Silence Descends

Silence Descends: The End of the Information Age, 2000-2500 is not as much a novel as it is an imaginary book of non-fiction: a history of the future, written in the year 2500--a look back at where we have yet to go. Silence Descends is a cautionary tale; it is a critique of "the Microsoft mentality"--the belief in the power of technology to save us. This is the story of how the information age goes awry, and rather than enhancing our lives, actually leads to the breakdown of society. The atomic destruction of the former Stalingrad by what will be suspected as fascist militants will become the first in a series of steps that will lead to the end of society as we will know it. Mixing real personalities with imaginary individuals from the future, George has done his research on this one, even if most of it is made up. References include Mary Xian (Night Thoughts, 2012), Carmen Jaeger (The First Day of Spring, 2029), Arthur Hong (RageRoots, 2041), Aldous Huxley (Brave New World, 1932) and George Orwell (Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949). Silence Descends includes black and white photographs by Rosalee Hiebert.

Taoist teachings on life and existence—presented by one of the best-known and provocative spiritual teachers of our time In this unique series of discourses, Osho unravels The Secret of the Golden Flowers, an ancient text that he describes as the essence of Taoism. It is the core of all religions and spiritual paths, belonging to no one and belonging to all. More than 2,500 years old, this remarkable text continues to be as relevant today as it was to its contemporaries. Osho demystifies the important terms used by the Chinese mystic Lu Tsu and shares his meditation exercises. He also outlines the qualities of animus and anima—our male and female energies—as delineated by Lu Tsu, explaining the importance of their relationships inside each of us. He also provides many valuable techniques and gives specific instructions on the Taoist Golden Light Meditation, which involves harmonizing the male and female elements and transmuting sexual energy. A timeless collection of Osho’s talks on The Secret of the Golden Flower, this book will show you how to not remain a seed but to become what the Chinese called ‘a golden flower.’ Called the ‘one thousand-petaled lotus’ in India, the golden flower is a symbol that represents perfection, totality. It represents the actualization of potential—the beauty, the grandeur, and the splendor of being.

In "From Shadows to Success: Navigating Life's Challenges and Crafting Your Own Destiny," readers embark on an empowering journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal transformation. The book opens with a poignant tale of adversity—an individual's life entangled in the Valley of a Shadow of Death, where obstacles seem insurmountable and hope feels distant. As the chapters unfold, the protagonist's narrative unfolds as a mirror reflecting the universal human experience—of dreams deferred, hardships endured, and the unwavering spirit that emerges in the midst of trials. The journey takes readers through a series of chapters, each a testament to the protagonist's capacity to rewrite their story and emerge stronger. The narrative delves into the heart of resilience, illuminating the protagonist's journey from despair to triumph. With each challenge faced and every obstacle overcome, the protagonist's journey mirrors our collective journey, reminding us that the path to success is not linear. It's a tapestry woven with resilience, adaptation, and the sheer audacity to craft one's own destiny. Through stories of rekindled dreams, redefined success, and the transformative power of empathy, readers witness the protagonist's evolution and the pivotal moments that redefine their path. The book reveals how embracing change, nurturing connections, and fostering inner strength can lead to a life that transcends limitations. The chapters crescendo to an inspiring epilogue that leaves readers with a resounding message of empowerment. Encouraging readers to carry forward the lessons learned, the empathy cultivated, and the legacy of hope established, the book instills the belief that success is a journey guided by authenticity and driven by resilience. In "From Shadows to Success: Navigating Life's Challenges and Crafting Your Own Destiny," readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that not only explores the shadows but also guides them toward embracing their full potential, carving a unique path, and crafting their own definition of success.

The activist, nun, and esteemed spiritual voice who has twice appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday sounds the call to create a monastery within ourselves—to cultivate wisdom and resilience so that we may join God in the work of renewal, restoration, and justice right where we are. “Essential reading for anyone wishing to find the compass of their heart and the wellspring from which to live fully.”—Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries and New York Times bestselling author of Tattoos on the Heart “In every beating heart is a silent undercurrent that calls each of us to a place unknown, to the vision of a wiser life, to become what I feel I must be—but cannot name.” So begins Sister Joan Chittister’s words on monasticism, offering a way of living and seeing life that brings deep human satisfaction. Amid the astounding disruptions of normalcy that have unfolded in our world, Sister Joan calls all of us to cultivate the spiritual seeker within, however that may look across our diverse journeys: “We can depend only on the depth of the spiritual well in us. The well is the only thing that can save us from the fear of our own frailty.” This book carries the weight and wisdom of the monastic spiritual tradition into the twenty-first century. Sister Joan leans into Saint Benedict, who, as a young man in the sixth century, sought moral integrity in the face of an empire not by conquering or overpowering the empire but by simply living an ordinary life extraordinarily well. This same monastic mindset can help us grow in wisdom, equanimity, and strength of soul as we seek restoration and renewal both at home and in the world. At a time when people around the world are bearing witness to human frailty—and, simultaneously, the endurance of the human spirit—The Monastic Heart invites readers of all walks to welcome this end of certainty and embrace a new beginning of our faith. Without stepping foot in a monastery, we can become, like those before us, a deeper, freer self, a richer soul—and, as a result, a true monastic, so “that in all things God may be glorified.”

Three-time thru-hiker J. R. Tate explores the traditions and lore of the Appalachian Trail.

A collection of poems written over a period of time, covering aspects of what we call - life.

Melancholic and introspective look into the life and the complexities of human interaction.