Holy Year: Meditative Contemplations of Seasons and Festivals

This book explores how to engage with the changing moods of the year through thoughts and meditations, offering spiritual signposts and devotions to deepen insight and stimulate religious celebrations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2019
Publisher: Floris Books

In our fast-paced, everyday lives, the time of day and even the seasons can blend together, distancing us from the natural world and the spiritual rhythms that govern our existence. This book offers a visionary and practical exploration of thoughts and meditations that can help us reconnect with the changing moods of the year. Rittelmeyer's descriptive sketches of Christian festivals and subjects from the New Testament serve as helpful spiritual signposts on our journey through the seasons. The meditations provided in this book can be used as devotions to deepen our own insight and stimulate creative and meaningful religious celebrations.

The author encourages us to embrace the cyclical nature of the year and to recognize the profound connections between our physical environment and our spiritual well-being. By engaging with the seasons and the changing moods of the year, we can cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and harmony with the world around us.

The book is organized into four sections, each corresponding to a different season of the year. In the spring, Rittelmeyer offers meditations on themes such as renewal, growth, and new beginnings. He encourages us to embrace the warmth and vitality of the season and to use it as an opportunity to shed old habits and embrace new possibilities.

In the summer, the author focuses on the themes of abundance, joy, and relaxation. He encourages us to enjoy the long days and the bright sunshine and to use it as a time to connect with nature and with loved ones. The meditations in this section are designed to help us release stress and tension and to find inner peace and tranquility.

In the fall, Rittelmeyer explores the themes of transformation, introspection, and gratitude. He encourages us to embrace the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures of the season and to use it as a time to reflect on our past experiences and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the gifts that life has bestowed upon us.

In the winter, the author focuses on the themes of rest, reflection, and renewal. He encourages us to slow down and to take the time to nurture our bodies and minds through practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. The meditations in this section are designed to help us find inner peace and stability during the darkest and coldest months of the year.

Throughout the book, Rittelmeyer offers practical tips and techniques for incorporating the meditations into our daily lives. He suggests creating a sacred space in our homes or workplaces where we can practice the meditations and connect with the natural world. He also provides suggestions for incorporating the meditations into religious celebrations and rituals, such as Christmas, Easter, and other holidays.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who seeks to deepen their connection with the natural world and with their spiritual selves. The meditations offered in this book are designed to help us engage with the changing moods of the year and to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and harmony with the world around us. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of meditation or someone who is just beginning their journey, this book will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to embark on a transformative journey through the seasons.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 210 x 136 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782505525