Ordinary Mysteries

Journey between two realms—the sacred and the mundane—with this thoughtful collection of essays on spirituality in everyday life. Drawing upon personal stories, cultural references, and wisdom from every age, James Hazelwood invites readers to uncover the thin spaces where heaven and earth meet. From daily encounters in nature to the symbolism of dreams, the mundane is revealed as a gateway to the divine. Hazelwood explores the power to awaken grace and meaning through spiritual practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and compassion. With humor and heart, these stories and reflections offer insight for those looking to deepen their faith and nurture their spiritual life amidst the complexities of the modern world. Blending theology, philosophy, and psychology, this book will open you to the extraordinary mysteries in ordinary life. Discover how attentiveness and an open heart can reveal the holy ground beneath your feet. This is an invitation to the spiritual journey, where your own story is woven into the Infinite. *** "ORDINARY MYSTERIES is extraordinary in how much in-depth theology, psychology, and spirituality are brought together in one book. Here is Carl Jung paired with Howard Thurmond. Explorations into Trinity, Beatitudes, Ash Wednesday. We are invited to a "holy curiosity" and "a gritty mysticism grounded in compassion." Bishop Doug Fisher Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts "Throughout this book of essays, James Hazelwood extends a continual and continuous invitation that dares us to see differently. Adjusting the lens and opening the aperture, he offers a view that is wider, deeper and nuanced by a light that allows the detail of shadow to emerge. Jim's scope is broad, his humor wry and his gaze unflinching. Reading Ordinary Mysteries felt like meeting a friend for honest conversation over multiple cups of strong coffee. I was left with a sharpened awareness of The Holy within and around me. " Sheila Longo Petruccelli Director of Creative Embodiment The Haden Institute Our society has neglected the realm of wonder, mystery, spirit, and the Holy. Instead, we have become one-sided, valuing only the world we can see, touch, and taste. This makes us heavily materialist; we are oriented toward concrete, tangible things, an emphasis that pairs well with consumer capitalism. This imbalance is deeply concerning. We live in two realms, one concrete and one of awe. Yet, we increasingly ignore or deny the realm of mystery, wonder, and God; where will that lead us? I fear it leaves people bereft of meaning. Throughout human history, we have found meaning when our individual lives are connected to a larger story. From the earliest cave paintings and burials, we hominids had a concept of the afterlife, the realm of mystery, and a "larger story." That story is a realm beyond the day-to-day of life. The good news is that we have multiple ways at our disposal to re-engage with that realm. The long history of wisdom traditions points us to many options. These essays will be practical as well as poetic and philosophical. I amplify opportunities to rekindle meaning and connection with God, the holy, the sacred; call it what you will. I'll describe ways people can connect with the larger story of life through sacred texts, cinema, dreams, the arts, meditation, folktales, and such.