Welp! I figure it's time to try and get back on the blogging horse since it's been like 5 years lol!
I know it's a little late for a listicle about books I read in 2020 but in the spirit of Whatever....here we go.
Digital Minialism by Cal Newport
These days trying to convince someone that he/she needs to spend less time with their face glued to a screen is a hard sell but this book makes a good case. It wasn't planned this way but I started reading this one just before things kicked off with the pandemic and in those days of a lot of ignorance and confusion as to what exactly we would be dealing with, I'm glad I'd been briefed - by this book of course - on a way to detach and reset. It wouldn't be wrong to say this one set the course for the rest of what I read througout the year.
How I Found God in Everyone and Everywhere: An Anthology of Spritual Memoirs by Philip Clayton
This one features anecdotes from multiple theologians regarding how their spiritual journey began, matured, continues, etc. A lot of the speakers discuss things at a level far beyond my comprehension - which isn't that hard to do - but the main thing I got from their stories was how recurrent the idea of centering/comtemplative/meditative prayer was between them. Such prayer seems to be the doorway to a more panentheistic view of God.
The Healing Self by Deepak Chopra
While it's pretty well known how much ones diet can affect the overall health of the body I was surprised and glad to read about scientific research dedicated to discovering the importance of emotional and spiritual health and how deeply they are also interwoven in ones overall health. All that said, I haven't finished this one. Womp! Womp! 😂
Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird
This one came recommended by an Episcopal rector friend of mine after discussions about centering prayer. Overall, I'd say it's an approachable guide on the subject. Good stuff.
The Cloud of Unknowing by Anonymous
Another book on centering prayer by an anonymous monk from the ....14th? century. I haven't finished this one but I do like it.
Interior Castle by Teresa of Àvila, E.Allison Peers as Translator
All the above books led me to this one somehow and I'm glad for it. If a more contemplative prayer life appeals to you this book should end up on your reading list at some point. It's a gem. 🙏🏾