The Dance of Life: Spiritual Direction with Henri Nouwen

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Michael Ford (Editor)

At the heart of Henri Nouwen's theology is the idea that the spiritual life is a process of transforming negatives into positives, of living between two polarities, of learning to embrace darkness and light at the same time. In this new anthology of Nouwen's writings, Michael Ford traces Nouwen's understanding of the human emotions following the course of his literary career. From his earliest works as a young psychology lecturer, his famous paperbacks which emerged during his days as a professor at Yale and Harvard to his remarkable output before and after his breakdown at l'Arche, Ford makes selections which not only chart the writer's intense fascination with his own psycho-spiritual development but, at the same time, enable us to make connections with our own emotional struggles, helping us to make positives out of our own negatives.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Carole Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henri Nouwen's writing is easily read and understood usually by most. That I think is the beauty of his writing. He wants everyone to come to Jesus and confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that we should be vigilant in living in His Word. This, of course, is no easy task, but we should daily commit ourselves to His Leadership as we share His Word and Love with others. Community is how God's Word and teachings are shared.

[Arna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A devotional book that has depth. Nouwen leaves you pondering great questions of faith without shattering your faith but rather driving you more into the heart of God. Its one book that should stay on my shelf to be meditated on often.

[Victoria Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the editor, Michael Ford, organized Nouwen's material and referenced the significant life stages we emerge through, then sited which of Nouwen's book it came from. It motivated me to read one of his other books. it was very inspiring!

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now, I have read Nouwen before and really loved it (Return of the Prodigal Son plus another one or two). I received this book for Christmas (though I blame myself since it was on my Amazon list). I did not realize this was an edited book with blurbs from his many different books and diaries. To be quite honest, for such a short book, it was extremely difficult to get through. It felt like reading a recipe book. Characterized by subject, you read 10 excerpts about going home (dying), similar to how you could read through a chapter on desserts, but you enjoy no build-up of a point or climax, or real flow within the chapters. I've already listed it on Title Trader. I had hoped, after getting over the initial disappointment, that it would at least help me decide on which book of his to read next, but no such luck. Apparently (from the preface) there is another edited volume (by Michael Ford?), do - not - do - it. Read a Nouwen book the way he wrote it, one book from start to finish.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love this book (despite the slightly cheesy title). Nouwen's psychological training informs his very down-to-earth spiritual writing, and this is a great format - an anthology of excerpts arranged by theme. The great message of God's love shines through every page. It's a wonderful book to read a little at a time.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My attention kept wandering when reading this book. Normally I love Nouwen's writing, but I didn't connect with this one.

Perhaps it was because this book is a collection of passages from his other books, and a paragraph or two isn't enough to pull me in. I don't know. Maybe if I read it again at another time I'd connect to it...

[Katherine]

Really helpful during some of my darkest days. I like the concept of weaving the joy and the pain together, and these excerpts from Nouwen's other works all touch on this idea.

[Allie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely love Henri Nouwen, but I completely distain how some publishers have pulled together bits & pieces of what he wrote or said to compile a new book by Nouwen post humus.

[Margaret]

I may have to read more of his books, but for now, this has lovely short excerpts from many of his other books. Easy to pick up and find a short but powerful gem.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. Comforting. Guiding.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read JUN 2007

Excellent edited collection of Henri Nouwen's works. Good way to identify individual titles you may want to dig into deeper.

[Eric Toribio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really helpful. It addressed a lot of things about pain, sorrow, darkness, and other negative emotions and gives good advice about overcoming them and finding life.

[Randy Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystical and provocative.

[Bernadette Sahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Love it!