Fully Awake and Truly Alive

Rev. Jane E. Vennard, a popular teacher on prayer and spiritual practice, offers lectures and leads retreats in ecumenical settings in the United States, Canada and Australia. She is the author of six books on prayer and a long-time active member of Spiritual Directors International. She is ordained in the United Church of Christ to a ministry of teaching and spiritual direction

"Invaluable [for] expanding our definition and understanding of spiritual practice."—The Phoenix Spirit

• Foreword by Rami Shapiro xiiiIntroduction xvExpanding Our Understanding of Prayer and Spiritual Practice xviDefining Terms xviBecoming Fully Alive xviiiExamining Our Practices xixOn Cushion, Off Cushion xxA Variety of Practices xxi1. The Practice of Caring for Your Body Finding New Images, Deep Wisdom, and Blessings 1Body Image: Experiencing Your Body as a Gift 3Befriending Your Body 5Embodied Wisdom 7Healing the Divide 10How Are You Called to Practice? 11Guidelines for More Extended Practice 13Writing a Letter to Your Body 13Body Blessing 142. The Practice of Rest Restoring Your Energy, Your Creativity, and Your Spirit 15Cultural Perceptions of Resting 16Restful Activities 19Biblical Call to Rest 21Four Steps of the Creative Process 23Sabbath Rest 24How Are You Called to Practice? 26Guidelines for More Extended Practice 27Grateful Breathing 27Resting While You Walk 283. The Practice of Silence Finding Spaciousness, Stillness, and Inner Peace 29Discovering Well-Being in Quiet Places 30Listening to Ourselves and Beyond Ourselves 31Honoring Effortless Silence 34Practicing Silence in a Supportive Community 35Exploring the Shadow Side of Silence 36Be Still and Know That I Am God 39How Are You Called to Practice? 41Guidelines for More Extended Practice 43A Variety of Meditation and ContemplativePrayer Practices 43Breath Counting 43Centering Prayer 44True Meditation 454. The Practice of Solitude Making Friends with Yourself 47Facing the Dragon of Loneliness 50Early Experiences of Being Alone: Avoided or Encouraged? 52The Journey Is the Destination: Walking Nowhere Alone 55The Capacity to Be Alone: Self-Discovery, Creativity, and Intimacy 57Silence and Solitude Together: A Furnace of Transformation 60How Are You Called to Practice? 62Guidelines for More Extended Practice 63Exploring Your Experiences of Loneliness 63Walking Meditation: Slowly Going Nowhere 645. The Practice of Letting Go Releasing Your Attachments, Your Past, and Your Future 67Letting Go of Material Things 68Fasting: Making Space for the Sacred 70Forgiveness: Letting Go of Hurts and Leaving the Past Behind 72Nonattachment: Letting Go of the Outcome 75Accepting the Life That Awaits Us 78How Are You Called to Practice? 81Guidelines for More Extended Practice 82The Courage to Forgive 82Dancing Nonattachment 836. The Practice of Community Discovering Support, Encouragement, and Interdependence 85The Rhythm of Contemplative, Communal, and Missional Spiritual Practices 87Singing Together We Become the Music 89Dancing, Moving, and Playing Together 91Making Music Together:Surrendering to the Whole 93Spiritual Direction 96How Are You Called to Practice? 98Guidelines for More Extended Practice 100My Communal Spiritual Practice: ExaminingIts History and Discovering Its Future 100Playful Body Sculpting and Creative Naming 1017. The Practice of Hospitality Inviting, Welcoming, and Nurturing the Stranger 103The Three Movements of Hospitality 104Hospitality: A Two-Way Street 107Practicing Communal Hospitality:Blessings and Challenges 109Welcoming the Stranger Within 112Cultivating the Hospitable Heart 114How Are You Called to Practice? 115Guidelines for More Extended Practice 116Welcoming the Stranger Within 116The Welcoming Prayer 1188. The Practice of Service Cultivating Generosity, Kindness, and Joy 121Hidden Service: The Power of Practices That No One Notices 125The Practice of Discernment: Deciding Who, Where, and How to Serve 131Bearing Witness: No Need to Fix Anything 134Many Hands Make Light Work: Practicing Service in Community 135Responding to the Needs of Mother Earth 138How Are You Called to Practice? 138Guidelines for More Extended Practice 140Letting the Mud Settle and Becoming Still 140Listening with an Open Heart—Including Silence in the Conversation 1429. The Fruits of Practice Living Gratefully, Humbly, and Compassionately 145The Experience of Living Gratefully 149Surprise Is the Wisdom of a Grateful Heart 151Humility—the Forgotten Virtue 152The Gracious Gift of Humility 154Cultivating Humble Hearts 155Discovering the Depth of Your Compassion 157The Courage to See, the Courage to Feel,and the Courage to Act 159How Are You Called to Practice? 162Guidelines for More Extended Practice 163Keeping a Gratitude Journal 163Discovering Your Image of Humility 164Knowledge of the Stranger Deepens Compassion 165Acknowledgments 167Notes 169Suggestions for Further Reading 175Index of Practices 179