“Wise beyond intellectual knowing…. a moving important book.”
Science of Mind Journal
“Simple, clear, illuminating… provides structure for those who long to develop an authentic inner, spiritual life.”
Christian Hageseth III, M.D., Author, Thirteen Moon Journal
“A challenging book that will give all readers a heightened awareness of our global interdependence.”
Brother Patrick Hart, OCSO
“Once again, Marsha Sinetar has written an utterly fascinating book that shows us simply and elegantly the joys of the road less traveled… destined to be a classic that ordinary people – alone or together – can use as a map to wholeness and peace.”
R.B., Richmond Times-Dispatch
Excerpts from A Way Without Words
Edited text, Regarding life transitions (from page 85-6):
Some people with few material reserves and little formal education move along easily, spiritually speaking. Others, blessed with excellent schooling, affluence and [position] power cannot budge. As discussed in the last chapter, the latter seem spiritually unready.
Such dilemmas are based on real-life, exceedingly tangible concerns. There are lessons to be learned here , in our earthly walk, [and these can be framed spiritually.] Until we find workable answers to our desired transitions we should not try to be what – or where – we are not. “Figuring out” is a skill… based on a host of integrated, synergistic sub-skills, and does not appear by wishing or by magic. Rather, this comes by that very training of mind, heart and will necessary for profound inner vitality.
Fear is always our sign to pay attention. Sometimes fear reminds us that we need to save more money, pay bills, reduce debt or accumulate selected experiences before moving toward the life we say we want. For instance, critical thinking skills bring good judgment, without which career or other transitions are tenuous at best. However, when years and year pass, and we are still unable (not ready) to take on that which we truly want… then our real life, practical concerns (like lack of money or extensive debt or work failures) may be smoke screens covering up resistance or our lack of readiness for the goal. In such cases therapy, counseling, spiritual direction — i.e., competent, trusted therapeutic dialogue – could well be in order, if only for the short haul; if only to have someone capable whom we trust “stand with us” supportively as we get our bearings.
Edited Excerpt regarding some signs of spiritual maturing (from pages 91):
Those who feel spiritually regenerated want to express their love: Not necessarily romantically or “personally”, but contributively. They yearn to lend their lives (and lift their voices) to that timeless, praise-filled chorus that worships the ineffable in Whom they sense they reside. Here, too, be assured each one actualizes such love in his or her own way. Yet these manifestations are always self-vanishing, to use a monastic term, and, for most, less talk is better.
One ailing, thirteenth century sister, Else von Neustadt, lived in a convent for seventy years. A few years before she died, she became so physically disabled that she had to be housed in separate quarters. Here she lived, completely alone and bedridden with little chance for conversations with others.
Then she told another sister who came to visit that she was “as happy as any human being can be on earth.” She noted that in her solitude she experienced a divine vision about which “no one can say anything except the one who sees it, and even those who see it cannot speak of it rightly.” She then observed that she could no longer remember old friends and could hardly even remember herself.