Holy Daring: The Earthy Mysticism of St. Teresa, the Wild Woman of Avila

by Tessa Bielecki, Adam Bucko (Foreword by)

Overview

"Tessa's deep intimacy with Teresa of Avila . . . creates an invitational space for readers of any tradition (or none) to enter into their own transformational relationship with the 'wild woman of Avila.'"—Mirabai Starr

This fresh, upbeat, and deftly profound book joyfully reconnects the fullness of our lives and the depth of our prayer. Much more than yet another book about a great saint who once was, it actually rekindles something of St. Teresa's outrageous spiritual impulse for contemporary readers, particularly those who describe themselves as "spiritual, not religious."

Tessa Bielecki is the author of several books on St. Teresa of Avila, as well as a former Abbess.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781939681591
Publisher:	Monkfish Book Publishing Company
Publication date:	11/15/2016
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	164
Sales rank:	659,339
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Tessa Bielecki: Tessa Beilecki is a former Carmelite monk who was a Mother Abbess for almost 40 years. She is the author of several critically acclaimed books on Teresa of Avila including "Teresa of Avila: Mystical Writings" and "Teresa of Avila: Ecstasy and Common Sense". She is currently co-director of the Desert Foundation and lives in a hermitage in Crestone, Colorado.

Adam Bucko: Adam Bucko is an activist, spiritual director to many of New York City’s homeless youth, and co-author of a new award-winning book called "Occupy Spirituality: A Radical Vision for a New Generation".

Table of Contents

Foreword Adam Bucko xiii

Preface to the New Edition xvii

Introduction: The Wild Woman of Avila 3

Duende

The Movie Version

Holy Daring: Six Conversations

Conversation 1 Zest For Life 11

Body-Soul

Celebration

Humor

Emotional Vitality

True and False Tears

Earth, Exile, and Eternity

Conversation 2 Agony and Ecstasy 27

"Pay Now!"

The Ecstasy of Prayer

Holy Sensuousness

Vision of God

Holy Madness, Martha and Mary

Stealing Time

Reclaiming Lost Time

Conversation 3 Spousal Prayer 43

Erotic Energy

Sublimation

Mysticism or Neurosis

The Song of Songs

Breasts, Wine, and Kisses

Puritanism and Promiscuity

Obstacles to Divine Intimacy

Madness and Reason

Social Ramifications

Conversation4: Love-Wounds and Service 65

Generous Service

The Freedom of Slavery

Mystery of the Cross

Deeper Meanings

Swords of Sorrow, Swords of Joy

Flaming Arrows

Long to Die, Live to Serve

Conversation 5 Meeting the Beloved 81

Preparation and Reading

Meditation Practices

From Meditation to Contemplation

Time, Space, and Touchstones

Jesus or Teresa?

Authenticity and Intercession

Conversation 6 Celebrating Fast and Feast… 99

The Warrior Spirit

Healthy Guidelines

Natural and Organic

Ten Spiritual Practices

Conclusion: Walking the Tightrope 121

Chronology of St. Teresa's Life 127

Author Biography 131

Editorial Reviews

"Tessa Bielecki has intuited the spirit of St. Teresa of Avila. This book on St. Teresa is a gem....Intimate union between these two great Teresas is the only explanation." —Willam McNamara, founder of Spiritual Life Magazine

"There is no better guide to Teresa of Avila's spirituality than Tessa Bielecki... The accessibility of Tessa's language makes Teresa's life and work—her very being—relevant to those of us who want to answer the impulse to live a life that is both deeply human and holy." —V.K. Harber, co-founder, Samdhana-Karana Yoga: A Healing Arts Center

From the Publisher