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About the Book About the Author Table of Contents Comments About Footprints
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A resource which includes:
*Guides for fifteen "Journeys," or units of thematic, interfaith, prayer experiences
*A CD with 15 guided meditations that support the journeys
*A guide to lead a day long retreat
*Journal pages at the end of each journey
Footprints of the Soul offers a unique opportunity for:
*Individuals and groups to experience a deepening connection to Divine presence in a sacred space
*Learning a wide variety of prayer forms, rooted in Christian tradition
*Appreciating and learning about other faith traditions
*Developing the ability to quiet the mind and body to go within to find stillness, peace, and guidance
*Experiencing creative ways of praying though music, movement, and art
*Developing spiritual practices that will enhance awareness of God’s presence in daily life
*Learning to be a "soul friend," one who listens prayerfully in a loving, non-judgmental way to the spiritual experience of others
*Creating a sacred community with men, women, and intergenerational groups
*Introducing young adult or high school youth groups to spiritual practices and formation
Footprints of the Soul can be used by
*Churches
*Spiritual Directors
*Individuals
*Families
*Retirement or Nursing Homes
*Ministry groups such as Parish Nurses or Stephan Ministers
*Organizations or businesses who want to build spiritual community
Written in 2003 by Elizabeth Wood Willey, Spiritual Director and secondary educator.
| About the Author |
As a young child touched by the sudden accidental death of her father, Elizabeth Willey remembers feeling surrounded by Divine love and protection. Throughout her life, she has been nurtured and comforted by turning within to rest in God’s embrace.
Elizabeth has been active in church life for many years as a youth leader, a Sunday school teacher, a church leader serving on many committees, a Stephen Minister, and an adult education and retreat leader. Her family has belonged to Congregational and Methodist churches. Because of her Scottish roots, she has been drawn especially to the beautiful theology of Celtic Christianity. In 1998, she completed a two-year, ecumenical internship in Spiritual Direction at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is presently giving spiritual direction with individuals and groups, as well as teaching classes and leading retreats.
Liturgical dance and sacred movement are her favorite forms of prayer. Elizabeth has practiced Yoga for 30 years and has more recently added Tai Chi to her meditative practice. The natural world is where she feels the deepest connection to God. For the past 13 years she has organized and led wilderness trips to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada for youth and adults.
Through her college years at the University of Michigan majoring in English and History, Elizabeth became interested in other world religions. This was reinforced as she formed friendships with people from many different backgrounds while living in Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and Chicago. Her theology is both ecumenical and interfaith.
She is an advisor for Multicultural Youth Ambassadors at East Grand Rapids High School where she co-founded the Youth Development Program, and teaches a Leadership Seminar class which she developed.
As a secondary educator, she knows how important it is to offer a wide variety of experiences to include different learning styles. She has found this especially effective when teaching contemplative prayer and meditation. Elizabeth is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and teaches classes on prayer and the laying on of hands for the healing of mind, body, and spirit. She incorporates Healing Touch in spiritual direction.
Elizabeth has been active as a leader in her community as the President of the Mary Free Bed Guild and the Mary Free Bed Fund. The Mary Free Bed Guild owns an internationally respected rehabilitation hospital. She was also president of the East Grand Rapids High School PTSA. She and her husband have three grown children and are now enjoying two granddaughters.
Footprints of the Soul is a compilation of all her experiences as an educator, spiritual director, community leader, and Healing Touch practitioner. She offers it as a resource for others to form spiritual journey groups or to journey individually. Elizabeth’s vision includes working within the church, as well as outside of a church tradition, to enhance the healing of individuals and to support them on their spiritual journeys.
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