Contributors.

Rachel Mann

earned a Ph.D. in Slavic languages and literature and held a tenured position at the University of Virginia - where she developed and taught courses dealing with the problems of violence, with a particular emphasis on racism and sexual violence. Ultimately, however, Mann left academia to devote herself to the practice of shamanism through her organization, MettaKnowledge for Peace, LLC (mettaknowledge.com). Her attraction to the practices of indigenous religions also led her to question the ethics of Caucasians appropriating the ceremonies and traditions of other cultures. For a lesson in how to be respectful of others' practices, see page 46.

Carole Schor

has long been interested in food - an interest which led her to operate a low-fat catering company and earn a master's in nutrition. She has appeared on TV and radio as a wellness expert, and her articles on motivation, wellness, and nutrition have been published in national magazines and newspapers. She has also been in charge of fund development for Agape International Spiritual Center, as well as having been logistics director for the Ocean of Gratitude Cruise. Presently working as a spa director in the Dominican Republic, she still finds time to eat well. Read her article, "Eat Here, Get God," on page 54.

Larry Patten

is a United Methodist pastor who lives in Fresno, California. Along with parish work, he has served as a campus minister and hospice chaplain. He currently maintains a website (larrypatten.com) and is working on a mystery novel and a collection of daily reflections for clergy. His reflection about what to do when you have friends or family in the hospital and don't know what to say (page 39) may make your heart sing!

Andrew Glaze

is a distinguished Southern poet, playwright, and novelist who has lived in France, Britain, New York, and Miami. He has held three fellowships to Bread Loaf Writers Conference and has published seven books of poetry, the latest of which, Remembering Thunder (NewSouth Books, 2002), was reviewed in the New York Times book review. His novel, Breaking Up on the Run, will be published next year. Glaze received the Eunice Tietjens award for poetry, the SEBA Best Book Award for 1998, and was short-listed for the Pulitzer three times. A realist about spirituality, Glaze finds holiness "in everything that's wild and absurd." Read his poem, "Alleluia," on page 41.