A Mystic for Our Times Saint Teresa of Avila

This exceptionally well written review explores the mysteries of a true Mystic.  A deeply religious woman, Teresa of  Avila, was, nonetheless, her own woman and a strong voice in her time. 

A Mystic for Our Times

by Mirabai Starr, from Saint Teresa of Avila

What does Teresa of Avila have to offer us five hundred years after her death? Teresa models the living balance between action and contemplation, between serving others and developing an interior life, between engaging in passionate human relationships and surrendering to the divine mystery. She was an ecstatic mystic and a skillful administrator, a fool of God and an insightful psychotherapist, a penitent when she needed to be and an epicurian when she could be."

 "Teresa challenged every vision and replayed every spiritual voice until she could be certain it was real."  

http://www.soundstrue.com/weeklywisdom/?agmepisode=3653&wwepisode=3655&pepisode=3645&ppepisode=671&utm_source=soundstrue&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklywisdom-110527

"She used form and imagery as a doorway to the ultimate reality that transcends all form. She would meditate on Christ’s anguish in the Garden of Gethsemene, and this would break down the walls of her heart, allowing her to slip into that place where the boundaries of self and God melt. And she would remain in that sacred emptiness until it was time to cook dinner."

Check out this review on the Sounds True amazing site, the link is above.  It is a fascinating article on a compelling, unique and astonishing woman.  

Guided Meditations for Self-Healing - A personal review

Jack Kornfield is one of the most insightful, interesting authors in the field of self help.   His work, "Guided Meditations", exists amongst a fascinating array of books, DVDs,  etc. created by other spiritually attuned people.   A feast of techniques for the senses and the spirit.  "Meditations to Activate Your Capacity for Healing"

 

  "Meditation brings you into a deep communion with your own body and heart-but what happens when you are sick or in pain? With Guided Meditations for Self-Healing, Jack Kornfield guides you through meditations created specifically to ease physical and emotional suffering and activate a powerful capacity for restoring yourself to wholeness."

I listened to the sample meditation on the site and found myself acknowledging what Jack said and feeling my body respond in awareness.  Amazing meditations. I am going to buy this CD, it is so full of  solid, straightforward tools for self healing.