Unclouded by Longing: Meditations on Autism and Being Present in an Overwhelming World

by Christopher Goodchild, Thomas Moore (Foreword by), Julie Lonneman (Illustrator)

Overview

Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing.'

Lao-Tzu (poet and philosopher)

In this collection of short, contemplative, enlightening reflections, spiritual teacher and Quaker Christopher Goodchild, inspired by his own experiences, guides you through his spiritual and philosophical journey to his truest and most peaceful self. Written from a 'soul' perspective, the book reveals how, by looking beyond vulnerability to see innate strength, and searching beyond pain and turmoil to find peace and serenity, anyone can affirm their true humanity despite the hardships and distractions of modern life.

Christopher's compassionate route through difficulties, doubt, grief and fear is marked with dynamic tenderness and an artful embrace of abundant sources of wisdom. Spirituality, psychology and philosophy are seamlessly woven together in an inclusive Quaker context, led by the common values of love and forgiveness.

In a world increasingly weighed down with the baggage of the self, this book will speak to anyone searching for a more clear-sighted, meaningful presence in the eternal universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784503864
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	04/21/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Christopher Goodchild is a Spiritual teacher and Quaker at the Westminster Meeting. He was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of 40, and is now an Ambassador for the National Autistic Society.

Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. Unclouded By Longing. 2. Befriending Your Black Dog. 3. Healing The Wounds Of Separation. 4. The World As A Stage. 5. The Sorrowful Price Of Freedom. 6. The Second Arrow. 7. The Heart As A Lonely Hunter. 8. To Love What Is. 9. The Light Behind The Watcher. 10. Allowing Your Body To Speak Its Mind. 11. Life As A Painful Gift. 12. The Light Dressed Up As 'Self' And 'Other'. 13. What Desire Are You Using To Give Up Desire? 14. 'Being' In Uncertainty. 15. Dancing With Fear. 16. Whisper "Yes". 17. Waiting In The Light. 18. Quaker Meeting For Worship. 19. Autism As A Flower. 20. The Mystery Of Prayer. 21. Divine Play Of Father And Son. 22. Coming Home To 'Being'. 23. The Quaker Way. 24. Entrusting Yourself To The Waves. 25. The Shadowlands. 26. The Infinite Sky Within. 27. Autism And Spirituality. 28. Eating Poppies With The Dead. 29. The Ocean And The Waves. 30. The Mountain Of Truth. 31. What Is It You Truly Long For? 32. The Gift Of Not Knowing. 33. A Doorway Into Truth.34. 'Being' En Route. 35. A Wounded Tree Still Blossoms. 36. The Sacred Heart Of Jesus. 37. Autism... It's Not What You Think. 38. Nothing Special. 39. There Is Nothing New. 40. Laughter As A Doorway. 41. Being An Elder. 42. Dropping Your Anchor. 43. Allowing Messiness. 44. It's All An Open Secret. 45. Eternally Grateful. 46. Spiritual Bypassing. 47. The Seeker. 48. Autism As An Awakening. 49. ...And Then The Blackbird Sings. 50. Dancing With The Elephant In The Room. 51. The Life That Never Ends. 52. It's All Perfect. 53. Sweet Etty Hillesum. 54. Giving In But Not Giving Up. 55. You Are The Music. 56. Thought For The Day. 57. Going Underground. 58. Using Your Stories Up. 59. The Play Of Darkness And Light. 60. The End Of Words.

Editorial Reviews

With a wisdom honed by transformative pain, Christopher Goodchild invites us to suffuse our lives with a spacious consciousness from which to engage with what is. A moving, beautiful and profoundly truthful book.

Jennifer Kavanagh