Enthusiasm

Eager and keen to get stuck into work, hobbies and projects.

Enthusiasm (from en “in” + theos “god”) is a spiritual dynamism that is in harmony with what ‘God’ does in us and what we do in ‘God’. It often involves letting go of our goals and expectations – as I was invited to do recently at a five-day retreat – and to acknowledge that all good, long-lasting ideas come from a wiser, compassionate source.

For example, I noticed in the quiet space of the monastery that I was still holding onto an idea of doing a PhD.  This surprised me because I thought I had put the issue to bed. I had already completed three proposals in two years without finding that ‘golden thread’ to weave.

I was torn because I felt it was what ‘God’ wanted me to do. I thought I had to prove myself, as a person with mental health challenges, to find equality among colleagues with PhDs. But the idea did not sustain me – it actually drained my energy, a sign that I needed to let go.

Once we have allowed ‘God’ to do something in us, we can fully immerse ourselves in meaningful work and activities. The silence of the monastery made me see that my creative writing projects, on the other hand, have given me so much light, love and happiness.

I feel wholesome and alive when I use both my imagination and experience to create content on the signs of good mental health. It can still be hard work to do a blogpost, video or podcast, but the creative ideas point toward consistent peace and contentment for me.

When we are truly enthusiastic, we are confident that we have listened to our inner authority that helps us to see a bigger picture for our lives. We are able to clearly separate the gold from the sand.

We become part of creation itself by generously responding to all we have been given. We tune into an eternal flame with a warm, sensitive smile.