Explore the many ways to uncover the wonder and release the joy of teaching and learning in all areas of life.Drawing on her own experience as well as the stories and journeys of many other teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, Jane Vennard explores the elements that make teaching a sacred art recognizing teaching as a call to service and the teaching profession as a vocation.She paints a broad picture of the teaching experience and invites readers to learn from the stories of others and to remember their own stories of both teaching and learning. Every chapter offers reflections, practices and activities designed to draw the reader inward to learn from and be reinvigorated by their own experiences.Vennard writes vividly about the teaching life the messiness, wonder, joy and frustration. She captures the real day-to-day responsibility teachers have for those in their care. Although aimed primarily at those at all levels of the teaching profession, parents, grandparents and all those who have any interest in the teaching-learning process will find inspiration in the stories, information and ideas presented in this lively book."

Fulfill the reality that the glory of God is the human fully alive.

"Reverend Vennard is fearlessly awake to the wild dance of life. Rather than sleeping through life, she awakens to it. Rather than escaping from reality, she embraces it. Rather than distracting herself with a life to come, she dares to live the life that is. And she wants you to do all this as well. Read this book. Live this book. Wake up."

from the Foreword

In a culture enthralled with technology, striving and speed, people of many faith traditions and no faith tradition long to slow down, pay attention and wake up to the present moment. They want help in realizing their hope that they can become more truly alive.

This engaging and highly readable book offers you guidance for the journey. Sharing stories from her personal life as a spiritual seeker and from her professional career as a retreat leader, spiritual director and teacher, Reverend Jane Vennard illustrates the joys and frustrations of spiritual practice, offers insights from various religious traditions, and provides step-by-step exercises and meditations to practice:

Caring for the body Rest Silence Solitude Letting goCommunity Hospitality Service Living gratefully"