Lost in Wonder: Rediscovering the Spiritual Art of Attentiveness

by Esther de Waal

In Lost in Wonder , Esther de Waal uses the everyday circumstances of our lives - the restrictions and frustrations as well as the gifts and opportunities - as our own way to God. By teaching us how to be attentive to al the seemingly small and insignificant things, she shows how they become windows through which the light of Christ can shine to dispel darkness, illuminate our understanding, and speak to our deepest needs. As we recover the gift of childlike wonder we begin to see that spiritual fruitfulness does not depend on our anxious performance, but is a gift we may receive freely. Quotations from the Psalms and spiritual writers at the end of each chapter encourage prayerful reflection. Chapters Seeing With the Inner Eye," *Silence, - *Change, - *Tears, - *Mystery, - *Gift, - and *Epilogue. - Esther de Waal is an Anglican lay woman, married with four sons and a number of grandchildren. She lives on the Welsh Borders where she grew up and spends her time gardening, writing, traveling, and taking retreats. She became interested in Benedictine monasticism as a result of living for ten years in Canterbury and has written widely on the Rule of St. Benedict, including the bestseller Seeking God , and a life-Giving Way , published by Liturgical Press. She holds a PhD from Cambridge and an honorary doctorate from St. John's University for her contribution to Benedictine studies and for her ecumenical work. She was awarded the Templeton Prize for having started the Benedictine Experience weeks that are widely held throughout America and England. "

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Religion, Prayer, Faith

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been thinking much about attentiveness lately, especially as I prepare a few talks I am giving. The more I think about the more resources fall from the sky. This was a lovely, non-cliched look at attentiveness which came in the form of spiritual retreat. It was as if Esther was talking me through some of the talks I am going to be giving.

Attentitiveness, wonder, love. That is what education boils down to. First we see. Then we wonder. Then we Love. Then we know.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really have much to say about this book. It's a great resource for developing contemplative spiritual practices, and I will likely revisit this book if I ever want to host a retreat or develop more intentional journaling and/or mindfulness exercises. I had a lot of great insights on how to become more present in everyday life and appreciate everything that life has to offer. It also has a lot of great quotes from other spiritual thinkers throughout time that could lead to great meditations. It made me yearn to open my eyes to see the wonder all around me, even if the world seems to be full of chaos. Definitely a good pick-up if you're looking to develop your spirituality.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, more a work of art than a book. I may lean closer to a 4.5, but I’m still unpacking so much of it in my brain, that I’m not quite sure. This book opened my mind into a realm that I didn’t quite know needed to be unlocked. The poetry, the reflections, have opened my eyes to seeing God among us. I will be forever grateful for this book and will refer back to my notes on it often. Overall, I would recommend, but only for someone okay being put out of their comfort zone. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before.

[Jordan Faeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

“People often think that the basic command of religion is “Do this!” or “Don’t do that!” It isn’t. It’s look and wonder! Learn to give attention to the world around you.”

[Karen Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

She reminds us that Jesus always tells us to "come and see." St. Benedict says we should hear with the ears of the heart and Esther amends this to say that we should see with the eyes of the heart. Looking is not necessarily seeing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book okay but it wasn't new inspiring information for me. Maybe 10 or 15 years ago I would have found it highly inspiring and it would have opened doors for me but now, I've known about all this stuff for a long time- I just need to do it more :-)

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the poetry and quotes in the book, and of course the Scripture. Can't say I agree totally with a few things, some theology differences, but gave me some things to ponder on.

[Jenny Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as an accompanying tool for a retreat, Esther De Waal draws us to ponder on the following (pondus in Latin meaning, to give weight to, to hold a stone in the hand for example, and feel it’s weight):

-seeing with the inner eye,
-silent,
-attention and awareness,
-change,
-dark and light,
-mystery
-gift

Using the cloisters of a church to demonstrate the point between our inner and outer life, De Waal encourages us to use our imagination and SEE rather than look. To be ‘God’s spies’ exploring our world with curiosity and wonder, not missing any details.

She suggests that artists, photographers and poets are those who naturally ponder as they study their subject and therefore worth taking seriously. When we study something in God’s creation for long enough, something is ‘given’ to us.

She highlights the fact that we all have horizons but when we reach them we lose them to journey to another. We never really ‘arrive’. We are pilgrims wrestling with the goods, the evils and suffering of this world. We live continually with questions and mystery. There are no hard answers but she likens our quest in the Celtic patterns and cathedral architecture where we seek to reflect God’s order and pattern over everything.

‘So we’ll live,
And pray
And sing
And tell old tales
And laugh at gilded butterflies
And take upon’s the mystery of things
As if we were God’s spies’

King Lear, Shakespeare.

[Aussch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow and meditative reading of this book really opened up my senses and invited me into wonder and attentiveness in my everyday life. A great companion on the journey to becoming, as Dallas Willard says, more “fully alive and deeply human”.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and lovely poetry.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good writer. This book is written as a retreat, but I used it as a daily reading, delving into each topic over a longer period of time. Great reflections, so much to ponder.

[Karima · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author wrote this book as a retreat guide. The book is divided into nine chapters starting with the starting point, seeing with the inner eye, silence, attention (walking in awareness), change, dark and light, mystery, gift, and epilogue. Many references and quotations from early Christians (St. Augustine, St. Benedict), modern poets (Mary Oliver, Pablo Neruda) and contemplatives (Thomas Merton abounds). Wish that there had been more from female saints and contemplatives.

Full of gems like the following:

"At the age of ninety-three, the cellist Pablo Casals explained how, for the past eighty years, he had started each day in the same manner. He went to the piano and he played two preludes and fugues of Bach: 'It is a sort of benediction on the house. But that is not its only meaning. . . . It is rediscovery of the world in which I have a joy of being a part. It fills me with awareness of the wonder of life, with a feeling of the incredible marvel of being human."

[Caroline Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star of Wonder

Rediscovering the Spiritual Art of Attentiveness makes a perfect Advent Reading as we study the art of being present in the world, in the arms of the creator, and in our own lives.

We know from the onset that the "story" is shrouded in unsolvable mystery as we nonetheless look, see, praise, believe, adore, and accept.

Esther de Waal uses new translations of the Psalms, writings of ancient and modern Holy men, popular phrases from famous poets and well known religious essayists, and what we understand (and cannot fathom) of Celtic Christianity to illustrate the thoughts of others who have approached life attentively.

As one trying to live mindfully, I can attest that the next great step is see the world in light of, because of, and in spite of the mystery. To "be still and know...."

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed another book by this author, 'Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict,' and so thought I'd try this one. Whereas the other book appeals to a wide/more universal audience, even while being written from a Christian perspective, this one is much more narrow. Overtly it is a mini retreat (do it yourself, reading a chapter at a time and contemplating, etc) focused on attentiveness and wonder. In reality, I found it too basic for my interets and too decidedly Christian, leaving little room for other perspectives. I am not sure that this is actually a complaint. I think I was not the right audience and that the book is a good one for who it is written for.

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutley lovely book. Written as an inner retreat (benedictine style,) it contains a wealth of weighty thoughts and poems and quips from many people. It is a true treasure and I return to it again and again.

[Mary Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book over and over, it is a book that will feed your soul. Full of prayers, poetry and deep spiritual truths that we all need to think about. It is always on my nightstand and most of it is underlined or highlighted. I love this book, I need this book.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit surprised that I really couldn't get into it. She'd been recommended from 1-2 sources.