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best indoor eucalyptus plant

best indoor eucalyptus plant Eucalyptus Plant Care Guide

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best indoor eucalyptus plant Eucalyptus Plant Care GuideEucalyptus Plant Care In 2025 people are thinking about their health more than ever. Natural remedies and plants often get talked about, and Eucalyptus is always popular. Here is our complete guide to caring for this plant, and how to use it. Sunlight Eucalyptus plants prefer areas that receive 8 to 10 hours of full bright sun. If your eucalyptus is indoors, place it near a south facing window so that it gets plenty of sunlight. If your eucalyptus is

Eucalyptus Plant Care

In 2025 people are thinking about their health more than ever. Natural remedies and plants often get talked about, and Eucalyptus is always popular. Here is our complete guide to caring for this plant, and how to use it.

Sunlight

Eucalyptus plants prefer areas that receive 8 to 10 hours of full bright sun. If your eucalyptus is indoors, place it near a south-facing window so that it gets plenty of sunlight. If your eucalyptus is in your garden, be sure the soil drains very well. Likewise, if you're planting eucalyptus in a pot, use high-quality potting soil and a pot that has drainage holes to let out excess water.

Water

Water eucalyptus plant regularly. Eucalyptus plants are only partially drought-tolerant once their roots are established. Water regularly to prevent their leaves from drooping and falling off. If your Eucalyptus is outdoors, place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

Humidity

They like any environment. Average household humidity will do just fine

Fertilizer: Fertilize your houseplants! Outdoor eucalyptus rarely needs fertilizer, but your indoor eucalyptus can benefit from liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the spring.

Upkeep: Prune eucalyptus plants as you see fit. The best way to keep that growth in check, and keep the plant healthy, is to regularly prune and shape it.

Eucalyptus Plant Information

Eucalyptus is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. The majority of eucalyptus species come from Australia, while a few other species are native to Philippines and Malaysia.

Eucalyptus has always been used for decoration, woodworking, and very popular for medicines. It is known for its menthol-like fragrance, which comes from essential oils that are present in all parts of the plant.

Most species of this plant lose their leaves in the cold or dry seasons. 

Eucalyptus Benefits and Uses

Most people will recognize the scent of eucalyptus, but many don’t realize that this evergreen tree also has a wide variety of uses. Humans and Koala bears tend to use this plant most often, and in different ways.

Eucalyptus oils and essential extracts are commonly found in over-the-counter drugs, and other forms of medicines. Concentrated eucalyptus oil can be toxic when consumed, so please keep it away from pets and children. 

Using Eucalyptus in the Shower

Hanging eucalyptus in the shower allows you to breathe in the deep, minty aroma as it mixes with the steam. It is a distinct scent that releases your stress and helps you wind down.

It is common that people elevate their shower experience by hanging a bundle of eucalyptus stems from their shower head. Eucalyptus has shown to help with upper respiratory issues, which is why Eucalyptus essential oil is often an active ingredient in over-the-counter chest rubs and used with humidifiers.

Hanging eucalyptus in the shower allows the steam the release essential oils in the eucalyptus plant, which can aid in relieving congestion and inflammation related to sinus and bronchial infections.

Planting Eucalyptus 

When planting eucalyptus in Canada or the USA, choose a cold-hardy variety. Select a sunny location with well-draining soil, as eucalyptus plants prefer drier conditions and don't tolerate waterlogged soil.

Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, and loosen the surrounding soil to promote root growth. Place the plant in the hole with the root ball at soil level, backfill, and water thoroughly.

Water regularly during the first season, but avoid overwatering. Consider growing eucalyptus in pots so they can be moved indoors during harsh winters.

Common Issues With Eucalyptus Plants

Eucalyptus tree remain relatively healthy when in their preferred environment, which admittedly is hard to replicate in Canada. In suboptimal conditions they can start to show certain issues. If caught early, there is no worry.


Leaves turning brown on a eucalyptus plant is usually a sign of too little moisture in the soil. Eucalyptus plants enjoy a lot of water, and a lot of sun.

Brown leaves is likely the issue if your leaves are curling or dropping. In this case, supply your plant with more water, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Is a Eucalyptus Plant Safe for Cats?

Eucalyptus plants are not pet friendly. Most pets will start to nibble and experience mouth irritation and stop. This is the same for eucalyptus plants and dogs as well. If your pet continues to eat the plant they will feel nauseous and possibly start to vomit.

We recommend that all plants be kept away from pets and children. Other than eating plants, kids and pets can knock them over, so please keep them high up, and away from issues.

Where To Buy Eucalyptus Plants?

 

At Gold Leaf Botanicals of course! These plants are seasonal and rare, but we have access to them at certain times, usually August and September. Please send us a message or contact us to buy eucalyptus

Frequently Asked Questions About Eucalyptus

Is eucalyptus a good indoor plant?

Eucalyptus plants can be brought indoors and enjoyed as houseplants, however they can be tricky to grow indoors because they require many hours of direct light and water. Don't be discouraged if your Eucalyptus does not survive, as this is a very common issue.

Can you grow eucalyptus in Canada?

You can grow Eucalyptus in Canada from August to November, however they require lots of light, and in the fall the Canadian sun is not powerful enough to make them thrive.

Is eucalyptus poisonous to touch?

Eucalyptus is not poisonous to touch, but they do have concentrated oils in their leaves that some people find sensitivities to. This is the same for Eucalyptus oils - letting them touch their skin in their strongest form can irritate skin.

How does eucalyptus smell?

Eucalyptus has a specific camphoraceous smell, which smells almost medicinal, much like rosemary. It's a scent that has hints of citrus, mint, and also honey. Some people equate it to walking through a pine forest.

Does eucalyptus purify the air?

Yes, Eucalyptus plants are great air purifiers, and are known for their medicinal properties and fragrant smells

Where should eucalyptus be placed in the house?

The plants themselves should be placed in an area that receives the brightest light and the longest light. Try to get at least 10 hours of light every day for a healthy plant.

Can eucalyptus plants survive winter?

Eucalyptus plants cannot withstand temperatures below -13°C. At those temperatures more than 50 percent of the plants' cells will be irreparably damaged and would almost certainly kill the plant.

How toxic is eucalyptus for dogs?

Eucalyptus plants are toxic to dogs, so they should be kept out of reach. If your pet ingests eucalyptus leaves it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.

Can I grow eucalyptus in my backyard?

You can grow eucalyptus plants in your backyard, so be sure to choose a spot that receives 8 to 10 hours of full sun every day. If your eucalyptus plant is indoors place it in a south-facing window so it gets plenty of sunlight. 

What are the benefits of smelling eucalyptus?

The scent of eucalyptus oil stimulates the senses in an

 

invigorating way. It also helps refresh and energize the body while giving a calming, soothing effect on the mind. It has been used to reduce stress and mood disorders. 

Do bugs like the smell of eucalyptus?

The scent of Eucalyptus impedes many insects' sense of smell, which drives them away from the area. This is helpful to deter mosquitoes, as eucalyptus has similar effects as citronella.

Why can't I smell my eucalyptus in the shower?

Eucalyptus needs moisture to give off its beautiful scent, but it doesn't like to be doused in water frequently. Frequent contact with water will make your eucalyptus bundle lose its scent more quickly.

How can I make my house smell good with eucalyptus?

For a room freshener that smells amazing and kills bacteria, mix 10 to 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with half a teaspoon of vodka and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Regularly mist your home to remove any odours and germs.

Is eucalyptus plant good for bedroom?

Eucalyptus plants have been known to calm and relax, making them a perfect addition to any bedroom. A few branches of eucalyptus or a large plant will help calm you before sleeping. 

 

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K Edward
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent glimpse into Christ's model for leadership
Format: Paperback
This book is on a required reading list for ministerial licensing in my state. I found it a refreshing look into real Christian leadership (seemingly free from methods and techniques encouraged by the world). I say 'refreshing' because so many leadership books send out a 'drill sergeant' message that 'You need to toughen up for leadership. It isn't a cake-walk... You do a lot alone, etc. etc.' That may be true, but it can almost be discouraging/ disheartening for those interested in learning about leadership. NOT SO with this book. The author is a humble man of God who only desires to walk closer with Him. He (author) approaches leadership from a Divine angle; that is, he doesn't see leadership as the exercise of power and authority for its own sake. He sees leadership as that quality one gets from simply walking with Christ in close fellowship, to the point of being what he calls 'a mystic'. He encourages us to take those quiet walks with God; get to know His heart, and only then... be qualified to lead others with a servant's heart. He encourages us to be transparent and not to seek to do this alone (contrary to the messages this world sends us). To do this he shares engaging stories from his own life - stories of tough lessons he had to learn about becoming a Christian leader. God taught him through these life experiences more accurately what it means to be a leader, and I found myself identifying with him. I found this book on leadership to be a great encouragement to just walk closely with God - and that's what it's all about!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2006
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Brad
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Follow Jesus, Not the World
Format: Paperback
Henri Nouwen calls on Christian leaders--including himself-- to resist, as Jesus resisted, the temptations to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful. Instead, "...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love." Further: "We keep forgetting that we are being sent out two-by-two. We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim the Gospel together, in community." And: "The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire builders have been people unable to give and receive love." I hope these excerpts give you a flavor of what's inside this extraordinary book, which I thought was truly profound even in its simplicity. Nouwen speaks from the heart because he speaks from experience. He walked away from a high profile clerical career to follow Jesus in the most authentic way he could. His is a story worth hearing and imitating.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2006
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Lavid
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Un libro que debes leer!
Format: Paperback
El tema del liderazgo cristiano es vital dentro de la Iglesia. La lectura del libro In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, hace un aporte significativo a mi entendimiento teológico acerca del liderazgo. Como líderes podemos edificar o destruir vidas; ayudar a otros a que avancen o frenarlos en su jornada de fe; servir de inspiración o dejar huellas de dolor en la vida de otras personas; mostrarles el camino a otros o perdernos en el camino. El autor hace una pregunta que creo que es muy oportuna y puntual en nuestra vida: ¿Qué decisiones has estado tomando últimamente y cómo son un reflejo de cómo percibes el futuro? Ciertamente no había reflexionado en ello. Cada día tomamos decisiones desde el momento en que abrimos los ojos, si ya me levanto, qué voy a desayunar, qué ropa me voy a poner, etc. Pero no había analizado si mis decisiones diarias me están acercando a lo que Dios tiene para mí o si me tienen estancada en mi pasado. Una de las cosas que ha llamado mi atención en la lectura de este libro es que el autor dice que llegó a un punto en su vida donde comenzó a sentir una terrible amenaza interna y se cuestionó si el hacerse ya mayor en edad lo había acercado más a Jesús. Quiero detenerme aquí, porque una líder que ha influenciado mi vida es mi madre. Ella ya tiene 83 años, y continuamente me repite: -Hija, tengo que estar muy cerca de Jesús, ya casi llega mi hora y quiero poder encontrarme con Él cara a cara. Puede uno entrar a su cuarto y la hallarás en su sillón con su Biblia abierta y orando o cantando alabanzas a Dios. Ella se preocupa por guardar su relación con Jesús. ¿Alguna vez, como líderes, estamos preocupados por si estamos muy cerca de Dios? ¿O es que quizás nuestro liderazgo nos hace presuponer que sí lo estamos? Estamos tan ocupados en la viña del Señor que se nos olvida ocuparnos del Señor de la viña. El autor reconoce que en esa etapa de su vida ya no oraba con pasión, sino que lo hacía bastante mal, se había aislado de las personas y se dio cuenta de que su alma estaba en peligro. Vino a mi mente Mateo 16:26 (NTV) “¿Y qué beneficio obtienes si ganas el mundo entero pero pierdes tu propia alma? ¿Hay algo que valga más que tu alma?” O como Pablo les dice a la Iglesia en Corinto: “no sea que habiendo predicado a otros, yo mismo sea descalificado.” 1 Corintios 9: 27 (b) Creo que si reflexiono teológicamente me debería preguntar: ¿Tengo la seguridad de lo que vale mi alma? ¿Podré yo quedar descalificada ante Dios en algún área de mi vida? ¿Está mi alma en peligro? Henri J.M Nouwen desmenuza la tentación de Jesús y nos muestra tres tentaciones que como líderes y ministros enfrentamos frecuentemente. La primera a la que se refiere es la Tentación de ser Relevante y su base es cuando el diablo le pide a Jesús que convierta las piedras en pan. Hoy hay muchos que quieren ser “relevantes a toda costa”, aunque eso signifique ir más allá de nuestros principios y cambiar por completo el Evangelio. Cada vez que escucho a un predicador diciendo que “pacte” con cierta cantidad de dinero para recibir un milagro, me indigno en gran manera porque algo que Jesús ofreció gratuitamente al pagar con Su sangre, ahora los “grandes predicadores de estos tiempos” lo han convertido en negocio. ¿Estaremos provocando que Jesús voltee nuestras vidas como hizo con las mesas de los cambistas del templo? Se nos olvida que Jesús es quien tiene que ser relevante para el mundo y que tenemos que reflejar la luz de Cristo. Hoy vivimos pendientes de cuántos seguidores tenemos en las redes sociales, cuántos likes tienen nuestras publicaciones. Por eso decía al principio, que podemos perdernos en el camino. Nouwen se inquietó de que su ineficaz oración y la tiranía de lo urgente lo estuviera empujando a reprimir al Espíritu Santo. David sabía lo que significaba andar sin el Espíritu Santo como compañero, por eso clamó en el Salmo 51: 11 “No me eches de delante de ti, Y no quites de mí tu santo Espíritu” Coincido con el autor cuando expresa que los líderes del futuro serán aquellos que se atrevan a reclamar su irrelevancia en el mundo contemporáneo como una vocación divina que les permita entrar en una profunda solidaridad con la angustia que subyace a todo el brillo del éxito y traer la luz de Jesús allí. El autor nos hace reflexionar en la pregunta que Jesús le hace a Pedro. ¿Me amas más que estos? No le preguntó acerca cuánta gente lo conocía, a cuántos había impactado. La pregunta era relacional: ¿me amas a mí? Por lo tanto la pregunta para nosotros sería, ¿estoy enamorada de Jesús? Nouwen declara que el líder del futuro es uno que conoce el corazón de Dios. Cuando no estamos ligados al corazón de Dios porque nos falta esa intimidad con Él, somos más propensos a que el anhelo por la fama, por ser exitosos, se apodere de nosotros y nos desenfoque de nuestro llamado. Conocer el corazón de Jesús y amarlo son lo mismo. Cuando vivimos en el mundo con ese conocimiento del corazón de Jesús, no podemos hacer más que traer sanidad, reconciliación, nueva vida y esperanza donde quiera que vayamos. Seguido a la pregunta tan desafiante, viene una tarea importantísima: apacienta mis ovejas. Mi corazón se estremeció, pues a pesar de conocer este relato y haberlo predicado varias veces, esta vez el enfoque del autor me hizo reflexionar en que muchas veces se nos olvida que hemos sido llamados a apacentar las ovejas, que tenemos una responsabilidad pero por tratar de ser relevantes no la estamos cumpliendo a cabalidad. El autor aborda ahora el tema de la oración contemplativa como una disciplina importante para el cristiano. La oración contemplativa profundiza en nosotros el conocimiento de que ya somos libres, que ya hemos encontrado un lugar para morar, que ya pertenecemos a Dios, a pesar de que todo y todos los que nos rodean siguen sugiriendo lo contrario. Nouwen lanza una pregunta que es confrontante: ¿Son los líderes cristianos del futuro verdaderamente hombres y mujeres de Dios, personas con un ardiente deseo de morar en la presencia de Dios, escuchar la voz de Dios, mirar la belleza de Dios, tocar la Palabra encarnada de Dios y saborear plenamente la bondad infinita de Dios? Aunque está mirando hacia los líderes del futuro, mi preocupación es también por nosotros, los líderes actuales. Si no vivimos una vida de oración no vamos a poder enseñarle a los líderes del futuro cómo avivar ese deseo ardiente de permanecer en la presencia de Dios. Anoche en el servicio de oración de la iglesia, yo les hablé acerca de cuando Dios decide poner fin a Sodoma. Dios se pregunta: ¿Encubriré yo a Abraham lo que voy a hacer, habiendo de ser Abraham una nación grande y fuerte, y habiendo de ser benditas en él todas las naciones de la tierra? Pienso entonces: ¿qué nivel de intimidad tenía Abraham con Dios que éste no quiere encubrirle sus planes? La respuesta la da el mismo Dios: “Porque yo sé que mandará a sus hijos y a su casa después de sí, que guarden el camino de Jehová, haciendo justicia y juicio, para que haga venir Jehová sobre Abraham lo que ha hablado acerca de él.” Dios sabía que Abraham iba a preparar a su descendencia como líderes del futuro. La oración es llamada “la cenicienta” de la iglesia. Para muchos no es relevante; sin embargo, es lo que alimenta nuestra alma y define quiénes somos en Dios. Para vivir de pie delante de los demás, debo vivir de rodillas delante de Dios. La segunda tentación es la de ser espectacular. Hoy la mayoría de los cristianos quieren ser parte de los ministerios de la iglesia que son más visibles: alabanza, predicar detrás de un púlpito, ministerio de danza. Pocos prefieren estar en el grupo de intercesión, o en los servidores, o ser de los que limpian el templo. El mismo Nouwen dice que actuamos como si la visibilidad y la notoriedad fueran los criterios principales del valor de lo que estamos haciendo. La popularidad ha reemplazado lamentablemente la verdadera esencia del ministerio. Somos especialistas en dar shows domingueros, no en adorar a Dios los domingos. Somos especialistas en luces que impresionan en los stages de las iglesias, pero no somos luz que alumbra en medio del pecado. Somos especialistas en buscar las mejores voces para que canten en nuestro servicio, pero no en que nuestra voz produzca cambios en otros. La propuesta de Nouwen para tratar esta tentación es la confesión y el perdón. Los líderes y ministros deben ser personas siempre dispuestas a confesar su propia fragilidad y pedir perdón a aquellos a quienes ministran. Debemos ser capaces de rendir cuentas. Creo que esto es algo en lo que Wesley enfatizó y que debemos retomar. Hace unos años, para la tesis de graduación, mi esposo Daniel propuso como tema para la misma la rendición de cuentas. Esto causó revuelo en la Facultad, debido a que ellos decían que ese era un tema pasado de moda, que porqué tenemos que decirles a otros nuestras debilidades y nuestras faltas. ¿Qué tanta basura hay en mi vida que tengo temor a que sea expuesta? ¿Será porque dejo de ser relevante y espectacular ante otros? La tentación de ser poderoso es la tercera tentación que menciona Nouwen, y él considera que esta es la tentación más seductora. Ciertamente he visto a gente cambiar drásticamente cuando se les ha sido dada autoridad. El autor considera que a pesar de nuestra experiencia que el poder no nos da la sensación de seguridad que deseo, sino que revela nuestras propias debilidades y limitaciones, seguimos haciéndonos creer que más poder eventualmente satisfará nuestras necesidades. El texto que usa el autor en esta parte es uno de mis textos preferidos en la Biblia, Filipenses 2: 5-8, y me encanta la versión The Message: “Piensen en ustedes como Cristo Jesús pensó de sí mismo. Tenía el mismo estatus que Dios, pero no pensaba tanto en sí mismo que tenía que aferrarse a las ventajas de ese estado sin importar qué. De ningún modo. Cuando llegó el momento, dejó a un lado los privilegios de la deidad y asumió el estatus de esclavo, ¡se convirtió en humano! Habiéndose hecho humano, se mantuvo humano. Fue un proceso increíblemente humillante. No reclamó privilegios especiales. En cambio, vivió una vida desinteresada y obediente y luego murió una muerte desinteresada y obediente, y el peor tipo de muerte, una crucifixión.” Cristo renunció a todo, pero nosotros lo queremos conservar todo. El autor resalta el hecho de que gran parte del liderazgo cristiano es ejercido por personas que no saben cómo desarrollarse sanamente, sin habilidades relacionales y que han optado por el poder y el control en su lugar. Muchos constructores de imperios cristianos han sido personas incapaces de dar y recibir amor. Por eso es tan importante la disciplina de reflexionar teológicamente. Porque creo que ninguno de nosotros está eximido de enfrentar y de caer en estas tentaciones, así que debemos estar constantemente reflexionando en nuestro liderazgo y en la influencia que estamos teniendo en las personas que nos rodean. El verdadero liderazgo espiritual, según Nouwen, es uno en el que “el poder se abandona constantemente en favor del amor”. ¿Qué tanto estoy dispuesto a ceder por amor a Dios y a mi prójimo? Mis preguntas al terminar este maravillo libro son: ¿Cómo Dios ve mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo veo mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo otros ven mi liderazgo? ¿He permitido que alguna de estas tentaciones venza y gobierne mi vida?
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
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Rick Watts
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Book for Church Leaders
Format: Paperback
In this book, Nouwen describes what he believes the key characteristics of a Christian leader are. These characteristics are guided by two stories for the Gospels: the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) and the story of Peter's call to be a shepherd (John 21:15-19). These characteristics are being prayerful rather than relevant, ministerial rather than popular, and being led rather than being a leader. Nouwen first explains that the temptation of today's ministers is to be relevant. Nouwen says that Jesus also had this same temptation. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. With so many people in the world dieing of starvation, we all wish at times that we had the power to turn stones into bread. However, when Jesus was asked to perform the relevant behavior of changing stones into bread, he stuck to his mission to proclaim the Word and said, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Rather than trying to be relevant to the world, a Christian leader should use Jesus as the source of their words, advice and guidance. It is through the discipline of contemplative prayer that Christian leaders can do that. It is not enough for Christian leaders to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. Christian leaders must truly be men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word, and to taste fully God's infinite goodness. The second temptation Nouwen says Christian leaders must avoid is the temptation to be spectacular. This was also Jesus' second temptation in the desert. "Throw yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels catch you and carry you in their arms" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus would not do it. He refused to be a stunt man to prove that he had something worthwhile to say. In stead Jesus said "Don't put the Lord your God to the test." Nouwen says that in today's church, individualism among ministers and priests is prevalent. Many do not have many skills to be proud of, but they still frequently feel that, if they have anything at all to show, it is something they must do solo. However, Nouwen says that ministry is not done solo, but in pairs. In Mark 6:7 Jesus sent the discipline out two by two to conquer evil. We cannot preach the Gospel on our own, we are called to share the Gospel together, in community. Nouwen goes on to say that ministry is also mutual. Jesus said, "I am the god shepherd. I know by own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep" (John 10:14-15). Ministers have gotten the idea that good leadership means keeping a safe distance form those we lead. However, when the members of a community cannot truly know and love their shepherd, shepherding just becomes a subtle way to exercise power over others. Nouwen says that the only way to for us to over come this temptation is confession and forgiveness. This does not mean that ministers should bring their own sins into the pulpit. It means that ministers are called to minister with their whole being, including their wounded selves. The third temptation today's Christian leaders must overcome is the temptation of power. When the devil said to Jesus "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus replied "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" (Matthew 4:9-10). Others say that having power - provided it is used in the service of God and your fellow human beings - is a good thing. Nouwen says that it was this rationalization that caused crusades, inquisitions, and the enslavement of Indians. He says it seems easier to be God than to love God, and easier to control people than to love people. Nouwen says that a common misconception among Christian leaders is that the older and more mature you get then more capable you become as a leader. However, John 21:18 says, "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Nouwen says that the most important quality of Christian leadership is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility. Powerlessness and humility in the spiritual life refer to people who are so deeply in love with Jesus that they are ready to follow him wherever he guides them, always trusting that, with him, they will find life and fine it abundantly. Nouwen says that the way to discern where we are being led by Jesus is through theological reflection. Theological reflection is thinking with the mind of Christ. The Christian leaders of the future have to be theologians, persons who know the heart of God and are trained - through prayer, study, and careful analysis - to manifest the divine event of God's saving work in the midst of the many seemingly random events of their time.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
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Victoria
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Not just for leaders
Format: Paperback
Even though this book is geared towards Catholic leaders and I’m not in a management/leadership role, I found the discussion of the temptation of fame, power, and relevance so applicable. It cut to my core. I think we all wrestle with those temptations in some way or another. Definitely one to read again and again!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023

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