In our fast-paced world, self-control often feels like a rare commodity. Yet, in our spiritual lives we are called to cultivate this vital fruit of the Spirit. Recently, I had the opportunity to reflect on this while preparing a sermon focused on the importance of self-control and how it can transform our lives and relationships. … Continue reading Cultivating Self-Control: A Spiritual Journey
The author reflects on how they cling tightly to their interpretations of sacred texts, cautioning against confirmation bias. They encourage letting go of preconceived notions and listening deeply for new meaning. Questions prompt readers to consider how their interpretations have evolved and how to remain open to new perspectives in sacred reading.
I often ponder the true meaning of success. What do people really mean when they talk about it? Whose interpretation of success are they adopting? Living in the Western world, I've noticed that success is predominantly gauged by wealth and power. This observation isn't to suggest that these are the only metrics of success, but … Continue reading The Beautiful Challenge of Living Successfully
What's a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind? The question from the prompt is really, "Have you changed your opinion about anything?" What a question! Am I alive? Well then, my opinions1 about everything are constantly in flux no matter what I tell myself. Opinions Change, Sometimes Often Opinions. "Has my opinion … Continue reading A Transformed Mind
What details of your life could you pay more attention to? Attention is a fleeting companion. Being attentive in any moment is a challenge; still, to be awake is to attend one’s life. I love that word, “Attend.” We attend concerts, the movies, the theatre, parties, meetings, and school. Is our attendance more than an … Continue reading All of Them!
What’s the trait you value most about yourself? When my children were young, I would read to them most nights before bed. Often children’s stories have multiple characters, and so I would attempt to create appropriate voices for members of the Berenstain Bear family or Junie B Jones or any of children’s favorites. Almost without … Continue reading My Own Voice
Some mornings- like today!- I cannot get aligned or grounded in my morning practice. My mind is wandering everywhere even as I sit my meditation/centering prayer. I cannot “draw” or release myself back to the moment. I let go and let go and let go and let go. I may rationalize that this is building … Continue reading Returning to Thanks
What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life? I begin each day with meditation. If I do not begin my day that way, the experience of the day is altered, seeming less “real” and more reactive. This daily practice of “letting go” helps me live more awake and attentive to the … Continue reading Receive and Release
Sundays are the day I consistently rise before the sun. I am awake by 5:00 AM and in “my chair” by 5:10 with a cup of coffee and the Silence as companions. This morning was no different and completely different. My space is at the back of our house, a small room addition with windows … Continue reading Another Beautiful Day
My title really should read something more like, “I used to practice for life as if life and practice were separate instances.” I have an everyday practice: meditation, journaling, reading, listening. I come to my space and sit. This sitting sets an intention for the day, an intention to inhale and exhale, to receive and … Continue reading Practicing for life
Infinitely Precious 