Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Reconnecting with the Earth
The Cathedral of Earth, Sea, and Sky
The Whole Universe Takes Part in the Dance
At the Heart of Matter Is the Heart of God
A Spirituality of Intimacy with the Natural World

Chapter 2: Reconnecting with Compassion
A Revolution of the Spirit
The Courage to See
The Courage to Feel
The Courage to Act

Chapter 3: Reconnecting with the Light
Turn But a Stone and an Angel Moves
The Light at the Center of Every Cell
Be Filled with Light and Shine
Letting Go to the Light

Chapter 4: Reconnecting with the Journey
Journeying into Unknown Territory
Traveling as Pilgrims
Shedding Our Attachment to the Ego
Finding the Other Half of Our Soul

Chapter 5: Reconnecting with Spiritual Practice
A Contemplative Orientation
Finding Our Diamond Essence
Plunging Deep into the Heart of the World
Nurturing the Seed-Force for Change

Chapter 6: Reconnecting with Nonviolence
Response-Ability
Love-Force Not Brute-Force
Love Is the Strongest Yet Humblest Force
Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Chapter 7: Reconnecting with the Unconscious
Opening to the Well of the Imagination
The Marriage of the Conscious and the Unconscious
The Promise of Union
Dreaming the Way Forward

Chapter 8: Reconnecting with Love
God Is Love
Saying Yes to the Heart of the Other
Giving Up Our Imaginary Position as the Center
There Is No Distinction between Love and Justice

Epilogue
Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading
About the Author

About the Author

John Philip Newell, internationally acclaimed teacher, retreat leader and speaker, is the widely read author of several books, including Listening for the Heartbeat of God, Praying with the Earth; A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth & the Human Soul and Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings (SkyLight Paths). Formerly warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he is now companion theologian for the American Spirituality Center of Casa del Sol at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and the co-founder of Heartbeat: A Journey Towards Earth's Wellbeing.

Reviews

"Occasionally I read a book that leads me to think, 'I wish I had written that.' This is one of those books."
—Marcus Borg, author, The Heart of Christianity and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, among other books



"Draw[s] from fresh, deep springs of faith ... placing before us the challenge of our day: Will we allow God to be born anew in us, in the earth, in the cosmos? Will we embody the ever-new life of the Source from which we come?"
—Mary C. Earle, author, Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings—Annotated and Explained

“Wow.... This book will move you ... with fresh insight into the rebirth of everything. What a writer, what a book!”
—Rob Bell, author, Love Wins and What We Talk about When We Talk about God

“From page one to the conclusion, John Philip Newell engages our imagination and as we read we are born anew. His writing is a blessing!”
—Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former executive director, U.S. World Council of Churches; author, Living into Hope: A Call to Spiritual Action for Such a Time as This

“Reconnecting is the word! The deep connection is already there and given, but this little book of wisdom will help you to find the essential message again—and in fresh, intelligent ways.”
—Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Courageous.... A refreshing cup of cool, clear water for our spirits that enlivens us for the journey beyond the stumbling blocks of unquestioned doctrine toward a reconnection with the earth and the human capacity for awareness, compassion and spiritual practices that restore awe and hope for our enacted faith.”
—Thomas V. Wolfe, president, Iliff School of Theology