Accented by pictures that add meaning to its words, Notes from the Dance is about people like those you see at the village center, the grocery store, church, and maybe even in reflections from a mirror.

Some notes describe stories unheard or misunderstood. Others reveal serious problems with no easy solutions, while keeping with the overall themes of this book of resiliency, grace, and hope.

With insightful observations, each entry portrays how some people face challenges, wrestle with their relationships, struggle with both doubt and faith, and find ways to do the best they can.

Of particular interest to those involved in therapy, coaching, and other helping relationships are notes describe some of these dances. Students of systems theory will see theory in action as it functions as a lens in various descriptions throughout the book. To stimulate readers’ own thinking, the final section does some engaging dances on some spiritual issues.

Before retirement, Carl Jensen was a licensed marriage and family therapist, executive director of a pastoral counseling agency, director of training and adjunct faculty, and parish pastor.