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In The Spirit of Happiness
The bestselling authors of "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" show how their strong connections with dogs and the natural world stem from the principles of monastic life.
The elements of a monk's life -- self-discipline, solitude, prayer, acts of love and forgiveness -- are pathways that anyone can follow to achieve true happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
The elements of a monk's life -- self-discipline, solitude, prayer, acts of love and forgiveness -- are pathways that anyone can follow to achieve true happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2001
47 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 10, 2014
I originally bought this book back in 1999, at the start of a difficult and challenging period of my life, and I've been "referring" to it ever since whenever times get tough. Don't let the fact that it was written by monks put you off; they know that everyone needs to do at least a little contemplation now and again, both of themselves and spiritually, and this book provides ways (sometimes challenging, sometimes surprisingly easy) to do that. I've kept it on a bookshelf that's always close at hand for the last 15 years, and have always been grateful for it.
August 14, 2008
What a well-balanced and practical guide of monastic wisdom for the 21st century. This community is rooted in Orthodoxy, but open to all Christian traditions and all people, for that matter. It clearly and convincingly shows that the vocation of a monk is none other than the vocation of every Christian, that is, to be present with God in all of life, in every situation.
Lots of really helpful insights into how to live as a follower of Christ in a balanced, God-glorifying way. I liked how open-ended it was in that it wasn't preachy; the authors just challenge every reader to delve more fully into living out the Gospel as followers of Christ in their situation. I especially liked how un-rigid the advice was, and unlegalistic. If the Jesus Prayer distracts you from loving others, don't say it all the time. If your spiritual disciplines keep you from experiencing the real world, then make more room for balance.
I really enjoyed this book. Any group of monks that raises and trains German Shepherds should be listened to wholeheartedly.
Lots of really helpful insights into how to live as a follower of Christ in a balanced, God-glorifying way. I liked how open-ended it was in that it wasn't preachy; the authors just challenge every reader to delve more fully into living out the Gospel as followers of Christ in their situation. I especially liked how un-rigid the advice was, and unlegalistic. If the Jesus Prayer distracts you from loving others, don't say it all the time. If your spiritual disciplines keep you from experiencing the real world, then make more room for balance.
I really enjoyed this book. Any group of monks that raises and trains German Shepherds should be listened to wholeheartedly.
March 18, 2013
About halfway through this book, I am taking a breather. So far, I love it. It addresses spiritual journeying and knowledge-seeking, and the message (so far) is: it's difficult, there are no easy answers, live life in moderation, searching is a continual quest, seek out joy. This book is written with numerous anecdotes and conversational pieces throughout, which are one of the best ways, I think, to write about spiritual growth, and that is, write down conversations between people (usually two or a few) about their experiences.
I look forward to the rest.
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29 May 2012 - still taking it very slowly, as this is a book to really think about. But I am still firmly behind my 5-star rating.
I look forward to the rest.
______
29 May 2012 - still taking it very slowly, as this is a book to really think about. But I am still firmly behind my 5-star rating.
August 20, 2007
A nice walk through monasticism and everyday spiritual life, by people who know a lot about raising dogs. Nothing heartbreaking and revolutionary so far, but recommended as a nicely written intro into contemplative practice and an antidote to words like "blogosphere" or phrases like "monetize site traffic." Plus, who doesn't like to say "New Skete"?
September 3, 2018
The Monks of New Skete write of the search for happiness and how God’s design works towards our attainment of happiness. Recommended.
“So what is happiness? If it’s not success, contentment, having a good time, self-satisfaction- if it’s not all the things that everyone thinks it is, well then what is it?”
“As a matter of fact, happiness is something dynamic, a reality that must continuously be struggled for, but which, once we attain it, cannot be diminished by external circumstances of life. Happiness is never really dependent on these, which is why it’s a reality that each of us can achieve. This is the way that God has designed things. This is the way that God designed us.”
“And yet the amazing beauty of God us that he doesn’t even make it necessary for us to reach any goal to be happy. It’s entering into the struggle to reach the goal that brings us happiness. And so what he says to us is to live life fully, completely, absolutely, without ambivalence, to put our minds, our hearts, our souls, our spirits, all our strength and determination, our whole being into the pursuit of what we are doing, right here and now…. This means we have to know what we are doing, being conscious of every passing moment. We can’t be happy if we aren’t conscious.”
“We change ourselves only by changing our consciousness…. In our Christian tradition, genuine teaching comes through meditating and reflecting on the Sacred Scriptures and on spiritual classics, by participating in worship within the community of faith, through insight gleaned in silent prayer, and simply through living within the tradition itself.”
“So what is happiness? If it’s not success, contentment, having a good time, self-satisfaction- if it’s not all the things that everyone thinks it is, well then what is it?”
“As a matter of fact, happiness is something dynamic, a reality that must continuously be struggled for, but which, once we attain it, cannot be diminished by external circumstances of life. Happiness is never really dependent on these, which is why it’s a reality that each of us can achieve. This is the way that God has designed things. This is the way that God designed us.”
“And yet the amazing beauty of God us that he doesn’t even make it necessary for us to reach any goal to be happy. It’s entering into the struggle to reach the goal that brings us happiness. And so what he says to us is to live life fully, completely, absolutely, without ambivalence, to put our minds, our hearts, our souls, our spirits, all our strength and determination, our whole being into the pursuit of what we are doing, right here and now…. This means we have to know what we are doing, being conscious of every passing moment. We can’t be happy if we aren’t conscious.”
“We change ourselves only by changing our consciousness…. In our Christian tradition, genuine teaching comes through meditating and reflecting on the Sacred Scriptures and on spiritual classics, by participating in worship within the community of faith, through insight gleaned in silent prayer, and simply through living within the tradition itself.”
November 20, 2023
I really enjoyed In The Spirit of Happiness, especially for a book I checked out on a whim at the LA County library. I knew little about the Monks of New Skete, who apparently train German Shepherds in upstate NY. This book is very open-handed toward other religions and an easy introduction to Christian monasticism.
What I appreciated most about this book was the first-person perspective on life in a monastery. I've spent the last couple of years reading about monasticism, contemplation. I love how monasticism and contemplative thought encompass all of life—work, quiet, prayer, liturgy, mercy, ascetism—and how we can encounter God and goodness in the world through what's around us. This book brought these ideas into a concrete reality and what they look like in their fullest expression. I took away the importance of personal, progressive change and how prayer is slowing down to recognize God's presence in the world. To love others is to love God.
OTOH, sometimes this book felt like "do all this stuff and you'll have happiness" and at other times, it felt guilty of "chronological snobbery" (looking down on generations past and what/how they believed). But hey, then again, I didn't expect too much from a book I picked up on a whim!
What I appreciated most about this book was the first-person perspective on life in a monastery. I've spent the last couple of years reading about monasticism, contemplation. I love how monasticism and contemplative thought encompass all of life—work, quiet, prayer, liturgy, mercy, ascetism—and how we can encounter God and goodness in the world through what's around us. This book brought these ideas into a concrete reality and what they look like in their fullest expression. I took away the importance of personal, progressive change and how prayer is slowing down to recognize God's presence in the world. To love others is to love God.
OTOH, sometimes this book felt like "do all this stuff and you'll have happiness" and at other times, it felt guilty of "chronological snobbery" (looking down on generations past and what/how they believed). But hey, then again, I didn't expect too much from a book I picked up on a whim!
August 30, 2020
This is at least the 2nd or third time I've read this book. Something new always emerges as you are reading. The monks lead you through their day, but the reader is introduced to someone called the Seeker who wants, like us, to know the best way to lead our lives. There are lessons to be learned throughout life that the monks can led us to: how to live with others, what is prayer, what is love and mercy to name a few. This is a book about joy and the choices these monks have made to lead a spiritual life of fulfillment. Sprinkled through the chapters are chapters about monasticism and the history of their order. This book has practical guidance that can lead us through these difficulty times we live in.
October 23, 2022
An interesting book on monastic life. I don’t know that I learned anything “new” as far as how living religion aids in the pursuit of happiness. However, I am always delighted to find so much crossover in beliefs between myself and those of other faiths.
Me only giving the book 3 stars comes from the abundance of editing mistakes that were prevalent throughout the entire book. I’m not sure if this was came from it being turned into an e-book? But it was very annoying. Also, you could tell all the dialogue sections were recreated and too polished to be actual conversation— despite it being presented that way.
Me only giving the book 3 stars comes from the abundance of editing mistakes that were prevalent throughout the entire book. I’m not sure if this was came from it being turned into an e-book? But it was very annoying. Also, you could tell all the dialogue sections were recreated and too polished to be actual conversation— despite it being presented that way.
April 27, 2022
This was my library challenge book for this month; it was to be a book about growth. I found that a lot of the theology didn’t work well for me, but the chapter called “What Does Love Look Like” really validated something I’ve been working on; learning to love in new ways, loving people with whom I have little in common.
August 17, 2020
Although this is sort of a religious book, I mean they are monks, after all, overall I enjoyed it even though I'm not particularly religious or spiritual. I do believe there are some good nuggets of wisdom in this and could be enjoyed by any one of any faith, if you have an open mind. 3.5 star.
March 18, 2021
Tradition and common experience
The monks draw on their personal experience and communal reflections, in union with the best of tradition, to offer a work that is needed in our day. Persons from all backgrounds will profit from their wisdom.
The monks draw on their personal experience and communal reflections, in union with the best of tradition, to offer a work that is needed in our day. Persons from all backgrounds will profit from their wisdom.
July 13, 2022
The title of this book is misleading. If it had been titled The Rigors and Rewards of Modern Monasticism, I would have approached it without a bias toward expectations of joyfulness, and my expectations might not have been disappointed.
August 20, 2023
In the Spirit of Happiness by the Monks of New Skete has been described as “a monastic retreat in book form.” Often, I give this book to friends, because it is so practical. The monks breed and train dogs, and they publish excellent books on dog training.
January 31, 2025
I've read this book many times. It's a "go to book" when you need your spirits lifted. The important thing is that happiness is something we must struggle for on life's journey. Happiness is a gift from
God and we should always work our way toward it.
God and we should always work our way toward it.
May 10, 2018
This is what religion was when I was growing up and should be now.
July 31, 2018
Perfect little book.
August 5, 2018
This book was so creatively written! Much more than a book about happiness, and speaks to the heart.
February 20, 2019
If you are looking for the spiritual side of christianity, this is a good book. There is a focus on meditation and inner peace rather than practice and rules.
January 1, 2021
Be careful
This book is heretical and should be avoided. Scripture and Orthodox thought are twisted into different meanings than taught by the Church.
This book is heretical and should be avoided. Scripture and Orthodox thought are twisted into different meanings than taught by the Church.
November 9, 2021
Enjoyed this quirky community that raises dogs. Their pioneer spirit was inspiring. Good thoughts on where happiness actually originates and is acquired.
October 18, 2007
I've been seeking spiritual growth & this book really helped me. It's written by Christian monks but they are not exclusionary (thank God!). Many things resonated with me: such as meditating by reading the Psalms and keeping myself conscious of whatever it is I'm doing.
A quote from the book:
"We're not made for drudgery. Drudgery in life exists because human beings are also weak. We're defective, we make mistake, we succumb too easily to negative attitudes. ... It's entering into the struggle to reach the goal that brings us happiness. And so what he says to us is to live life fully, completely, absolutely, without ambivalence, to put our minds, our hearts, our souls, our spirits, all our strength and determination, our whole beling into the pursuit of what we're doing, right here and now. Not worrying about how it's going to come out, not worrying about this or that difficulty, despite any problems we might have to struggle with. This is where we will attain happiness."
A quote from the book:
"We're not made for drudgery. Drudgery in life exists because human beings are also weak. We're defective, we make mistake, we succumb too easily to negative attitudes. ... It's entering into the struggle to reach the goal that brings us happiness. And so what he says to us is to live life fully, completely, absolutely, without ambivalence, to put our minds, our hearts, our souls, our spirits, all our strength and determination, our whole beling into the pursuit of what we're doing, right here and now. Not worrying about how it's going to come out, not worrying about this or that difficulty, despite any problems we might have to struggle with. This is where we will attain happiness."
October 11, 2008
Very good book through and through. Much sage wisdom herein, and many good reminders of the basics regarding right and embodied living. The last chapter—unlike all those gone before—left a bit to be desired, though. While attempting to encourage the reader’s best efforts towards “happiness,” the results appear to be too dependant on human effort (rather than, say, a collaborative sense of “joy”). I trust the monks could clarify what they meant were the question to be asked, but clarifying it in the book would be a better way to end what is, overall, a blesséd read.
December 23, 2012
Many of the great books I read on spirituality give me a new enthusiasm for my practice, but this one really turned me around and awakened me to some beautiful ideas about love, forgiveness, lectio, and even the psalms. A great book that focuses on what we all can do, whether we are monks, nuns, oblates, or living completely in the world.
After Julian's _Revelations_, this might be the one that has done the most for my progress. But I just finished it, so I'm bound to think that. Highly recommend the book, though.
After Julian's _Revelations_, this might be the one that has done the most for my progress. But I just finished it, so I'm bound to think that. Highly recommend the book, though.
December 6, 2015
despite a sometimes wearying conversational framework between the monks and "the seeker", the book offers simple and beautiful reflections on prayer, work, love, and every other practical consideration of an integrated spiritual life, summed up well here: "intentional thoughts and acts of love create a readiness to give our best in each situation of life, to change things for the better. this is the challenge of a fully human life, of an authentic and spiritual inner life, and the real meaning of happiness."
April 10, 2012
Some years ago I started volunteering at a community center. Someone lovingly wrapped this and left it in my mailbox as a Christmas gift. I read it before the year was up. Wonderful reflections about the path. These are the same monks who have written numerous books about dog training as a spiritual practice. I never found out who left the gift, but I suspect it was one of our older members who has since passed away. My he live in enlightenment. He deserves it.
June 13, 2012
This book contains many universal truths. I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking a spiritual path, regardless of denomination (or lack thereof). At times, it made me want to run off and join a monastery, but that isn't possible at this time. Which got me to thinking that our homes are our monasteries, it is up to us to seek inner peace which can be achieved by following some simple practices which are included in the book.
December 17, 2015
As good an articulation of what mature spiritual practice can be that I've ever read. Truly excellent.
(I couldn't help but note that New Skete is even whiter and male-er than the monastery I live in...Eastern Orthodox—whaddya gonna do?)
Even so, I can't recommend this book enough to anyone wondering what spiritual practice is for, what it can do, and why it's so challenging.
(I couldn't help but note that New Skete is even whiter and male-er than the monastery I live in...Eastern Orthodox—whaddya gonna do?)
Even so, I can't recommend this book enough to anyone wondering what spiritual practice is for, what it can do, and why it's so challenging.
May 16, 2012
This book has some good advice and interesting, well meant anecdotes, but I just couldn't make myself sit down and finish it. I don't think it's poorly written, it just didn't capture my attention well enough to compete with other influences.
February 18, 2013
Read while touring the Tuscan Italy for two weeks for work. For me, the perfect setting for this book. I spent many hours sitting in old churches and cathedrals meditating on the messages in this book. Lovely.
June 6, 2008
There was a lot about this book that I liked. It has several very good, very timely messages about the nature of humanity and its spiritual needs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews