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Practice Makes Purpose: Six Spiritual Practices that Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
The Six Spiritual Practices are a new formulation of a very old set of teachings and disciplines. If you apply them regularly, you will have more energy and vitality, more focus, more compassion, more clarity, and more joy. And these effects will ripple outward into your marriage and family, your parenting, your workplace, your friendships, your neighborhood and city. These practices will change your life and transform your community. They will connect you and the people around you to Purpose, the experience of belonging to something infinitely greater than ourselves.
The Six Spiritual Practices are a new formulation of a very old set of teachings and disciplines. If you apply them regularly, you will have more energy and vitality, more focus, more compassion, more clarity, and more joy. And these effects will ripple outward into your marriage and family, your parenting, your workplace, your friendships, your neighborhood and city. These practices will change your life and transform your community. They will connect you and the people around you to Purpose, the experience of belonging to something infinitely greater than ourselves.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
193 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
C. Paul Schroeder
5 books10 followersC. Paul Schroeder is a social entrepreneur, author, and spiritual teacher who has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of spirituality and social change. He served for more than a decade as a Greek Orthodox priest. After a divorce and a period of personal and spiritual crisis, he left the priesthood and founded New City Initiative, a nonprofit organization in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to helping people who experience poverty and homelessness achieve their full human potential. During the seven years he directed New City, he and his coworkers trained individuals, nonprofits, and businesses to use the Six Spiritual Practices. He is the author of Practice Makes PURPOSE: Six Spiritual Practices That Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community, and the translator of St. Basil the Great: On Social Justice. He currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2018
I’ve long had a love/hate relationship with self-help books, whether it comes to the personal, professional, romantic, and so on. I’ve read my share of self-help books in my life time and I’ve acquired quite a list of the good, bad, and downright ugly.
I can happily proclaim C. Paul Schroeder’s Practice Makes Purpose-Six Spiritual Practices That Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community belongs in the good category.
In Practice Makes Purpose, Schroeder takes six ancient ideas and updates for our modern age, which let’s face it, my readers, is often confusing, frightening and downright overwhelming.
What are the six practices you ask? Quite simply they break down to the following:
Compassionate Seeing
Heartfelt Listening
Intentional Welcoming
Joyful Sharing
Grateful Receiving
Cooperative Building
Each of these six spiritual practices starts with a singular issue and ends with an actual practice. Between these two points includes steps Schroeder lays out at as the fix, the deep dive, the mantra, and the challenge, which are fully described in all six of these practices.
For instance, in compassionate seeing, Schroeder asks the reader to view ourselves and others with complete and unconditional acceptance. Now, this does not mean you condone someone’s behavior. Some people are just awful but get the “story behind the story” to find out why they are awful before you completely write them off. Compassionate seeing helps us connect with others and realize how we are all interconnected in various ways. Without compassionate seeing we are in danger of unraveling, which depletes us as individuals and depletes our communities.
As Practice Makes Purpose goes through all its parts, Schroeder describes in full the barriers we may face as well as the triumphs we can achieve. He does this with a clear and concise writing style that is practical, empathetic and audience-friendly. Once a Greek Orthodox Priest, Schroeder is wise enough to realize not every reader is a Christian, so he refrains from strict religious terms that may be off-putting. Nor is this book some odd bit of new age fluff that may turn off readers of more traditional religious orders.
While reading Practice Makes Purpose, I was struck how practical and easy I could use this advice in my own life when dealing with challenging people and predicaments. His advice is healthy in it respects our need to be open to others (his advice when it comes to heartfelt listening, “Tell me more” appeals to the writer in me and I also appreciate how he discusses the boundaries we may need to use in other situations. Yes, be open but don’t get steamrolled by others. I also deserve compassion.
What else do I like Practice Makes Purpose? This book is less than two hundred pages. It can be read in day during a binge read. It can be read piecemeal if you are dealing with a situation or person that requires reflection on only one or two of the six practices. You can easily carry this book in a handbag or knapsack, and its practices can be interwoven in one’s home and workplace. I would love to see all six practices used in our children’s schooling (especially in the wake of the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida).
As for my life? I am now using Practice Makes Purpose when it comes to my self-care, especially when it comes to my mental health issues. I recently took up meditation and six one-sentence mantras Schroeder provide within this book is now part of my meditation practice.
At this point, Practice Makes Purpose-Six Spiritual Practices That Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community are thee right words, in the right book, at the right time.
Originally published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
I can happily proclaim C. Paul Schroeder’s Practice Makes Purpose-Six Spiritual Practices That Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community belongs in the good category.
In Practice Makes Purpose, Schroeder takes six ancient ideas and updates for our modern age, which let’s face it, my readers, is often confusing, frightening and downright overwhelming.
What are the six practices you ask? Quite simply they break down to the following:
Compassionate Seeing
Heartfelt Listening
Intentional Welcoming
Joyful Sharing
Grateful Receiving
Cooperative Building
Each of these six spiritual practices starts with a singular issue and ends with an actual practice. Between these two points includes steps Schroeder lays out at as the fix, the deep dive, the mantra, and the challenge, which are fully described in all six of these practices.
For instance, in compassionate seeing, Schroeder asks the reader to view ourselves and others with complete and unconditional acceptance. Now, this does not mean you condone someone’s behavior. Some people are just awful but get the “story behind the story” to find out why they are awful before you completely write them off. Compassionate seeing helps us connect with others and realize how we are all interconnected in various ways. Without compassionate seeing we are in danger of unraveling, which depletes us as individuals and depletes our communities.
As Practice Makes Purpose goes through all its parts, Schroeder describes in full the barriers we may face as well as the triumphs we can achieve. He does this with a clear and concise writing style that is practical, empathetic and audience-friendly. Once a Greek Orthodox Priest, Schroeder is wise enough to realize not every reader is a Christian, so he refrains from strict religious terms that may be off-putting. Nor is this book some odd bit of new age fluff that may turn off readers of more traditional religious orders.
While reading Practice Makes Purpose, I was struck how practical and easy I could use this advice in my own life when dealing with challenging people and predicaments. His advice is healthy in it respects our need to be open to others (his advice when it comes to heartfelt listening, “Tell me more” appeals to the writer in me and I also appreciate how he discusses the boundaries we may need to use in other situations. Yes, be open but don’t get steamrolled by others. I also deserve compassion.
What else do I like Practice Makes Purpose? This book is less than two hundred pages. It can be read in day during a binge read. It can be read piecemeal if you are dealing with a situation or person that requires reflection on only one or two of the six practices. You can easily carry this book in a handbag or knapsack, and its practices can be interwoven in one’s home and workplace. I would love to see all six practices used in our children’s schooling (especially in the wake of the horrific shooting in Parkland, Florida).
As for my life? I am now using Practice Makes Purpose when it comes to my self-care, especially when it comes to my mental health issues. I recently took up meditation and six one-sentence mantras Schroeder provide within this book is now part of my meditation practice.
At this point, Practice Makes Purpose-Six Spiritual Practices That Will Change Your Life and Transform Your Community are thee right words, in the right book, at the right time.
Originally published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
January 29, 2019
This book is really aimed at people who have jobs where they are likely to have a lot of meetings and collaborative projects, but there is also wisdom for those who also take on too many volunteer projects and family obligations:
"Saying yes when we don’t mean it leads to a life of exhaustion and resentment. We burn out because we agreed to too many commitments. … At the heart of this problem is a clear lack of intentionality. We have not identified specific priorities. We have not drawn clear boundaries to protect those priorities….Make conscious decisions about what you prioritize. … Clearly define your limits … Politely but firmly decline every request and invitation that does not align with the priorities you have set."
"Saying yes when we don’t mean it leads to a life of exhaustion and resentment. We burn out because we agreed to too many commitments. … At the heart of this problem is a clear lack of intentionality. We have not identified specific priorities. We have not drawn clear boundaries to protect those priorities….Make conscious decisions about what you prioritize. … Clearly define your limits … Politely but firmly decline every request and invitation that does not align with the priorities you have set."
December 22, 2019
Espiritualmente Fantastico
Há coisas na vida que nos chegam sem sabermos bem porquê! Este foi um desses momentos, depois de decidir que o dos meus próximos passos seria melhorar espiritualmente e sem saber bem como, visto que não sou religioso, eis que esta obra se chega a mim. Eu diria que foi um presente do universo. E ainda antes de ler isso mesmo neste livro a prova já estava dada. Recomendo a todos os interessados a ler com atenção, pois não têm nada a perder e apenas podem vir a ganhar.
Há coisas na vida que nos chegam sem sabermos bem porquê! Este foi um desses momentos, depois de decidir que o dos meus próximos passos seria melhorar espiritualmente e sem saber bem como, visto que não sou religioso, eis que esta obra se chega a mim. Eu diria que foi um presente do universo. E ainda antes de ler isso mesmo neste livro a prova já estava dada. Recomendo a todos os interessados a ler com atenção, pois não têm nada a perder e apenas podem vir a ganhar.
April 3, 2020
I had high hopes for this book, particularly after the opening chapter. But throughout the book I increasingly lost interest. I didn't connect with all of the practices and it didn't feel like "life changing" lessons. I could see this being a good book to read with others and to do the discussion guide with, but on my own it was a long haul. Oh well, not every book is life changing!
November 9, 2017
Spiritual magical
This is really a guide to a fulfilling and joyful life. It is simple not complicated and written in a clear lucid style. Read it and change your life
This is really a guide to a fulfilling and joyful life. It is simple not complicated and written in a clear lucid style. Read it and change your life
January 31, 2023
Not sure if I was helped or need more help
Read
October 7, 2019Read for work, so star rating and proper review withheld for the time being.
May 4, 2018
I try to include at least one nonfiction or self-help book into my reading pile each month and April seemed to be filled with only this type. It was a growing month and this topped all my true crime and nonfiction reads off with a sweet ending.
I love that this is really a self-help book. It is not labeled as such, but filled with personal turmoils and struggles, hoping you will learn something from the author's mistakes. This a practical guide full of ways to change the way you think and help yourself out. As the title suggests, this book gives you examples to practice and helps you help yourself.
The author seemed invested in this material, by providing personal examples and walking you through how he was able to practice each step he suggests. I always love when people actually practice what they preach and he is constantly involving us in his own stories of living his purposeful practices. When an author feels so devoted and invigorated when writing about his own suggestions, you can't help but want to try them yourself. It's inspiring to follow this journey and the suggestions are extremely well thought out and give you pause. This book makes you step back, think, and grow.
I love that this is really a self-help book. It is not labeled as such, but filled with personal turmoils and struggles, hoping you will learn something from the author's mistakes. This a practical guide full of ways to change the way you think and help yourself out. As the title suggests, this book gives you examples to practice and helps you help yourself.
The author seemed invested in this material, by providing personal examples and walking you through how he was able to practice each step he suggests. I always love when people actually practice what they preach and he is constantly involving us in his own stories of living his purposeful practices. When an author feels so devoted and invigorated when writing about his own suggestions, you can't help but want to try them yourself. It's inspiring to follow this journey and the suggestions are extremely well thought out and give you pause. This book makes you step back, think, and grow.
June 15, 2018
“Gratitude is the secret of happiness.”
Sometimes reexamining the small habits in our lives can help us change for the better. In Practice Makes Purpose, there are six main areas we should focus on in life to live to our full potential. The author is a former minister and has studied many different spiritual practices to focus in on these six areas.
I was contacted by the author to review Practice Makes Purpose through my blog. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. I’m always looking for good inspirational books, so I agreed to read this one.
The six areas focused on in Practice Makes Purpose are compassionate seeing, heartfelt listening, intentional welcoming, joyful sharing, grateful receiving and cooperative building. Once read, the areas make sense – be compassionate, listen, be welcoming and joyful, be grateful and look to cooperate with people. Each chapter goes more in-depth on each topic and gives the reader a mantra, a challenge and examples of the area in practice.
People who want a quick, but practical book to help them reexamine their lives and how they can live it better will like this book. While it focuses on the spiritual side of our lives, it isn’t overtly Christian, in fact, it focuses more on how our lives affect the universe.
Sometimes reexamining the small habits in our lives can help us change for the better. In Practice Makes Purpose, there are six main areas we should focus on in life to live to our full potential. The author is a former minister and has studied many different spiritual practices to focus in on these six areas.
I was contacted by the author to review Practice Makes Purpose through my blog. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. I’m always looking for good inspirational books, so I agreed to read this one.
The six areas focused on in Practice Makes Purpose are compassionate seeing, heartfelt listening, intentional welcoming, joyful sharing, grateful receiving and cooperative building. Once read, the areas make sense – be compassionate, listen, be welcoming and joyful, be grateful and look to cooperate with people. Each chapter goes more in-depth on each topic and gives the reader a mantra, a challenge and examples of the area in practice.
People who want a quick, but practical book to help them reexamine their lives and how they can live it better will like this book. While it focuses on the spiritual side of our lives, it isn’t overtly Christian, in fact, it focuses more on how our lives affect the universe.
May 9, 2018
This book was interesting. It has a lot of good values and it teaches you to gain purpose through 6 spiritual practices. It is kind of like a self-help book but for re-evaluating your day to day decisions on how to interact in different situations. I mainly found that the 6 practices help a lot with self-control.
The author uses examples of how these steps can help in family life and work life so it makes it relatable. It is a great book for someone that wants to gain access to another side of themselves.
I'm not a big fan of self-help type books but this one was a decent read and easy to get through. If you are looking for some spiritual evaluation, take this book for a spin.
The author uses examples of how these steps can help in family life and work life so it makes it relatable. It is a great book for someone that wants to gain access to another side of themselves.
I'm not a big fan of self-help type books but this one was a decent read and easy to get through. If you are looking for some spiritual evaluation, take this book for a spin.
July 20, 2022
I feel a transformation coming into my life...
I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like it could help me transform my life. I have a hard time telling people, no, and I'm going to try some of the practices mentioned within this book. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like it could help me transform my life. I have a hard time telling people, no, and I'm going to try some of the practices mentioned within this book. I highly recommend this book.
May 13, 2022
Wonderful book
The principles which set your life to be great human and build great community. You are gift for all, and you are gifted all.
Wonderful book.
The principles which set your life to be great human and build great community. You are gift for all, and you are gifted all.
Wonderful book.
April 22, 2023
"Practice Makes Purpose" is an insightful and practical guide for anyone looking to live a more purposeful life. C. Paul Schroeder offers insightful wisdom and actionable steps to help readers align their values with their actions and find fulfillment. His approach is accessible and grounded, making it easy for readers to implement the concepts in their daily lives. Whether you're seeking personal growth or striving to make a difference in the world, this book provides valuable guidance on how to turn your aspirations into reality.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews