Interdisciplinary Book Provides Thoughtful Ways to Encounter Wonder, Sacredness in Daily Life
Belmont is proud to announce that Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, executive director of the Global Honors Program and professor of English, has been awarded a gold medal by the Nautilus Book Awards for her latest book, "Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections and Rituals."
The Nautilus Book Awards celebrate books that support conscious living and green values, high-level wellness, positive social change and social justice, and spiritual growth. Past winners include His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Barbara Kingsolver and Thich Nhat Hanh. Smith Whitehouse's "Seasons of Wonder" was selected as the gold winner in the Nautilus Awards' "Religion/Spirituality of Western Thought" category.
In "Seasons of Wonder," Smith Whitehouse provides readers with thoughtful and engaging ways to encounter wonder and sacredness in daily life throughout the calendar year. The book showcases her signature interdisciplinary, creative and spiritually grounded approach, which she brings to her roles as a professor, author and leader at Belmont.
"I’m a mother as well as a professor, so I have to get up very early in the morning to write. One early morning when I was finishing the final edits on 'Seasons of Wonder,' my son came downstairs in his Star Wars pajamas and asked me what my book was about. I told him that I hoped it would be a book that showed people that loving God and being spiritual did not mean we had to be certain about everything. I told him that I hoped this would be a book that helped people be amazed and awestruck and delighted by this world.
"The longer I live, the more I yearn to put myself in a posture of wonder, seeking, and being open to the movement of the Spirit. When it comes to religious practices, too many of our experiences focus on what sets us apart from one another. I wrote this book because I long for stories, questions and experiences that shine light on our interconnection with one another and our primordial connection with nature. We are a species motivated by love and by mystery, and I hope this book helps us tap into that motivation.
"'Seasons of Wonder' is meant to offer practical but deep ways to be together on this magnificent planet earth we share. I try to show how simple actions like stargazing, birdwatching, breadmaking and even attracting pollinators can be opportunities to share devotion, connection and awe.
"Winning a gold medal Nautilus Award is especially gratifying since these awards celebrate books that promote spiritual growth through ancient wisdom. 'Seasons of Wonder' is meant to help us see how the ancient rhythms of seasons align with features of ancient Christianity that should not be forgotten."
"We are thrilled to see Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse recognized with this prestigious award," said Dr. Jim McIntyre, dean of the College of Education and assistant provost for academic excellence. "Her work exemplifies Belmont's mission of engaging and transforming the world, and we are proud to have her as a leader and mentor in our community."
Smith Whitehouse's previous books include "Afoot and Lighthearted: A Journal for Mindful Walking" and "Kickstart Creativity: 50 Prompted Cards to Spark Inspiration." She holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has taught at Belmont since 2003.
For more information about "Seasons of Wonder" and Smith Whitehouse's work, please visit www.bonniesmithwhitehouse.com.
"The longer I live, the more I yearn to put myself in a posture of wonder, seeking, and being open to the movement of the Spirit. When it comes to religious practices, too many of our experiences focus on what sets us apart from one another. I wrote this book because I long for stories, questions and experiences that shine light on our interconnection with one another and our primordial connection with nature. We are a species motivated by love and by mystery, and I hope this book helps us tap into that motivation."
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