JourneyOnline
Skylight Paths Publishing
RRP: $26.95
In an age when people claim to be more spiritual yet less involved in church, expressions of faith development are found in other activities. It is no surprise then, to find that many people express their spiritual development in alternative ways.
Warren Kay’s book claims that running, as a natural expression of ourselves, can open doors to the sacred, for many who have become disillusioned with organized religion.
Running-the sacred art is a guide to the runner who seeks to develop spiritually, and the writer suggests that there are a number of methods to meet this end, with Chapters such as "Running as sanctuary, prayerful running, sacramental running. The main emphasis of Kay’s book is that running provides a sacred space for the participant.
Running-the sacred art is fairly brief and easy to read, and would appeal to all of us (slow or speedsters) who feel a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in churning out the miles on the road. While the book does not specifically focus on the Christian faith, I personally found it to be very useful in providing a means of nurturing faith.
Kay advocates that the reader purchases a Spiritual Running Journal for recording purposes, and provides some challenges at the end of each chapter for developing the journal. The book has a list of suggestions for further reading.
Personally I enjoyed Running-the sacred art and found it honed some of the practices already used by many of us "Spiritual runners." A good read!
Reviewed by Rev Russell Clark runner and Uniting Church Minister with the Mareeba Congregation.
