Christine Valters PaintnerAwakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction (Spiritual Directors International)

Given that this book title refers to spiritual direction, I was surprised to find there is virtually no focus on classic direction within these pages. What is present in this work is a great overview of the use of arts in spiritual formation work. As individuals seek to find ways to encounter the Holy, these activities are quite useful. What is lacking in this book is the whole dimension of traditional direction--how is the Holy encountering the individual? What is God doing here? This unfortunate lack of a traditional contemplative listening focus betrays the title.

This book provides a plethora of practical arts practices for group or individual spiritual direction. I especially appreciate the thoughts of Abbess of the Arts Christine Valters Paintner! Betsey and she provide much wisdom for the spiritual direction pilgrimage.

Since I am a spiritual director, I will find this book a great help as more often than not the inner life and desires of a person are revealed in other than words. I appreciate this source as a help to such people. It will also be helpful for me to process my inner journey.

Brought great new spiritual insights into my live...confirming my own spiritual path. Thank you, Ruth

I continue to "work" through this book artistically, in a meditative manner. It is balm for my soul.Christine's exercises guide you ....reaching the depths of your creative spirit.

Each page gives me a new surprise...and lots of learning tools for my Spiritual Direction practice.Thank you.

never knew there were so many ways to use art to deepen my spiritual life.

The book is both inspiring to read, easy to apply, opens up new vistas for spiritual companioning both individually and in groups.

An important book that addresses a creative way of understanding ourselves. Very practical and respectful and safe.

Although not completely read, so far, it is a very helpful tool for spiritual directors/chaplains. The creative ideas would be helpful for someone just looking for an alternative for centering oneself meditatively but then being able to go forth by bringing the arts to group sessions or one on one. Very interesting. My favorite was the Art Journal which I started for myself but I like her idea of a small group each having a journal, taking it home to be creative on a page, bringing it back to the group and passing it to the next person. When the group concludes e.g. lets say six weeks. Each participant (should there be six in the group) would have a completed art journal with each page created by the participants. I think this would be such a wonderful keepsake. I recommend the book. Myself being a chaplain in long term care will be able to modify some of the ideas according to the capabilities of the seniors. Very inspiring book.

I'm glad I invited this book into my home.

I have not had time to thoroughly read Awakening the Creative Spirit at this time. However, having perused the table of contents and various chapters it look exactly like what I was looking for!

Not as good as the other books I have