Total Page : 352
Publisher : Riverhead Trade
Publication Date : 2010 03 02
>> Naming the Enemy Patience with Self
In Acedia and Me Kathleen Norris provides us with a helpful exposition of the monastic idea of torpor or spiritual and mental sloth what the ancients called acedia Explaining how this term uncommon in our day has developed historically and theologically is a key theme of the book Norris surveys a vast range of monastic contemplative theological and other literary treatments of this idea helping us grasp how the recognition of this vice might serve us today in our own spiritual journeys
As noted by other reviewers Norris s autobiographical selections are particularly insightful While some may consider these digressions or departures from the central theme of the book I found them to be illuminating in that the realities of life contribute to the condition of acedia Norris s lengthy discussion of her marriage with her husband David his suicide attempt his personal struggles with depression and the abuse of alcohol and his later battles with illness that ultimately led to his death are full of emotion and clear introspection naming the challenges many of us face when losing those we love with precision Norris s ruminations on death add great value to this book Often death is a subject we are afraid to face as it will one day come to us all But Norris does so with boldness and clarity
This is my first exposure to Kathleen Norris s work From time to time certain theological nuances irked me such as particular nuances in her discussion of sin and human nature but overall I found this book to be engaging and enjoyable As a creative I also found the themes explored in this book to be helpful for my craft which is predominantly writing though I dabble in other artistic ventures as well I know what it means to lack care for my craft to fall into torpor to be slothful or apathetic mentally or spiritually And while these descriptors as Norris points out only begin to define acedia they are nonetheless helpful This is why I m thankful for this book Norris names a concept or idea that has been part of my reality illuminates both the source and a potential cure and leads me by the hand toward a more virtuous disciplined life
>> Aimless and overwritten
I m an avid reader of Ms Norris work but this one suffers from far too many digressions citations of the writing of others and rather turgid prose I feel that the book might have attempted a healing attitude toward acedia not becoming part of its cause A disappointment for me
>> a lovely meditation
A meditative walk through Norris s struggles with acedia her husband s depression the spiritual and writing life I think the distinction she tries to draw between acedia and depression is not at all clear and perhaps not tenable but lovely writing and food for thought
