From The Author
Payton B. Foust, MD
Living Nephesh was born from years of listening—to patients, to Scripture, to silence, and to the subtle signs of disconnection that surface within us all. Again and again, I witnessed how fragmentation takes hold—in the body, in the spirit, in relationships.
And how healing begins not with striving, but with integration.
This book reflects that journey toward wholeness. It weaves together biblical insight, clinical practice, and lived stories—not as a manual, but as an invitation. To pay attention. To breathe. To remember what it means to live as a whole person, created and sustained by the Breath of God.
My hope is that Living Nephesh meets you there—in the questions, the quiet, and the slow return to being fully alive.
The Companion Guide
Living Nephesh was written to be read — but this class was built to be lived together.
Over six weeks, the companion guide walks a small group through the book's central movement: from creation, through fracture, to Jesus, to a practiced, sustainable rhythm of wholeness.
Each week includes a breath prayer, guided teaching, discussion questions, and a short practice to carry into the week ahead. No background in theology or medicine required — just a willingness to lead, or a willingness to show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the book about?
Living Nephesh explores what it means to live whole—body, soul, and spirit—in a world that often pulls us apart. Rooted in Genesis and the teachings of Jesus, the book invites us to return to the integrated life God intended.
Is this book for Christians only?
The book is rooted in a Christian vision of wholeness, but it’s written with open hands. If you’ve ever felt fragmented, burned out, or hungry for restoration, this book welcomes you into that conversation—no matter your starting point.
Is this a medical book? Or a spiritual one?
Both—and neither. It draws from clinical experience, but it’s not a medical manual. It’s deeply theological, but not academic. It’s a reflection from a physician who believes healing happens when we stop dividing what God joined together.
Yes — a free six-week companion guide is now available, built for small groups, Sunday classes, or church-wide studies. It walks through the book's formative chapters one week at a time, with a Leader Guide (full facilitation notes, no theological or clinical background required) and a Participant Guide (space for reflection and discussion).
Is there a group or church study option?
Do I need a background in medicine or theology to understand it?
Not at all. If you’re human, it’s for you. The writing is grounded and accessible, written for people longing for more than quick fixes—for those who sense there’s something deeper beneath the surface of health, faith, and life.
Living Nephesh is available worldwide on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats.