Meditations for Misfits offers a new look at familiar passages of the Bible; each of the insightful weekly readings uses Scripture, a quote or excerpt, and a prayer to underscore the intrinsic value and uniqueness of misfits. This fresh approach to understanding the spiritual journey offers an awareness of God's activity in each life, a new vision for life in the community of faith, and the hope for greater self-acceptance.
"Meditation for Misfits" is not your average meditation guide. This book is for those who have tried to sit still and clear their minds only to be met with frustration and a wandering mind that won't cooperate. Instead of forcing yourself into a traditional mold that doesn't fit, this book invites you to explore unconventional methods of meditation that align with who you truly are. Whether it's through movement, music, the natural environment, or even the chaos of everyday life, "Meditation for Misfits" offers a wide range of alternative practices that prove there's no one-size-fits-all path to inner peace. Delivered with intelligent dark humor and a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, this book doesn't just tell you how to meditate-it shows you how to make it work for you. It's for the rebels, the nonconformists, and anyone who has ever felt out of place in the world of traditional wellness. "Meditation for Misfits" is here to uplift, motivate, and empower you to take action in your own unique way, proving that enlightenment is not a destination, but a journey that looks different for everyone.
Who is a Gifted Misfit? In the words of the 14th century spiritual classic, The Cloud of Unknowing, A[a¬A]our LordA[a¬A]will vouch safe to work this work in them that have been accustomed sinners, than in some others that never grieved Him greatlyA[a¬A]Recovery Meditation for Gifted Misfits is for everyone, especially those who identify with the term as it is interpreted by the commentary from the Cloud of Unknowing. It is intended especially for those who have experienced the miracle of recovery from addictive behaviors through the spirituality of the twelve step movement.In time, the practice of twelve step spirituality on the road of happy destiny can bring one to a deepening awareness threshold where more shall be revealed. Recovery Meditation provides a journal writing based practice of insight, expressive/letting go, and concentrative meditation methods that can extend and deepen the experience of twelve step spirituality.
This is a manual for meditation and contemplation practice to extend and deepen the Twelve Step spiritual pathway for all, especially those in the recovery movements. Its methods and spiritual tools are drawn from the great spiritual traditions. Intended for individuals and group workshops, may it assist those who utilize its spiritual tools as they journey on "the road of happy destiny where "more shall be revealed".
"In a sense, of course, all believers are strangers in a strange land— some, as they say, are just stranger than others. That would be my friends and me." Like Marcia Ford, most of us have felt, at one time or another, as if we are on a different wavelength from the rest of the world. Try as we might, we don't fit in— not in society and certainly not in the church. Despite our best efforts at camouflage, despite our hopes that we may finally have found a group of kindred believers, people still look at us funny. But if we stop to think about it, we're not in bad company. After all, Jesus was something of a misfit in His day, too. In this funny, fresh, and frank memoir, Marcia Ford chronicles her spiritual journey as a self-proclaimed misfit, telling the engaging story of one woman's efforts to fit into both society and the Christian church. Candid about her shortcomings and her sneaking suspicion that she may really be a square peg in a round hole, Marcia discovers that it is precisely because of her uniqueness that she is able to claim God's abundant grace and come to experience God more fully.
Discover the freedom and joy that come when you open your heart to Hope This practical guide gives you the inspiration, encouragement and practices you need to cultivate a hopeful spirit and thus live a more fulfilling and joyful life. Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, Marcia Ford helps you recognize—or develop—your own personal images of hope and create a place where you can go to see the many evidences of hope in your life any time despair seeps in. She provides important learning tools that you can apply to everyday life experiences, inspiring personal stories of hope from the famous and not-so-famous and realistic exercises for creating the overall balance and peace you look to achieve in living your life connected to God. Drawing from Christian and Hebrew scripture and the wisdom of spiritual teachers from all traditions, Ford helps you realize that we all can receive a gift of hope and grace from the Divine—we just need to be open to accept it. Topics include: Dealing with Disappointment It’s Not Wishful Thinking Impossible Situations Recovering from Loss Hope amid Suffering Overcoming Hopelessness Real and Imagined Threats The Heart of Healing Cultivating a Hopeful Spirit Freedom’s Fascinating Power And more ...
