Paula Huston's Simplifying the Soul (Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit) is a beautiful, memorable, and practical book. It's such a lovely book that I think I regret that it is intended for reading during Lent. Don't get me wrong: it is perfect--in tone, in style, in application--for Lent. But it seems to me it could be profitably read and enjoyed at any time of the year. And, though it is written by a Benedictine oblate and published by Ave Maria Press, it is far more ecumenical than you might think.
Simplifying the Soul invites the reader to slow down and, well, simplify. It is pitch perfect. It draws beautiful, thoughtful lessons from the author's life, from the writings of the Desert Fathers, and of course from the Bible. It is, as one of my favorite writers, Phyllis Tickle, says, "A verbal retreat that invites both the soul and the body to a holy retooling."
It's so good, I have placed it in my "bring-up file" to read NEXT year.
I agree whole-heartedly! I saw this in your book shelf section, and ordered it on my kindle at the beginning of Lent. What a treasure it has been! I hardly wanted it to end, but even as she ends her book, she gives suggestions for continued meditation, which I found intriguing. I, also, have decided to read it again next year at this time (unless I decide to pull it out before then)! Thank you for being a great resource in so many ways! May God continue to bless your ministry! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment! I LOVE it that you took that journey too!
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