Yearnings: Embracing The Sacred Messiness of Life

Hyperion, 2006Face it. Life is tricky, isn't it? Just when we think we're going along fine, something inevitably pops up that makes us question ourselves, our choices, and once in a while, causes us to struggle to suppress an idea, a desire or a notion.

Winner of a Books for a Better Life Award and selected as one of "The 10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006" by Spirituality and Health magazine, Yearnings: The Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Hardcover: Aug. 30, 2006/Paperback: Sept. 18, 2007) by Rabbi Irwin Kula and Linda Lowenthal suggests these inner nudges are more of a map for learning to listen to ourselves and towards spiritual discovery and growth. The book aims to explore:

"...desire in spiritual life. Rather than leading us astray, our longings are gateways to self discovery. Our yearnings, once understood, can lead us to discover an expansive vision of G-d or a wider reality. And when we embrace even our most painful or taboo desires, we can love more deeply and live more fully. The Biblical authors wrote about characters who, rather than leading perfect lives, actually struggled with their longings for success, love, sex, and happiness. Through interpreting those stories and other spiritual traditions, as well as exploring his own desires and those of regular people, Rabbi Kula shows that 'The more we allow ourselves to unfold, the less likely we are to unravel. The more we dive into our desires, the more exquisite life becomes.'..."

Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's and independent local book retailers near you, I'm sure.