Spaces for Silence

This book is a space for silence in itself. Illustrated with beautiful, often full-page photographs, it makes a rather different coffee table book, one that provides serenity and calm. I have only to pick up this book and flip through its pages, to feel its calming effect. Each meditative space shown in this book represents a different approach to spirituality, from Taoism to Buddhism to different types of Christianity - and even a quiet space for someone who has no religious affiliation at all. In fact one person is a religious sister; another a surfing enthusiast. You can't get more eclectic than that. The book shows that you can expand - or contract - your application of the ideas in the book to suit your circumstances. One example uses a complete roof top with exotic vegetation, waterfalls and hidden nooks. In contrast, another uses a small shelf in the corner of a living room, with special lighting. This book has inspired me to create my own individualised space for silence, and to change it as my physical space (and my personal perspective) changes. With the hectic pace of Western society, we all surely need our own place to restore and renew ourselves. Out of all the books I have looked at on the topic of personal sanctuary, this one by far is the best.