A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul [Hardcover]

Gunilla Norris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

This lyrical primer on the spirituality of gardening reflects on the relationship between a gardener and his or her garden. Meditating upon how interaction with the earth opens the heart, schools the mind, engages the body, and embraces the soul in a world of increasing detachment from the natural realm, this book affirms a garden as a soulful space where people can take root and experience the changing seasons and the enduring cycle of renewal. Filled with the joy of living, this enchanting spiritual guide will speak to those who yearn to find the holy in the place they call home.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Beginning with winter, when both her garden and her spirit seem to be buried under snow, Norris cycles through the four seasons of a gardener's heart. Norris (Becoming Bread; Inviting Silence) writes lyrically about dormancy and transformation, soil and nourishment, roots and blossoms. Perhaps most poignantly, her discussions of spring and summer beauty are tempered by the knowledge that each flower is ephemeral and destined to die, only to resurface again in the beautiful round of life. Norris's short reflections are balanced by quiet and meditative poetry on facing pages, inviting deeper rumination about how God can be discovered in the act of gardening. (May)
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Review

"Gunilla's garden is truly a sacred space...where the soul may put down deep roots, be nourished, and grow."  —Margaret Silf, author, The Gift of Prayer and Inner Compass

"This book is a rare blessing you will return to again and again."  —Gail Straub, author, The Rhythm of Compassion

"I was almost breathless with wonder at the beauty of Gunilla Norris's words."  —Bishop Desmond M. Tutu

"Treat yourself to the beauty and bountiful insights of this book."  —Joyce Rupp, author, Walk in a Relaxed Manner

"A gem-like meditation—more like a whispered prayer—on the gifts the soil can bestow on the soul."  —Peg Streep, author, Spiritual Gardening

"Norris exquisitely observes the seasons of a garden and draws a parallel to the seasons of our lives."  —Marcia Kelly and Jack Kelly, coauthors, Sanctuaries

"A gentle, beautiful book that fills one's heart with joy and lifts one's spirits."  — Joan Medlicott, author, The Gardens of Covington

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Bluebridge (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933346019
• ISBN-13: 978-1933346014
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #571,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Mystic's, From Mystic, Mystical Garden, July 21, 2006

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul (Hardcover)

What an irony! A contemplative mystic, who lives in Mystic Connecticut, writes a book of prose and poetry about a year in the life of her garden. What other name could a book like this have? This is a charming little book. It probably will not catch the fancy of more pragmatic people, but then again it doesn't try to. If you are into theology, philosophy, or "how to" books, leave this one alone. If you enjoy romance and poetic thought, take time to smell the roses in this mystic garden. Some things are better enjoyed than dissected. This is one of them.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise and profound reflection on "working with soil, attending to soul", April 19, 2006

By 

I. Haug - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul (Hardcover)

What a beautiful, luminous, deeply moving book full of profound and gentle wisdom, a book I will re-read and savor and reflect on for a long time! A wonderful gift for family and friends!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drink of Water for the Soul, June 8, 2006

By 

Laura Vecchione (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul (Hardcover)

In our increasingly fast-paced, outwardly focussed culture of immediate gratification, Norris' book calms and refreshes like a drink of water for the soul. She reminds us that every visible blossom has deep and hidden roots that followed their own natural rhythms to produce the splendor that we call Spring. She calms the anxiety by reminding us that all good things take time. Her writing touches the universal heart and is as exquisite in its focus and simplicity as it is profound in depth. A must read for anyone ready to marry intention with action to create a meaningful life.