Today's post is my rumination on an article written by John McKnight, one of the co-founders of the "Abundant Community" mmovement. (See: www.abundantcommunity.com/home/getting_started/community_capacities_and_community_necessities.html)
In Mr. McKnight's "call to action" are the seeds to improve our communal and thus our individual health, wellness and wholeness (HW2). He has seven points for the movement towards abundant community which include: Neighborhoods as the primary source of health; determining the safety and security of our neighborhoods; environmental care; building resilient local economies; production of our food; locally raising our children; caring for all in our communities.
In my opinion, the keystone is the first point - recognizing that "our neighborhoods are the primary source of our health". The article quotes a statistic that medical care acocunts for "less than 10% of what will allow us to be healthy". That's an amazing statistic, but there is agreement on this point. Thus, investments in increasing the size and scope of hospitals, medical homes, etc will not significantly change the health of communities nor individuals. Investment in community health initiatives, however, have the potential to significantly improve not only our health, but our wellness and wholeness.
This is what the public charity, Possibilities Journey, Inc, is all about. We are in the business of leveraging the local resources in communities (e.g., faith communities, non-profits, government) to do more than any could do alone. I encourage you to go to our website to see what we're all about (www.possjrny.org).
I leave you with this thought...what could you do by next Tuesday to take on one of the seven items listed above to begin to create abundant community where you live? I'd love to hear what you decide to do.
Peace and wholeness,
Dan
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Power of Compassion
Today's post comes as a result of a conversation I had yesterday. I reconnected with a man that I've had a "love-hate" relationship with over many years. He's a man that I've found very challenging to deal with from the standpoint of his worldview, and how he used that to treat other people poorly (in my humble opinion). Our relationship has healed, because he has significantly softened (and is under less stress, both mental and physiologic) and my wife no longer works for him! ;-)
This man and I reconnected after a number of years and as we were catching up on each other's lives, our conversation lead into a description of what I'm doing running a public charity called, "Possibilities Journey, Inc." I told him of our mission to return wholeness to health and wellness, and how important compassion was to that process. He picked right up on the need for compassion and related the following personal story.
He has suffered from chronic health issues for most of his adult life. Recently he had an experience where he had to have multiple surgeries, which resulted in him (at the mid-point of the process) being significantly disabled. He was quite angry and withdrawn and no one (including his wife of many years) could get him to open up. He was visited often during this time by spiritual persons, in fact, he had Eucharist a few times each week - but no one recognized his spiritual pain. Until one day, a Physical Therapy assistant was able to show him compassion and to allow him the space to "let it all out". His ability to off-load his anger and frustration, his fears and concerns, began the process of his healing. It empowered him to take control back and to get his surgeon in line - to move past the error that had been made and to forgive him. That forgiveness of the physician allowed for that professional to move forward and correct the error, allowing my friend to walk again.
The power of compassion and compassionate acts. Compassion literally means "to suffer with" and is a gift that is seldom given in our world today. The folks at the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish) are trying to adequately define compassion so that they can measure it and then identify how to assess for its presence or absence. My friend can tell them about how it felt for compassion to be absent from the people he looked to for it. It took another human, far down the medical heirarchy, to empower him to heal. A message for all of us that no one is incapable of sharing this gift.
My wish for you this day is that you might be able to share (or recieve) the gift of compassion. May you find your vision cleared so that you might see the suffering around you and give freely of this great gift.
Peace and compasion,
Dan
This man and I reconnected after a number of years and as we were catching up on each other's lives, our conversation lead into a description of what I'm doing running a public charity called, "Possibilities Journey, Inc." I told him of our mission to return wholeness to health and wellness, and how important compassion was to that process. He picked right up on the need for compassion and related the following personal story.
He has suffered from chronic health issues for most of his adult life. Recently he had an experience where he had to have multiple surgeries, which resulted in him (at the mid-point of the process) being significantly disabled. He was quite angry and withdrawn and no one (including his wife of many years) could get him to open up. He was visited often during this time by spiritual persons, in fact, he had Eucharist a few times each week - but no one recognized his spiritual pain. Until one day, a Physical Therapy assistant was able to show him compassion and to allow him the space to "let it all out". His ability to off-load his anger and frustration, his fears and concerns, began the process of his healing. It empowered him to take control back and to get his surgeon in line - to move past the error that had been made and to forgive him. That forgiveness of the physician allowed for that professional to move forward and correct the error, allowing my friend to walk again.
The power of compassion and compassionate acts. Compassion literally means "to suffer with" and is a gift that is seldom given in our world today. The folks at the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health (GWish) are trying to adequately define compassion so that they can measure it and then identify how to assess for its presence or absence. My friend can tell them about how it felt for compassion to be absent from the people he looked to for it. It took another human, far down the medical heirarchy, to empower him to heal. A message for all of us that no one is incapable of sharing this gift.
My wish for you this day is that you might be able to share (or recieve) the gift of compassion. May you find your vision cleared so that you might see the suffering around you and give freely of this great gift.
Peace and compasion,
Dan
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Lack of Unity
Today's post comes from a reflection on unity (or lack thereof) in our world today. It seems as though we are all labeled with a descriptor or two pertaining to what we profess (e.g., liberal, conservative, red, blue). We then become encamped, if not in our own minds, with a group and find some level of belonging there. The unfortunate outcome of that describing act is that it limits us to those belief models espoused by the group we self-identify or is identified for us. Is this the path to health, wellness and wholeness?
Wholeness is almost be definition an absence of brokenness. How then do the labels that define our position in life work to increase or decrease our brokenness - as individuals, family units, neighborhoods, communities? To illustrate the question I offer the witness of my father-in-law. David grew up in the Northeast in a small town. He was born around the time of World War I and lived through the Great Depression. He came from Irish stock (a "Mick" as he labeled himself) and from a loving but tough home. David's world was defined by the situation he was born into and the circumstances of the labels that were ascribed to him. He labeled each and every person, by nationality primarily, and ascribed worth or lack of worth based upon that broad brush stroke. His world was walled off and had strict boundaries that couldn't be crossed (he couldn't date a Catholic girl). The boundaries hurt him psychologically and limited his world signficantly. He died with only a very few people who loved and cared about him.
I'd like to think that we've outgrown those kind of restrictions and artificial boundaries, but I know better. "Immigrant" is a perjorative as are race and ethnicity still. Though we are supposedly a "melting pot" and everyone has the freedome to pursue life, liberty and happiness, we have a great divide in our country. The divide is created by fear of the "other" and by the constant P.R. of groups who are warring against anyone who is not them. We have lost the meaning of "E Pluribus Unum" (translation: Out of Many, One) both in the public and private sectors.
Unity is necessary for us to become whole. As President Lincoln observed, "a house divided cannot stand" - so it is that our fractured society leads us to be in danger of collapse. This week, let us set ourselves to recover some unity - small steps are best. Start by working in your homes, then with your neighbors, then your communities, etc. Each step will increase our unity and offer us a shared vision of the future. With this, we will recover our path to wholeness.
Peace and unity,
Dan
Wholeness is almost be definition an absence of brokenness. How then do the labels that define our position in life work to increase or decrease our brokenness - as individuals, family units, neighborhoods, communities? To illustrate the question I offer the witness of my father-in-law. David grew up in the Northeast in a small town. He was born around the time of World War I and lived through the Great Depression. He came from Irish stock (a "Mick" as he labeled himself) and from a loving but tough home. David's world was defined by the situation he was born into and the circumstances of the labels that were ascribed to him. He labeled each and every person, by nationality primarily, and ascribed worth or lack of worth based upon that broad brush stroke. His world was walled off and had strict boundaries that couldn't be crossed (he couldn't date a Catholic girl). The boundaries hurt him psychologically and limited his world signficantly. He died with only a very few people who loved and cared about him.
I'd like to think that we've outgrown those kind of restrictions and artificial boundaries, but I know better. "Immigrant" is a perjorative as are race and ethnicity still. Though we are supposedly a "melting pot" and everyone has the freedome to pursue life, liberty and happiness, we have a great divide in our country. The divide is created by fear of the "other" and by the constant P.R. of groups who are warring against anyone who is not them. We have lost the meaning of "E Pluribus Unum" (translation: Out of Many, One) both in the public and private sectors.
Unity is necessary for us to become whole. As President Lincoln observed, "a house divided cannot stand" - so it is that our fractured society leads us to be in danger of collapse. This week, let us set ourselves to recover some unity - small steps are best. Start by working in your homes, then with your neighbors, then your communities, etc. Each step will increase our unity and offer us a shared vision of the future. With this, we will recover our path to wholeness.
Peace and unity,
Dan
Monday, September 20, 2010
Religion versus Wholeness
Today's post is a reflection of a movement within me to discern about some recent happenings within my own religious denomination (Methodism) and the effect that those happenings are having on my wholeness. Spiritually, we've just come through some important Jewish holy days (with more to come) and most importantly, through Yom Kippur - the day of atonement. I am especially in tune with the concept of atonement and its attendant forgiveness in my own life right now. Having a gracious G-d that forgives all my transgressions is a very healing notion.
In my own conference of Methodism, however, the Bishop has just called for a time of fasting each week until the end of the calendar year to help us listen for G-d and discern the future of the church. The view from some clergy that I talk with is that the Bishop's call is a reflection that 70% of Methodist churches have not taken in one new disciple in the last 3 years. Therefore, the fast is in response to the clergy not "doing their job to make new disciples".
I'm already concerned aobut he state of clergy health, wellness and wholeness, and this makes me more concerned. Not that clergy couldn't use a fast of 24 hours. There are data within my own Conference that our clergy are more overweight than age-matched controls. My concern is that the leading cleric is calling for a fast to try to turn the clergy around (to have them repent). While I'm sure that there are those who have lost the fire for evangelism and conversion, I'm also convinced, after meeting many, that they are doing the best that they can. Fasting and discerning is fine, but it won't change the basic problems that clergy face each day.
So, I'm trying to extend the fast to all of my congregation. To help us see the plight of our beloved clergy, to see our complicity in their un-health, to see our complicity in not creating new disciples, and to have a change of heart and mind (metanoia) that will create a church that is more HW2.
I'll let you know how it goes. May you be well in mind, body and spirit this and every day!
Dan
In my own conference of Methodism, however, the Bishop has just called for a time of fasting each week until the end of the calendar year to help us listen for G-d and discern the future of the church. The view from some clergy that I talk with is that the Bishop's call is a reflection that 70% of Methodist churches have not taken in one new disciple in the last 3 years. Therefore, the fast is in response to the clergy not "doing their job to make new disciples".
I'm already concerned aobut he state of clergy health, wellness and wholeness, and this makes me more concerned. Not that clergy couldn't use a fast of 24 hours. There are data within my own Conference that our clergy are more overweight than age-matched controls. My concern is that the leading cleric is calling for a fast to try to turn the clergy around (to have them repent). While I'm sure that there are those who have lost the fire for evangelism and conversion, I'm also convinced, after meeting many, that they are doing the best that they can. Fasting and discerning is fine, but it won't change the basic problems that clergy face each day.
So, I'm trying to extend the fast to all of my congregation. To help us see the plight of our beloved clergy, to see our complicity in their un-health, to see our complicity in not creating new disciples, and to have a change of heart and mind (metanoia) that will create a church that is more HW2.
I'll let you know how it goes. May you be well in mind, body and spirit this and every day!
Dan
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mourning the Loss of Patient Persuasion
Today's post is a reflection on all the hype that we are daily bombarded with in this time in our individual and collective lives. Not a day goes by when some gaff of protocol/human decency isn't highlighted by the news media and promulgated by those who should know better. That's the problem, or so it seems to me, people don't know any better (seemingly). We have lost the art of patient persuasion as a mode of community building and accountability. We have forgotten from our founders that the "pen is mightier than the sword". I should add, that the pen, rightly employed, is mightier than the sword. Improperly used, the pen becomes the sword or inflammatory device.
There are so many examples from years past of persons willing to stand their ground for their beliefs, to suffer worldly contempt and sometimes physical harm, to patiently pursuade those in power of a differnet path, in order to promote a belief in a better world. In a world where self-promotion and arrogance have become the norm, there is little room left for those who don't seek the limelight. Little room for those who really believe that there should be "liberty and justice for all". Little room for those who's conscience won't let them rest while another human hasn't got the same freedom that they have.
What has driven us to this place? Is it the ease of electronic communication - a life excerpted in 160 characters of less? The ability to Tweet before you think? What happened to that motherly logic to count to 10 before responding? What has happened to our self-control and our ability to place others before ourselves? As a consequence, what has happened to our collective psyche and our HW2? We find ourselves in a very inconsiderate world, indeed.
It doesn't have to remain this way, however. We have the tools and the instructions to find a new and truly countercultural path into a different future. First of all,we need to find our way out of our consumerism and love of money. After that, we can begin again to put others before ourselves and the needs of a world before the needs of a single population. One percent of Americans own 40% of the wealth in the U.S. - only persistent persuasion on the benefits of divesting will change U.S. and lead us into a new and wholesome future.
For your consideration and reaction.
Peace,
Dan
There are so many examples from years past of persons willing to stand their ground for their beliefs, to suffer worldly contempt and sometimes physical harm, to patiently pursuade those in power of a differnet path, in order to promote a belief in a better world. In a world where self-promotion and arrogance have become the norm, there is little room left for those who don't seek the limelight. Little room for those who really believe that there should be "liberty and justice for all". Little room for those who's conscience won't let them rest while another human hasn't got the same freedom that they have.
What has driven us to this place? Is it the ease of electronic communication - a life excerpted in 160 characters of less? The ability to Tweet before you think? What happened to that motherly logic to count to 10 before responding? What has happened to our self-control and our ability to place others before ourselves? As a consequence, what has happened to our collective psyche and our HW2? We find ourselves in a very inconsiderate world, indeed.
It doesn't have to remain this way, however. We have the tools and the instructions to find a new and truly countercultural path into a different future. First of all,we need to find our way out of our consumerism and love of money. After that, we can begin again to put others before ourselves and the needs of a world before the needs of a single population. One percent of Americans own 40% of the wealth in the U.S. - only persistent persuasion on the benefits of divesting will change U.S. and lead us into a new and wholesome future.
For your consideration and reaction.
Peace,
Dan
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hearing vs. Listening and HW2
Today's post are my thoughts on the difference between "hearing" and "listening" and the effect that those two actions have on our HW2 (both personal and communal). The first article to check out is from Rodney Clapp in the 8/24 issue of the Christian Century (www.christiancentury.org) entitled "Hard of Listening". The second article is: http://e-patients.net/archives/2010/09/doctors-say-one-thing-patients-hear-another.html. Both articles reflect on the lack of listening that happens in our interactions.
After 25 years in healthcare, I know first hand about the disconnect between what health care professionals say and what lay people/patients hear. It's fascinating that we have two different words that are often used interchangeably. What is the difference between them? From "Dictionary.com", the difference between the two appears to be action - that is, it takes effort to "listen", where "hear" is a passive process. In fact, we have a redundant term "active listening" to describe an act of feedback to one who is talking. When we say that someone didn't hear me, I guess what we really mean to say is that they weren't listening (something that happens frequently in my house right now with my teenagers).
So, not listening is often a product of a lack of attention to the speaker. This, in my opinion, is most often a product of being distracted. Whether it is due to noise (internal or external or both) or other distractions (e.g., receiving a life-limiting diagnosis) we are not able to listen, thus we don't retain the information presented. Also, the manner and format that the information is presented makes a difference. Checking for understanding and follow-up are therefore important to moving forward. In a seven minute doctor visit, is it any wonder that there are so many poor interactions?
HW2 (health, wellness and wholeness) requires that we do our best to effectively communicate with one another. If something is not clear, or if we realize that we've not heard everything, then it is incumbent upon us as "listeners" to stop the conversation and ask clarifying questions. Likewise, if we are trying to communicate with others, we need to check every so often for understanding. There are significant differences between hearing and listening.
Listening, learning and transforming are the steps to better HW2. Possibilities Journey, Inc., (www.possjrny.org) is there to help this process.
Peace,
Dan
After 25 years in healthcare, I know first hand about the disconnect between what health care professionals say and what lay people/patients hear. It's fascinating that we have two different words that are often used interchangeably. What is the difference between them? From "Dictionary.com", the difference between the two appears to be action - that is, it takes effort to "listen", where "hear" is a passive process. In fact, we have a redundant term "active listening" to describe an act of feedback to one who is talking. When we say that someone didn't hear me, I guess what we really mean to say is that they weren't listening (something that happens frequently in my house right now with my teenagers).
So, not listening is often a product of a lack of attention to the speaker. This, in my opinion, is most often a product of being distracted. Whether it is due to noise (internal or external or both) or other distractions (e.g., receiving a life-limiting diagnosis) we are not able to listen, thus we don't retain the information presented. Also, the manner and format that the information is presented makes a difference. Checking for understanding and follow-up are therefore important to moving forward. In a seven minute doctor visit, is it any wonder that there are so many poor interactions?
HW2 (health, wellness and wholeness) requires that we do our best to effectively communicate with one another. If something is not clear, or if we realize that we've not heard everything, then it is incumbent upon us as "listeners" to stop the conversation and ask clarifying questions. Likewise, if we are trying to communicate with others, we need to check every so often for understanding. There are significant differences between hearing and listening.
Listening, learning and transforming are the steps to better HW2. Possibilities Journey, Inc., (www.possjrny.org) is there to help this process.
Peace,
Dan
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Planting Seeds...
Today's post is a reflection on Parker Palmer's book, "Let Your Life Speak". It is a wonderful book that follows Mr. Palmer's journey to discover his vocation. In Chapter 6 he states, “...In my own experience of autumn, I am rarely aware that seeds are being planted”.... I was struck once again by the truth behind those words. Fall is not only about harvesting, but about sowing seeds which will sleep during winter and then burst into growth in the spring.
In this time of beginnings (school, fall programs, church activities, etc) it is hard sometimes to focus on the fact that seeds are being planted. Often, we are unaware what seeds are being sown, and more often than not, we don't see the fruition of these seeds. In many cases, in my experience, I often forget the seeds in the years it takes for them to sprout. Equally, though I may plant seeds, others may actually recognize the growth and nuture the young seedlings to maturity.
What seeds are being planted in your life? As you look at your life, your search for meaning, your vocation or lack thereof, what strikes you? Additionally, what seeds are germinating in you right now? Things that might have lain fallow for many years that are now attempting to grow? Who will help you nuture those fragile ideas or initatives?
I'm in the first year of running a new enterprise, a public charity. It is a brave new world for me, filled with opportunities and land mines, with joys and sorrows, with peace and frustration. I'm finding consolation in the process however, and "know" that this is my vocation for now - it feels right. The seeds of this initiative were slowly germinating over a span of 10 years while I tried in many ways to ignore them. ;-) Finally I listened to that voice (the Latin root for voice and vocation are related) and followed the call.
May the seeds germinating in your life bear fruit! May you also plant seeds in others that will grow into health, wellness and wholeness.
Peace,
Dan
In this time of beginnings (school, fall programs, church activities, etc) it is hard sometimes to focus on the fact that seeds are being planted. Often, we are unaware what seeds are being sown, and more often than not, we don't see the fruition of these seeds. In many cases, in my experience, I often forget the seeds in the years it takes for them to sprout. Equally, though I may plant seeds, others may actually recognize the growth and nuture the young seedlings to maturity.
What seeds are being planted in your life? As you look at your life, your search for meaning, your vocation or lack thereof, what strikes you? Additionally, what seeds are germinating in you right now? Things that might have lain fallow for many years that are now attempting to grow? Who will help you nuture those fragile ideas or initatives?
I'm in the first year of running a new enterprise, a public charity. It is a brave new world for me, filled with opportunities and land mines, with joys and sorrows, with peace and frustration. I'm finding consolation in the process however, and "know" that this is my vocation for now - it feels right. The seeds of this initiative were slowly germinating over a span of 10 years while I tried in many ways to ignore them. ;-) Finally I listened to that voice (the Latin root for voice and vocation are related) and followed the call.
May the seeds germinating in your life bear fruit! May you also plant seeds in others that will grow into health, wellness and wholeness.
Peace,
Dan
Monday, September 6, 2010
"To Sleep, Perchance to Dream..."
Today's post is not brought to you by William Shakespeare, but rather from a news piece in the NY Times (http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/09/02/ lack-of-sleep-can-cause-depression-weight-gain-and-even-death/#more-6990). I'm struck by this as I find myself again on the cusp of a new school year trying to get high school aged children to get enough rest (not to mention a type-A wife). We are coming off 10 weeks of sleeping late and basically goofing off - but that all ends tomorrow.
Lack of sleep is pervasive in our culture. A recent survey in Virginia of active clergy noted that an overwhelming proportion of them reported getting inadequate amounts of sleep each week. Add to this that 85% of them took one day or less off each week, and you have a set-up for burnout. An interesting piece from the article was the link, especially in teens, to psychologic disorders and weight gain from inadequate rest. Both disorders are rampant right now in teens, and one wonders if part of the answer is just helping our kids identify and stick to reasonable behavior boundaries and preventative strategies such as getting at least 8.5 hours of sleep nightly.
Deep, restful and restorative sleep has many positive health benefits. Mental acuity is enhanced, and job performance is optimized. Not only that, you feel better as well! So, why don't we find our way to bed in time (for adults) to get the 7.5 hours of sleep that is recommended and encouraged? Is there a spiritual component to this need to work endlessly? I think the answer is "yes". The culture that surrounds us puts a premium on individualism and self-interest. We're told that if we work harder, anything is possible. What happens is we not only work harder, but we work longer and take less time to relax and recharge. A current cable add for "5 Hour Energy" encourages you to drink this potion and push through "siesta time"; to ignore your body's request for rest.
Our bodies need exercise and relaxation; there is a natural rhythm to the world that we ignore at our peril. Even the hyper-exercise mavens know that you can't push muscles constantly, you must have times of rest so that overworked muscles can heal. So it is with the rest of the body. We are created to have rest each day. Without adequate rest, our bodies get more and more out of synch, and they break down faster. This is the reason for Sabbath - that day of rest each week for us to get out of the rat race and re-evaluate what we are doing.
So, what about you? In this new season of homework and activities, will you resolve to get enough sleep? If you don't the consequences might be dire. Listen to your body and set aside enough time for rest. If you're having trouble sleeping, get help. Above all, model appropriate behavior for those around you, especially children.
Peace and grace,
Dan
Lack of sleep is pervasive in our culture. A recent survey in Virginia of active clergy noted that an overwhelming proportion of them reported getting inadequate amounts of sleep each week. Add to this that 85% of them took one day or less off each week, and you have a set-up for burnout. An interesting piece from the article was the link, especially in teens, to psychologic disorders and weight gain from inadequate rest. Both disorders are rampant right now in teens, and one wonders if part of the answer is just helping our kids identify and stick to reasonable behavior boundaries and preventative strategies such as getting at least 8.5 hours of sleep nightly.
Deep, restful and restorative sleep has many positive health benefits. Mental acuity is enhanced, and job performance is optimized. Not only that, you feel better as well! So, why don't we find our way to bed in time (for adults) to get the 7.5 hours of sleep that is recommended and encouraged? Is there a spiritual component to this need to work endlessly? I think the answer is "yes". The culture that surrounds us puts a premium on individualism and self-interest. We're told that if we work harder, anything is possible. What happens is we not only work harder, but we work longer and take less time to relax and recharge. A current cable add for "5 Hour Energy" encourages you to drink this potion and push through "siesta time"; to ignore your body's request for rest.
Our bodies need exercise and relaxation; there is a natural rhythm to the world that we ignore at our peril. Even the hyper-exercise mavens know that you can't push muscles constantly, you must have times of rest so that overworked muscles can heal. So it is with the rest of the body. We are created to have rest each day. Without adequate rest, our bodies get more and more out of synch, and they break down faster. This is the reason for Sabbath - that day of rest each week for us to get out of the rat race and re-evaluate what we are doing.
So, what about you? In this new season of homework and activities, will you resolve to get enough sleep? If you don't the consequences might be dire. Listen to your body and set aside enough time for rest. If you're having trouble sleeping, get help. Above all, model appropriate behavior for those around you, especially children.
Peace and grace,
Dan
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Simplicity...
Today's post is a reflection on becoming more simple. This is not a matter of me just aging and losing my mental faculties (though my teenaged children would tell you that I'm truly "simple") - rather it is a reality check for me in my continued search for wholeness. There are many euphemisms for simplicity nowadays: living off the grid, downsizing, right sizing, etc., but it is all essentially the same process of emptying the clutter.
The mistake that most people, including myself, make when trying to become more simple in their manner of living is that they get rid of things. While this unclutters some of their life, it really doesn't change anything. All the great spiritual teachers spoke of removing distractions that are barriers to a relationship with God. This simplification, or self-emptying, is more than divesting oneself of a few trinkets. It is the ongoing process of conciously identifying those behaviors, practices, work-life issues, mannerisms, beliefs, etc., that keep one from focusing on the spiritual life, and then repenting and removing those impediments. This is truly difficult not only in this day and age, but in all the ages past.
The struggle to become truly present to the moment and to live in concert with the world around one, is the goal of every major religion. Countless programs will be given this year focused on becoming more free to love, more free to give, more free to live in a way that honors the world around us and the Creator of it all. Like fad diets, however, the bloom fades quickly and the world once again takes over. Our anxiety over our impending deaths and not having enough "stuff" when we need it, wins out over our trust in the Other to provide all we need. We have been so long depending on ourselves both individually and corporately, that we have forgotten how to depend on a higher power.
So, I recommit myself to the pursuit of simplicity. I recommit myself to a prayer life that nourishes me and to a faith community that uplifts me, even as it struggles to figure out who it is, who it wants to follow and who it wants to become. I'll hold the tension of "what is" and "what might be" and try to be faithful to my pursuit of health, wellness and wholeness. I wish you well on your journey. If Possibilities Journey, Inc., (www.possjrny.org) can help, let us know.
Peace,
Dan
The mistake that most people, including myself, make when trying to become more simple in their manner of living is that they get rid of things. While this unclutters some of their life, it really doesn't change anything. All the great spiritual teachers spoke of removing distractions that are barriers to a relationship with God. This simplification, or self-emptying, is more than divesting oneself of a few trinkets. It is the ongoing process of conciously identifying those behaviors, practices, work-life issues, mannerisms, beliefs, etc., that keep one from focusing on the spiritual life, and then repenting and removing those impediments. This is truly difficult not only in this day and age, but in all the ages past.
The struggle to become truly present to the moment and to live in concert with the world around one, is the goal of every major religion. Countless programs will be given this year focused on becoming more free to love, more free to give, more free to live in a way that honors the world around us and the Creator of it all. Like fad diets, however, the bloom fades quickly and the world once again takes over. Our anxiety over our impending deaths and not having enough "stuff" when we need it, wins out over our trust in the Other to provide all we need. We have been so long depending on ourselves both individually and corporately, that we have forgotten how to depend on a higher power.
So, I recommit myself to the pursuit of simplicity. I recommit myself to a prayer life that nourishes me and to a faith community that uplifts me, even as it struggles to figure out who it is, who it wants to follow and who it wants to become. I'll hold the tension of "what is" and "what might be" and try to be faithful to my pursuit of health, wellness and wholeness. I wish you well on your journey. If Possibilities Journey, Inc., (www.possjrny.org) can help, let us know.
Peace,
Dan
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