Summary of Nouwen's Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life

Nouwen, H. J. M. (1975). Reaching out: The three movements of the spiritual life. New York, N.Y.: Doubleday, Image Books.


In this book Henri Nouwen proposes that man can grow spiritually closer to God by choosing three directions or movements when the choices arise. The first movement is from loneliness to solitude. Loneliness is the feeling that no matter how surrounded by people one may be, one is alone and lonely. Solitude on the other hand refers to that of being centered in life, content in experiencing life as it is occurring. When one makes that transition from loneliness to solitude, there is freedom in engaging in others’ lives. Life is no longer to be lived in scarcity and fear. Instead, life is to be lived in “fearless play” (Nouwen, 1975, p. 35). The second movement is from hostility to hospitality. Nouwen (1975) makes the case that most people view strangers with a sense of wariness, concerned that the strangers may rob them of life’s treasures. By emptying themselves, hosts no longer fear anything will be taken. Instead, they see the strangers as guests providing gifts of knowing God more fully through the lives of the guests. Nouwen (1975) identifies three particular types of hosts: parents, teachers, and helping professionals. By viewing their children as their most precious guests rather than property, parents can live life more freely. By viewing their students as guests, teachers can insure their students realize how valuable they are. Finally, by viewing their clients or patients as guests, helping professionals can provide a safe and free environment in which their patients or clients can become known. To be an inviting host, one needs to create a safe, free environment in which the stranger or guest can share views or feelings that may not be congruent with those of the host. Nouwen (1975) suggests that the host become poor in mind and poor in heart. Poor in mind refers to being tolerant of the thoughts and opinions of the guest. By emptying one’s mind of presuppositions, one is able to receive the gift of the guest by being fully engaged in the guest’s world. Poor in heart refers to being willing to put aside the feelings that naturally come up, and feeling what the guest is feeling. The third movement is from illusion to prayer. Nouwen (1975) postulates that most people live their lives in an illusion of immortality. They do not believe that they will die and do not put God as the center of their thoughts and life. Once people realize that they need God as their director in life, they awaken to a more fulfilling life in Christ. Nouwen (1975) suggests three essentials for praying: the Bible, silence, and a spiritual guide. Reading from the Word and then reflecting in silence how the Bible relates to one’s current life experiences is an excellent method for growing closer to God. Finally, having a spiritual guide who can encourage is invaluable. Nouwen (1975) concludes his book by clarifying that prayer is not to be done only in solitude, but in community with Christ’s church.