of two volumes, with a third on the way, compiled by Michael Christiansen and Rebecca Laird of Drew University in New Jersey from Nouwen's 40 books. In this volume, they identify seven of the 26 or so "movements of the Spirit" identified by Nouwen, with spiritual exercises at the close of each chapter, as well as color plates of the artwork referenced in the practice of the exercises in visio divina. I would recommend that the reader also purchase "Spiritual Direction"  Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith  by the same authors as a companion volume. I just attended a four day seminar on this material with Christiansen and Laird, and can testify that it is good stuff from personable and knowledgeable Nouwen scholars.

Beautifully assembled collection of Henri’s deep thoughts on getting out of our heads and into the presence of the Lord by intentionally drawing near and letting go of things that hinder spiritual progression. We can choose to dwell in the secret places of God but the choice is constant

This has many insights into the spiritual life which ring true especially those relating to later life. A useful synthesis of his work.

good value

I find this is an excellent book and guide in Spiritual formation and reading

another of his excellent books

A fabulous book. Prompt