I went to a Thomas Merton retreat early in July 2012 and used this book. I was struck by the idea of the four dimentsions of contemplative living and wanted to mark them down:
Awakening to an ever-depening awareness of "ture self"
Contemplation of a life experienced from a God-centered perspective
Compassion in relationships with others
Unity Unity realized in our undeniable and essential interconnectedness with all of creation.

I've resonated to these ideas. This book is set up to be followed by a study group over a course of time, and is the first one of eight. Other voices are included. In Session 3 (Exploring Life's Questions), besides the quote from Mertons's Hidden Ground of Love, There is another quote from Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet.. At the endo f each chapter are ideas to reflect and dialogue upon. ( )