Traits of a Healthy Spirituality

by Melannie Svoboda

Sr. Melanie provides a true reality check to help us determine how we live our faith today. In an engaging style, she defines and describes 20 specific indicators of a healthy spirituality.

Genres: Spirituality

131 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twenty qualities are explained in very short chapters stuffed with quotes from authors. Each brief chapter concludes with several reflection questions, a suggested action to cultivate that trait and a prayer. This is very basic and the lavish use of quotes was too heavy for my taste. 2.5 stars

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. Melannie Svoboda, SND, the author, must have taken great care in the writing, structure, and layout of the book. There is much attention to detail. Each of the 21 traits explored had a sub-title to focus the reader's attention. The author fleshed out the concepts via stories, quotes, and resources. I especially liked that is was Christ-centered and had practical application in one's daily life. The practice, reflection questions, and prayer were both a thoughtful and essential inclusion in the book. I would characterize it as a Christian spirituality / Self-Help /Inspirational book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my lovely Beloveds book club. Sister Melannie details various dispositions that help us grow in our relationship with God. I love how she keeps each chapter short and simple yet packs each with quotes, anecdotes, reflections, and space for personal introspection and prayer. Each chapter made me think more deeply about my own human nature and remember how simple life can be; we make it complicated. Each chapter also revealed different truths to me that I needed to hear in the moments I encountered them. I would recommend this book as a quick/daily reflection/spiritual read.

[Nancy Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, thoughtful insights into what a healthy spirituality can be.