Sparks of the Divine: Finding Inspiration in Our Everyday World by Drew Leder, Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2004. 251 pages. US$ 14.95Reviewed by Pam Breau Sparks of the Divine
is a collection of reflections connecting the holy to everyday
experience, things and places. Drew Leder, medical doctor, philosopher,
professor, author, and retreat leader, has an extraordinary awareness
of the sacred in the very ordinary. He shares his imaginative
perceptions in short essays gleaned from his own life in language that
is relaxed and inviting. Profound spiritual lessons are offered from
the so-called secular world without resorting to preaching or teaching.
Inspiration is found by noticing what is already present when viewed
through the lens of the third eye: “The most ordinary of things can
radiate lessons and beauties. The very distinction between the secular
and sacred dissolves.” Reflections are interspersed with modern and
ancient spiritual truths gleaned from many faith traditions. Quotes
from sacred scriptures, mystics, poets, prophets, artists, scientists
and contemporary authors infuse his reflections with universal appeal.
In reading the book, I was unable to define Leder’s spirituality,
except to appreciate his profound sense of the holy in much of life. The
art of becoming a “spark hunter” is extended as an invitation. We are
invited to our own “path of the slow motion mystic” by “the bit-by-bit
uncovering of holy sparks, now and then, here and there, as we are
blessed to find them by the roadside.” This is a book that should not
be rushed but read slowly and savored. It became an oasis of awareness
for me during the busy Advent and Christmas seasons, a daily reminder
to slow down and notice what was going on around me. Leder’s
formatting allows the book to be incorporated into a regular spiritual
practice without becoming overwhelming. Each short essay is followed by
a question or a suggestion to ponder throughout the day and assist the
reader in personalizing the meaning. The book includes fifteen guided
meditations inviting the reader to deepen a particular prayer
experience. These he calls shape shifts as “they are meant to assist
you in shifting—bodily, mentally, spiritually—into the heart of another
being.” The book is divided into five sections, grouping essays by
topic: The Natural World; Object Lessons; Stillness and Motion; Human
Being; and The Universe, Our Home. A second grouping of the same essays
based on spiritual themes follows the introduction. Examples are:
Dealing with Dark Times and Images of the Spiritual Journey. This
second index will be most helpful to those desiring to use the book in
spiritual direction, as a resource for retreat leadership, or for their
own spiritual practice. Although
the book is not targeted for spiritual directors, it speaks profoundly
about non-dualistic spiritual awareness. As a spiritual director I
would recommend this book to any directee seeking to uncover the sacred
in more aspects of life and to diminish the perception of separation
between the sacred and the secular. It has been a valuable reminder to
me of how I allow the busyness of life to become a source of
distraction rather than a divine spark, and how I “view my day through
the glaze of familiar tasks and objects.” In his epilogue Leder
provides tips for spark hunters who believe “God is hidden everywhere
if we but know how to look” and wish to develop the spiritual art of
“unearthing sacred sparks.” Would I recommend this book?
Wholeheartedly! It is one I will continue to access for my own
spiritual journey and in companioning others who desire to discover
their own path of the slow motion mystic. Pam
Breau is a spiritual director and poet from Fredericton, New Burnswick,
Canada, who is actively involved in lay ministry in her area. She is
currently working on a collection of poetry related to the spiritual
journey. • Click here to return to list of media reviews •
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