A journey of the soul through the map of Christian time.

Everyone longs to be happy, yet many wrongly believe that happiness comes from having enough money, fame, personal comfort, worldly success, or even dumb luck. Happiness all too often seems to be an elusive, arbitrary thing -- something that is always just out of reach. Joan Chittister sees happiness differently -- as a personal quality to be learned, mastered, and fearlessly wielded. In Happiness she embarks on a "great happiness dig" through sociology, biology, neurology, psychology, philosophy, history, and world religions to develop "an archaeology of happiness." Sifting through the wisdom of the ages, Chittister offers inspiring insights that will help seekers everywhere cultivate true and lasting happiness within.

Every age has answered the questions and challenges of spiritual living in its own particular ways through its languages, arts, and lifestyles, giving seekers various concepts for guidance. In this original manifesto, bestselling author Joan Chittister delivers a roadmap based on the ancient Rule of Benedict that stands as a practical model upon which to build a satisfying life, despite the seemingly limitless (and at times meaningless) supply of options in the modern world. By giving spiritual seekers - individuals, couples, families, and small groups - a new opportunity to live a better life from the very centre of their world without ever having to withdraw from it, Chittister's new approach redefines Benedictine living for modern day seekers while remaining firmly rooted in its monastic values.

Wise and enduring spiritual guidelines for everyday living –– as relevant today as when The Rule was originally conceived by St. Benedict in fifth century Rome.

A journey of the soul through the map of Christian time.

“A timely book for troubled times, showing how the values and practices established by St. Benedict in the 6th century can help us lead happier lives.” —Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk Written in the sixth century as a guide for monks on how to live communally, The Rule of St. Benedict remains a timeless treasure trove of human wisdom. It arose from an era much like our own—when a great civilization was threatened by violence, economic forces that favored the wealthy, political leaders that lacked the trust of the public, and rampant xenophobia. Once again, we live in a time when societies need to stress community over competition, consensus over conflict, simplicity over self-gain, and silence over the constant chatter and distractions of our lives. In How to Live, Judith Valente explores the key elements of The Rule of St. Benedict and clearly demonstrates how incorporating this ancient wisdom into our modern lives can open a way forward from the divisions gripping our…

The relationships we form with animals - with dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and other pets - are full of joys and rewards. A loving human-animal relationship is built on mutual care and concern, responsibility and respect. We find that these companions draw us out of ourselves and show us what it truly means to be alive. They teach us to accept life’s struggles; to cherish its pleasures; to find purpose and meaning in what we do. The stories and reflections in this lovely book will speak to us whether we have an animal companion, long to have a pet, love someone who does, or simply cherish animals and nature. ‘This fine and often touching volume . . . discusses the spiritual connection between humans and their animal companions and explores the lessons to be learned.’ Booklist