The Contemplative Heart Author:James Finley James Finley's reflections on contemplative living have their origins in the five years he lived at the cloistered Trappist monastery, studying with Thomas Merton. But they are not only for the monk. Finleys meditations relate directly to our everyday experience of the hectic, modern world. In The Contemplative Heart, Finley teaches us how to f... more »ind breathing room in our cluttered lives. He reveals the divine in the mundane and offers remedies to soothe stress and allow mindful living in the present moment. Difficult as it may seem, a contemplative life is possible in today's world. In fact, it is essential to remain grounded in the meaning and value of our lives beyond what we produce and achieve. The Contemplative Heart maps a path for the journey to insight and self-transformation. Finley offers guidelines for meditative practices that promote self-reflection. He shows how to include contemplative influences in our lives and root out those that hinder the process. Each chapter of The Contemplative Heart serves as a "dance lesson" for life. God never said, "Let there be rush hours." But Psalm 46:10 does say, "Be still and know that I am God." Finley shares the lessons he has carried from the monastery to help us discover instruction for contemplative living deep in our individual situations. The Contemplative Heart is not for believers alone. Non-believers often feel equally lost in the swirl of expectations the world imposes on them. Finley teaches everyone how to navigate these external circumstances without neglecting our internal needs--a lesson too often ignored until facing death. The Contemplative Heart helps us seek a more reflective way of life. The Contemplative Heart teaches us how to live.« less