Light Beyond the River
Encountering the Sacred from the Center to the Edge
Imprint: Resource Publications
Humanity meets Sacred Wisdom meets story. A creative nonfiction message in a uniquely fictional setting. Light Beyond the River is an experiential read, and it is deeply contemplative, in the same breath.
Join Lyra--nurse by profession and poet by passion--on the Spiritual Formation Odyssey of a lifetime. Newly retired, Lyra goes for a daylong walk to clear her head. She hikes in the woods near her home by the river. There, she meets a motley crew--seven Celtic mystical voices--animals, birds, and a fish--who teach her seven invaluable life lessons. Deeper themes--of becoming--of shining brightly--of encountering the Sacred--are artfully braided, interlaced, and woven. The ending, the coda, is unexpected--twisted. It will most certainly make you think!
Come now and live vicariously in Lyra's contemplative life. Immerse yourself in the depths of holy wonderment. Slowly, slowly, enter into every word. Lose yourself--find yourself--on a delightful Celtic Christian journey. Let curiosity drive you, let your faith guide you. May you be opened. May you be awed into the world of fine contemplative literature. Let Light Beyond the River nurture the Sacred in you. Amen.
Canadian writer Janis Constable, author of Random and Nebulous—Nuancing the Psalms, studied in the School of Celtic Consciousness under Celtic Wisdom scholar John Philip Newell. Her Christian faith runs deep—her Celtic roots run deeper. She sees the Sacred in all of life—she “sees with her heart.” Her upcoming prose-photography-literary-collage My Indulgent Interior Life is a colorful and contemplative read—a must-have, to kindle your own interior Light.
“If you have ever felt an inner restlessness or a longing for something more—for something deeper in your understanding of self and God, then I invite you to pick up this book. From the very first page, I was drawn into its compelling story. I loved it! Beautifully written, with exquisite use of language and metaphor, this book is a must-read for those seeking to grow closer to God in new and life-changing ways.”
—Patricia Gale-Macdonald, minister, United Church of Canada
“This poetic tale will take you on a journey that opens heart, soul, and imagination. A delight to meet whimsical wisdom keepers who are both enchanting, and inspiring. Interwoven with Celtic spirituality, Light Beyond the River invites you into a way of contemplative living and being.”
—Jan Evans, spiritual director
“Light Beyond the River brings messages, insights, and transformational truths, all of which we can reflectively embrace. Beautifully crafted, I was enthralled, enchanted and inspired. A must-read for all seekers.”
—Wendy Passmore, retreat and spiritual director
“With all senses attuned and a heart wide open, Janis Constable invites us to join her journey of discovery and sacred assurance. Poetic, personal, and profound, her story immerses us in Celtic wisdom, rhythm, and music. The inhabitants of nature are well-met on the path. Grounded, winged, watery, and even human, every creature teaches and affirms with humor, compassion, and humility. Janis gifts the reader with a story of honesty, intensity, and a surprise ‘aha’ conclusion.”
—Donna Corbett, parish nurse