over the summer i read a number of books. i hope i can find the time to mention them or review them here over the next few weeks. one was spiritual intelligence by brian draper. brian was one of the people behind the creation of the labyrinth, at least the one that was first introduced to me that later got reworked into the st pauls labyrinth. he is a gifted writer and speaker. several years back he interviewed douglas coupland for third way and has obviously maintained the contact because coupland says in big letters on the front...
this book is inspiring
which is quite a coup (geddit?!). brian works with businesses doing training on spirituality - echosounder - so the book is from a christian perspective but written for a wide audience. i like it that it's spun in that way seeking a language that is widespread and accessible rather than churchy.
it's what i'd call layered in that themes are revisited and taken deeper so it's a book that you can read a section of, ponder and then revisit a while later. each section also follows through the same fourfold development of these icons. a large focus is on identity with sections on the false and true self. the bottom line is that most of us are too busy and are not paying attention - we know that, but slowing down or making space is a constant challenge. brian uses a coupland story of a power failure. when there is a power cut people get candles out, gather round, play games and have a very different experience of being together. coupland suggest he wants to live his life in a 'permanent state of power failure'.
the themes are about intentionality, awareness, slowing down, beauty in the ordinary, paying attention, dealing with your ego and the urge to compete and prove yourself to others, connectivity, discovering that giving away is better than focusing on your self. it's not just nice and fluffy (beauty and quietness and slowing down) but brian does tackle issues of the human heart and the need for facing and turning away from the false self - repentance and discovering who we really are. it's essentially about becoming more fully human.
it's a good read - i recommend it. it reminded me in places of mike riddell's wonderful book sacred journey if you ever came across that...
i think it needs a part two looking at the person of jesus christ in a non churchy way - just an idea bri?!