The Gentle Art of Spiritual Discernment

Integrity

Integrity is a quality of being. It means holding on at all times to your highest sense of truth and your own vision, whatever the cost may be. It consists in resonating with the most intimate fiber of your being and enjoins us not to withdraw one inch, whatever the prestige or authority of the person or institution opposing us—not out of obstinacy but because of the quiet courage of an inner voice that says: “This above all: to thine own self be true.”

Integrity means following at all times one’s highest sense of what is right, whatever the consequences may be, however solitary your path, and however loud the taunts and the mockeries of the crowd and the Pharisees.

Following your integrity means “speaking truth to power,” as the Quaker wisdom goes, even when silence would better serve your interests. It means hanging on to truth when all those surrounding accept compromises or pretend that it’s not really important. It means being unflinching and firm when others disappear in the underground shelters of their fears and timidity.

Integrity means refusing to dilute one’s inner sense of truthfulness, be it to satisfy, appease, or gain the approval of one’s beloved.

Above all, integrity means refusing to cheat yourself, lie to yourself, or abide in the shade of half-truths. You can lie to others—even deceive them—and be forgiven. But when you lie to yourself, who is there to forgive you? After a defeat of this sort, who will help you get up again? Even if you are sufficiently ignorant to let yourself indulge in the supreme absurdity of deceiving yourself, will not your inner strength abandon the ship of one who voluntarily scuttles it in that manner? In such moments, grace alone can save you.

To deceive oneself kills the discernment that is the basis of honest judgments and meaningful choices. To consciously avoid what one knows to be true or to lie to oneself is the sin against the spirit, which resides deep down in each one of us.

Integrity, as the most intimate substance of our being, constitutes the marrow of our identity and the foundation of all our qualities, starting with love. It is the woof on which we weave the exquisite textures of our existence, creating a tapestry. No woof, no tapestry. When integrity is married to love in a joyful dance, it forms the perfect couple, and our existence becomes a celebration of life.

So when winds and tempests howl or when a tempter whispers that “a compromise is absolutely essential” and attempts to make us avoid the challenges we need to grow and stay awake, let us at all costs hold on firmly to that inner foundation, our integrity—for in it resides true life.

Foreword by Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D.

Preface

1 The Starting Point
2 Qualities to Foster for an Authentic Spiritual Search
3 Spiritually Transmitted Diseases
4 Spiritual Darkness
5 Living the Nondual Life
6 Different Spiritual Paths
7 Spiritual Tool Kit
8 Healing through a Practice of Blessing

Afterword
Bibliography
About the Author
Index

Pierre Pradervand studied at the University of Geneva, the University of Bern, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor before receiving a doctorate in sociology from Sorbonne University in Paris. A true world citizen, Pierre has labored most of his life for social justice. Active as a writer, speaker, and life coach, he is the author of numerous books, including The Gentle Art of Blessing. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

“A rare and precious read, not only because the content is deeply profound and insightful but also inspirational and wise. Simple in language and tone, it is a heart-opening invitation for accelerated spiritual growth and conscious awakening. This is a book written by that rare species of ‘root’ teacher, who, in our modern world, are now few and far between. The messages of these great lights convey the purest transmissions because they themselves are the very essence of their teachings: in other words, they walk their talk. Turning the pages, one experiences a level of intimacy rarely achieved in the written form. It is like talking with an old, treasured friend; a spiritual mentor. A book you will wish to keep close to hand long after you have read it.” Nicolya Christi, author of Love, God & Everything

“This book by a true spiritual master asks the fundamental questions we all need to ask—and search to answer. It opens the whole dimension of spirituality to the reader—genuine, lived spirituality, the inner authority we all need if we are to find our way in these critical times.” Ervin Laszlo, Ph.D., whole systems theorist, philosopher, and author

“From beginning to end, Pierre Pradervand’s pen poetically dances. It’s like reading an epic poem without stanzas that literally pulls you in. The Gentle Art of Spiritual Discernment is a marvelous journey.” Steve Farrell, cofounder and worldwide executive director of Humanity’s Team

“A book that will serve many who are exploring their spiritual journey in their own unique and personal way.” Jeff Genung, cofounder of Contemplative Life

“The reader will find so many inspirational points of guidance here, as the author outlines the simplest path to achieving the noblest goal of becoming the embodiment of divine love. Rejoice in finding your own glowing path beyond convention, beyond tradition, beyond recriminations, anger, and hate, beyond rules and regulations, as you find your own key to the mansion of your spirituality, the giant within.” Reverend Dr. Linda De Coff, author of Bridge of the Gods

“From the moment I began reading The Gentle Art of Spiritual Discernment, I literally could not put it down. My hungry soul drank in every word of his highly inspirational stories, examples, quotes, and teachings!” Shannon Peck, spiritual healer, cofounder of the Love Center, and author of Angels on Earth

SPIRITUALITY/SELF-HELP

“Pierre Pradervand is a spirituality author who walks every single step of his talk. That is what makes each one of his words, each of the ideas presented so impactful. Pierre’s books are the fruits of his very life that he so generously shares with others.”
– Olivier Clerc, author of Healing the Wounds of the Heart and The Gift of Forgiveness

“A heart-opening invitation for accelerated spiritual growth and conscious awakening. . . . Turning the pages, one experiences a level of intimacy rarely achieved in the written form. It is like talking with an old, treasured friend; a spiritual mentor.”
– Nicolya Christi, author of Love, God & Everything

Throughout his decades as a social activist and self-transformation teacher, as well as through his spiritual work with death row inmates, Pierre Pradervand saw more and more people moving away from organized religion. He also realized that many were still seeking a spiritual dimension in their lives. Yet with so many options available, especially so many “spiritual fast food” options, selecting the right spiritual path can be difficult.

In this guide, Pierre offers support for those embarking on an authentic spiritual search. He focuses in depth on helping you answer three fundamental questions: Who am I deep down? What am I really looking for in my spiritual quest? What is the deep motivation of my search? He shows how integrity, generosity, and discernment are essential components of any lasting spiritual path.

The author shares his journey to rediscover his spiritual power after losing it all. He explains how he reoriented his spiritual quest in a straightforward, less dogmatic way—which led him to discover the gentle art of blessing and the simple path to becoming an embodiment of divine love.

Showing how to cultivate your inner voice and intuition to become your own empowered spiritual authority, this guide reveals how to see more clearly, open your spiritual horizons, and move toward your own unique spiritual path.

Pierre Pradervand studied at the University of Geneva, the University of Bern, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor before receiving a doctorate in sociology from Sorbonne University in Paris. A true world citizen, Pierre has labored most of his life for social justice. Active as a writer, speaker, and life coach, he is the author of numerous books, including The Gentle Art of Blessing. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.