Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Calling the Soul, the True Self, and the Deepest Longing 29
Seven Factors of Awakening: The First Factor, Mindfulness 51
Real Voices, Real Courage: eli tizcareño 52
Mindfulness Practice: Mindful Breathing 58
Queries 62
Chapter 2 Daring to Listen to the Inner Voice, the Small Holy 63
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Second Factor, Investigation 84
Real Voices, Real Courage: LoAn Nguyen 85
Mindfulness Practice: Deep Listening 92
Queries 95
Chapter 3 When Life Breaks You Open: Practice and Growth 97
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Third Factor, Energy 104
Real Voices, Real Courage: George Lakey 105
Mindfulness Practice: Handling Strong Emotions 112
Queries 114
Chapter 4 Trusting True Self: Taking the Risk to Blossom 115
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Fourth Factor, Joy 128
Real Voices, Real Courage: Susan Cross 130
Mindfulness Practice: Cultivating Joy 136
Queries 137
Chapter 5 Cultivating Wholeness: The Body as Grounded Wisdom 139
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Fifth Factor, Tranquility 153
Real Voices, Real Courage: Brian Braganza 153
Mindfulness Practice: The Body Scan 162
Queries 165
Chapter 6 Deepening Connections: Journeying with Community, Mentors, and Friends 167
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Sixth Factor, Concentration 184
Real Voices, Real Courage: Francisco Burgos 186
Mindfulness Practice: Beginning Anew 194
Queries 196
Chapter 7 Living Your Genuine: Truth Telling to Embrace the True Self 197
Seven Factors of Awakening: The Seventh Factor, Equanimity 219
Real Voices, Real Courage: Fanny Brewster 220
Mindfulness Practice: Touching the Earth 228
Queries 229
Chapter 8 Bravely Home: Boundless Joy (Well, Maybe Basic Okayness) on the Way Back to You 231
Real Voices, Real Courage: liana Kaufman 247
Mindfulness Practice: Mindful Walking 256
Queries 258
Afterword 261
Acknowledgments 263
Notes 267
About the Author 273