Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations on St. Teresa of Avila [Hardcover]

Megan Don (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 10, 2005

An intellectual as well as a mystic, St. Teresa of Avila is a beloved figure in Christianity, particularly among women, and often even among non-Christians. Born into Spanish nobility in 1515, she entered the Carmelite monastery in Spain and eventually reformed the way it and the order operated. She was remarkably able to blend a rich mystical inner life with practical work in the secular world - something that inspired modern day Mother Teresa to take her name as her own. Falling into the Arms of God presents key aspects of St. Teresa's life and work in an unparalleled way: it emphasizes modern interpretation and highlights the practical application of her teachings to the lives of contemporary spiritual seekers. Beginning with a brief introduction to her life, the book features seven meditations taken directly from her writings. Each passage is accompanied by an explanation of what lessons it may hold for today's reader, plus a suggestion for guided meditation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Behold a rare, insightful, and inspiring book ?lled with spiritual treasures. Thank you, Megan Don, for connecting us with this divine being who re?ects the love of heaven. May everyone who reads this wonderful volume be blessed and uplifted.” — Alan Cohen, author of I Had It All the Time “Megan Don has shared her own contemplation with a journey into Teresa of Avila, the great Carmelite mystic. To all who search for the limitless love of God in a deep relationship of prayer and hope, I commend these meditations as providing valuable spiritual nourishment and encouragement.” — Denis J. Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia “An absorbing and enormously helpful introduction to the spiritual insights of St. Teresa of Avila.” — Amy Welborn, author of The Words We Pray: Discovering the Richness of Traditional Catholic Prayers --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Back Cover

"Behold a rare, insightful, and inspiring book filled with spiritual treasures. Thank you, Megan Don, for connecting us with this divine being who reflects the love of heaven. May everyone who reads this wonderful volume be blessed and uplifted."
-- Alan Cohen, author of I Had It All the Time

"Megan Don has written a beautiful and most helpful book on Teresa of Avila. I especially like the way it is laid out in short meditations for daily use. I would think that many would find this book very helpful in praying with St. Teresa of Avila."
-- John Michael Talbot, Founder, Spiritual Father, and General Minister of Little Portion Hermitage, Arkansas

"We have long needed someone to bring Teresa of Avila out of the rarefied air and into the world that we all inhabit. That is where Teresa herself lived, where the Gospel lives, and where Megan Don is leading us!"
-- Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Founding Director of the Center for Action and Contemplation

"Megan Don has shared her own contemplation with a journey into Teresa of Avila, the great Carmelite mystic. To all who search for the limitless love of God in a deep relationship of prayer and hope, I commend these meditations as providing valuable spiritual nourishment and encouragement."
-- Denis J. Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia

"An absorbing and enormously helpful introduction to the spiritual insights of St. Teresa of Avila."
-- Amy Welborn, author of The Words We Pray: Discovering the Richness of Traditional Catholic Prayers

"Megan Don has clearly allowed the spiritual vision of Teresa of Avila to inhabit her life. In Falling into the Arms of God she uses the poignant vision of Teresa to craft a series of metaphoric guideposts for the honest seeker. It is, if one can imagine such a thing, a book of practical mysticism, and it will be a gift to readers seeking a blending of timeless spiritual principles and modern psychological understanding."
-- Kent Nerburn, author of Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: Living in the Spirit of the Prayer of St. Francis

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (May 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577314840
• ISBN-13: 978-1577314844
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes Teresa of Avila's thoughts accessible for a wide audience, July 2, 2008

By 

Patrice Fagnant-macarthur (Springfield, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations on St. Teresa of Avila (Hardcover)

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a Carmelite nun best known for her reform of that order and for her mystical relationship with God. Her best known book is "The Interior Castle" which she wrote due to the prodding of her spiritual director. In that book, she wrote of seven dwellings or mansions that indicate different stages on the spiritual journey towards God. Her writing was aimed for the sisters in her religious community although her words have much to teach the world at large.

Megan Don has taken Teresa's words and reflected upon them in "Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations with Teresa of Avila." Don has also divided her book into seven sections with several meditations for each section. The meditations themselves are brief - a couple pages at most, but they are filled with meaning and applicability to twenty-first century life. Don has a true talent for taking Teresa's meaning and expanding upon it, making it extremely relevant for today's reader. She discusses detours and pitfalls we may experience on the spiritual journey as well as the glories that await those who persevere.

Teresa's words themselves are challenging. One cannot read her words and not feel humbled by the realization of how far we need to go in our spiritual lives. The road to union with God is not an easy one. It wasn't easy for Teresa herself and Don points out the doubts and trials that Teresa experienced. Yet, Teresa was also a person of great joy who enjoyed the fun in life. She insisted that the sisters in her community spent at least an hour in recreation each day, because everyone needs a break from work. That in and of itself is an important reminder in today's 24/7 world.

"Falling into the Arms of God" is meant to be read in small sections. It can be read front to back, one meditation at a time, or it can be picked up and a meditation read at random. Don also offers instructions in how to use it in a group setting. No matter how one uses this book, it will offer a deeper understanding of the workings of the soul. Don has created a book that this reviewer feels St. Teresa of Avila herself would approve of. She has kept the message and weight of Teresa's words while making them accessible to a larger audience.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful experience as well as a good read, September 4, 2006

By 

L. Newcomb (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations on St. Teresa of Avila (Hardcover)

In this simple yet deep book, Megan Don not only captures the essence of St. Teresa, but provides a portal for the reader to experience the mystic's pathway to God. Simple meditations amplify the text discussions, offering meaningful, visceral and lasting understanding of both Teresa and her devotion to God. Brava!

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too New Age, July 21, 2008

By 

Mari-Rose Stolsig "Mary" (Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations on St. Teresa of Avila (Hardcover)

I waited eagerly for this book. St. Teresa Avila is such a wonderfula nd inspirational woman for all times. After only a few paragraphs, I was worried and ultimately, I could not in good conscience continue with this book. I cannot in good conscience even pass it on. It became part of the landfill.
The questionable statements began in the prologue. The author apologizes for calling God "He" and invites the reader to substitute whatever title they choose. This was my first major red flag. The last time I looked. Jesus was a HE and God the Father seems to suggest that the male pronoun is appropriate.

As a devotee of St. Teresa of Avila, I am appalled that she is a vehicle for this less than true to faith book of so-called Catholic mysticism.

Mysticism is a subject that needs a well grounded author.