Illuminating the Way

This is a delightful book for inspirational reading. It is filled with the wisdom of several monks and mystics. Each chapter begins with a description of the mystic, their history and importance. The author then discussed the archetype represented by that particular mystic, as well as the shadow of that archetype. After this there is a story about Jesus that is discussed by the authors husband. I found these to be very enlightening. Then there is an opportunity to artistically work on what has been learned in the chapter. This is followed by the meditation practice and a mandala to color. The chapters end with discussion questions and a closing blessing.

Some of the mystics indluded in this book are Francis of Assisi, King David, Mary the mother, and Brendan the Navigator. The author suggests reading one chapter a week and meditating and thinking about that particular mystic throughout the week. That is what I have been doing and I have been enjoying it. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to add meditation to their spiritual pracitce. It is also a great way to learn about some fascinating men and women.

I really liked this book. I don't think it will work for my library, but it would be a great public library book. I also intend to recommend it to our priest as a Christian Formation book.

Illuminating the way is a fascinating book for different reasons. Firstly, because it explores the notion of archetypes and how each of them may provide aspects to be taken into account in order to both live in a more assertive way and to live in community. In this regard, it is interesting how the book does not suggest that each individual follows exclusively 'one' such archetype, but rather that we may integrate different ones in different ways, insofar as each provides some lesson. Furthermore, the author clearly mentions how some narratives of the persons described in the book are hagiographies that are not necessarily fully based on real facts but rather provide inspiration. This reminds me of some texts by Herman Hesse in which he argues that archetypes precisely facilitate describing some people but that we should not believe that they fully describe them.
On the other hand, the book, while rooted in a Christian monastic tradition, manages to do two remarkable things: firstly, to not dismiss the lessons of other spiritual traditions, as the Hindu or Buddhist, for instance, by recognizing some lessons that have been traditionally been found there and in Christianity; and secondly, to highlight how the monastic tradition is not about being fully "outside" the world, because that would be a "shadow" of monasticism, which is about realizing the beauty of the here and now and growing in order to better live in community, which is essential for the tradition. The different archetypes make this a balanced book, which moreover suggests some activities, as photography and others, which may be fruitful.

I especially value the creative integration into life and learning expressed and included in this book's format. Author, Christine Valters Paintner, is well known for her comprehensive coverage of topics, this book being her newest in that library of spiritual impact. Artwork of each monk or mystic represented in full colour by Marcy Hall inspires reader's own creative understanding of the chapter's discussion.
Participating in the Abbey of the Arts online course based on this book and using the material included for spiritual formation and practice has increased my appreciation and enthusiastic recommendation of Illuminating the Way for fellow creatives and Monks in the World.