In his book How Then, Shall We Live? Wayne Muller examines four crucial questions: Who am I? What do I love? How shall I live, knowing I will die? and What is my gift to the family of the earth? In this hour-long interview originally presented on New Dimensions Radio, the author explains how those times in our life when we are "broken down" can be moments when we are "broken open." Illness, tragedy, and suffering enable us to surrender to grace and to the lessons of the ten thousand sorrows — as the Buddhists call them. In such periods in our lives, it is good to rely on "companions in faith" who are there to bring out the best in us. They also help us see that we are not in charge of the future but must rely upon divine assistance.
Other times suffering is "the enzyme" that awakens us to God and to the necessity of spiritual practice. Muller talks about the vertical and the horizontal dimensions of spirituality and salutes the Sabbath as a time of rest that enables us to relish the blessings of our lives. He describes some of the creative ways people have found to share the fruits of their abundance in Bread for the Journey projects in Northern New Mexico. Wayne Muller's thoughts on the spiritual practice of service are inspiring.