The Soul of a Pilgrim: Eight Practices for the Journey Within - Softcover

As she did in The Artist's Rule and Eyes of the Heart, Christine Valters Paintner once again helps readers travel to the frontiers of their souls to discover the hidden presence of God. In The Soul of a Pilgrim, Paintner identifies eight stages of the pilgrim's way and shows how to follow these steps to make an intentional, transformative journey to the reader's inner "wild edges." Each phase of the exploration requires a distinct practice such as packing lightly, being uncomfortable, or embracing the unknown. Paintner shows how to cultivate attentiveness to the divine through deep listening, patience, and opening oneself to the gifts that arise in the midst of discomfort. Each of the eight chapters offers reflections on the themes, a scripture story, an invitation to the practice of lectio divina, and a creative exploration through photography and writing.

Christine Valters Paintner is the web-based abbess of Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering online courses on contemplative practice and creative expression. She holds a doctorate in Christian spirituality and is a Benedictine oblate. She is the author of The Eyes of the Heart, Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire, and The Artist's Rule and is a columnist for the progressive Christian portal at Patheos.