Unclouded by Longing
Meditations on Autism and Being Present in an Overwhelming World
Published on 21. April 2017
Book
Paperback/Softback
168 pages
978-1-78592-122-3 (ISBN)
Description
Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing.'
Lao-Tzu (poet and philosopher)
In this collection of short, contemplative, enlightening reflections, spiritual teacher and Quaker Christopher Goodchild, inspired by his own experiences, guides you through his spiritual and philosophical journey to his truest and most peaceful self. Written from a 'soul' perspective, the book reveals how, by looking beyond vulnerability to see innate strength, and searching beyond pain and turmoil to find peace and serenity, anyone can affirm their true humanity despite the hardships and distractions of modern life.
Christopher's compassionate route through difficulties, doubt, grief and fear is marked with dynamic tenderness and an artful embrace of abundant sources of wisdom. Spirituality, psychology and philosophy are seamlessly woven together in an inclusive Quaker context, led by the common values of love and forgiveness.
In a world increasingly weighed down with the baggage of the self, this book will speak to anyone searching for a more clear-sighted, meaningful presence in the eternal universe.
Lao-Tzu (poet and philosopher)
In this collection of short, contemplative, enlightening reflections, spiritual teacher and Quaker Christopher Goodchild, inspired by his own experiences, guides you through his spiritual and philosophical journey to his truest and most peaceful self. Written from a 'soul' perspective, the book reveals how, by looking beyond vulnerability to see innate strength, and searching beyond pain and turmoil to find peace and serenity, anyone can affirm their true humanity despite the hardships and distractions of modern life.
Christopher's compassionate route through difficulties, doubt, grief and fear is marked with dynamic tenderness and an artful embrace of abundant sources of wisdom. Spirituality, psychology and philosophy are seamlessly woven together in an inclusive Quaker context, led by the common values of love and forgiveness.
In a world increasingly weighed down with the baggage of the self, this book will speak to anyone searching for a more clear-sighted, meaningful presence in the eternal universe.
Reviews / Votes
With a wisdom honed by transformative pain, Christopher Goodchild invites us to suffuse our lives with a spacious consciousness from which to engage with what is. A moving, beautiful and profoundly truthful book. -- Jennifer Kavanagh, author of 'The World is our Cloister' and 'A Little Book of Unknowing'More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
10
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
151 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78592-122-3 (9781785921223)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Christopher Goodchild
Unclouded by Longing
Meditations on Autism and Being Present in an Overwhelming World
E-Book
04/2017
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
€15.99
Available for download
Persons
Christopher Goodchild is a Spiritual teacher and Quaker at the Westminster Meeting. He was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of 40, and is now an Ambassador for the National Autistic Society.
Content
Introduction. 1. Unclouded By Longing. 2. Befriending Your Black Dog. 3. Healing The Wounds Of Separation. 4. The World As A Stage. 5. The Sorrowful Price Of Freedom. 6. The Second Arrow. 7. The Heart As A Lonely Hunter. 8. To Love What Is. 9. The Light Behind The Watcher. 10. Allowing Your Body To Speak Its Mind. 11. Life As A Painful Gift. 12. The Light Dressed Up As 'Self' And 'Other'. 13. What Desire Are You Using To Give Up Desire? 14. 'Being' In Uncertainty. 15. Dancing With Fear. 16. Whisper "Yes". 17. Waiting In The Light. 18. Quaker Meeting For Worship. 19. Autism As A Flower. 20. The Mystery Of Prayer. 21. Divine Play Of Father And Son. 22. Coming Home To 'Being'. 23. The Quaker Way. 24. Entrusting Yourself To The Waves. 25. The Shadowlands. 26. The Infinite Sky Within. 27. Autism And Spirituality. 28. Eating Poppies With The Dead. 29. The Ocean And The Waves. 30. The Mountain Of Truth. 31. What Is It You Truly Long For? 32. The Gift Of Not Knowing. 33. A Doorway Into Truth.34. 'Being' En Route. 35. A Wounded Tree Still Blossoms. 36. The Sacred Heart Of Jesus. 37. Autism... It's Not What You Think. 38. Nothing Special. 39. There Is Nothing New. 40. Laughter As A Doorway. 41. Being An Elder. 42. Dropping Your Anchor. 43. Allowing Messiness. 44. It's All An Open Secret. 45. Eternally Grateful. 46. Spiritual Bypassing. 47. The Seeker. 48. Autism As An Awakening. 49. ...And Then The Blackbird Sings. 50. Dancing With The Elephant In The Room. 51. The Life That Never Ends. 52. It's All Perfect. 53. Sweet Etty Hillesum. 54. Giving In But Not Giving Up. 55. You Are The Music. 56. Thought For The Day. 57. Going Underground. 58. Using Your Stories Up. 59. The Play Of Darkness And Light. 60. The End Of Words.