Read an Excerpt

For many of us, there comes a time when we experience a nameless yearning. We feel that there is more to life than we are living. We sense there is a meaningful and timeless reality within, behind, and beyond our day-to-day experiences. Sometimes we try to give this reality a name—God, Spirit, Love, Life, Presence, Intelligence, Reality, Being. We know that ultimately it cannot be named or defined. It is too vast. But it can be experienced.

Though we mostly ignore it in the stress and press of life, the yearning may persist, and we come to realize that we want to have a conscious connection to that vastness in which our lives take place and by which we are mysteriously supported. We also want to manifest our contribution to that vastness, to live more authentically. It is then we begin a search for a way to learn to be more focused, to live more of our truth, and to bring our will and heart into union. 

There are many traditions that offer ways to grow as persons. We want our spirit and our way of life to be all of a piece. To choose a path can be difficult. The method described in this book will not suit everyone, but it may be a start, a spark, and a catalyst. It is concrete and therefore doable.

We have met people whose lives seem to be lit from within. We can feel how they have somehow faithfully attended to the particulars of their unique calling and are drawing strength and insight from an unseen center. We can sense that their will and their hearts are in alignment. It is towards such embodiment that our own journey urges us. This book seeks to provide a concrete method to learn to live our heart’s desire, to contribute to the whole, and to grow.

Ninety days is a serious commitment that often leads to further and deeper practice. Though this book is about a particular practice it is my hope to bring awareness to what is needed in any practice. 

The book is in two parts. The first part begins with a question: Why Practice? In this section thoughts are shared about the benefits of committing to a deep intention. The bare bones of this particular method are also described. In Creating the Hearth, personal and emotional reasons for practice are discussed as well as possible inner preparations for practice. In Learning to Be One Hearted ideas are given about how to better unify one’s self. On The Way looks at aspects that a practitioner might find helpful on the journey. Tending the Fire focuses on what is needed to sustain a practice. Banking the Fire discusses the fortitude needed for a continuous commitment to practice. Sharing the Fire is concerned with the benefits of working with others. Collecting the Embers is about the gained joy and wisdom of practice. The second part of the book, Living the Fire, is composed of reflections for the ninety days of practice. 

Many people have used this method and found it of help. My sincere hopes are that this will be true for you, and that you may journey to your heart’s home where love is both the end and the beginning.