One night, after an unsatisfying evening at a party, author Oriah Mountain Dreamer wrote the start of The Invitation. By the light of her streetlight, she began, "It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.... I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain...."

Her profound invitation (longer than is written here) became the framework for this wise and inspiring book. Chapter by chapter, the author uses passages from her "Invitation" to welcome readers into a life that is more soul fulfilling and passionate, and has far greater truth and integrity. In a sense, she invites readers to get a life instead of buying into a lifestyle. Each chapter ends with a guided meditation specific to the theme of the chapter, such as "The Joy" and "The Failure."

Despite her suspiciously New Age-sounding name, Oriah Mountain Dreamer is a highly grounded, practical, and honest writer. This fresh and beautifully packaged book is destined for great acclaim in the realm of spiritual inspiration. --Gail Hudson

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"The Invitation" is a declaration of intent, a map into the longing of the soul, the desire to live passionately, face-to-face with ourselves and skin-to-skin with the world around us, to settle for nothing less than what is real." -from The Invitation

Shared by word of mouth, quoted on the World Wide Web, recited over the radio, and read aloud at spiritual conferences and other gatherings, "The Invitation" has been passed along by thousands who have discovered and treasured its unique message. Now Oriah Mountain Dreamer expands on her beloved prose poem, presenting a powerful and inspirational challenge to all of us who long for true intimacy and joy.

Speaking from the heart, Oriah Mountain Dreamer invites us to confront the varieties of human experience, from desire and commitment to sorrow and betrayal, and challenges us to open repeatedly to love and life. Unique, practical, and often surprising, The Invitation is an invaluable guide to living the ecstasy of everyday life, learning to recognize true beauty in ourselves and the world, and finding the sustenance our spirit longs for.

Author Biography: Oriah Mountain Dreamer leads workshops, ceremonies, and retreats through the United States and Canada. She has appeared on several national television shows including a recent appearance on Oprah.

SYNOPSIS

Oriah Mountain Dreamer's beloved poem "The Invitation," with its themes of living life more intensely and of loving deeply and well, has been read over the years at countless graduations, christenings, weddings, and other spiritual ceremonies. Now the author has expanded on the poem's words to offer a lovely new book of wisdom. She offers inspiration and advice on experiencing the beauty and sacredness of life every day. In the following exclusive essay, Oriah Mountain Dreamer writes about the need to stop equating wholeness and spirituality with perfection and to accept our humanness.

FROM THE CRITICS

Richard Carlson

The Invitation is a treasure.

John O'Donohue

A fierce and tender presence, I its wisdom could become a lifelong companion, engaging and awakening theoriginal and unique rhythm of your mind and soul.

Wayne W. Dyer

Her words pierce my shell and pricked at my soul. An invitation to the ultimate dance.

Richard Carlson

The Invitation is a treasure.

John O'Donohue

A fierce and tender presence, I its wisdom could become a lifelong companion, engaging and awakening theoriginal and unique rhythm of your mind and soul. Read all 6 "From The Critics" >

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"The Invitation is a treasure. If you want to live more deeply, honestly, and passionately, you must read this book."  — Harper Collins - New Media

"Her words pierced my shell and pricked at my soul. An invitation to the ultimate dance."  — Harper Collins - New Media

"Wise. So very wise is this deep and thoughtful book. It is a wisdom born of one who knows shadows and loss and gathering foundness, joy and genuine ecstasy. The truth-telling courage of Oriah Mountain Dreamer gives us a bracing antidote to the easy answers of the pop gurus. Here is a feast of life with real food to nourish the hungry seeker." — Harper Collins - New Media