At a time when there is a concern for individual well-being as a result of the pressures brought about by the pandemic, this is a timely book as it is about caring for ourselves and for others and how to do this. Miriam writes that this is essential 'if we are to live with dignity and reach wholeness'. Yet this is not about looking after number one. Rather, it seeks to show that by ensuring that one's life is 'whole', one is, as a result, better able to give and serve others. Progressive Voices 38 - Sept 2021 ~ Progressive Voices , Review

This joyful book presents the human art of caring as a future forming gesture ('presencing') inviting humanity to include, emerge and transcend. To read is to become embraced by Miriam's caring presence. Her book is a genuine present; once carefully unwrapped, offering the joy of a loving life. ~ Cees Hoogendijk, co-creator of Genarrativity

Take care! A very common expression today among people close to eachother. This expression gives rise to different messages: attend to your health, live without hard effort, do not compromise, live in peace, take care of your body... The title of the book "The joy of caring" is daring, calling care as a pleasure and joy. We generally think that taking care of ourselves means effort, measuring, calculating ... Why joy? Reading Miriams’ book has greatly extended my frame of reference from just caring for the body, to caring also for the mind, heart and spirit. This book passes the gaze of the welfare society integrating polarities, body and spirit, personal and relational, caring for my self and caring for others. The language of abundance and the symbolism she uses places us in positivity and being in oneself, diving into our thoughts and feelings to let go and feel free. Caring to live in joy and fulfillment. In the book she expands the horizon by proposing the joy of working, of being creative and of being concerned about caring of our world. It is an invitation to look at the inner well, open for the encounter with others. Making the best of each one to improve everyone's world. Highly recommended for personal growth, with very timely indications also to be present for the other. ~ María Inés García, Superior General of Vedruna, Carmelite Sisters of Charity Congregation, Rome

Such a generous and inspiring book – full of clear questions to ask ourselves and exercises to help us feel that joy of caring. Surprisingly perhaps, we’re encouraged to start by being self-centred – by knowing ourselves better we can be better at being there for others. There are dangers in caring and trying to help. As Miriam Subirana points out, too often we think we’re helping by sharing our own problems or difficulties. Not only is this not helpful but we set up a dynamic that gets in the way. It is only when we take care of ourselves first we can truly listen to the other. Then from this beautiful space between us the unexpected emerges and transforms the difficulties. Miriam Subirana blends her extensive knowledge of different religions, practices and meditation approaches to provide not only the background for the seven sections but also the important questions to help us select the right steps. Living differently brings its paradoxes: doing less to achieve more; doing one task at a time instead of multi-tasking; and learning new habits to have less rather than more pressure in our lives. The phrases and approaches with special resonance for me are about trusting in the power of letting go, being aware that much gratitude is already present and being in my vital core is the place of full potential. Then the creativity and joy of transformation can flow. ~ Anne Radford, Appreciative Inquiry consultant and founder of Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner journal

With The Joy of Caring Miriam constructs a beautiful bridge between the tendency of our times to individualize and the absolute need to see that real joy can only be found in relationships. Relationships that help us realize that joy and pain are inevitable linked and for which we need others to care for us, not out of a sense of duty, but because we understand that we should care for the other from a place of love, seeing our true potential. In this book that love for caring of the I - you - we is beautifully explained to the readers, it offers us a window on how caring for each other will actually bring joy into our lives and it provides the practical suggestions on how to make that a reality. Reading this book will help you to become aware of the endless possibilities for yourself and for your relationships to care with joy! ~ Joep C. de Jong, Field Practitioner at David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry