A Spring Within Us: A Book of Daily Meditations

by Richard Rohr

In these daily reflections, Richard Rohr invites us to rediscover the spring hidden inside. He reminds us of our inherent belovedness and God’s indwelling presence. Remembering who we truly are is a gradual, lifelong journey, but Fr. Richard offers insights to ease the process and lead us back to our Source. The meditations follow the arc of life from innocence, through inevitable brokenness, to putting ourselves back together, through ripening into union—with self, God, the world, and others.

Fr. Richard draws from Scripture, Christian mystics, non-dual teachers from various faiths, and wisdom from other fields such as psychology, science, the Enneagram, and the Twelve Steps. He is not teaching new concepts so much as framing them in a way that resonates with our intuitive wisdom, the truth that our souls already know.

Each week concludes with a unique invitation to contemplative practice. Throughout the book, Fr. Richard also calls us to compassionate action. The spiritual journey is not merely for our own transformation, but for the healing of the world.

“With his great Franciscan heart wide open to the heart of the world, Richard Rohr seems to have a sixth sense about what’s emerging into consciousness and where he is needed next. . . . What awaits you here is the integrated wisdom that emerges out of a life courageously and vulnerably lived.” —Cynthia Bourgeault, from the Foreword

The meditations in A Spring Within Us first appeared in 2014 as Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations emails. They have since been revised and updated for this book.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology, Religion, Philosophy

428 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.

Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).

Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Rohr is a Catholic priest who reimagines all the old spiritual stories and brings them to us, fresh, alive, helpful.

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Richard Rohr and this book is the best of the best. The book is set up in sections, the meditations basically pulled from one of his books and also further commented on. The book is a keeper. Not only a Franciscan but a contemplative as well the readings are easy to read, yet deep as well. It can be read out of order and a great book to have on hand. He is a commanding writer and his views drawn from multiple approaches are perfection. If you're not familiar with his writing, this would be a good introduction, I've read all of his books and this is a great addition to his body of works. I look forward to the release and will definitely purchase a copy! Another winner from Fr Rohr!

arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time when so many hateful people are co-opting genuine spirituality, Rohr shines as a beacon lighting the way to the real thing. This book helped my sanity a lot during this dark period of human history.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really brilliant way to start the day.

[Maria Iliffe-Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to ponder every day for a year. I love RR’s perspective on life.

[Amy Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will just start it again in 2025.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year, I started my day with one of these meditations and finished last week. I am the better for the journey. An excellent guide to Rohr's gentle yet firm faith, which I cannot "hear" about too often.