02/01/2021

Psychotherapist Boland and Franciscan priest Rohr share reflections and exercises intended to guide readers in exploring themes of Rohr’s 2019 The Universal Christ。 The authors recommend having the earlier book—which argued for an “incarnational worldview” that sees God dwelling in and through all of creation—close at hand for easy reference along with a journal for recording musings。 Reflections alternate between personal and universal themes; for example， an exploration of one’s “shadow side，” which is the opposite of one’s idealized self-image， is followed by a consideration of the inevitability of change throughout the universe。 Recommended exercises include journaling， prayer， spending time in nature， and participating in a “self-guided contemplative sit。” Suggesting that some topics may be difficult for readers with unhealed pain or trauma （such as the reflections on suffering or atonement）， Boland recommends readers skip sections that feel psychologically unsafe。 Rohr and Boland prove to be compassionate， encouraging mentors， urging the reader to seek divine presence and Christ， both throughout the universe and deep within oneself。 Christians looking to deepen their spiritual practice will find rich material and wise guidance here。 （Feb。）