“Writing isn’t just about expressing what you think, it’s about discovering what you think, or thinking different because of your writing. And one of my great learnings in writing the articles was the degree to which if I just relied on the faith I started with and then tried to explicate it, I would have run out of things to say fairly fast. But the project of writing actually asked me to think anew and to grow in faith differently, in ways that I was not entirely anticipating.” — Mark Douglas

“I am a child of God. I am a trauma survivor, a compassionate listener, an empathic healer, an intuitive truth teller. I am a death doula, a minister to souls, a witness, and a guide: a midwife for the Holy. I walk alongside those who are suffering and afraid. I help others to discern God’s will in their own lives. I serve as a reminder of God’s presence in each moment. I am the Quaker shaman.”
~ Emma M. Churchman

While traditionalists and communitarians have accused contemporary spirituality of narcissism for decades, the emergence of corporate spirituality has prompted a new wave of cultural criticism. Is mindfulness becoming the servant of neo-liberal capitalism — a way to soothe the nerves of professionals so they can, in turn, serve the bottom line? Can spirituality do better?

Why would anyone want to remember, much less celebrate, the fact that you’re going to die?

Because it’s the truth.

– Sara Miles

“Our destiny is written in the hand.”
—Renate Hiller