Everyday Simplicity: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth

by Robert J. Wicks

Getting a life of any kind is hard enough in a world that has us going around in circles—from the stresses of our workplace to the demands of home and back again tomorrow. Getting a spiritual life can seem like a luxury to be put off to another, quieter time. Robert Wicks, however, believes that the search for a spiritual life begins not in some exotic, unreachable place, but right where we are—in the midst of all the craziness. It starts within our busy, stressed-out human hearts, not in some other "more spiritual" place. The more we are able, therefore, to be our true selves, the more successful we will be in developing a spirituality that will be real and satisfying. Here's solid, common sense advice on how to get a spiritual life—no matter how busy your day. Perfect for beginning spiritual seekers and a welcome companion for continuing pilgrims.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

There is more than one author with this name. See also: Robert Wicks & Robert Wicks.

Robert J. Wicks (born August 2, 1946 in Queens, New York) is a clinical psychologist and writer about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who has taught at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work for more than thirty years. He a Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland

Reviews

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer on developing your spiritual life. It is easy to read & breaks the disciplines up into "bite-sized" pieces. The author's approach is very down-to-earth, allowing the reader to see that this is a "do-able" thing. Highly recommended to anyone wishing to improve their spiritual life.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not preachy, general and gentle advice for anyone interested in connecting to something deeper and becoming a more grounded, peaceful person. Definitely Christian but not a strong arming, and really beginner friendly. Rather lovely.

[Zakiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me many many moons ago. I finally finished reading it. The interesting thing about it is I started it multiple times but never finished it. However this book was recently part of my daily devotion during prayer and fasting. My eyes were open and it was time for me to read this little gem. It’s a book that recommended to read and read over and over again. I find myself at the end of the book wanting to start it over. There is so much in this book that blessed me. Recommend to all of the faith…

[Grant Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read this book the way the author asked me to (once quickly, once more slowly, taking the daily reflections day by day) because I am both a slow reader and impatient. Lots of good advice here, and shared in a way that seems fresh. I especially appreciated that it applies to those in various religious traditions, which means it can be a help for those passionate in interfaith dialogue.

[Maryellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will keep coming back to as it has very practical practices toward growing in our spiritual life.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new or really profound in here, but some nice repetition of ideas I've been reading elsewhere. I do like the writer's background in counseling people in the helping professions--he talks about avoiding compassion fatigue, and that sense of being drained dry, by letting go of results in the work. That simple idea gives me much to think about (so if I'm utterly depleted in my work, does it hold that the cause is attachment to results??). Anyway, as a result of that single idea, I plan to read some more of his stuff.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Wick has the gift for writing simple and understandable spiritual books like his mentor Henri Nouwen. At the same time his is able to write academically sophisticated books in such areas as professional counseling. This is a basic introduction to the spiritual life.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a simple, peaceful guide to improving your spiritual life. this book definitely helped me become more in tune with myself and God.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good reminders about the inner life.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some really great reminders in this book, but nothing too profound. It was a good read early in the morning...one that you could grab a few concepts and chew on them all day long.