Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People Hot

Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People
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Format
Number Of Pages, Discs, Etc.
242
Publisher
Date Published
November 13, 2012
ISBN-10
1936740184
ISBN-13
9781936740185
ASIN
1936740184
Pulling a raisin out of a two-year-old’s nose probably wasn’t on Buddha’s path toward enlightenment, but it was one of the obstacles for author Polly Campbell. For many, stuck raisins and other real-life moments provide sometimes the only opportunity for spiritual growth in a day. Imperfect Spirituality shows readers how to integrate those every-day moments with traditional spiritual techniques to experience personal growth and greater well-being all in the course of your regular routine. Any activity can be transformed into a spiritual practice. Don’t have a half-hour to meditate? Can't drop everything à la Elizabeth Gilbert and trek to Italy or India? Do a mini-meditation while stopped at a red light. Working to be mindful and present? Start by brushing your teeth.

Imperfect Spirituality is filled with practical tips and dozens of examples like these, as well as anecdotes from real people who are striving to grow both spiritually and personally. Each chapter features fascinating research about how the mind body spirit connection really works as well as illuminating quotes, and informative, easy-to-do takeaways from leading-edge academic and spiritual experts who both study and practice the techniques explored in the book.

Editor reviews

 
Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People 2012-08-14 18:56:25 Julie Clayton
Overall rating 
 
5.0
Style 
 
5.0
Content 
 
5.0
Consciousness 
 
5.0
Julie Clayton Reviewed by Julie Clayton    August 14, 2012
#1 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews

If you have ever thought that a true spiritual practice would mean retreating to a Tibetan monastery or an Indian ashram, author Polly Campbell invites you to find a path to wisdom in everyday life. The lighthearted and candid narrative in this book takes readers into the heart of the matter: living brings imperfect moments, and these moments provide rich opportunity for integrating traditional spiritual techniques into the “flaws” that characterize daily life (such as discovering peas up your child’s nose, or snapping at your loved one). Campbell calls this “choosing a path of imperfection, [which] connects you more deeply with yourself and fills those chaotic, confusing, and stressful moments with possibility and meaning.” The starting point for this path is when we stop trying to hide our flaws and instead “pay attention to what’s going on: to what’s working and what’s not.”

The real life stories included from other “ordinary” spiritual seekers are compelling, and Campbell seamlessly brings in leading edge research and quotes from spiritual and academic experts, to illuminate a path of “imperfect spirituality.” In addition, she peppers her easy writing style with a plethora of practical tips for turning ordinary moments into spiritual growth opportunities, many of which can be squeezed in while brushing your teeth or unloading the dishwasher. Imperfect Spirituality is a clear and affable spiritual guide “for the rest of us.”

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Overall rating 
 
4.7
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5.0  (1)
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5.0  (1)
Consciousness 
 
4.0  (1)
 
Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People 2012-07-02 18:59:42 Lamisha Serf
Overall rating 
 
4.7
Style 
 
5.0
Content 
 
5.0
Consciousness 
 
4.0
Lamisha Serf Reviewed by Lamisha Serf    July 02, 2012
Top 10 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews

Sometimes the concept of spirituality brings to mind a structured practice of meditation, yoga, study, and prayer. Imperfect Spirituality is a book that reminds us you don’t have to be a Buddhist monk to be spiritual. You can, in fact, be who you are with all of your imperfections and incorporate spirituality into your everyday life. This book is a practical guide to spiritual practice for ordinary people. Author Polly Campbell takes readers on a journey of self-discovery to identify ways they can practice self compassion, release resistance, and embrace their imperfections in order to live a more enlightened, happy life. Through useful exercises such as; meditation, journaling, expressing gratitude and mindfulness, as well as her own personal stories, she invites readers to make small changes in order to increase their connection with Spirit. Polly emphasizes that even in the midst of chaos, life presents us with ample opportunities to practice with compassion, understanding and joy; and if we don’t get it right the first time, we can always begin again.

I really enjoyed this book, and my favorite part was the concept of embracing our imperfections and still leading a joyful, compassionate and spiritual life. Many times we get so caught up in the need to be “perfect” that we fail to realize our imperfections make us who we are; amazingly unique spiritual beings experiencing the journey of life. Thank you Polly for reminding us that our imperfections are what enhances our connection with Spirit.

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