Soul Maps: A Guide to the Mid-life Spirit

Sheila Martindale is poetry editor of Canadian Author and Bookman and
the author of No Greater Love.

The central message of this engaging book is that we need to understand
where we came from if we are to know where we are and where we will be
going. As the author puts it, we need to know “the rock from which we
are hewn, the quarry from which we are dug.” Understanding (and, in
some cases, forgiving) our parents is crucial to our development as we
ourselves age and come to terms with the physical and emotional changes
that occur in midlife.

Tindal offers many of her own experiences and insights, and those of
others. She has consulted with people of various faith groups, including
Baha’i, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh, as well as from her own
Christian faith. While each person has his or her own unique perspective
on the question, there are many commonalities. Women in particular talk
about becoming their own person once the children are grown and the need
for constant caregiving has past. Others talk about changing or even
abandoning the high-profile careers that bring material success but do
not nourish the soul. There is much talk about how success is defined;
the conclusion drawn is that spirituality and wholeness are more
important than wealth and acquisitions.

While that message may not be new or ground-breaking, it is packaged
here in a readable and thought-provoking fashion. Individuals or groups
concerned about the approach of middle age will find much in Soul Maps
that help guide them through what can be difficult and confusing
territory.