ONE NATION UNDIVIDED WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL “9/11’s lightning will always burn, Branding us with the scars of terror’s fangs: Forging, now, new American resolve To control fate’s dark reins – mount our powers To stomp terror out: singing Earth’s new songs, Anthems to whistle while we work the towers. . . THE BRAVE NEW TOWERS OF BELONGING.” [From 9/11—2001 – Ode in ALTARPIECES – composed 9/11—2002] Jihadist threats have lessened – internal terrorisms have evolved. COVID-19 surges. “Under God” was not in the Pledge of Allegiance as I was (still am) “GROWING-UP.” AND THE “HOLD ON” IS DAILY REAL AS HOLDING HIGH THAT TORCH !

While numerous studies have celebrated Thomas Merton's witness as an interfaith pioneer, poet, and peacemaker, there have been few systematic treatments of his Christology as such, and no sustained exploration to date of his relationship to the Russian Sophia" tradition. This book looks to Thomas Merton as a "classic" theologian of the Christian tradition from East to West, and offers an interpretation of his mature Christology, with special attention to his remarkable prose poem of 1962, Hagia Sophia. Bringing Merton's mystical-prophetic Vision fully into dialogue with contemporary Christology, Russian sophiology, and Zen, as well as figures such as John Henry Newman and Abraham Joshua Heschel, the author carefully but boldly builds the case that Sophia, the same theological eros that animated Merton's religious imagination in a period of tremendous fragmentation and violence, might infuse new vitality into our own. A study of uncommon depth and scope, inspired throughout by Merton's extraordinary catholicity. Christopher Pramuk, PhD, is assistant professor of theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the author of two books and numerous essays, and the recipient of the Catholic Theological Society of America's 2009 Catherine Mowry LaCugna Award. "

-- Over fifty meditations suitable for public and private use. -- Part of the series of collected meditations that includes Day of Promise, What We Share, and All the Girls of Life. -- Includes inspiring observations about the natural world, solitary reflections and celebrations of family and community life. Meditations prompt the quiet reflection we need to counter the busy days of our lives. Ranging from solitary reflections to social commentary, from wry humor to poignant memory, these readings urge us to reconnect with our inner selves.

How do musical analysis and performance relate? In a unique collaborative approach to this question, theorist-pianist Daphne Leong partners with internationally renowned performers to interpret twentieth-century repertoire. Imaginative explorations of music by Ravel, Schoenberg, Bartók, Schnittke, Milhaud, Messiaen, Babbitt, Carter, and Morris illuminate focal issues such as the role of embodiment, the affordances of a score, the cultural understanding of notation, the use of metaphor, and--to round out the viewpoints of theorist and performers with those of composer and listeners--the role of structure in audience reception. Each exploration engages deeply with musical structure, redefined to encompass the creative activity of composers, performers, analysts, and listeners. Performances, demonstrations, and interviews online complement the book's written text; practical application and pedagogical guidance round out theoretical and analytical content. The collaborations themselves demonstrate different dimensions of knowledge at the intersection of analysis and performance, and illustrate Leong's theory of the things and people that facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration in music. They also exemplify the antagonisms and synergies that emerge when theorists and performers meet. Both flexibly and rigorously conceived, Performing Knowledge is a brave crossing of disciplinary divides between scholarship and practice, a work of analysis shaped by the voices of performers.

This volume comprises the revised versions of selected papers read at the International Conference on the Ancient Novel (Groningen, July 2000). The papers cover a wide range of scholarly issues that were prominent in the programme of the conference, and feature the most recent approaches to research on the ancient novel. The essays combine judicious use of literary theory with traditional scholarship, and examine the ancient novels and related texts, such as Oriental tales and Christian narrative, both in their larger, literary, cultural and social context, and as sources of inspiration for Byzantine and modern fiction. This book is important not only for classicists and literary historians, but also for a general public of those interested in narrative fiction.

The spirits or vibrations of nature are the instincts that keep the world functioning: the human, the animal, the plant and the material instincts or life forces. They can have a drastic affect on the human soul: why, for instance, do religions pass through a phase during which they seem to condone cruelty and violence? In mythological terms we have all descended from Eden to the very gates of Hades, and this book tells in practical terms how we can make the return journey, carrying the benefits of materiality with us.

Faith is the Path Grace is the Bridge Surrender is the Gate Love is the Garden Over the course of more years than I care to admit, Ive been witness to Kristinas multi-faceted talents as actress, musician, writer, composer, fellow spiritual seeker and dear friend. Of all of her worthy endeavors, perhaps most compelling is her poetry. It is a reflection of her soul; an out-picturing of her inner and outer travels and, as such, a daily mantra of a visionary creative spirit; an expression for you to share and experience with her in consciousness. Mystic Wayfarer, One Souls Journey Into Light is powerful, purposeful, intimate, and, like Kristina herself, utterly unique in its power to alter your world. It is profoundly personal, yet it reveals a recognizable, emergent collective wisdom. As you revel in each stanza, you are invited to delight in your own quest for ecstasy, seeking union with the Divine through a discovery of your own unfolding divinity, held in each painful, joyful, cherished moment of humanness. ~ Donna Walker, Host/Producer "Pacifica Performance Showcase," KPFK 90.7 FM, Pacifica Radio. Within the rhythm of her excellent poesy, Kristina Sanborn walks us through a life well-earned. One wants to travel with each individual poem in a front pocket, and take it out to look at its map - which means there will be the pleasure of dancing through its theme once more - and then satisfied, ready oneself for the adventure of the following stride. And though they each stand on their own, I found the collection of poems to be mighty and muscular when read in a conscious promenade, for the complete work engages the readers mind to an insistent and necessary wayfaring, a forward motion, a need. The prize is a most certain peace of mind, as her beautiful images leap up and encircle you on your walk - like luminous autumn leaves in a very brave wind. ~ Randall Stuart, Founder & Director of CERIMON HOUSE, A Sanctuary for the Humanities Kristina's poetry, in her new book Mystic Wayfarer, moves in the serpentine ways of women's mystery. Seeping into the soul and dancing you from the inside out. Her journey carries you to places near and far, inside and out and brings you back to the home of your own body with infinite grace and beauty. It has been a joy and a privilege to bear witness to her journey and dance in the mystery with her. May others come to find as much joy, pleasure and value in her words as I have.~ Sandy Pendleton, MFT, Teacher and Coach, Embodied Wisdom

The Dajhanin are enigmatic people who live in the rugged Ojberdine-Haijlan Mountains. Ajlek, a member of this kind and gentle race, lived in the middle of civilization most of his life until he was called to action to help the Dajhanin. He is now Kahyani-their leader-and he has served as such for six peace-filled years ... until now. At first, Ajlek believes random thrill-seekers are climbing into Dajhanin territory to create mischief, but he soon discovers that the problem goes far deeper than mere fun and games. To his horror, the trail leads all the way to the highest levels of civilized government and involves people capable of annihilating the Dajhanin. To stop what's happening, Ajlek must go against the wishes of the Dajhanin and travel to the heart of the nation's capital, where he's most vulnerable-and where, if things go wrong, he could disappear forever. True, Ajlek is honorable and compassionate, but how far is he willing to go to defend himself and the people he loves?