The Spiritual Path of Caryll Houselander

By Joyce Kemp

Caryll Houselander (1901-1954), English artist, spiritual writer, poet, social activist and mystic, was a unique laywoman who took holiness out of the monastery, cloister and rectory and into the offices, factories, farms, streets and homes of ordinary people. In this engagingly interactive book, part narrative biography and part practical spirituality, readers will be moved to see in Caryll's story something of their own life history. In nine chapters, Joyce Kemp explores aspects of Caryll's life, from her difficult childhood, through periods of searching, being touched by God, becoming involved with the poor and the marginalized in society, living through war, writing and meeting an early death through cancer. Each chapter is followed by spiritual exercises inspired by the techniques of Drs. Ira Progoff and Jean Houston, that are built around the topic of that period of Caryll's life. "Caryll's spirituality is for everyone, not just monks and nuns. It is for people who have no time to pray in peace and quiet....When she shared her idea of rhythms with others, they, too, found some inner peace for their souls in the midst of the noise and distractions of their environment," affirms Kemp. Now, more than ever, Caryll's shining example will provide inspiration, guidance and wisdom to spiritual seekers, whether alone or in groups, retreatants, and anyone seeking God in everyday life. +

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809140063
• ISBN13: 9780809140060
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A concise and moving presentation of Houselander's spirituality

Joyce Kemp, Ph.D. and a Religious of the Cenacle, presents a concise and moving description of the philosophy and life of Caryll Houselander, an English Catholic convert who died in 1954, and whose works are very providentially being "rediscovered." Kemp writes in the Introduction: "The Christ-seed in many of us lies dormant. In order tp bring it to life, we must die to ourselves, like seeds in the earth dying to give birth to the plant. Caryll saw that even during times when the soul seems to be shut and a winter of the spirit makes it almost impossible to pray, Christ is growing toward the spring of his flowering in us. Caryll's life is presented here as a work of art that is complete. By studying her life experience and her spiritual journey, we can find wisdom and guidance for our own." Each chapter concludes with exercises based on the work of Ira Progoff, Ph.D.; Jean Houston, Ph.D.; and St. Ignatius Loyola. These exercises contain interesting and pertinent material that further's one's understanding of Houselander's insights and how to apply them to one's own life. They avoid the platitudes of "pop" psychology and can be done in a group or alone. I highly recommend this book and hope it will make Caryll Houselander known to a new generation.