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| February, 2009 | ||
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WITH a title like The Hidden Spirituality of Men, most readers will begin Matthew Fox’s newest book with the expectation of finding something important revealed in its pages. They won’t be disappointed. Fox wastes no time in establishing a context for the need for this book, his 28th. In direct, succinct language, Fox points out that many of the societal, military, and theological paradigms existing today have the net effect of discouraging free expression of our deep spiritual nature, especially in men. This leads to despair. “It is time for men to grow up spiritually,” Fox asserts, and he provides excellent suggestions on how to do just that. Because it is not merely an articulation of what’s gone awry in the spiritual lives of men, but an inspired combination of steps to reawaken our spirituality, Fox’s newest book could prove to be as influential as his cosmologically profound Original Blessing (1983). He takes our society’s dominant masculine stereotypes—which rarely honor men for being compassionate and loving but instead emphasize conquest and domination—and exposes them as incomplete metaphors. Though he deals with dark themes such as male alienation, shame, and aggression, Fox always bring the discussion around to hopefulness and empowerment. The energy of keeping things hidden is not conducive to spiritual health and well-being. One way to bring these hidden parts to the surface is through a better understanding of metaphors. Early on, Fox quotes scientists Joel Primack and Nancy Abrams and builds on their work in stating, “Metaphors are a kind of sense, like hearing or seeing, and their effect on us is such that ‘the expansiveness of our metaphors determines the expansion of our reality.’ Cease thinking in metaphors and you cease growing.” With Fox’s book, the opposite occurs. Through reading, reflection, and putting his suggestions into action, men and women alike can come to a greater appreciation of the full spectrum of the traits, characteristics, and archetypal energies that we use to define masculinity. |
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| —Darren Richardson | ||
WE were all meant to fly, yet we sit on our branches, clinging to the things that are familiar to us,” says Isha, author of Why Walk When You Can Fly? Our possibilities are limitless, but for many of us they remain undiscovered and we walk through life with an underlying sense of dissatisfaction and restlessness. Yet we can learn to soar beyond our fears. We can more fully realize and express who we truly are when we learn to release the limiting conditioning of our past. By practicing a four-facet system developed by Isha, whose work as a spiritual teacher in Latin America is widely recognized, we begin to experience radical inner change. We move away from fear-based beliefs and the unfulfilling behaviors that result from them, and are elevated into a way of living that is energized, creative, and expansive. The key foundation for this shift from a sense of separation to the realization of oneness is the development of what Isha calls love-consciousness. Through the practice of love-consciousness, we connect with the deep heart that is our true, essential self. Joy and peace then become our natural state of being, for we have opened ourselves to the present, alive moment. To bring about this shift, Isha offers a comprehensive system which involves four “facets”—powerful statements of truth that lift consciousness into a higher radiance of unconditional love toward ourselves and others. She suggests working with each of the four facets for one hour daily, using the affirmation and meditative exercises that comprise each facet. The overall system, called the “Isha System,” is structured to extinguish old, limiting illusions and to allow the perception of wholeness to emerge. By using these techniques, Isha says, we begin to “live in the here and now, embracing the abundance, the beauty, and the magic of life.” Inspired by her vision of a world united in the experience of consciousness, Isha has taught her system at high-security prisons, hospitals, children’s homes, and other support facilities. |
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| —Kathy Juline | ||
WHAT is your first response when asked to give or tithe? If you’re like most people, your initial reaction is: money. In The Power of Giving, authors Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon suggest that as important as the financial aspect, other ways to give are equally vital. Experienced owners, managers, and volunteers for corporate and non-profit organizations around the world, the authors put together a definitive book on the how, where, when, and why to give. “You don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances, perfect cause, or perfect level of knowledge to take a stand,” they assert. “Proceed step by step. Don’t get overwhelmed before you start, and try to enjoy the process of engagement as much as the objective itself.” Common sense is at the core of this book, offering a plethora of suggestions, from giving and tithing of money to the equally important contributions of effort, time, and smiles. Also addressed is how to simplify your life, attract and retain valuable employees, live up to your potential, involve children in the process, and become fearlessly in touch with your spirit. Pertinent questions are asked such as, “Do you spend your time and money on things that speak to your core values and vision for your life?” The authors emphasize that giving during hard times “can actually ease the hardships and produce unexpected results, personally receiving on very deep levels what we ourselves need.” If you feel unable to give of your money, suggestions are given as to how to be of service in other significant ways. Volunteering is so powerful, they point out, that even repressive regimes such as apartheid have toppled as a result. As Emerson said, “It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” |
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| —Frances Mary | ||
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