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by Miranda Holden
London: Rider, 2002, p/b, 220pp, £10.00.
Reviewed by Peter L Dewey
I found this book immensely rewarding. It is the most informative
account of true spiritual direction that I have come across. I
love it because it gives just about everything a spiritual seeker
would want to know and in a beautiful clear, concise and easy
to read form. The wisdom of the ages and the instruction to seekers,
which it contains, is a marvellous introduction to the whole mystical
path. The author describes herself as a ‘feminine mystic,
practically minded and interested in what really works to transform
people’s lives for the better’. A quote and a warning
follow this: ‘Do not bother me with your visions unless they
grow corn! My aim is to de-mystify the mystical and give you real
tools’. She does that and offers a wealth of spiritual guidance
for personal and worldly problems and misunderstandings.
She is a psychologist and psychotherapist with a deep and gifted
insight into the nature and being of her clients. She uses some
of her case histories, with names disguised, to illustrate points
of common interest and advice. She herself seeks the wonderful
experience and presence of the Source of All and the ever-flowing
love that comes from it. This is the meaning of her title. Short
chapters give the very essence of the teaching that all can have
whether as followers of a religion or as open seekers of truth.
‘You don’t have to have an existing practice or faith,
although if you do this book will help you build upon it. You
are asked only to surrender. Surrender is an act of great courage,
not weakness. Surrender your fears, your expectations, your past,
your sense of self, your future, and make way for a beautiful
vision, an eternal vision. Be willing to let God’s boundless
love find you. Have no doubt that somehow it will.’
How do you do that? Read the book, little by little, day by day.
It will become a guide and a friend, a companion on all your spiritual
journeys, a reference book on how to love yourself and your neighbour
and overcome the problems of fear and separateness. It is all
there waiting to give new life to the one who wishes to receive
it. With each chapter comes a meditation and spiritual practice
that will open the heartto boundless love and givesuch strength
and support thatnothing in life will ever seem impossible again.
Miranda’s own regular spiritual practice and understanding
and her startling sincerity make the book an expression of love
itself. Once read you will never forget it. You will be an altered
person. You will constantly keep dipping into its pages to refresh
your whole being with the wisdom and joy that it expresses.
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Peter Dewey is a Minister
in the Church of England and was formerly Head of Religious Studies
at Gordonstoun School. He is Associate Director of the Interfaith
Seminary that prepares students for an Interfaith ministry in
the UK.
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© Caduceus, 2003.
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