McDowell characterizes the spiritual life as a captivating dance. Sometimes the steps are easy to follow; other times they become confusing or lost from view. In a clear and compelling voice, McDowell guides the reader through the steps of the dance. Each chapter offers a rich description of one step to spiritual realization and ends with open-ended self-reflective questions for the reader. These steps include experiences of bewilderment, detachment, renewal, awakening, illumination, dark night of the soul, and finally divine union or Self-realization. Drawing upon the wisdom of ancient traditions, contemporary spiritual teachers, and the author's own experiences, Dance of Light offers practical wisdom for contemporary spiritual seekers. Whether beginner or advanced, readers will receive guidance on the dynamics of the spiritual journey, learn how to further develop their inner life, and find ways to move forward when unmotivated, stuck, or lost. "Alice McDowell is a trustworthy and honest guide for those embarking upon the spiritual journey and all the adventures and misadventures that one will encounter along the way. Dance of Light strips away the falsities, simplifies the unnecessary complexities, and gives numerous resources to light the way, and specifically your way, as benefits your own soul and psyche." -Meghan Don, award-winning author, Meditations with Teresa of Avila: A Journey into the Sacred and Feminine Courage. ""Alice McDowell has written a wonderful book of ideas from a range of spiritual paths. I meant to read it straight through, only sometimes stopping to consider one of the self-reflection questions at the end. But by the end, I realized I was missing out on the depth and richness that this book offers.... Fascinating, and thank you to the author for writing and sharing her wisdom."" -Sharon K. Yntema