Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life Hardcover – Deckle Edge, April 25, 2017

I first read this as a library book. It is one of the very few books that I will read over again and again. It is one that is well worth studying.

I have given this title as a gift. I am not Catholic, or particularly “religious” but I love Joan and get a lot out of her teaching.

Stick with it. The first third of each chapter can be rough for the world we live in / how we live today in the West. BUT the next 2 sections are gold. I agree with and am challenged by her insights. FWIW - I truly think people of multiple faiths could really benefit once they get to the last 2/3 of each section. In addition to the 3 Abrahamic faiths, I see echoes of Buddhism..... full disclosure I’m Protestant & have benefited from this Catholic nun’s insights

Sr. Joan’s work on humility is a great reflection on a topic that seems antithetical in today’s world. Carefully guiding the reader from fear and doubt to understanding that humility opens us to a full life, lived well, in community.

I could hardly put this book down! I read the entire thing in about a week, which is saying something since I have four little kids running around and very little time to read. I love the personal stories that Sr. Joan shares in each chapter. She does a great job of painting a mental image of life in a monastery. I also found her modern day translations and explanations of each step to be incredibly helpful. As a novice oblate I will definitely be reading this book again!

In this work I have discovered the convergence of Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality.Better yet, I have more clarity about littleness, about standing tall and remaining small.I am encouraged to sit still in the midst of drama. Give it over. Trust. Take courage. This work of attaining humility is not for sissies.

Joan Chittister has put good use of the language to lay thread bare the essentials of a spiritual way of living. This book makes us introspect and delve into our deepest selves to take stock of our condition and improve upon ourselves towards a spirituality that may start with God but ends with all of HIS creation.

Most up to date spiritual guide for our times. Many are seeking peace and personal fulfillment , but few seek it thru radical humility . Joan chittister shows how true humility can help us to live an authentic life , free us to be ourselves , and enjoy life in a deeper , more meaningful way.

This is a wonderful exploration of Chapter 7 of the Rule of St. Benedict. It covers the 12 steps of humility. It's very well written and very profound: another Chittister classic. She writes:"In the Rule of Benedict, a small document of seventy-three short chapters on how to live a holy and loving life, humility is about understanding and realizing the truth of the self. It is how we see ourselves that determines how we see and interact with others. It is how we respond to others that determines how we fare and what we become in the human community. And it is humility that stands to set us free. Free from the ambition that drives us, from the angers that rule us, from the greed that consumes us, from the chains we have mistaken for success and superiority."

This is the first book of Sister Chittister's that I've read and I don't expect it to be my last. I enjoy her writing style, her heart for God and her desire to share the good news for how we can all live a more authentic life.12 Steps of Humility as outlined in the Rule of Benedict, all very wise and sensible for living an authentic harmonious life within yourself, other believers and also those who don't believe. Many of the steps bear similarity to the Sermon on the Mount, especially the Beatitudes and so they are well referenced.This is an easy to read book with lots of sound wisdom but I wish Sister Joan had provided some practical guidelines on how to better implement each of the steps in one's life. I felt at the end of most chapters I was asking for a 'how-to' guide on implementing the wisdom into one's life.However, I would highly recommend the book and hope to read more of the Sister's work.

Lots of things to think about. Good guidance. Made me examine my life while reading each chapter. Good direction for living a Godly life.

Love Joan Chittister

Very good.