Mia risked everything to walk away from a gilded cage in Sector Two, but grasping at freedom was only her first trial. With no protection in the sectors, every day is a struggle to stay alive. Her best hope now is a job working for the most dangerous gang in Sector Four--the O’Kanes. When a motorcycle accident leaves Derek Ford riding a desk at the O'Kane compound, the last thing he needs is a sexy new assistant upending his office and his life. Especially someone like Mia, who greets his growls and commands with smiles and a fierce independence. The friction between them generates an undeniable heat, and Mia's stubborn refusal to let life beat her down stirs Ford's darkest protective instincts. He has the power to take care of her, protect her not only from discomfort but from threats of her past...but first he'd have to claim her. And Mia will never be kept again.
In a not-too-distant future where technology has advanced at an exponential rate, the bustling cityscape is a symphony of lights and sounds. Skyscrapers rise like towering beacons of progress, and the faces of pedestrians are illuminated by the brightness of handheld devices and augmented reality glasses. In this world, connectedness has become an essential component of daily life, with life seemingly moving at the speed of light. Amid this beautiful urban tapestry stands James Mercer, a man wrapped in the shadows of his own seclusion. His apartment, located in the heart of the city, exudes an air of calm and disconnection. The bright glow of the outside world is subdued by heavy drapes, casting a somber light over his living space. Faded photographs of a younger, happier James surrounded by friends adorn the walls, relics of a past filled with genuine connections and dreams. Once a dreamer with aspirations of greatness, James has been worn down by life's unpredictable twists and turns. Setbacks and missed opportunities have eroded his confidence, leaving him in a monotonous routine that has replaced the vividness of his dreams. As the world around him becomes increasingly interconnected, James feels his own connections fading. Friends have scattered, and the promises of the internet often leave him feeling more isolated, replacing genuine interactions with virtual ones. James finds refuge in the gentle glow of his computer screen, navigating the digital landscape with the flicker of hope for something more profound. His job, once a stepping stone to his dreams, has become a dull routine, with colleagues remaining distant figures in the periphery of his existence. Despite the loneliness that clings to him, James yearns for genuine connections and conversations that warm his heart. As the city pulses with activity beyond his window, James feels like a relic, out of touch with the times. The constant stream of messages and notifications only amplifies his loneliness, highlighting the gap between digital personas and deeper human emotions. Standing at a crossroads between technological advancement and his own desires, James embarks on a journey that will transform his view of creation, ethics, and the complex dance between humanity and technology. "A Journey Beyond Solitude" is a poignant exploration of isolation in the digital age and the search for meaningful connections. It is a tale of rediscovery, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection in a world dominated by technology. Follow James Mercer as he navigates this intricate landscape, forging a bond that transcends the limits of code and consciousness, reigniting a spark of hope and purpose in his soul.
Beyond Loneliness and Institutions is about experimental villages for extraordinary people--these villages are communal, operate on a shared economy, reconstruct ancient social and cultural forms, and provide room for people with a rich variety of eccentric behaviors. Many people whom the sate classificatory systems label as deficient live together in these experimental villages; they share housing, meals, work, and cultural life. There are no individual salaries, no staff, and no clients. And these communes are neither institutions nor ordinary. They are places for the extraordinary. Nils Christie interacted with experimental villages for twenty years before writing Beyond Loneliness and Institutions. During these twenty years, he moved back and forth between the villages and ordinary society. Each move, each time, was both a cultural and an emotional shock. He experienced two types of life, each with its own reason for life. Their differences do, however, illuminate each other. Beyond Loneliness and Institutions attempts to describe what this illumination renders visible--on both sides.
Growing up as an Indian American immigrant in white Southern culture, Prasanta Verma unpacks the exhausting effects of cultural isolation and marginalization as well as the longing to belong and the hope of finding safe friendships in community. Our places of exile can become places of belonging–to ourselves, to others, and to God.
Much of our faith and practice is about words—preaching, teaching, talking with others. Yet all of these words are not enough to take us into the real presence of God. This book is an invitation to meet God deeply and fully through solitude and silence. This expanded edition includes a guide for groups to use for both discussion and practice.
Embark on an enchanting journey with “Beyond Horizons: Verses of Adventure,” a mesmerizing poetry collection that captures the essence of wanderlust and the thrill of exploration. Within the pages of this evocative anthology, readers will discover 100 poems that traverse the landscapes of travel, unveiling the beauty and excitement that lie beyond the familiar horizons. Through lyrical prose and vivid imagery, each poem paints a tapestry of destinations – from bustling cities to serene natural wonders – inviting readers to join the poet on a quest for self-discovery and awe-inspiring encounters. The verses resonate with the universal longing for adventure, offering a poetic passport to unexplored territories and a celebration of the transformative power of the journey. “Beyond Horizons” is more than a collection of poems; it is a symphony of emotions that delves into the connections between traveler and terrain, exploring the profound impact of exploration on the soul. As readers traverse the poetic landscapes, they will find themselves amidst the hustle of foreign streets, beneath starlit skies, and atop majestic peaks. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or an armchair adventurer, “Beyond Horizons: Verses of Adventure” invites you to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary and to embrace the spirit of adventure that resides within us all. Let these verses be your guide as you navigate the uncharted realms of the heart and find inspiration in the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to explore
You are not alone. Larry Yeagley takes you beyond the pat answers and clichés so often offered to the lonely and provides real ways to build a meaningful life and satisfying relationships. You will learn how to use your loneliness as a tool to create positive new experiences and exciting personal growth. "How to Get Beyond Loneliness" will help you: Understand the Causes of Loneliness; Find Solutions and Put Them Into Action; Break Alienation with God, Self, and Others; Learn to Enjoy Creative Solitude; Bridge Expectations and Reality; Lessen Loneliness in Adolescents and the Elderly; Combat Loneliness in Marriage and Divorce; Follow Jesus' Example for Dealing with Loneliness.
Dive into the enchanting world of "Beyond the Words," an anthology that beautifully weaves together the vibrant threads of poetry and storytelling from writers hailing from every corner of India. With eloquent prose and poignant verse, this collection transports readers on a literary journey that transcends boundaries, cultures, and languages. This anthology isn't just a collection of literary pieces; it's a celebration of India's soul. "Beyond the Words" mirrors the tapestry of a nation that finds unity in its diversity. As readers turn each page, they will encounter the symphony of languages, the kaleidoscope of cultures, and the panorama of emotions that define this incredible land. The poets' verses will tug at heartstrings, resonating with universal emotions, while the storytellers' narratives will transport readers to distant landscapes, immersing them in the heartbeat of India's myriad experiences. Immerse yourself in the eloquence of "Beyond the Words," where every poem is a brushstroke on the canvas of emotions, and every story is a window into the multifaceted tapestry of India. Open the pages and embark on a journey that's as enlightening as it is heartwarming, a journey that transcends words and touches the very essence of what it means to be human.
To varying degrees, loneliness has us all in its grip. In this incisive and controversial book, Richard Stivers rejects the recent emphasis on genetic explanations of psychological problems, arguing that the very organization of technological societies is behind the pervasive experience of loneliness. The extreme rationality that governs our institutions and organizations results in abstract and impersonal relationships in much of daily life. Moreover, as common meaning is gradually eroded, our connections to others become vague and tenuous. Our ensuing fear and loneliness, however, can be masked by an outgoing, extroverted personality. In its extreme form, loneliness assumes pathological dimensions in neurosis and schizophrenia. Stivers maintains that even here the causes remain social. The various forms of neuroses and psychoses follow the key contradictions of a technological society. For instance, narcissism and depression reflect the tension between power and meaninglessness that characterizes modern societies. Stivers demonstrates that there is a continuum from the normal "technological personality" through the various neuroses to full-blown schizophrenia. He argues that all forms of loneliness emanate from the same cause; they likewise share a common dynamic despite their differences. Loneliness, in its many manifestations, seems to be the price we must pay for living in the modern world. Yet nurturing family, friend, and community ties can mitigate its culturally and psychologically disorganizing power. This book is a clarion call for a renewal of moral awareness and custom to combat the fragmentation and depersonalization of our technological civilization.
