It’s that time again to be thinking of gifts for those you love or making a list of your own!
Here’s the 2016 gift guide for the Seeker in your life (view past gift guides here):
1. Holy Listening With Breath, Body, and the Spirit by Whitney Simpson
Whitney is a dear friend and colleague, and I’ve been able to see firsthand how much incorporating the body into her spirituality has impacted her journey. This newly-released book is a 40-day guide, offering meditations using lectio divina, yoga, breath prayer, and aromatherapy.
2. Praying With Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice by Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Another new release to broaden your practice from Upper Room Books! (Whitney’s book is published by Upper Room, too—they must be on a roll!) I discovered this book on Amazon when viewing Whitney’s listing, and I love how it combines the recent craze of adult coloring books with the mindfulness of mandalas (any favorite of Carl Jung is a favorite of mine!) and four contemplative prayer practices. Time to get coloring!
3. Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations by Matthew Fox
I’ve been diving into the world of theologian Matthew Fox recently (we’re exploring Creation Spirituality during the season of Advent at my church) and stumbled across this gem that quickly landed on my own Christmas list. With daily quotes from mystics and prophets over the last 2,000 years, this is a great pick for both Seekers new to the contemplative path and seasoned souls.
4. Always We Begin Again tote bag
Speaking of contemplatives, this tote bag featuring the famous saying from the Rule of St. Benedict is the perfect way to begin the new year (and all of the tasks that come with it) with intention.
5. Sacred Journey bracelet trio
This set of bracelets has been a favorite since it debuted in the Journey Shop last month. Representing the three stages of pilgrimage—longing, quest, and transformation—this trio serves as a reminder of the significance of our journeys while both at home and abroad.
TODAY ONLY (December 6, 2016): Get the Sacred Journey bracelet trio and other stocking stuffer sized items for 20% off during the Journey Shop’s St. Nicholas Day Sale, plus get a free St. Nicholas prayer card! Only a limited number available. Shop now »
6. Sacred Seasons online course from Abbey of the Arts
This online course from Abbey of the Arts is a “yearlong journey through the Celtic wheel of the year.” From popular pilgrim guides and Ireland transplants Christine and John Valters Paintner, Sacred Seasons offers materials for eight DIY (and DIH—do it at home!) mini retreats throughout the year, following the wisdom of the Celtic seasons as well as our traditional seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter, incorporating events in the Christian calendar along the way. I first participated when Christine and John introduced the course a couple of years ago and enjoy revisiting the material each year—it’s a gift that keeps on giving in more ways than one!
7. The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
It’s not released until January, but it’s worth the wait. Hosted by Morgan Freeman, this journey across the world to discover the vast array of cultural experiences and perceptions of God throughout the ages is the stuff armchair pilgrimages are made of.
8. Donation to support Standing Rock
While there have been some recent victories in the past few days regarding the reconsideration of the Dakota Access Pipeline, there’s still much to be done and a lot of expenses to be paid for those who left their work and homes to stand up for what they consider to be Sacred. A donation to the cause at Standing Rock shows the Seeker in your life that you not only stand with them in their pursuit of the Sacred—you stand with other Seekers, too.
Looking for stocking stuffers?
Don’t miss today’s flash sale in the Journey Shop!
