By Linda Mercadante, Ph.D.
Many religious people think—or hope—that all those who self-identify as “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) are “seekers” looking for a spiritual home. And many non-religious people assume that SBNRs are routinely hostile to religion and probably have been hurt by it. In fact, after speaking with hundreds of SBNRs all across North America over a five-year period, I have found neither of these assumptions to be accurate or widely representative.
Photo courtesy of the author.
Instead, I have found my interviewees falling into five types. I spoke with adults from many generations and found that the types cut across all age groups. While I found that people sometimes moved from one type to another, many others stayed put. Having a set of categories like these helps us better understand this rapidly growing segment of the United States.
Here are the five types I found:
Dissenters: Dissenters largely stay away from institutional religion, whether from bad experiences or, more often, theological differences. Many of these had a religious background and either protested or simply drifted away from it. Against popular assumptions, however, this type made up a fairly small percentage of my total.
Casuals: For Casuals, religious and spiritual practices are generally approached on an “as-needed” basis and discarded or changed when no longer necessary. Spirituality is not felt to be the organizing center of their lives. Many of the “casuals”—especially younger ones—had little or no religious exposure either as children or adults. This type represented a very large percentage of my total.
Explorers: These people seem to have a spiritual “wanderlust.” Acting more like tourists, they don’t expect to settle down in any permanent spiritual home. They are different from “casuals,” however, because spirituality is a central interest for them. Thus, they are always ready to try something new. Explorers represented a modest but significant percentage and were certainly some of the more intriguing interviewees.
Seekers: Unlike the above types, these SBNRs are actually seeking a spiritual home in which to settle down. They may frequently be frustrated in the search, but they persevere. They do this because they long to belong, whether that is to God, Spirit, or a spiritually-grounded group. Against popular assumptions that every SBNR is a “seeker,” they only represented a modest percentage of the total.
Immigrants: These were interviewees who had moved to a new spiritual “land” and—like geographic immigrants—were trying to adjust, usually with some difficulty. Often they had once been “seekers.” This represented, by far, the smallest number of interviewees.
Once we understand that “spiritual but not religious” people come in different types, both religious and non-religious people will avoid the common conceptual traps that prevent us from fully seeing and appreciating this growing group. For religious people, there are two traps. First is what I call the “mea culpa” trap (“What did we do to hurt them?”). In fact, I heard very few religious “horror stories.” Clearly, religion isn’t as unilaterally repressive as some people like to think. But, in addition, fewer and fewer numbers are raised with any religious exposure at all. Thus, many interviewees had no bad experiences with religion to prevent them from considering it.
The second religious trap I call “If we build it, they will come” (“If only we fix our music, greet newcomers better, have better community, they will want to join us”). Yet for increasing numbers, religion is not a habit, but a strange world. Religious people should not expect SBNRs to show up at the sanctuary door. Instead, they will have to be encountered in other ways and places.
Non-religious people, too, need to avoid some traps. It is a mistake to assume SBNRs are generally hostile to religion. It is also misguided to assume SBNRs don’t take religious issues seriously. When I did find SBNRs who had explicit issues with organized religion, it was often a theological problem that kept them away or a sadness that, unlike others, they never quite “got it.”
Knowing the types and traps will help us take a more nuanced view towards the growing phenomenon of SBNRs. On the plus side, increasing numbers are becoming open to a variety of spiritual guides, alternatives, and even religious traditions, as they continue to nurture the spirit within. The downside, however, is that as many bring less information, heritage, or background with them on their spiritual journey, they will have to work harder to distinguish the deep spiritual wells from the shallow puddles.
Linda Mercadante is the B. Robert Straker Professor of Historical Theology at The Methodist Theological School in Ohio and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is the author of Belief without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious.
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Story Seven of the 2013 ONE series by Alexandria Barker
Through the Eyes of a Child
When a story or another person affirms ideas that you thought were only in your head, then that is a good story. More than once while reading this, I had to pause and reflect. Ms. Barker puts into words some things that made sense to me, things that I saw at work in my own life. They may seem like simple truths, but that does not make the concepts any less true. She shares a few anecdotes about her grandson and how he saw the world through the "eyes of a child". I recommend this and then challenge you to look at your world with new, young eyes.
100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Ability Specialized Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the educational and therapeutic needs of fragile children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. www.BridgeToAbility.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.Mark Miller’s One 2013 is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.In Story Seven, Alexandria Barker shares her understanding of the Law of Attraction as it applies to our spiritual being. She offers some simple explanations that she learned firsthand through her grandson. We are born into this world without an instruction manual. Alexandria has a few techniques that can help shape our energy while we’re here.
Available now on Kindle
Also look for it on Nook and Kobo
You can find all of the Authors of ONE on Facebook
The idea of One started small and grew into a year's worth of amazing, thought-provoking, inspirational stories. The resulting anthology was combined into a beautiful paperback book (not unlike Chicken Soup for the Soul, and definitely nice enough for any Doctor's office).
With that success, my publisher was nice enough to ask me to do it again. So I set out to gather another twelve authors, including myself, and start a journey into 2013.
One of the things I like best about this series is that it benefits other people instead of the author. Last year, we made a nice donation to Give Kids the World (
www.gktw.org) from author proceeds. This year, I found a group much closer to home. Bridge to Ability Specialized Learning Center (
www.bridgetoability.org) is only about a twenty minute drive from my home. The organization helps children in my community. They are small and can use our help. So please remember, every time you download this story, 100% of my author proceeds are going to a very good cause.
2013 is also going to be a bit of a family affair. My wife, Traci Miller, will be contributing a story and my father, De Miller will return, as well. Other returning authors include: Crystal Linn, Sude Khanian and Sarah Price. We will also see new stories from some other sensational authors: Murray Pura, Alexandria Barker, Janet Beasley, R Jeffries and Missy Kennedy Adams.
This will be a great, eye-opening year!
100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Ability Specialized Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the educational and therapeutic needs of fragile children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. www.BridgeToAbility.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization. Mark Miller’s One 2013 is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story One, Mark Miller welcomes you back to the series. He has a little something to say about forgiveness and finding his place in the world. Sometimes, we are exactly where we are supposed to be and not even realize it.
You are invited to visit the Authors of One, ask questions and start discussions on our official Facebook page:
You can get the 2012 paperback here:
2013 Story One: A Marvelous Net is available on Kindle for ONLY 99 Cents:
Today marks the final stepping stone in a journey started over one year ago. It is available now for ONLY 99 Cents on Kindle - http://goo.gl/GE6k1. Also on Nook, iTunes and Kobo. Keep reading to find out if it really is the end of One.
Mark Miller's One
Story Twelve
Choices
Along the way, some amazing authors contributed some very personal, exceptional stories. With Choices, I try to touch on all of it. Part review, part exploration, this story gave me a chance to thank the ten other authors who helped make One something special.
100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World, a charitable organization where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations. www.GKTW.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization. Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story Twelve, Mark Miller revisits the entire series. Choices examines some personal life-changing events. Then the author poses questions analyzing the previous eleven stories. When it comes to faith, Miller asks What If?
Don't worry though, One is not done. The series will be back in January. Several authors have already asked to come back. Plus, there will be some new additions to our family.
For now, please like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MarkMillersOne) and please get your copy of
Story Twelve: Choices today!
Words From A Clear Inner Voice by Irene Cohen, MD In 2009 I undertook a one year course of study with two teachers who created a program called the Voice for Love. This program teaches one how to hear her clear inner voice. The program consisted of meditation, writing, speaking from this voice and learning spiritual counseling. As a psychiatrist I had been interested in the connection between mind and spiritual practices for many years and found this program illuminating.
I didn’t start out to write a book. As a long-time meditator, I prefer to sit in the early morning before the day begins. This practice has always set the course of the day for me and creates the sense of peace and concentrated focus which I bring with me no matter what occurs. Although I did not start out to write a book, I found that during my meditations, when I was quiet and empty of thoughts, words began to come to me with the prompt to write them down. So I started to meditate with my netbook in my lap, sitting on a cushion. Without asking any questions or thinking of any particular subject, messages and contemplative pieces came forth. Through a melding of my mind and my own unique abilities, something greater than myself emerged. The information I wrote down was not channeled, but it was a part of me, a greater and vast part, a larger Self. In this process, during which I am fully conscious and aware, words come forth effortlessly and in a sharper, clearer way than if I were to try to explain them myself.
When my book of 100 short meditative passages was finished, I also edited it from the place of my higher self. Getting myself out of the way, with my ego’s doubts and fears, made the editing and rewriting process much easier. If I am editing from that space of higher knowing, I can think with more clarity about what I am trying to convey and in doing so, create more of what was meant to be.
But isn’t the creative process always so? We write from another place within us which feels compelled to express itself. Artists and writers have often called it inspiration. It is a blossoming of who we truly are. If we gain clarity from a quiet mind, which for me means a regular, daily meditation practice, we can all write with less effort and more ease, knowing that what we mean to say will be distinctly in our voice.
* * *
Irene A. Cohen, MD is a psychiatrist, acupuncturist and interfaith minister who has maintained an integrative practice for almost 30 years. Hay House / Balboa Press just released her first book, Soul Journey to Love: 100 Days to Inner Peace . Visit Dr. Cohen on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and blog with her at www.drirenecohen.authorsxpress.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had the opportunity to get to know Don Lubov a little better. The tenth author in the One series is a man of measured words. I think you will find his answers concise, to the point and entertaining.
Don Lubov, a Zen spiritualist and teacher, is the author of Story Ten: 1971. Get it here for ONLY 99 Cents (and remember, a portion of the author’s proceeds go to charity) – http://goo.gl/ECEzA
MM: Other than my pestering you, what inspired you to write this story?
DL: I felt it was time to share my adventure with others.
MM: And it is quite a story from a vivid time in our country’s history. Of course, I am joking about having to pester you. I will say you are one of the most professional authors with which I have worked. You seem to have a handle on the process. How long have you been writing?
DL: On and off; 41 years.
MM: You definitely have a head start on me. I’m doing some math from your story. If you were thirty in 1971, then…Well, I will say I wish I look as good in thirty or forty years. Obviously, you’ve developed some good habits in your life. Do you have any particular writing habits?
DL: I write first in pen. Pilot pens are my favorite writing instrument.
MM: I like to carry a pen and spiral notebook when I am working on a longer story. I think there is an emotion, or inspiration, in the fluid contact. Speaking of inspiration, your story left me with some insights that I could apply to my own life. Do you have anything more, maybe something not in your story, that you would like to share here?
DL: Love - the more you give it away, the more you have. And, others benefit from it. There’s nothing that can equal the good feeling of serving others.
MM: I could not agree more. Sometimes, it feels like we don’t have enough of it in this world. Working on this series, with these incredible authors, I feel like we’ve developed a connection. We have the opportunity to exponentially expand that love. I know you created your own Six-Step Path, but who are the spiritual influences that led you to these realizations of life and love?
DL: Siddartha, HuangPo, Lao-Tzu, Ralph Waldo Emerson, D.T.Suzuki, Jesus, Henry David Thoreau, Mother Theresa, Meher Baba, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., The Bible, AlbertEinstein, Ram Dass, et. al.
MM: An impressive list. What about the authors that inspired you to put your views into words?
MM: We are on the same page. You have an appreciation for the masters. I wonder what the Bard would think about our digital stories? We could meditate on that. Back on topic, here is your chance to give us some insight into the author. What can you share that is not in your back-cover bio?
DL: I am deeply and thoroughly in love with my wife…36 years and counting.
MM: I am sure your faith plays a great part in the strength of that relationship. You’ve almost tripled the time of my marriage, but I look forward to the day I can tell people that I’ve been married to my beautiful wife for 36, or 40, or 50 years. That is certainly an ongoing project. What else occupies your time?
DL: Making three videos to post on You Tube and writing for Yahoo Voices.
MM: We can be sure to put links on the One Facebook page (fb.com/MarkMillersOne) when those videos are live. Now, we cannot find Don Lubov on Facebook, but where can we find you?
MM: This is where I like to close the interview with a couple off-beat questions. First, if you could ask your Supreme Being one question, what would you ask?
DL: What more can I do to serve?
MM: That is a theme throughout your writing. But, what flavor of ice cream would you be?
DL: French-Vanilla
MM: (DL does not go on to divulge a reason) Don, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Lubov’s Wild Ride, aka 1971. It is available here for ONLY 99 Cents - http://goo.gl/ECEzA
In addition to sparking a discussion of what faith means on our one world, each author has agreed to donate a portion of his or her proceeds to charity. Please have a look at all of the stories below.
Enter the psychedelic time tunnel and hang on for an inspirational and amazing story. Zen teacher Don Lubov gives us Story Ten of the One series. It is available now from Trestle Press for ONLY 99 Cents and you can get it here: http://goo.gl/JkFJs
Mark Miller's One
Story Ten
1971
by Don Lubov
100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World, a charitable organization where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations. www.GKTW.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization. Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
In Story Ten, Don Lubov shares a wild and thought-provoking journey. A young man in 1971, the author left home on a cross-country journey that took him to some unexpected places. He did not know what he was looking for, but he found himself. This harrowing tale of self-discovery brought the author near to death and to a rebirth.
By: Mark Miller,
on 6/28/2012
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I'll admit, it has been a while since the last installment of One. The good news is that it's out now!
Story Nine takes a different turn as Ron shares some amazing poetry. His words are meditative and spiritual. Here's the back cover synopsis:
In Story Nine, poet Ron Starbuck explores the world from his Episcopalian background and through various forms of contemplative prayer. These selected poems from his first collection, Wheels Turning Inward, and from his second collection, When Angels are Born, share with the reader an expressive way to view the world. Ron has also been kind enough to include an exclusive poem that can only be found in the pages of One.
I’ve been looking forward to this edition of One for a while now. It is a pleasure to have so many talented people contributing to this series. I cannot put one of them on a pedestal ahead of any other. What I can do is single out Ron for his poetry.
It is true that we have several award-winning poets in this series, but only Ron is contributing poetry. After reading his work, I understand that it takes someone with skill and patience to communicate this level of e
By: Mark Miller,
on 2/23/2012
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Mark Miller’s One is a series about faith and beliefs. It is about our understanding of truth and how we are all connected. Every individual is part of this one earth.
With six issues published, there have been some amazing stories. The authors have shared emotionally personal details of their relationships and unexplained, almost miraculous, events. The Authors of One are as varied as our world will allow: a father, an international traveler, a professor, a teenage poet. They also consist of several best-sellers and award-winners.
What more can these authors and this series offer? Every participating author of One has decided to donate at least half or more of their proceeds to charity. That means, in addition to a thought-provoking story, when you purchase a story from the One series, you, as a reader, are doing something good too.
Each author has the option of choosing their charity, but most have agreed on an amazing group called Give Kids the World. This organization helps make dreams come true for severely and terminally ill children by giving them vacations to some of Orlando, Florida’s best attractions. As a father, I have taken my own children to places like Walt Disney World, so this was the best way I could show thanks for the great opportunities I’ve received as a writer. Please note, that none of the authors are not affiliated with Give Kids the World. We simply believe it is an important and worthy charity.
Here are links to the authors and their stories of One:
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By: Mark Miller,
on 1/25/2012
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Hopefully by now you have had a chance to read the latest story from the One series. For the Love of All is written by a best-selling, award-winning author along with a counselor who happens to be a talented author, as well as an outdoor enthusiast.
I want to thank Melissa and Scott for sharing such a beautiful story and taking the time to do this interview. Let’s jump into the first question:
MM: What inspired you to write this story?
Scott: A chance meeting that turned out not to be chance at all. In the summer of 2011, during a silent mediation, walking, and writing retreat in Taos, New Mexico, I met a traveler who seemed to be on a journey similar to mine. Brought together by forces beyond both of us, we discovered a connection of remarkable depth and intimacy. What followed was an intense recognition of each other that was so stark and clear, even though we had never met before – at least not in this lifetime. Almost immediately, we began to realize a series of synchronicities so profound and frequent that they were undeniable, pointing us toward relationship, collaboration in writing, and united purpose in matters close to our hearts.
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By: Mark Miller,
on 11/3/2011
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I am delighted to announce today that the third story of One is available now from Trestle Press!
You can get Dr. Candy by Sudè Khanian for ONLY 99 Cents by clicking HERE.
Dr. Candy is an emotional story, well two actually. Ms. Khanian shares some rather personal events from her life. The primary tale, which continues after it ends, is about two lovers that have come to a parting. The woman is going her own way and leaving the man facing a major decision about what society considers normal. You see, he is a cross-dresser. Some may find this a delicate issue, but the author handles it with skill and does not force anything on the reader. The intertwining story gives us an unexplained miracle presented in the form of a man known as Dr. Candy. I won't spoil the ending on this one, but, trust me, you will be rewarded.
By: Mark Miller,
on 10/12/2011
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I am involved with a new Christian radio station preparing to go on the air in Central Florida. As this is a non-profit, it will rely heavily on volunteers and pledges.
WTYG 91.5 FM will broadcast out of Sparr, FL, but we still need a little help. Maybe you've heard of Kickstarter? It's a great website for fundraisers of all sorts. Well, we started a campaign and you can get to it at this link:
Besides the satisfaction of helping spread a good message, I wanted to give you an extra incentive. We all know money is tight these days, but if you can spare a little for a good cause, then I want to share my writing with you.
For anybody that donates $5 or more, I will send you not one, not two, but three eBooks!
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By: Mark Miller,
on 9/29/2011
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I have really been enjoying myself working on the "One" series. Thanks to Giovanni, I have had the opportunity to explore my own thoughts, but also work with my father as a writer.
With October only a few days away, we are about to release another installment, by Sudè Khanian. I have been fortunate to get to know her over the past several months and I am impressed. She has a unique view of the world that is inspiring.
You can follow "One" HERE: http://www.facebook.com/MarkMillersOne for all of the latest news and releases.
We are working to put out one story a month, each by a different author. In November, look for Giovanni Gelati to tip his hat, followed by Melissa Studdard. Award-winning teen poet, Rachel Hunter will come along after that and we may have a retired Catholic priest as well.
Each of these authors is going to bring you something personal, and most likely emotional. They want to share their faith and beliefs with you.
Be sure to listen in to the G-Zone on BlogTalkRadio this Saturday (10/01) to hear the first three authors of "One" share their experiences with Giovanni!
Also, leave a comment below if you would like to read "Meant To Be", the first story of "One", for FREE!
By: Mark Miller,
on 8/9/2011
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The premiere story of my new series releases today. You can read Meant To Be
for ONLY 99 Cents!
Mark Miller's One, exclusively from
Trestle Press
, is an exciting e-book series that will feature a variety of authors sharing their personal experiences with their faith. The series will focus on many different beliefs. The authors want to share true stories of inspiration and emotion. Hopefully, the stories will be eye-opening and remind us that we all have to share this One World.
In
Meant To Be, the debut installment, I lay the groundwork for the series and share a personal story. I tell the unbelievable tale of how I met someone special and very important to me.
For ONLY 99 Cents, read a touching story and put some inspiration on your
Kindle!
By: Mark Miller,
on 7/26/2011
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Trestle Press announced today its newest ongoing series, Mark Miller’s One. The series will feature a variety of authors telling true-life stories of faith and inspiration. We expect this groundbreaking series to be emotionally charged as it is sure to cross the boundaries of many beliefs. One will be an spiritual anthology of real stories about how faith works on this one planet we all share.
“It is a privilege to take the lead on a totally new concept for Trestle,” series frontrunner Mark Miller said. “I want to thank Trestle for giving me this opportunity. As One develops, I don’t want to be beating anybody over the head. We’re not trying to change beliefs. I only hope we can open some eyes. Maybe we’ll help people realize that no matter what we believe, we are all part of this one Earth.”
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 |
Mistress of the Glade
|
A Divine Mistress
In Nature's pieces still I see Some error that might mended be; Something my wish could still remove, Alter or add; but my fair love Was fram'd by hands far more divine, For she hath every beauteous line: Yet I had been far happier, Had Nature, that made me, made her. Then likeness might (that love creates) Have made her love what now she hates; Yet I confess I cannot spare From her just shape the smallest hair; Nor need I beg from all the store Of heaven for her one beauty more. She hath too much divinity for me: You gods, teach her some more humanity.
~ by Thomas Carew
Prints, Posters and Cards
available here
Over on FaceBook I've written a few things, mostly questions about what will happen after the rapture. Last night my friend Vicki Cheatwood blogged about the rapture in such a deep way that I realized my questions were just dancing around on the surface of what I was trying to ask. What I am actually feeling.
I was asking things like will I still be able to garden, and what will happen to all the animals that get left behind, and who is going to deal with all the stuff that is left behind by those who rise up ... Vicki asks a more serious question: if you knew the date and hour of your end time today, what would you be doing? are you anywhere near where you want to be? are you doing what you want to be doing? are you with the people you want and need to be with?
I am. Finally in my life, I am. I am writing every day. I am with my daughter and grandkids. I am in touch with my son and his daughter. I talk with my Mom every week. I am surrounded by great friends whom I see regularly. I have a garden again. So, yes, this is exactly where I want to be.
Am I ready for a whole host of my family and friends to rise up in the rapture and leave me behind? No. I have abandonment issues. The truth is I'm no more ready to lose them one at a time. It's this whole topic of death, letting go, being left behind.
Which is really the issue of attachment -- and time for me to go back to sangha, find a Buddhist sangha group and renew my own spiritual practice.
What has all this talk of the rapture brought up in your life?
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Green Lotus is is a round 1″ in diameter glass ring.
The ring band is bronze and it’s attached firmly to the base of the glass pendant. It’s sturdy, adjustable and can fit on small to medium sized fingers.
I make all of my jewelry by hand.
This ring is not waterproof. Please do not wear while swimming or taking a shower.
Comes in a cute little organza bag.
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By: Read Now Sleep Later,
on 3/15/2011
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Read Now Sleep Later
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It's Shanyn's Blogoversary over at Chick Loves Lit, so she's hosting a giveaway carnival--check out www.chickloveslit.com for the full festivities starting today. Great blogs including The Bibliophilic Book Blog, Bookalicio.us, and PageTurners are participating! I'm giving away an ARC of Amy Dominy's OyMG, complete with signed bookmark! I'll ship anywhere in the US and Canada (sorry International peeps, the tax man is coming for me next month, and I have to keep those pennies pinched).ISBN 10/13: 080272177X / 9780802721778
From goodreads.com: Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moley.
Ellie Taylor loves nothing better than a good argument. So when she gets accepted to the Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts summer camp, she's sure that if she wins the final tournament, it'll be her ticket to a scholarship to the best speech school in the country. Unfortunately, the competition at CSSPA is hot-literally.
By: Rebecca,
on 1/21/2008
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Robert L. Klitzman, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, discusses a chapter in his book, When Doctors Become Patients, about how spiritual choices may affect a clinician’s relationship and or judgment with patients here. To read an excerpt from the book click here.
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Napi Goes to the Mountain
Author: Antonio Ramirez
Illustrator: Domi
Publisher: Groundwood Books
ISBN-10: 0888997132
ISBN-13: 978-0888997135
Napi is back! Antonio Ramirez brings the wonderful character Napi back along with her little brother in this new book that gives greater insight into the lives of the Mazateca Indians that live in Oaxaca. Domi’s marvelously sweeping illustrations fill the book with great washes of greens and browns that cover every inch of the page.
The story begins with Napi’s father gone missing. He’s been seen being taken away by some men “because we’ve been fighting for our land”. Napi is extremely worried and gets her brother to go with her looking for their father. They go upriver and run into various animals important in Mexican folklore and mythology. To each they ask if they have seen their father and each time the answer is no.
At one point, Napi and her brother are transformed into deer, a very important symbolism to the Mexican indigenous people. The deer is a very spiritual animal for us. The deer means a lot in Mexico. It’s a symbol on the Aztec calendar, the Yaqui Indians have a very famous deer dance, us danzante Aztecas have our prayer dance called venado, the Spanish word for deer, Jesus Helguera used a baby deer in his emotive portrayals of the legend of Iztaciahuatl and Popotepetl (Iztaciahuatl is always seen in his paintings with a fawn on her lap), and the town of Mazatlan in Mexico literally means Land of the Deer in Nahuatl. For Napi and her brother to be transformed into deer brings a heavy and spiritual meaning to the story.
For me, Napi Goes to the Mountain is a very political and deeply spiritual book. It touches on indigenous rights and the fight for land that is going on every day in Mexico. It is told through a child’s eyes and how spiritual children are and how much they see. It also tells me that children are our future and that they bring color and hope to the world. Domi’s illustrations convey the deeper emotion running beneath the text as well as the beauty of the land the indigenous people are fighting for. Both the author and illustrator manage to beautifully mix the battle for tierra y libertad with the magical spirituality of the native people and the beauty of the land. Napi Goes to the Mountain is an incredible story and highly recommended. The Spanish version, Napi va a la montana is even more beautiful as for me the Spanish language seems to add to the magic of the story.
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Truly beautiful. I like it that the face in the water is clearer than the face in the sky. Your use of color is so subtle, and the egret stands out so whitely and balances the moon. To my everlasting regret I have no talent with a brush, but my art appreciation works beautifully. I really like your art.
Thank you Melody. Your observations of the painting are spot on.