At the core of THE CONTENTMENT DIVIDEND lies a spiritual path centered on overcoming the egoistic mind to realize one’s higher potential. Through a series of brief yet potent meditations, Goddart elucidates how attachment to desire and resistance to adversity obscure the soul’s luminous essence. With insight and care, he counsels letting go of reactionary patterns to align with divine will and life’s hidden purpose.

While avoiding explicit religious terminology, the author draws from eastern traditions of karma, reincarnation, and the guru-disciple relationship. He frequently personifies the divine as an all-loving mystical Teacher that initiates a seeker into transcendent states of freedom. However universalist the framing aims to be, THE CONTENTMENT DIVIDEND clearly emerges from the author’s decades-long dedication to a specific spiritual master.

If at times too insular in metaphysical assumptions, the author shines in addressing existential quandaries of purpose, resistance, and self-transformation: “The struggles we face provide opportunities to grow in qualities like wisdom, discernment, patience, courage and faith. Without adversity, these spiritual “muscles” would not develop. So difficulties are seen as gifts, however unwelcome.” The central theme, hinted at in the title, is that outer success provides no lasting happiness; true joy blossoms from surrendering egoic demands to reorient towards service, wisdom, and our shared divine essence. Though the meditations advocate effortful engagement with life’s “curriculum,” the overall ethos stresses grace.

The book expresses its lessons in short, wise sayings that get straight to the point. This sparse style may leave some people wanting more elaboration, and doesn’t produce the most original ideas. But it also gives readers space to reflect on how these concepts apply to their own situation. THE CONTENTMENT DIVIDEND serves as a catalyst for self-inquiry, hinting at vistas for committed seekers to explore. For spiritual voyagers fatigued by surface living, this real-world monk offers welcome perspective and wings.

A sympathetic voice emerges amid the spiritual musings. Without self-pity, Goddart reveals he faced struggles and adversity that amplified his questioning. Yet he shares vulnerably not to elicit sympathy but to counsel fellow sojourners. His grounded humanity permeates the meditations, whether consoling a doubting grandniece or elucidating everyday lapses of awareness. A quiet humor leavens the density at times. While later passages tilt metaphysical, with past-life memories and mystic sounds discussed, the author’s anchored sensibility remains. Ultimately this field guide to the soul pushes readers to manifest their highest potentials with empathy for the rocky roads traveled.

~John Heinz for IndieReader