Dancing At The Still Point

Retreats give us a space for contemplation and developing our relationship with God, but they aren't always possible. So can we still appreciate and detect the everyday God, even without special 'holy' places and spiritual practices? Dancing at the Still Point is a book for those who can't or aren't ready to go away for a residential Christian retreat, but who want to be in daily relationship and connect with God in a satisfying way. In sessions that you can work through at your own pace, Gemma Simmonds guides us through the practices and disciplines of retreats, such as being still physically and spiritually, developing a habit of prayer and learning some basic discernment skills. With insights from the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, she explores how we can fold these practices into every day and shows that a rich life of prayer, in which we have time and space to let God be present, is achievable even in a busy working or family life. Practical and flexible, Dancing at the Still Point will help you find a richer and more balanced life, where the spiritual takes its rightful place amid all the other calls on time and attention.

At a time when we are witnessing the return of the World Soul, the rise of feminine consciousness and the re-enchantment of Nature, the friendship between Marion Woodman and Elinor Dickson offers us a rare glimpse into the new story yearning to be born. Dancing at the Still Point reveals a remarkable friendship rooted in Soul that is both deeply personal and transpersonal. Prompted by a dream in which Marion told her to write about their friendship, Elinor has succeeded in weaving their shared visions, dreams and insights with the playfulness, challenges, and honesty they shared over thirty-four years. Like all deep friendships, Marion and Elinor mirrored each other while mutually affirming their individual destinies. This is a book that celebrates the gift of friendship as a compelling model for community in these times. As Marion would say, “where soul meets soul that’s love” and love is the field in which we are all called to dance. Elinor Dickson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, Jungian therapist, lecturer and workshop leader. She is the co-author of Dancing in the Flames written with Marion Woodman. She lives in Toronto, Ontario

Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging. From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing--but also often funny--details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.

"The Greater Trumps," authored by Charles Williams, is an enchanting novel that masterfully blends elements of mysticism, tarot, and human relationships. Set against the backdrop of a family gathering, the story follows a diverse cast of characters, including a father and his daughter, as they unwittingly unearth a mystical deck of tarot cards, each representing a powerful archetype. These cards hold within them the potential to reshape reality and unleash forces beyond comprehension. As the characters grapple with their newfound knowledge and the consequences of wielding such immense power, personal desires, conflicts, and emotions collide in unexpected ways. Published in 1932, "The Greater Trumps" delves into the boundaries between the mundane and the supernatural, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of the choices we make and the intricate interplay between destiny and free will. With Williams' signature blend of philosophical inquiry and engaging storytelling, this novel invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the implications of tapping into arcane forces.

The Dhammapada is much loved by Buddhist practitioners as a simple and straightforward rendition of some of Buddha's core teachings, and is read daily by thousands of people. While there are many translations available, few have an inclusive – and lyrical – sensibility. In studying various versions of this sacred text, Larkin noted many discrepancies and embarked upon an entirely original translation. Each instalment gets tested at the Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple in Detroit, a remarkable Zen centre in the heart of one of the roughest neighbourhoods in the country. This small gift hardcover will have the appeal of the Thomas Byrom/Ram Dass edition, but will be made even more accessible with each chapter's introduction containing a powerful contemporary anecdote from the Still Point Temple community. This 'Downtown Dhammapada' will appeal not only to Buddhists, but to those who also appreciate beautifully rendered sacred texts as simply good reading.

A fascinating exploration of an ancient system of beliefs and its links to the evolution of dance. From southern Greece to northern Russia, people have long believed in female spirits, bringers of fertility, who spend their nights and days dancing in the fields and forests. So appealing were these spirit-maidens that they also took up residence in nineteenth-century Romantic literature. Archaeologist and linguist by profession, folk dancer by avocation, Elizabeth Wayland Barber has sleuthed through ethnographic lore and archaeological reports of east and southeast Europe, translating enchanting folktales about these “dancing goddesses” as well as eyewitness accounts of traditional rituals—texts that offer new perspectives on dance in agrarian society. She then traces these goddesses and their dances back through the Romans and Greeks to the first farmers of Europe. Along the way, she locates the origins of many customs, including coloring Easter eggs and throwing rice at the bride. The result is a detective story like no other and a joyful reminder of the human need to dance.

The inside story of the life of Cheryl Burke, TV star, dancer, choreographer, and two-time champion on the top-rated TV hit series Dancing with the Stars Cheryl Burke has been dancing since the age of four and competing since she was thirteen years old. Over several exciting seasons, she has captivated audiences of Dancing with the Stars with her incredible dance performances, Emmy-nominated choreography, high energy, and bright smile. In Dancing Lessons, she takes you from her childhood years into the world of competitive ballroom dancing and on to Dancing with the Stars. Includes behind-the-scenes stories and photos from the life of the first two-time champion of Dancing with the Stars Shares lessons Cheryl has learned from her celebrity partners on Dancing with the Stars, from Drew Lachey to Chad Ochocinco Includes personal revelations concerning Cheryl's childhood, weight issues, and the media In Dancing Lessons, Cheryl Burke whisks you away to a world full of dancing, entertainment, and living to the max. In each chapter, you will discover a depth of passion in Cheryl's life that perfectly matches the commitment she displays on the dance floor. Cheryl's accounts of being a powerful woman putting her talent to work will inspire readers everywhere to pursue their own dreams. "Not only an amazing dancer, but a kick-ass woman to look up to." —Jenny McCarthy

Isn’t a deep prayer life only for religious specialists? In this introduction to the spiritual life, Gemma Simmonds shows that everyone can find prayer a rewarding experience. She explores the story and prayer tradition of Ignatius of Loyola, together with the contribution of the seventeenth-century Yorkshire woman, Mary Ward. A guide for Lent and the rest of the year, The Way of Ignatius helps us to pray with the Scriptures in an imaginative way. To aid reflection and discussion, there are questions at the end of each chapter. ‘In this wonderful book, Gemma Simmonds explores the method of prayer developed by St Ignatius in a way that makes this profound approach to prayer accessible . . . I highly recommend this book.’ Ian Mobsby, Anglican priest, writer, speaker and Prior, Wellspring New Monastic Community, Peckham, London ‘If you are looking for insightful and encouraging spiritual reading, you have found your book! . . . Gemma Simmonds invites us to be pilgrims in the company of Jesus, Ignatius and Mary Ward.’ Kevin O’Brien SJ, author, The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in daily life