This book is so beautiful, it takes me much longer to read it. Thought-provoking and contemplative, it offers healing to those searching for something more than art. ( )

A great book with lots of good contemplative moments. I'm not usually a fan of this kind of in-warding thinking contemplation but this one really connected. Will go back again and again. ( )

This is a twelve-week program designed to help you explore how a contemplative spiritual life can both inform and be strengthened by expressing yourself creatively. Paintner, a Benedictine oblate, has modeled this program on the Rule of St. Benedict. Although I'm sure that someone who is familiar with the Rule will get more out of this book, Paintner has written a book that can be used and appreciated by an interfaith audience. For each week, Paintner explores a different aspect of the Rule and links it to exercises to develop one's creativity. After each topic, she discusses some contemplative exercises linked to the theme of the week, usually centered on lectio divina and questions for reflection. These are followed by a guided meditation and exercises for exploring the week's them visually and sometimes through writing.

I enjoyed this book, although I've only read it, not tried to put the program into practice. It did come across as a little generic at points, but that might be expected of a book that is meant to be used with all sorts of artistic expression. I don't think this book can teach you the Rule in much depth, but it did pique my curiosity to learn more about it. I think this would be a good book for people interested in trying to integrate their spirituality and their creativity. ( )