Poustinia: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude and Prayer (Madonna House Classics)

Poustinia is a book that makes you fly. I was in a body cast for three and a half years back in the 70's and a Priest friend gave me Poustinia. I found my Poustinia easily. Just plain suffering, something that most human beings shy away from. I didn't have a choice. The author doesn't say to ask for suffering but she really teaches you what to do with it. Offer it to Jesus in union with His Cross. Yet, her thoughts are Eastern so you won't feel like A Nun is yelling, "OFFER IT UP!" BUY POUSTINIA AND LEARN TO MEDITATE WITH THE BOOK. It will change your life as IT DID MINE. After eleven spinal fusions, I started to get bitter and Pousinita got me out of that fast. It all boils down to Confidence in God's love and mercy. If you don't buy it, you are passing up a great oportunity to find your Poustinia. Reading her words, makes you thirst for more. Sheila

This was my introduction to Catherine Dougherty - a real, joyful and sober saint of our times. Poustinia is an excellent reflection on prayer from the Eastern, Catholic tradition. There are many spiritual treasures and insights found within these pages, the Church is so rich! Anyone thirsting for contemplation and intimacy with the Lord would most certainly like this book. In Poustinia lies a pearl of great price.

If you have made it this far in looking for spiritual books, buy this book. God wants you to read it! Catherine Doherty's writing style is conversational and makes this most difficult of subjects (how we are called to respond to Jesus' call to sell all and follow Him) very approachable, even doable. She gives we in the West a way to integrate Eastern Orthodox mysticism into our, very different, value system and lifestyle. Again, if you have come this far, buy this book, you won't regret it!

Catherine Doherty's book, 'Poustinia', is one of those one-in-a-million books which will change the way you look at life. This book has had a profound influnce on me -- my life as a Catholic Christian has blossomed, and my relationship with God has been profoundly deepened. I heartily recommend this book to all who seek peace.

This wonderful guide to the spirituality of the East has new meaning since the reopening of Russia and the rebirth of religious expression there. I bought this book several years ago and found the message both practical and uplifting. I just read the book again and have been amazed at the new level of meaning that has surfaced, a result of my life experience since the first read in the mid-1970's. If you seek peace and a method to share peace with those around you, this text will become a reference and guide.