With Ballet in My Soul


Book Description

"Autobiography of a Romanian-born American impresario, now in her 90s, whose love for ballet led her to become, for more than four decades, one of the first successful 20th century female theatrical producers of the performing arts in Asia and Europe, especially in Germany"--Provided by publisher.




Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse


Book Description

'Authority and rigour ... great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.' Andrew Graystone, theologian, broadcaster and communications consultant ‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’ The term ‘spiritual abuse’ is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it? Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence. Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible. But – how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing? Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.




Exploring the Labyrinth


Book Description

"Whoever you are, walking the labyrinth has something to offer. If a project is challenging you, walking can get your creative juices flowing. When struggling with grief or anger, or a physical challenge or illness, walking the labyrinth can point the way to healing and wholeness. If you're looking for a way to meditate or pray that engages your body as well as your soul, the labyrinth provides such a path. When you just want reflective time away from a busy life, the labyrinth can offer you time out. The labyrinth holds up a mirror, reflecting back to us not only the light of our finest selves, but also whatever restrains us from shining forth." --From the Introduction Join Melissa Gayle West and thousands of others who are turning to labyrinth walking for quiet meditation and spiritual healing. Exploring the Labyrinth blends the timeless wisdom and meaning derived from labyrinths along with practical advice, divided among three sections: What is a labyrinth and why does it have such astonishing contemporary appeal? You'll be introduced to walking and working with this ancient archetype. Learn to construct a temporary or permanent, indoor or outdoor labyrinth from rocks, rope, canvas, and a wide variety of other materials. Discover specific ways to use the labyrinth for rituals, meaningful celebrations, spiritual growth, healing work, creativity enhancement, and goal setting. With practical advice, spiritual wisdom, and helpful resources, Exploring the Labyrinth is the complete guide to this ancient, transformative tool.




At the Maze's Center


Book Description

A nightmare he cannot escape… Before earning his position as a commander in the new empress's forces, Jun spent most of his life as a roaming mercenary, on the run from a past that holds his heart hostage. So when rumors of lust-eating demons emerge from the land of his youth, he embarks on a mission for redemption, only to find himself face to face with a woman he thought long dead—a woman who hasn't aged in twenty years. A curse she can't break… Magic has only ever betrayed Mikari, turning her own heart against her. Unable to trust herself or the true motives of the only man she's ever loved, Mikari knows the best way to protect them both is to push him away, lest he discover how broken she is beneath her jaded façade. An evil only they can face… But when Mikari and Jun are attacked and forced to spend the winter in the highlands of Gozu, they discover something far more sinister than demons may be behind the evil that surrounds them. And Mikari's curse could be the key to vanquishing it… ♥♥♥ At the Maze's Center is a full-length "dark lite" fantasy romance featuring demons, magic battles, and a steamy second-chance romance between two long-lost lovers who tragically reunite as enemies. If you like angsty slow burns, forced proximity, loads of spice, and a grumpy/sunshine vibe, you'll love At the Maze's Center!




Soulscapes: A Journey of the Soul


Book Description

Discover the Symphony of the Soul in "Soulscapes" Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the landscapes of the soul with "Soulscapes," a captivating collection of poetry that maps the profound territories of the human spirit. Guided by the reflective wisdom of William Gomes, this anthology is a pilgrimage through the essence of existence, offering a dialogue between the human and the divine. Inspired by the contemplative practices of luminaries like Thomas Merton, each poem is a step on the path toward deeper understanding and connection. Who Will Benefit: "Soulscapes" is crafted for seekers of truth, lovers of poetry, and anyone yearning for a deeper connection with themselves and the universe. It speaks to those who find sanctuary in silence, strength in introspection, and illumination in the whispers of the divine. Ideal for contemplatives, spiritual explorers, and readers seeking solace in the profound, this collection offers a compass for navigating the complexities of existence with grace. What’s Inside: Each verse serves as a beacon, illuminating the soul's journey through doubt, hope, and the quietude of spiritual retreat. With imagery that spans from the chaos of daily life to the serene embrace of meditation, William Gomes invites readers into a sacred dialogue with the transcendent. "Soulscapes" is an odyssey that transcends the mundane, revealing the luminescent presence of the divine in the tapestry of silence. How to Engage: Perfect for moments of reflection or deep meditation, "Soulscapes" encourages a dive into the transformative power of poetry. It's an essential companion for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice, offering insights and inspiration for a journey inward. Whether as a personal guide, a tool for contemplation, or a meaningful gift, this collection is a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be discovered. Intended Readers: Welcoming mystics, poets, dreamers, and anyone navigating the labyrinth of self-discovery, "Soulscapes" appeals to all who are moved by the beauty of the written word and the profound quest for meaning. It resonates with those on a spiritual journey, offering reflections, inspirations, and an invitation to explore the sacred spaces within and around us. Why Read This Book: "Soulscapes" opens doors to the understanding of silence as the language of the divine, inviting readers on an exploration of the beauty, depth, and resilience found in the quiet corners of the soul. Join William Gomes in uncovering the sublime, finding solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of connection in the pursuit of the divine. Step into the journey with "Soulscapes," where each verse is a step closer to the heart of the divine, unfolding stories of enlightenment, grace, and the eternal dance between the soul and the sacred.




Praying the Labyrinth:


Book Description

"Praying the Labyrinth" is a journal that leads readers into a spiritual exercise of self-discovery through a labyrinth, including scripture selections, journaling questions, and poetry, with generous space for personal reflection. It is unique and is the perfect introduction for those preparing for their first journey through the labyrinth as well as a helpful meditative resource for seasoned labyrinth users who seek to bring new and deeper meaning to their spiritual lives.




Healing with Art and Soul


Book Description

This fascinating collection of essays contains a variety of perspectives about the use of expressive arts for facilitating physical and emotional healing. Each author within brings a fresh approach and unique experiences to their writing. Within these pages, you will find many ideas for the use of the arts and can learn how to engage the inner layers of the self that allow natural healing processes of the body and soul to flourish. When we fully engage an art modality, we find ourselves in a place in our consciousness that could be called 'healingspace,' where we feel ourselves whole and re-member ourselves as well. From psychic trauma to physical illness, dis-ease of many kinds may be addressed through the various techniques discussed here. The tools offered by some authors are population specific and age appropriate, while several authors have given us the philosophical underpinnings for it all. While the authors within represent the grassroots voices of this new and rapidly expanding field, several of them have developed their own methods for using the arts, and have thriving practices. Our approach is wholistic. Music, visual arts, movement, dance, and poetry are discussed as separate modalities and in combination with one another in a process or flow. The reader will engage in our experiences with these modalities as they have been lived. The complementary CD that accompanies this book will allows the listener to have a full sound experience of toning. If a rationale is needed for establishing arts programs in medical centers or other health facilities, it can be found here. The book offers tools for self development and for group facilitation. Those wanting to expand their healing practice through the use of the arts will find the book to be a faithful guide. Anyone wishing for a fuller understanding of how the arts may work to facilitate healing will find much food for thought within these pages.




Soul of Stars


Book Description

The highly anticipated sequel to Heart of Iron, Soul of Stars is a thrilling sci-fi adventure packed with romance, shocking twists, and witty banter, perfect for fans of Six of Crows and Cinder. Once Ana was an orphaned space outlaw. Then she was the Empress of the Iron Kingdom. Now, thought dead by most of the galaxy after she escaped from the dark AI program called the HIVE, Ana is desperate for a way to save Di from the HIVE’s evil clutches and take back her kingdom. Ana’s only option is to find Starbright, the one person who hacked into the HIVE and lived to tell the tale. But when Ana’s desperation costs the crew of the Dossier a terrible price, Ana and her friends are sent spiraling through the most perilous reaches of the Iron Kingdom to stop the true arbiter of evil in her world: an ancient world-ending deity called the Great Dark. Their journey will take their sharp-witted pilot, Jax, to the home he never wanted to return to and the dangerous fate he left behind. And when Robb finds out who Jax really is, he must contend with his own feelings for the boy he barely knows, and question whether he truly belongs with this group of outcasts. When facing the worst odds, can Ana and her crew of misfits find a way to stop the Great Dark once and for all?




The Sistine Chapel: a Study in Celestial Cartography


Book Description

GODS MISSIVE TO THE SOUL THE SISTINE CHAPEL: A Study in Celestial Cartography is a highly mystical and contemplative inquiry into The Mysteries and Esoteric Teachings of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Churchs only onus in the world is to re-articulate the sacred scriptures esoterically into as many artistic venues as possible. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis of the symbolic and esoteric patterns codified to the Judeao Christian Scriptures, the landscape of Jerusalem, Chartres Cathedral (stone and glass), Dante Alighieris La Divina Commedia (pen and ink), the Sistine Chapel (mosaics, paint and wet plaster) and Saint Peters Basilica (marble) the reader can determine for him or herself the efficacy of the esoteric science, which hails from the dawn of the time/space continuum as a direct missive from God. The author discovered a relatively simple and yet extremely sophisticated mathematical and grammatical system of thought in ancient literature: the integration of the Seven Liberal Arts. Antiquity developed this esoteric science inherent in the soul/psyche to codify the Word of God esoterically into the worlds sacred literature. Each letter of the worlds sacred literature is symbolized and alphanumerically structured, which makes the interpretation of each word far more important than the sum of its letters. The Holy Writ: i.e. the worlds religious literature is an encyclopedic library of knowledge relating wholly to the soul/psyche. There is no purpose for esotericisms existence other than for God to have a one-on-one relationship with the soul/psyche. Why is the soul/psyche seemingly in the world? How did the soul/psyche come to its present state of existence? What can the soul/psyche do to extricate itself from its plight when the dynamic forces of the world become too oppressive for it to bear?




Mazes and Labyrinths


Book Description

Mazes and Labyrinths is a look into the origin and mystery of mazes. From ancient stone carvings, Minoan palaces to today's hedge-maze, Matthews chronicles the history of the maze. With over 140 illustrations.