Sue Monk Kidd, an acclaimed author known for her works on spirituality and women's experiences, shares her profound insights into the importance of attention in our lives. She discusses how embracing the longings of the heart can unlock true potential and foster personal growth. The conversation explores the transformative power of confronting pain, nurturing creativity, and the significance of the 'middle places' in our journeys. Kidd emphasizes that by acknowledging our fears and fostering compassion, we can truly thrive.
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insights INSIGHT
Attention's Power
What you pay attention to shapes you.
It can either save you or devour you.
insights INSIGHT
Inner Largeness
Each person has a unique "largeness" inside them.
This "largeness" can be a passion, authentic voice, or personal genius.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Discovering Passion
Sue Monk Kidd discovered her longing to be a novelist in her 40s.
This happened during a trip to Greece at a convent.
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The Book of Longings is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Ana, a young woman from a wealthy family in Sepphoris, Galilee. Ana is rebellious, ambitious, and intellectually curious, engaging in secret scholarly pursuits and writing about neglected and silenced women. Her life changes when she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, and they marry despite societal expectations. The novel follows their marriage, filled with love, conflict, humor, and pathos, set against the backdrop of the Roman occupation of Israel. Ana's journey is marked by her struggles to express herself and realize her potential in a patriarchal society, supported by strong women like her aunt Yaltha and friend Tabitha. The book is grounded in meticulous historical research and offers a reverential yet humanizing portrayal of Jesus' life[1][4][5].
The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina during 1964, 'The Secret Life of Bees' tells the story of fourteen-year-old Lily Owens, whose life is shaped by the blurred memory of her mother's death. After her nanny, Rosaleen, is arrested for insulting racists, Lily and Rosaleen escape to Tiburon, South Carolina, in search of a new life. They are taken in by three black beekeeping sisters—August, May, and June—who worship the Black Madonna. The novel explores themes of mothers, love, conviction, and forgiveness as Lily navigates her past, her prejudices, and her newfound sense of belonging. It is a powerful story about the healing power of love and the divinity of the female spirit[1][3][5].
When the Heart Waits
Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd's "When the Heart Waits" explores themes of faith, spirituality, and the journey of self-discovery. The book blends personal reflections with spiritual insights, offering a thoughtful exploration of the human experience. Kidd's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and profound understanding of the complexities of faith. The book encourages readers to embrace the waiting periods in life and find meaning in the present moment. It's a comforting and inspiring read for anyone seeking spiritual guidance and personal growth.
Sue Monk Kidd’s journey into the core of her spiritual life began with a profound realization about attention. As she delves into a parable, she was struck by the idea that what we pay attention to ultimately shapes and defines us. This insight sparked a deep reflection on the pivotal role of attention in her spiritual path. In this episode, Eric and Sue discuss some of the themes of her latest novel, including how to tap into the longings of the heart. They also explore how these common themes from her work show up in our everyday lives.In this episode, you will be able to:
Embrace the largeness within yourself and unlock your true potential for personal growth and fulfillment
Understand the personal genius within everyone and discover how it can propel you towards success and happiness
Overcome fear and harness the power of being seen and heard in a way that aligns with your authentic self
Nurture creativity as a form of motherhood, fostering new ideas and inspiration to bring forth into the world
Experience the transformative power of confronting pain, and learn how it can lead to profound healing and spiritual growth
The One You Feed 
