Customer Reviews

Embracing the Mystery: The Sacred Unfolding in Ordinary People and Everyday Lives

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If you're seeking dialogue with someone who is genuinely wise and trustworthy about matters of Spirit, you will likely rejoice, perhaps weep, and even at times laugh out loud while reading Meredith Jordan's fine new book, Embracing the Mystery. Written in a wonderfully intelligent and accessible style, this collection of brief reflections on "living a spirited life" gently invites the reader into a process of self-reflection and deepening conversation about spirituality, personal integrity, and hope for transformation. "I'm grateful to have been given the gift of noticing," Jordan writes. "Even in the most painful of times, I attempt to notice where the Mystery is at work, and I discover-not a surprise!-it's always at work, in all situations, and in all places." With insight and compassion, she candidly shares what she has come to know, value, and trust about the Sacred in the midst of everyday life. While showing respect for where others may be on their journey, she also nudges the reader to be equally attentive to, moved by, and responsive to things that truly matter. Knowing (and being known by) the Mystery is a gift but also a task, so what will one come away with after all this probing, pondering, and prayerful openness? Perhaps you'll risk finding the richest blessing of all: a more heart-felt "yes" to life and renewed energy to go forth and make a real difference in and for a world that's groaning for renewal.

Meredith Jordan does three extraordinary things: she opens our eyes to the numinous that daily surrounds us in our earthly existence; she encourages us, by example, to accept the mystery in our ordinary story; she shows a way to share it, in words or in silence, with others. It's worthwhile following her!

Meredith's book has arrived in my life at a time when I am exploring what it means to live an undivided life, to move out of Thomas Merton's 'hidden wholeness'. Each chapter is a portal through which my body, mind and spirit pass only to discover new meanings, insights and questions as a man seeking to live in alignment with who I am in the world. Reading a chapter before bedtime is food for the dreams of my soul, and I am grateful for Meredith's shared wisdom.

This book has become staple reading during my daily meditation and quiet time! Powerful in its simplicity, EMBRACING THE MYSTERY simultaneously challenges and comforts the reader. It has helped me to look for the face of my Higher Power in every situation - good or bad - and to view each situation in the light of faith and possibility rather than the darkness of fear, doubt and insecurity. I recommend EMBRACING THE MYSTERY to family and friends who are seeking a more meaningful connection to their Higher Power, or God and for those in 12 Step Programs. Absolutely one of the best books I've read in this genre!

I've found this book useful and inspiring as a guide to strengthen my spiritual life. The personal tone and stories that come from the author's life make the subject very poignant and accessible. The approach is helpful for those who like a good story, but may not have done a lot of reading about spiritual growth. The structure works for everyone and is great for those who want an organized approach to improving one's relationship with the Mystery that is God. Each chapter addresses a subject (like fear) and within each chapter there is an illustrating story and a few relevant questions to inspire further study. The most difficult part of the book is its introduction. I would suggest skipping that and going straight to the stories. Once you've got the tone, go back to the introduction to understand the author's view of what the Mystery entails. The humanity and honesty and that are woven throughout the book lead to some very interesting surprises. The book inspires us to explore our own beliefs more fully.

This is a spiritual road map that is never intrusive and is not dogmatic.
It basically reinforces the old Zen teaching that all we ever do in life is go from one holy place to another. The author offers many teachings about life, mystery, spirituality and discovering the sacred in the mundane. This transcends just going to church on Sunday. Our ordinary day to day activities are quite extraordinary if we allow ourselves to be fully present to the experiences we usually tune out or take for granted.

Embracing the Mystery is a wonderful and deeply touching spiritual book. Meredith has awaken the understanding of listening and paying attention to the signs around us. This is a book for anyone who wants to be awaken to the mystery in our lives.

At the turn of the New Millennium, spiritual leaders around the world spread the message that the Family of Man had reached a higher level of consciousness, if only we'd open our hearts to it. This spiritual awakening crossed geographic, cultural and racial boundaries, and a palpable current of energy ran through our collective consciousness.

Then the 9/11 attacks occurred, and everything changed. The human family was suddenly threatened by fears and anxieties as never before. Hatred has brought us to a dangerous and frightening precipice. How can we reclaim our "lost radiance?" Author Meredith Jordan, with twenty years as a psychotherapist and spiritualist, proposes that storytelling and listening to one another's stories is "a holy act" that can heal spiritual wounds and help us embrace life to its fullest. She urges us to have the courage to become what we should be - not what others want us to be - and to do the "psychic housecleaning" necessary to discover our true selves.

Jordan's book is like spiritual comfort food - a big, warm, cozy quilt of heartwarming anecdotes and advice. The stories she tells and the questions she asks make us think - and reawaken hope in the midst of our fears. She points out how children can teach us to regain our trusting spirit and help us remember what we've forgotten. Be in the present moment, she says. Give thanks for small things. Have compassion for others. These are the things that will help us get beyond fear and inspire us to gently grow toward a deeper relationship with the sacred mystery many people call God.

This is a beautifully written book that the author has obviously put her heart and soul into. The stories that Meredith shares are poignant and are perfect examples for the point that she is making in each writing about the importance of the sacred in our lives. Her book has given me, the reader,the opportunity to open to any story and feel the power of the mystery of spirit and the comfort of such heart felt writing brings me solace and affirmation. There is humor and compassion, empathy and wisdom. I love it!!

This book offers spiritual nourishment in a form that is challenging and inspiring, but also accessible and real. Everyday experience, as Ms. Jordan opens our eyes to it, is both ordinary and extraordinary. In this volume of meditations, she synthesizes vast stores of spiritual teachings and traditions with stories from her daily life and the lives of others. While always stimulating us to move beyond what is comfortable and easy, Embracing the Mystery is a sustaining companion on our deepest and most exciting journey, that of the spirit.