A Winter Walk

Amidst long, dark winter nights, Brother Tolbert McCarroll brings to light unexpected sources of hope and joy as he invites readers to join him in contemplation. As they walk together, the season becomes a pathway for spiritual growth, a passage of meditation and gratitude. Brother Toby's reflections invite us to embrace the season's hardy energy, capturing the light within. He reminds us with every page that the journey means more than any destination. A joyful book to add to your holiday collection.

Few storytellers can capture the sense of the sacred as Brother Toby can. Along with stories from his rich personal history, A Winter Walk takes readers on a journey through the symbols and festivals of different teachings, enhancing our appreciation of such celebratory subjects as the Advent Wreath, Bodhi Day, Chanukah, Ramadan, Santa Lucia, and Epiphany. Especially during the dark, cold nights of winter, this remarkable monk demonstrates that hope and delight may exist where we least expect them. Contemplative readers join him in stride through the season, across reflection and observation alike. The winter allows for spirituality to be wrought and nourished, unlike no other time of year. Often, it can be difficult to embrace the hardy energy of the season, but this book captures and reflects the light that shines within each of us. Leaning into the Transcendental, Brother Toby encourages us to be invigorated by the world outside our doorstep. He considers the walk an integral part of one's spirituality, especially in trying times. It is not the destination that profoundly matters, but the steps one takes along the way.

Tolbert McCarroll, better known as Brother Toby, has lived by Meister Eckhart's adage that what a person acquires by contemplation should be spent in compassion. He is a highly respected spiritual guide for people on many paths and journeys. An award-winning author of 12 books, Brother Toby is a founding member of Starcross Monastic Community. A former attorney for humanitarian causes, he has for over 50 years ventured forth in response to children and others in need. The adoptive father of several children, he also helped establish homes for children oppressed by the AIDS pandemic in California, Romania, and Africa. At Starcross, he writes daily. Now in his nineties, he is increasingly looking for God in the ordinary moments of life. For several years, Brother Toby's popular Friday Reflections have gone out on the internet to a large following of people on all paths and of all ages (starcross.org/friday-reflections). Despite occasional medical challenges, Brother Toby takes great delight in his children and grandsons, nature, a cup of tea, music, the greenhouse, the olive groves, and his cat Tigger. Despite occasional medical challenges, Brother Toby takes great delight in his children and grandsons, nature, a cup of tea, music, the greenhouse, the olive groves, and his cat Tigger.