Here and Now: Living in the Spirit

A great book for understanding spirituality.

Such a wonderful book for these times.Keeping my head in the game is so very important, here in the beginning of 2021. Yep, crazy meet crazier.This is one of my touchstones. A.N. had the knack to know what I need. Or maybe I am just open to the Word.Whatever I am grateful to have this in my spiritual arsenal for these times.

This book of meditations is one of Nouwen's best, I think. It covers a multitude of life circumstances and endeavors. Each chapter is divided into short sections that will help get readers focused on their own meditations and prayers to draw out God's will and ways in their own everyday lives. Nouwen's writing is sensitive and wise. His words are well worth pondering. The significance of the title is that it helps to live "in the moment" more than being anxious about the future or regretful over the past. It's a book of meditations, not meant to be read through quickly or in one sitting. Each discussion is meant as a springboard for you own thoughts, prayers and reflections on your own situation. It's not a book for "getting through" as much as it is for "getting along".

What I find most encouraging in Nouwen's writings is the fact that he honestly writes about his doubts and struggles which seem to be my doubts and struggles too. But rather than despair, he shows us a way through our lack of faith and leads us to Christ.

I can't really write about the content of the book, which would really be the reason to write a review on a product. This book, printed in the United States, is printed so poorly that I keep putting the book down instead of reading it. I received a poorly printed edition to begin with, returned it, and received one just like it. All the first words on the left pages are blurry, and on each right page the words in the middle are bold. I'm debating whether to return it and give up on this book, or keep it because I love Henri Nouwen's work so much. It may be a 5 star content, but in a 1 star print.

A very sagacious and thoughtful book about how to live life on a daily basis. It inspires diurnal meditations. It provides guides for how to handle pain and loss in life. For instance, it has wise points to make on those loved ones who hurt one and were only able to give limited love. He emphasizes that we have to accept people as they are- warts and all- to develop a rich interior life. There is an abundance of wisdom in this work.

I found this book on the nightstand at my friend Kay's house when I was visiting for a few days. Wow. I soon realized that I had discovered a treasure. It reads like a devotional, with several short chapters on different important topics. Nouwen's words were from his heart--he bared his soul in a few chapters--and they help the reader move toward a deeper relationship with Jesus and a heart that is more alive. The title, Here and Now, refers to one of the main themes: God is in the present with us. We tend to dwell on the past or fear the future, but God is here now, in the present. And we can experience Him and His love for us in an intimate way. Thank you, Henri Nouwen, for your legacy.

The book came in good time and good condition

I dip in and out of this well written book. Always a wise writer.

Excellent book very helpful

great guidance and uplifting

useful and relaxing

Simply written, very easy to read and SO relevant. Worth reading and rereading several times