The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul

by Roger Hutchison Narrated by Basil Sands

Overview

An invaluable resource for anyone struggling with anxiety, fear, or depression, The Art of Calm is a lifesaving and inspiring guidebook that empowers us to break free from the emotional bondage of mental illness. Bursting with deep personal insight and uplifting practical guidance, this remarkable and therapeutic journey begins by charting the author's own devastating psychological descent-which included panic attacks so severe they landed him in the emergency room. When the medical system proved unable to provide sustained help, however, a floundering Roger Hutchison turned to his faith for guidance. The healing path God led him on was nothing short of miraculous, offering not only authentic spiritual renewal but also a profound sense of belonging in a world where he once only felt like a stranger.



Weaving these personal stories with thoughtful questions, journaling prompts, and a wide range of inspirational practices, Hutchison creates a self-help tapestry of compassion, vulnerability, and action. At the end of each chapter, a colorful variety of reflections and creative exercises encourage listeners to get up and discover a more centered and peaceful life. The result is an essential tool for finding tranquility in the midst of both inner and outer turmoil.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Christian readers who have been struggling with the demands and harshness of the world will find Hutchison’s calm, self-effacing tone extremely refreshing. A compassionate, helpful, faith-oriented series of meditations on finding peace in a tumultuous world." —Kirkus Reviews

"Exceptionally well written, exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly', The Art of Calm will be of special value for readers with an interest in a Christian approach to therapy and relaxation." —Midwest Book Review

“The Art of Calm is about developing a practice, exploring strategies and finding sources of solace. It’s equal parts workbook, self-help guide, memoir and prayer book.”—Houston Chronicle

“Exceptionally well written, exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' presentation, The Art of Calm will be of special value for readers with an interest in a Christian approach to therapy and relaxation in dealing with the inevitable stresses and strains of daily life in these troubled times.”—Wisconsin Bookwatch

"In The Art of Calm, Roger is refreshingly honest. Although he’s a tremendous artist and illustrator, he refuses to paint a perfect picture of life. Instead, he reminds his readers, we are not alone. He’s vulnerable and real. He doesn’t write as a mental health expert, but as a friend who has found a way through the mess, and learned how to experience calm." —Traci Rhoades, author of Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost

“What a beautiful blend of personal memoir and effective guidance! This resource reflects the warm spirit of Roger Hutchison, and it generates the same hope and light that his ministry has brought to others. Thank you, Roger, for your courage and your spirit. Your journey, indeed your art, brings calm to the world!” —Samuel G. Candler, Dean, The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, GA

Kirkus Reviews

2023-08-10
This spiritual guide offers advice to readers dealing with anxiety and depression.

In his book, Hutchison relates how his own life was shadowed by stress and anxiety. He was in a loving family with his wife, Kristin, and his daughter, Riley; he was supported by friends and colleagues; and yet he felt overwhelmed and found himself in a hospital emergency room. He was diagnosed with something called “Generalized Anxiety Disorder,” the first of many self-discoveries the author reveals about himself in these pages. He learned that he was an “empath,” highly sensitive to the needs of other people, and from this and other surprises, he created the book’s core philosophy: “It has taken me a lifetime to come to the realization, but I now know that I am not broken but something to celebrate.” In a series of chapters grounded in his own experiences, Hutchison leads readers through reflections on how they can center themselves and find peace in a critical world. The essence of his program is a passionate, personal Christianity. Each chapter includes a section on “supplication” to the Christian God, and spiritual calls and prayers abound throughout the text (“Christ, be with me in places of toxicity”), making the book of limited use to non-Christian readers. But readers sharing Hutchison’s faith, or wanting to, will find him a genial and supportive guide to the process of reshaping routines to discover personal calm and acceptance through a renewed faith—and, as the author repeatedly advises, grounding a healthy worldview in creativity. Christian readers who have been struggling with the demands and harshness of the world will find Hutchison’s calm, self-effacing tone extremely refreshing.

A compassionate, helpful, faith-oriented series of meditations on finding peace in a tumultuous world.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191260273
Publisher:	EChristian, Inc.
Publication date:	12/24/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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