Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit

I used this book post-Lent and found it just as useful for the 40 days I read it. Huston takes us through a six-week journey with devotionals for 6 days, allowing Sunday for worship. The book emphasises the letting go of stuff, both the physical and spiritual. "Sin is complicated", a friend reminds her so seeking "humility, the ground of goodness, is simple and open."We start by simplifying space around us, we explore money in week one, then the body, the mind, our schedules, relationships and the final week we simplify prayer. Each day's reading has a message of reflection from Huston which paints a picture leading to a practical instruction for the day. These varied from cleaning a hidden space, to visiting the sick in hospital, to studying meditative prayer to name three.I admit I didn't complete all the practical instructions, however, especially benefited from the discovery of the Divine Office and Lectio Divina, both of which I've happily continued to varying degrees. I appreciated Huston's musings. Her reflections her own spiritual journey to developing greater mindfulness has been of much encouragement and I look forward to reading more of her work. She made many references to the Desert Fathers and others who have inspired her on her journey.I'm not a Catholic but heartily recommend this book for anyone looking to simplify one's life so as to gain some better clarity on humility.

I love all of Paula Huston's books and return to them over and over. Interesting that each time I see things I missed on the previous read. So going through Simplifying The Soul for the 4th or 5th time this year was not repetitive but more looking at things from another angle and in different season. While it is impossible to do everything she offers you will be drawn to those "next steps" in your soul journey. This is exactly why this book can be used over and over again and not just during Lent. While her heart warming examples may lead you to believe this simplifying is easy, in fact the follow through is extremely hard work, but well worth the effort. I highly recommend all of Paula's books as building blocks to what is offered here to further grow your soul and renew your spirit.

I purchased this book to take part in an inter-faith discussion group during Lent. The initial week's recommended practices were a good start but I soon ran into some that were not. For instance she recommends to cut up one credit card because "they give a false sense of security". Not a good idea for me. I have one credit card. I use it for food, gas, medication, and other necessities. Its safer than carrying cash around. I But was really bothered me was this suggested practice was offered after a long story about a round-the-world trip the author got to take as the recipient of a grant. Another was to walk to the grocery store. That's a 9 mile round trip for me and although I walk a few miles each day I am not about to undertake a trek like that in the winter. This suggestion was after a story of how (gift of another grant) she was able to take her whole family to Europe. I am glad for her good fortune but she lives in a far different world than I do. Other practices further on on simply not allowed or really safe during the pandemic.

This has been an interesting and meaningful lent. I used this book this year even though I am no longer part of the Catholic Faith I found this to be rich and meaningful. There were only a couple days that were hard to connect with the activity because of not being Catholic but overall this book is one of my favorite lent books. I was challenged to really examine different aspects of my life.

Reading this book has, for the first time in a long time, given me a wonderful way to start the day during Lent. Living in a rural area and frequently traveling, it has not been possible for me to attend church every day...at least I didn't this year. Reading a corresponding chapter each day was inspiring and gave me a "job" for the day. I plan on carrying out those daily duties during the year and will read this again next year during Lent. I so appreciate the fact that Paula has taken the time to write such a lovely book.

I was introduced to this book when attending a silent retreat, I love reading but devoured this book within a four hour time frame and made notes as I went. It has inspired me not only in preperation for Easter but as a guide for a more reflective practice for my christian journey in general. I purchased a copy for a dear friend of mine and her and her daughter are going to join with me and go through the steps written about by Paula as we prepare for Easter in 2013. A great read and an easy read. Love it! Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit (Ave Maria Press)

Loved this book. A mixture of autobiography and knowledge of Saints.

What a wonderful way to start each morning. During Lent I was working a job that took a lot of hours daily. Some days I didn't read in the morning, but read at night when I got home.I think it be wonderful to read a book of this context 365 days a year.I love Paula's west of

This is one of the most practical spirituality books I have ever read. It is a book that can be used at any time - you don't have to wait for Lent! The exercises are challenging but simple in their concept. You just have to bite the bullet and be prepared to look at the priorities of your life and be ready to change.