Dr. Vest’s abiding passion is relationship with and experience of the Mystery, as expressed in a progressive Christian third way between conservative orthodoxy and secular disbelief. Norvene writes and teaches about attention to and shared exploration of a deepening relationship with the Holy One, through traditional practices in conversation with contemporary shifts in religious understanding. She is known internationally for her work in spiritual direction and Benedictine spirituality for the common life. In addition to her writing, Norvene has been a Spiritual Director since about 1982, companioning over 125 persons in that period, is a retreat and workshop leader, and has jointly (with her husband Doug) led 12 pilgrimage groups to Britain, Italy, and Turkey.