Customer Reviews

Blessing: The Art and the Practice

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the finest manuals for a practical, everyday spirituality that I have ever read. I can understand why the reviewers have raved over it and why Mr. Spangler is called "the spiritual teacher's teacher." Although sometimes labeled simply a New Age teacher, Mr. Spangler has a breadth of spirit and a depth of teaching that far transcends anything that label might imply, unless it were to mean offering us innovative new perspectives on ourselves and our world, which this book certainly does.

This book goes into the subject of blessing in a non-denominational and deep way, offering the perspective that this is not just something priests and ministers or other so-called "holy people" do but an integral part of daily life for each of us, if we choose to make it so. Blessings are presented as a shared remembrance of our inner divinity and as a gift of presence and soul that we offer each other to make our daily lives more uplifting and at the same time more effective. It is the blend between a lofty vision of the sacredness of the ordinary human being and the practical tools for grounding this vision in daily life that appeals to me in this book. The book itself is divided into three parts. The first is an overall definition of what blessing is, the second is a detailed description of learning to bless both as an ordinary everyday activity (with absolutely no "holier-than-though" fanfare about it, making blessing as natural a part of our lives as breathing and eating), and the third part is an amazing workbook of exercises and commentaries that go far beyond just the subject matter of the book and offer a powerful learning program for a practical spirituality itself, as well as providing numerous how-to examples for the art of blessing.

However, what most came across to me as I read this remarkable and inspiring book was the love and blessing I felt from the author himself. Mr. Spangler absolutely respects the reader's inherent ability to find his or her own best spiritual path, and while laying out a roadmap for making blessing the cornerstone and heart of a spiritual practice, he always does so in a way that never infringes and always creates an unobstructed, open space, as he would say, for the reader. I had the feeling in reading this book that the author was not teaching me so much as embracing me as a colleague in an on-going exploration of how to bless my self, each other, and the world.

This is an empowering book I shall go back to many times. I only wish I could give it 6 or 7 stars. As the Publisher's Weekly review said above, this book is itself a blessing.

One of the most extraordinary things about this wise and gently profound book is the way I have come to experience myself - a truly ordinary person - as one who can bless. Imagine that! Whether I am sitting quietly at home or on a bus, engaged in my daily work or doing something more unusual for me - like stepping up to lead an invocation at family gathering - I am finding I can do this! I highly recommend this book. My favorite part of this book is the workbook section. The exercises take one to ever unfolding riches and depths - revealing in turn - the wonder of ourselves as ones who can bless. I think David Spangler is redefining what it really means to be human!

I have read other books by this author and am never disappointed by the wisdom and love I find in his writings, and his gentle style of humor. But this book is exceptionally good. I never thought much about blessing as an actual spiritual practice, but now I will. More importantly, this book gives me a whole new perspective on my own innate spirituality. I found it very empowering and the exercises were wonderful and helpful. It made me feel honored to be myself and helped me see myself as a blessing able to give blessings to others. I highly recommend it.

I cannot thank the author enough for such a warm, inspiring and eloquent presentation of how connection to life itself can be deepened through acts of blessing.
I am not an avid reader of spiritual texts -- I am a RABID reader! This book is opening up undreamed of potential in my spiritual life and will be a true companion to me for years to come.

Do you remember when you exchanged a "moment" with a stranger and saw a twinkle in their eye that shined from them so brightly that the rest of your day went so well you were "totally great"? That because the light that you saw was actually a reflection of your spirit coming back to you in joy? David Spangler shares this in this amazing treasure chest of thoughts, ideas and helpful exercises to allow us all an opportunity to become that blessing to ourselves and others,to enter that "blessing space."
On page 17 he explains that the art of blessing is the practice of being connected to each other in the most amazing way because we all have this space inside us readily available.When we discover this and "realize it" a beautiful thing happens and that gift to each other...is our "self." By accepting the love that flows through us we effortlessly receive blessings, give blessings to others and become a blessing in and of itself. I ask a blessing for the thought of a "radiance of blessings" as David Spangler shares Dr. Brugh Joy, his friend and colleagues special thought, to shower us with light and love! A blessing that will appear as a Rainbow of humanities love for its "self."

One of the most extraordinary things about this wise and gently profound book is the way I have come to experience myself - a truly ordinary person - as one who can bless. Imagine that! Whether I am sitting quietly at home or on a bus, engaged in my daily work or doing something more unusual for me - like stepping up to lead an invocation at family gathering - I am finding I can do this! I highly recommend this book. My favorite part of this book is the workbook section. The exercises take one to ever unfolding riches and depths - revealing in turn - the wonder of ourselves as ones who can bless. I think David Spangler is redefining what it really means to be human!

When we want to help others in a gentle yet powerful way, this book makes it easy. I learned how to bless others, and also that I can bless my work, a project, a sacred space, the world, - the possibilities are endless. Yet he also explains when a blessing is not the most effective gift in certain situations. It isn't something done casually, but with intent and awareness. Giving or sharing a blessing is both simple and rewarding, especially when two people sit together and invoke a blessing. We can also offer blessings at a distance. Time and space do not affect this divine energy.

The exercises are quite useful and can be used by one person alone, two people, or even with a group. This book offers so much that can enrich our everyday life and is easy to read and understand. I felt like David was talking directly to me, and offering me a blessing also.

My suggestion: get this book to enjoy the blessings it will bring to you and your friends

Recently I had the privilege of visiting with David Spangler at a conference and to experience his practice of blessing! It feels like the love of a lilting song, the light of the sun, and a clearer view of the world. In this book Spangler guides the reader with wisdom and love gained from his years of experience, expression, and expansion.

Blessing demonstrates with many examples how much difference a blessing can make. Blessings do not require physical presence; they can be received thousands of miles away. They do not require a special religious belief. A blessing from the essence self travels instantly to its destination.

In Blessing we realize that we simply cannot make this clear connection with anyone without rising into greater light ourselves. David Spangler makes it easy to connect the best and highest part of our being with that of another.

Do not be surprised if you find yourself standing in the splendor of the soul when you practice sending blessings. It is healing for everyone involved. This practice would be a great addition to the Temple of Healing in Healing Yourself with Light: How to Connect with the Angelic Healers

Whether you are giving or receiving a blessing, the joy is deep and fulfilling. I urge everyone who would like to experience greater love within and without to read this book and begin practicing the art of blessing.

this book is written in a clear, concise manner to allow each reader the ability to understand his/her own individual authority to bless - people, places, buildings, pets, experiences, and situations. An easy read, yet profound in its message.

One of the most extraordinary things about this wise and gently profound book is the way I have come to experience myself - a truly ordinary person - as one who can bless. Imagine that! Whether I am sitting quietly at home or on a bus, engaged in my daily work or doing something more unusual for me - like stepping up to lead an invocation at family gathering - I am finding I can do this! I highly recommend this book. My favorite part of this book is the workbook section. The exercises take one to ever unfolding riches and depths - revealing in turn - the wonder of ourselves as ones who can bless. I think David Spangler is redefining what it really means to be human!