{"product_id":"the-wisdom-of-the-body-a-contemplative-journey-to-wholeness-for-women-9781933495828","title":"The Wisdom of the Body: A Contemplative Journey to Wholeness for Women","description":"The distorted view of the perfect female body created by popular culture, television, movies, and the media often causes women to become uncomfortable with their own bodies. Christine Valters Paintner, popular author of nine books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, draws from Celtic, desert, and Benedictine traditions to help women connect with their bodies through writing, visual art, and movement. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In \u003ci\u003eThe Wisdom of the Body\u003c\/i\u003e, Christine Valters Paintner focuses on the true meaning of the Incarnation--God became flesh--and points to the spiritual importance of appreciating the bodies God gave us. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Each of the book's ten chapters is a mini-workshop designed to lead us to new ways of being in relationship with our bodies. Starting with the senses and shifting toward emotions and desires, Paintner explores their role as thresholds to discovering the body's wisdom. She draws from Christian tradition to offer principles and practices such as stability, hospitality, and gratitude to lead us on a journey that ends with a sense of deep peace and self-acceptance. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Through expressive arts and creative movement, Paintner demonstrates a new a language and way of integrating and sharing our discoveries. By exploring the lives of women in the Bible and in the Christian tradition--including Eve, Mary, Hildegaard of Bingen, and Amma Syncletica--Paintner introduces us to companions that accompany us on our journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChristine Valters Paintner\u003c\/b\u003e is the online abbess for Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She earned a doctorate in Christian spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and achieved professional status as a registered expressive arts consultant and educator from the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is also trained as a spiritual director and supervisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaintner is the author of seventeen books on monasticism and creativity, including \u003ci\u003eSacred Time\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eEarth, Our Original Monastery\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eThe Soul's Slow Ripening\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eWater, Wind, Earth, and Fire\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eThe Artist's Rule\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eThe Soul of a Pilgrim\u003c\/i\u003e;\u003ci\u003e Illuminating the Way\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eThe Wisdom of the Body; \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003cb\u003etwo\u003c\/b\u003e collections of poetry\u003ci\u003e. \u003c\/i\u003eShe is a Benedictine oblate living in Galway, Ireland, with her husband, John. Together they lead online retreats at their website AbbeyoftheArts.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Sorin Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50649292538130,"sku":"9781933495828","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_f59b5569-da0d-43d9-85d3-c442008861ea.jpg?v=1733259610","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-wisdom-of-the-body-a-contemplative-journey-to-wholeness-for-women-9781933495828","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}