Sweat your Prayers by Gabrielle Roth

By Vernon Marshall View Profile
I must confess to having seen this book on the list for a long time without choosing to read it. I made the effort at last and I am so glad that I did so. I did find the title somewhat intriguing but reading the book was well worth the effort. Its subtitle gives a clearer indication of what it is concerned with, “Movement as Spiritual Practice”. Gabrielle Roth is a dance teacher by background and the book is simply about how movement can unlock the energies that can take us to spiritual and personal self-knowledge. It is more than detailing techniques, however. The book is full of stories and illustrations. It seeks liberation. It encourages risk and adventure. It encourages an acceptance of the body as well as of the spirit. For example, one suggestion is to plan a “mistress party”. Attenders are to come dressed in wild clothing to allow their inner mistress to play. Erotic music is to be played, bright colours are to be displayed, food is to be served to one another and everyone is to dance with everyone else and to “flirt like mad.” It is an unusual and surprising book. It is full of idiosyncratic ideas that may not suit everyone but it certainly seeks to change one’s outlook on the world and on themselves. The quotations are also very useful and indeed quite powerful. For those who want to brighten up and energise their spiritual life in a physical way then this book will be a godsend to you. It is the most unusual but challenging book I have read for some time.