James Baldwin, The Contemplative
Originally published for the Center for Spiritual Imagination
This was just the start of my connection to James Baldwin as a contemplative guide – someone who helps us become more whole and true to ourselves, someone whose words can change us. We often find these guides in traditional figures like Thomas Merton, St. Teresa of Avila, or, more recently for many, Howard Thurman – all important guides within the conventional definition. But during that first silent retreat at Holy Cross Monastery, Baldwin was mine. A non-traditional choice. He journeyed with me as I sought greater integration within myself.
