Ordinary Magic Everyday Life as Spiritual Path

by WELWOOD, JOHN

• ISBN13: 9780877735977
• ISBN10: 0877735972
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1992-09-15
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

Spiritual practice and meditation are often thought of as being the province of priests, monks, and nuns-those few individuals who have returned from the preoccupations of day-to-day life. This inspiring book reveals how the simple practice of mindfulness can be a magical and transformative part of anyone's daily life. Thirty-five wide-ranging essays written by well-known spiritual teachers, therapists, and creative artists show how learning to focus awareness can bring a new richness to ordinary activities; how mindfulness can heighten creative pursuits such as painting, journal writing, or playing music; how contemplative awareness enhances both physical and psychological well-being; and how meditation can contribute to better relationships with family, community, and the world at large.

Author Biography

As a psychotherapist, teacher, and author, John Welwood has been a pioneer in integrating psychological and spiritual work. Welwood has published six books, including the best-selling Journey of the Heart (HarperCollins, 1990), as well as Challenge of the Heart (Shambhala, 1985), and Love and Awakening (HarperCollins, 1996). He is an associate editor of the Journal for Transpersonal Psychology. He leads workshops and trainings in psychospiritual work and conscious relationship throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Everyday Meditation
Introduction	p. 3
Sunshine and Green Leaves	p. 9
Everyday Life as Practice	p. 24
Earth and Space	p. 29
This Very Moment	p. 33
Not Preferring Samsara or Nirvana	p. 42
Seeing without the Observer	p. 50
Are You Here?	p. 59
Creativity, Work, and Fresh Perception
Introduction	p. 69
The Way of Seeing	p. 77
Writing Fearlessly	p. 90
Meditation and Poetics	p. 99
Just Being at the Piano	p. 108
Coming Home to the Body	p. 111
Zen Archery	p. 115
The Art of Sword	p. 129
Driving Meditation	p. 133
The Work of Craft	p. 142
Working for a Living	p. 147
Healing and Well-Being
Introduction	p. 155
The Healing Power of Unconditional Presence	p. 159
Touch and Go	p. 171
The Listening Mind	p. 180
On Being Unable to Breathe	p. 195
Conscious Eating	p. 207
Being with Anger	p. 214
Community
Introduction	p. 225
Being Peace	p. 235
Personal Disarmament	p. 250
The Greening of the Self	p. 262
The Path of Service	p. 274
Mindful Social Action	p. 284
The Power of Peace	p. 291
Nowness and Enlightened Society	p. 293
Intimate Relationship as a Practice and a Path	p. 298
Contemplation and Intimacy	p. 308
Family Life and Spiritual Practice	p. 314
Working with Dying People	p. 319
Facing Death	p. 325
Acknowledgments	p. 331
About the Contributors	p. 335
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.