Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life

Wish it was more, but the points were made and as in most of Henri's works, every word, every sentence packs enough for you to pause and reflect, to pose questions your heart and mind fail to ask but should!

A critical read for any time. A set of powerful sermons intelligently strung together, shining a light on the need to rest and realign to our original purpose.

It is one of Nouwen's finest works and one I frequently givemy business clients who are struggling with success driven life stylesand non-caring work environments.I am an older (64) counseling/industrial/ organizational psychologist and currently specialize is exceutive coaching. Books like this help me create and sustain the most fulfilling work I have ever done.The book is simply three short mediations on solitude, action and community. I have read it many times, given it to my children and family, and highly recommend it to all who need to pause in the midst of life to focus on what their life is all about. I will use it this year at a retreat for men in April.A few other books I currently recommend to clients and friends along with Out of Solitude are: Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer; The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle; and Stopping by David Kundtz.Nouwen was a gifted priest, healer, and shining light of faith, hope and love in a time of confusing worldwide transitions. He will be missed and he left a great legacy.

"Patience is the mother of anticipation." Nouwen provides the reader with timeless wisdom on solitude, patience, and care-giving. Taking three Gospel readings, Nouwen expands on the teachings using modern as well as ancient references. This slim little book will make you think, grow and contemplate life and our role in, and not of, the world.

Incredible, thought provoking, and a classic. I return to this book often and have given it to countless people. This book offers a beautiful perspective on faith. I sincerely recommend it to anyone in need of a little faith refresh - or simply a nice easy read!

Loved the 📚 bookIt was easy to read! Pivotal book to start the new year . Thank you ❤️

A very inspirational book, on the importance of solitude and also for caring without curing, just being there to share in the person’s sorrow rather than attempting to cure.

This is three sermons, and while they connect they have different focuses. Each as important and refreshing and challenging as the last. A much needed reminder to stop and be still, to listen to God in the stillness; a call to care for others before curing them etc. Be refreshed!

This book of meditations is written by an author who is both inspiring and comforting to the Christian reader.He emphasises the need for individuals to have high self-esteem and to appreciate the benefits of detachment from the world (i.e. solitude). The importance of caring for others which includes sharing the pain and joy of others.I found the book easy to read and very much to the point.

Three very nice reflections on living and experiencing the gospel in our lives. Nicely written and a joy to read. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a deep interest in their faith.

A superb little book -

Thanks

This book stands as a beacon that sings the praises of solitude, quietness, tranquility and finding God (and yourself) in a world that has long ago decided to lower its head and charge into an unknown future, without map or guide, not listening, not looking and not thinking. Three images are presented, taken from sermons by Nouwen, images that suggest that we were made to know who we are and how we are meant to live, to act, to love and to be, connected to God, but that this knowledge is perhaps most accessible when we are quiet, listening, contemplating. That we find God amidst the folly speaks to our need to find quiet, to enter the desert, not to thirst but to drink. In such circumstances, the loudest storms will not shake us and we will continue to hear that still, small voice, helping us be stable and pointing us to higher ground. A book that comforts the soul, the heart and the mind.