Paperback: 160 pages.

Published by O Books

Release Date: 29 October 2010.

ISBN: 978-1-84694-355-3

Links to online retailers will be provided when the book becomes available.

Loneliness and Revelation

A Study of the Sacred: Part One

Everyone experiences loneliness in their lives. Yet most people are secretly afraid of it, and will do nearly anything to avoid it. Few are willing to talk about it at all. In these forty-five meditations, the author shows that loneliness is not simply a social phenomenon, nor a medical condition, nor a weakness of will. Rather, it is an existential condition of life; a part of the way things are in the world. So you can't turn to other people, or "true love", for a solution. Nor can you turn to God, for God is probably lonelier than you are! But loneliness is neither good nor evil. Indeed it can be a source of profound spiritual insight. Great religious heroes like Moses, Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed made their most important spiritual discoveries in solitude. Using a simple philosophical discourse, this book offers a new understanding of the idea of Revelation. It is available to everyone, not just to priests and prophets. It can push back the frontier of loneliness, and render life meaningful and beautiful and worthwhile. It has four simple but far-reaching principles: "I am here; this is what I am; and what I am is beautiful! Is anyone else out there?"

Some Endorsements:

As if washed through by a rain storm, this short book sparkles and glints with clarity, honesty and beauty. For those who have dedicated their life to the search for truth and the experience of the sacred, these are issues gently and thoughtfully handled. It is no self-help book; it is more intelligent, subtle and respectful of the reader. Each of the 45 pieces, particularly if taken as daily meditations, are valuable provocations to deep thought and inspired consideration. A valuable piece of work.

Emma Restall Orr, author of Living with Honour and Kissing the Hag

Related Links

Episode 80 of God Box Cafe podcast, in which Yvonne and I talk about the book, and some of its related themes.