The classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit, tells the story of a stuffed rabbit that is loved so much by a little boy that it becomes “real”. If books went through the same process, one of the “real” books on my bookshelf would be Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. As its well-worn cover can attest, I reach for this book often.
I recently discovered (by happenstance ) the Brussat’s website, Spirituality and Practice. It is probably a sign of my lack of complete internet immersion that I have never thought to search for a website related to one of my favorite books. Now that I have discovered this website (and bookmarked it), I anticipate visiting frequently. (Can websites become “real”?) There is a wealth of information here.
The premise behind Spiritual Literacy and Spirituality and Practice is that we encounter the sacred daily. The Brussats have developed a “spiritual alphabet”, thirty-seven spiritual practices drawn from the world’s religions which encourage each one of us to recognize the spirituality that is already present in our lives. From Attention, Beauty and Being present to X- the mystery, Yearning, You and Zeal, you will find suggestions, resources and exercises to help you tune in to each spiritual practice. I recommend taking the self-test that will recommend a spiritual practice for you to begin with. Or take a look at the Spiritual Prescriptions Chart to get an overview of all of the practices.
The Spirituality and Practice website also contains an abundance of recommendations for books, films, DVDs, audios and music. If you are looking for something to read, listen to or watch, look here!
There is so much information here that it would be easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to begin. My suggestion is that you explore Spirituality and Practice the way that I read Spiritual Literacy, by grazing. Take in small amounts at a time, but visit frequently.
~Sally Hoelscher