I recently had the gift of reading Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s book The Sacred Art of Loving Kindness: Preparing To Practice.  I had first heard of the book at one of Retreat House’s Interfaith luncheons.  In the book, Rami explores Judaism’s Thirteen Attributes of Loving Kindness as the framework for cultivating a life of goodness. 

The book is chocked full of wisdom.  I have read the book two times and will keep it handy for reference, as needed, on my spiritual journey.  Each chapter had opportunities for growth for me.  Because of the book I incorporated some new practices/ideas in my life.  I will share two that I began this year:

• I was particularly drawn to the practice in the chapter Acts of Kindness and Giving called Tonglen.  It is a Buddhist practice which Rami says, “is the art of transformation.”  It is a key to understanding our interconnectedness.  It is a breathing mediation which involves breathing in (welcoming) the pain of others and breathing out compassion and love.  It has been a marvelous way for me to feel the pain of others.

• The other chapter that had a good bit of impact was the chapter The Truth of Our Story. Having been educated in the engineering and business world, I have traveled for a good part of my life in “right and wrong” land.  I had my truths. I have come to see the fallacy in that thinking, however, and Rami’s stories revealed a new light on the habit energy I possess.  He share’s Byron Katie’s four question whenever “your beliefs paralyze you.” 

  Paraphrased they go like this: Is it true? Is it absolutely true? Your reaction when you tell that story? What would you be without that belief? This process offered me freedom.

The book offers many ideas and perspectives that fit like a glove with the core values at Retreat House.  The entire book is an umbrella for the value Chesed. Rami also shares many sacred stories in the book, another core value of RH. Although the chapter headings are based on Judaism’s Thirteen Attributes, his writing includes many faith traditions, which is a wonder representation of taking paradigms and applying them to enhance your own. This idea of cross pollination is another tenant of RH.  Every chapter offers to the reader opportunities to “tend the garden,” or cultivate their interior.  I would whole-heartedly recommend this book for anyone on life’s journey.

Richard Mickelson is a Covenant Partner of Retreat House and currently enrolled in the Spiritual Direction Program at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. You can connect with him here.