A year long read of journal entries from a Dutch priest and professor as he experiences a dark night of the soul. You be hard pressed not to recognize yourself in at least one of the journal entries, and more likely will recognize much in yourself over the journey. His experiences help to focus the spirit in anguish to a new understanding of faith and spiritual being.

Highly recommended!!!!!
5 bones!!!!! ( )

I've been meaning for some time to read Henri Nouwen, a Christian writer I've always associated with profound spirituality, intelligence and wisdom. This book might have been a weird one to start with, but it does make me want to read more of his work. It's a journal he kept during one of the lowest periods of his life.

"Within me there was one long scream coming from a place I didn't know existed, a place full of demons."

It was written for his eyes only, short entries he calls "spiritual imperatives" that he wrote after therapy sessions. The journal was not published until years later when friends convinced him to share it.
I read a few of these "imperatives" each day, highlighted a lot, but in searching my notes, I don't know how much I can share that will make sense out of context. I did like this way of thinking about suffering.

...real healing comes from realizing that your own particular pain is a share in humanity's pain.

And I liked what he said in his conclusion.

There is hardly a day without some dark clouds drifting by. But today I recognize them for what they are without putting my head in them!

I saw a bit of overlap in ideas with Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart, which I read earlier this year, and I found that interesting. This is definitely from a Christian point of view, and some segments resonate more than others, because he was also writing from the perspective of a spiritual leader.
I'm glad I read it, and that it's in my kindle library so I can revisit my notes. ( )

Though a few of the entries really hit home with me, and I can appreciate the deeply personal struggles represented by Nouwen's journals, I couldn't relate to most of them. Maybe if I read this at another time in my life, I might like it more. Other than reading quotations by other authors (which I have often thought profound), this is my first exposure to Nouwen. Maybe this was a bad place to start. ( )

A very profound book but a difficult read. A nun-friend recommended this book when I was in one of my difficult periods in my life. And it indeed gave me comfort and brought light to my own darkness. It is to be read by bits; choosing the topic that can respond to your particular need so as to let Nouwen's writing relate well with your own journey in your spiritual life. ( )

an absolutely wonderful book that should be read by anyone going through hard times!
It changed my life! ( )