Spiritual Rebel: A Positively Addictive Guide to Finding Deeper Perspective and Higher Purpose

by Sarah A. Bowen

Explore 21 days of creative spiritual practices drawing from ancient wisdom and pop culture in this award-winning guide to modern spirituality.

"A lighthearted, upbeat take on questions that have churned within human minds for millennia."― Spirituality & Health Book Review
"With a balance of careful scholarship and refreshing irreverence, Spiritual Rebel offers a treasure map to the best of the wisdom traditions."―Mirabai Starr, author of Wild Mercy
"A must-read for anyone seeking to find or deepen their spiritual path."―Francesco Mastalia, author of The Secret of Life
*** Mining the world's philosophical, scientific, and wisdom traditions, Spiritual Rebel offers a three-week program of unconventional spiritual practices. Each day readers choose from a variety of creative activities to try out including forest bathing, meditation with animals, visio divina, kirtan, sacred reading, and visiting spiritually charged locations, just to name a few.
Throughout the book, Sarah divulges juicy tidbits from her own spiritually rebellious journey. A preacher's kid originally inspired by the Force of Star Wars, she confesses her challenges with her birth religion, descent into addiction, and recovery into a life where everything can be sacred.
Combining pop culture with ancient wisdom, Spiritual Rebel draws on the interfaith wisdom of Wayne Teasdale, Brother David Steindl-Rast, Dr. Andrew Newberg, A.H. Almas, David Spangler, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Neil deGrasse Tyson, John Muir, Dr. Qing Li, Sarah Wilson, Leonard Felder, Deepak Chopra, Ram Dass, Diane Berke, Thich Nhat Hanh, Madeleine L'Engle, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Krishna Das, Phyllis Curott, Belden C. Lane, Albert Einstein, and many others.
An indispensable guide for seekers, those in spiritual communities, agnostics, atheists, mystics, and the spiritual-but-not-religious, Spiritual Rebel is for anyone who desires meaningful experiences without having to commit exclusively to one path or fear they might be "doing it wrong." The diverse collection of interspiritual practices and resources will inspire the Force within you, by whatever name you call it.
"Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, exceptionally insightful and ultimate inspiring." (Midwest Book Review) 

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Philosophy, Religion

244 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2019

About the author

Sarah Bowen is an award-winning author, columnist for Spirituality & Health magazine, animal chaplain, and multifaith spiritual educator.

Especially interested in the intersection of spiritual values with animal welfare, Sarah is a fierce advocate for all creatures, teaching interspecies mindfulness practices, working with humans around the grief and loss of companion animals, loving up animals in shelters, and providing wildlife struck by cars a "sacred sendoff." Her newest book "Sacred Sendoffs: An Animal Chaplain’s Advice For Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meaningful, & Trying To Heal The Planet" will hit bookstores April 5, 2022. (monkfishpublishing.com)

Sarah's first book, "Void If Detached: Seeking Modern Spirituality Through My Father's Old Sermons," and second book, "Spiritual Rebel: A Positively Addictive Guide to Deeper Perspective and Higher Purpose," from Monkfish Publishing both received numerous book awards including the Nautilus.

Sarah writes regularly for Spirituality & Health Magazine and her work has also appeared in Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Elephant Journal, Common Ground, Light of Consciousness, mindbodygreen, Shatterproof, and other media.

She is also an academic dean at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, where she encourages people to align their spiritual values with animal and planetary welfare. In addition, she has presented on animal death and interspecies spirituality in a wide range of venues, including United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, Parliament of the World’s Religions, Compassion Arts Festival, Pace E Bene’s Campaign Nonviolence Action Week, The Spiritual Forum, and numerous podcasts.

Reviews

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, I KNOW I fit into this category. Loved everything about this book. Connected to it all. The Harry Potter Sacred Texts (which I learned about in this book; and it is a super cool podcast that I now follow), Star Wars; the Force is now with me; Yoda, Princess Leia, Carrie Fisher, Katness Everdeen, and mythical unicorns. 🌟 Stardust, the Maker of 🌳 Trees. Sheep 🐑. So many pointers, as Sarah, refers to them in this book.

I began listening to the audio of this read by the author on walks when I was out of town for XMas. I identified with it so much that I downloaded the kindle.

Update: Jan. 14, 2021: I won a copy of the book from Bowen's website and am now reading again and hi-lighting. I am gonna try the activities this time. It is pretty early on but I'd say this will be one of my most important books of 2021. I am definitely a spiritual rebel. It is a fun book. It opened a door for me to walk into the spiritual life I couldn't even imagine but very much hoped for.

Highly recommended!
Check it out for yourself. Life changing for me. I found my tribe.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a myriad of books on the market to help people find their way through this tricky world. It could take a lifetime to simply find the ones that might apply to your exact situation. The author here has done the leg work for you. Through her incredibly well written journey, she has tried and tasted most every kind of spiritual way that exists.



The key here is not to follow her way in exactitude. The journey to your own level of preferred spiritual awareness is an incredibly personal one. No one needs to be directed by a herder or led like a lemming over a certain spiritual cliff.



The author illustrates many handy ways a person could use to help find themselves when faced with the low point that most humans find themselves in. Each reader will find something in this book that resonates with them and that is one of the key benefits of this work.



For this reader, the simply philosophical idea that I will paraphrase: stop fighting against what you don't like and change yourself to get the most out of it. My wife and I did that in January of this year when we consciously decided to love every day. Hating Mondays only made us give up 14.3% of our potential life enjoyment. We found our inspiration for this from Winnie The Pooh but there are a million ways listed in this book for everyone to try (or not...not all works for everyone!).



Not a simple read but when you get to the aha moment that works for you, this book has done its job.



A solid edition to the self-help spiritual world.



Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in the hopes I’d review it.



My Rating: 4.5 stars



Reviewed by: Mr. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for a review.

Spiritual Rebel is a wonderful read for anyone who struggles with organized religion and wants to carve their own spiritual path. The book is broken down down into a 21 day journey with a daily theme, a couple of exercises to complete that are associated with the theme, some rebellious variations for the exercises if you don't like being told what to do (LOL), and suggestions (books to read, websites to visit, podcasts, movies/documentaries, etc) if you want to explore the daily theme deeper. Also, the book does not focus on any particular religion and is not religious at all for that matter (which is good for those of us who struggle with the "R" word), but pulls ideas and themes from many different spiritual believe systems to help in giving life a deeper perspective and meaning.

I decided to read this book as designed, spending 21 days on the material and absolutely loved it. The author is funny and makes the material light and entertaining, but is also thought provoking and covers some tough topics to really get you thinking and exploring your habits and values. I had many aha moments, enjoyed working through the exercises, and am currently re-evaluating my own personal habits and will likely make some tweaks. Not to mention, I have a ton of books on my "to be read" list to explore.

One thing I have been struggling with the most in the last year if figuring out my higher purpose. It is something that has left me feeling a little lost and wandering aimlessly through life (one of the reasons the title of this book called to me). The questions in this books helped to give me more direction in that aspect. There was one question that hit me hard, and has me right on the cusp of finally determining what my higher purpose is. As someone who has read many books on finding my higher purpose and still feeling lost, this was a breakthrough for me.

Very good read, I definitely recommend.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished the book this evening and I wish I knew other people to discuss it with. It would be a great read for a spiritual or religious book club as it leaves great questions up for debate/discussion. It touches into many areas of ones faith and unapologetically lets the reader decide what they would buy into. I will be going back through the “workbook” portion to delve deeper. Overall, definitely worth some time and thought!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Sophy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me.

[Heather Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with a friend and it was a beauty. I love how open handed this book is, offering permission granted curiosity to search and study and form your own sacred thoughts and beliefs. My favorite thing about this book? All the prompts and reading material/podcast/documentaries suggested in each section. Can’t wait to dive deeper into many of those.

[Tim Cigelske · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spiritual, but not religious" has become a stock phrase that defines a younger generation that rejects institutional religion, but still wants to believe in something larger than themselves. But what does that actually mean in practice? What do you do if you consider yourself skeptical, yet longing for more?

Sarah Bowen provides a framework for these modern-day spiritual seekers who may be deeply ambivalent about what she calls "the G-word" (God) or "the B-word" (Blessing). In lively and energetic prose, Bowen lays out a framework, ideas and suggestions to explore, go deeper and even capital B- Believe in something. "During our redefining process, it’s important to clarify our own beliefs rather than to just stand in opposition to what we don’t believe in," she writes. For Bowen, this means big ideas but also practical day-to-day exercises like breathing and intentionally sharing blessings.

Bowen's own journey has taken her to the edges from growing up in a preacher's family, disillusionment and disbelief, and finally finding an inclusive path forward. Today, her calling means "redefining what sacred, spiritual, and religious mean for us," she says of the growing number of "spiritual rebels." This includes getting in touch with ourselves, our world, our universe, God (however you define God) or even in pop cultural touch points like Star Wars and other modern myths.

Bowen brings a wealth of experience to her spiritual quest that she shares with others, from an eclectic seminary to tons of books to world travels. Her goal is to help others define what spiritualism means for each person and group, rather than just what they reject from traditional religion.

Personally, I find Bowen's philosophy refreshing, and I can relate as someone who grew up in a traditionally religious household but now find myself drawn to spiritual rebels and look for meaning in myths and pop culture. Our tribe of spiritual misfits and rebels are all looking for someone to lead us. In Bowen, we find someone who won't tell you exactly where to go, but will invite you to take your own journey and provide encouragement and help along the way.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun! Author Sarah Bowen describes her spirituality as “often fluorescent orange with a thumping bass beat.” If you’re still searching for a spiritual practice that feels authentic to you, this book is filled with thought-provoking stories and quotations, fun practices, and lots of resources for further exploration, all written in a friendly and often humorous style. I made avid use of my highlighter while reading this book.

I like how the book was organized. It starts with a discussion of what it means to be a spiritual rebel; how to overcome limiting beliefs about religion, divinity, and spirituality; and how to find terminology that works for you.

The middle part of the book offers 21 suggested spiritual practices to explore, with a different theme for each day of the week and plenty of suggested modifications (“Rebellious Variations”). I was already familiar with many of these practices, but some were new to me, and I liked the Rebellious Variations and the suggested resources. For example, I’m an experienced meditator, but I loved the suggestions for meditating with animals. And I was delighted by the discussion of blessings.

The book wraps up with an examination of discovering and living your higher purpose.

If you’ve had a rocky experience with religion or feel suspicious of spirituality, I highly recommend this book. Ms. Bowen is a friendly, inclusive, hilarious, relatable, and inspirational guide for anyone seeking a more meaningful, connected life.

Thanks to Monkfish Book Publishing Company for providing me with a free review copy through BookSirens that I volunteered to review.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paths to the Jedi Temple are many

"...the ways our differences combine to create meaning and beauty" - Spock on IDIC

Spiritual Rebel is a wonderful guide to expand one's horizons and deepen one's perspective. Leaning into the Jedi path and the underling Power of Myth, Sarah Bowen has put together a comprehensive guide across a cornucopia of practices, beliefs and exercises from an extensive and diverse group of disciplines. Read by the author, Spiritual Rebel offers a well-constructed blueprint of weekly timelines and daily focus points as well as a plethora of external resources. I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other, I've seen a lot of strange stuff, and whether you subscribe to hokey religions or just the Jedi way - Spiritual Rebel is a great companion to find paths you might not have traveled. - TDW

[Melina Lobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is real? How do you define real?
🦄🦄🦄
Spiritual Rebel by Sarah Bowen is a guide to help anyone who is on a newfound journey and may not necessarily want to to stick yo one path or religion.
You can find many teachings in this book from the Bible to Buddha.
There is a week by week learning session with help tips, rebellious variations and videos, books etc that can help understand these topics more clearly and in depth.
The author draws from personal as well as professional life to put her thoughts forward in his book.
Even if you are not someone looking for a spiritual release, this is a good book to understand the basic fundamentals of spirituality without the feeling of being poached by religious groups.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 85/100
Melina L.

[Sharla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't pick up a lot of self help books - I just don't - but, this book caught my eye. It was maybe just the adorable UniSheep, but I'm glad I read Ms. Bowen's book!

My own connection to spirt has been a winding journey and I have felt disconnected from the....(Ms. Bowen would approve of the use of this sci-fi term) Force. This book encourages curiosity, connection, and community in a way that makes me want to explore my own spirituality without judging it.

Her writing style is straightforward, honest, and inclusive. I look forward to delving into this book again and again to continue to learn from it.

TL;DR This is a "spiritual" book for nerds that is wonderfully open-ended, experimental, and self determined.

[Eileen Urbanic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took my confusion over spirituality and brought my beliefs into the light. I am not a one religion, or spiritual practice fits all my needs kinda gal. This book made me realize that it's ok, to take elements from different beliefs, put them together and have a spiritual practice that makes sense to me. This book will open your eyes to new possibilities.

[Kasey Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and humorous resource for tapping into great perspective, your true calling, spirituality, oneness with all beings, or whatever seems to be missing from your life. I will be referring back to it often in order to try reading some of the suggested texts and to also help me stay mindful in my journey to connect with this immense universe.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book could be immensely helpful to someone starting on the path, someone looking for insight, spirituality, purpose in life, re-examining their life, etc. However, as someone who has found their path (more or less) of spirituality, this book was merely a reminder. Still, a valuable text.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Kindle Edition
An uplifting book that is interesting and informative.

I really enjoyed the activities part which help connect you with your own inner spirituality and the world around you

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have fun with your inner spiritual rebel

A wonderful, quirky and abundant resource for those who define as spiritual but not religious. From Tibet to Tattooine the author engages her audience to push those boundaries and gain a new perspective.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting examination of finding what spiritual practices work for you. I appreciate the idea we can follow a path from different traditions simultaneously.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Promising start but then it turned into just another "do this on Monday, do this on Tuesday,..." and that was the end of it for me.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is a kindred spirit. Reading this felt like chatting with a close friend. 💛

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun! I’m an atheist but it opened me up to the idea of worshiping something beyond myself without interference of corporate religion.

[Checko · Rating 5 out of 5]

My preference in books is non-fiction, history and science—revelations about how people and nature live and work. In regards to religion, I’ve rebelled against most due to the history and ongoing suffering that prescribed doctrines and beliefs have done to people, both within the followers and those “others not in the club.” When I heard about the title, Spiritual Rebel, I was intrigued at the possibility of finding a connection I could relate to.

I found a real page turner—rare for my poor reading habits. Instead of being put off, I was drawn all in. Reading the other well-said comments I've seen, I completely agree. With Sarah Bowen’s disarming “charm, wit, and whimsy” woven in, her words politely invited me on an impressive spiritual tour across time and across cultures—all with the caveat of “take what you want and leave the rest.” Instead of rebelling against, I listened, one spiritual rebel to another.

In regards to spirituality, I could describe my life’s journey as having become a “spiritual pragmatic”—I practice what works for me. I still esteem what I accept as “scientific fact,” but can also embrace that which I experience as “beneficial beliefs.”
Sarah Bowen’s words are well-chosen, even poetic. In a very accessible manner, she provides a vast amount of information. I particularly appreciated her giving value to including wisdom from pop culture as being the myths of today. After all, did not traditional lore that is held high today arise from the pop culture of the past?

The book is well organized and kept me engaged throughout. It includes suggested practices that may stretch you, but not break you. Several practices have already been part of my daily life.
My spirituality source is anything that inspires me and connects me. Be that in the awe of DNA, a tree, or the emotions from fulfilling a higher purpose than self. To live open to the AHA moments. Spiritual Rebel gave me those moments—along with AHs and HAs. It was an enlightening and entertaining ride. I recommend others buy a ticket.