Mysticism is not just for recluses: it is a totally practical path in the world that we all can choose. The mystic tradition teaches us that God is inherent in everything. What does this mean for the way we relate to creation with all its inhabitants and to the environment? How do we discover the presence of God within ourselves? How do we let compassion and commitment to justice characterise our lives so that we can practise mysticism in action? Annika Spalde writes powerfully from her own experience, highlighting women who have followed the path of mysticism. Julian of Norwich, Mechthild of Magdeburg and others help us understand what it is to open ourselves up to God's intense love for creation. She also explores female images of God, liberation from consumerism, and working for justice against violence and oppression. Exercises are included to help the reader practise spirituality in everyday life.

What does a spirituality that affirms God 's love for all creatures look like? Borrowing from a breadth of sources, including the Bible and Christian monks, mystics, sages, and saints, Annika Spalde and Pelle Strindlund show that God 's compassion is the core Christian message. Perhaps the book 's most compelling argument resides in Spalde 's and Strindlund 's own activism. They have frequently exchanged imprisonment for an opportunity to inform the public about the tragic plight of animals on modern factory farms. On several occasions, they and their companions have openly liberated animals raiding factory farms and transferring animals to safe homes and then accepting the legal consequences of what the law regards as theft. This book aims inform, inspire, and challenge a broad range of readers, from those dedicated to animal protectionism to those who have not yet made the connection between loving animals and choosing not to eat them.