“I am with you always, yes, to the end of time” – Matthew 28:20.

Habit of praise

There was a turning point during the lockdown when I realised that my old way of living was not sustainable. I fell into a depression and felt a lack of joy. I got in touch with a contemplative nun who prompted me to turn to praise through the Divine Office, a form of daily prayer with the church worldwide. I did it for a few days in a row and felt the return of an inner sunshine. Later, I adapted it by choosing more personal readings and songs. I now find both silent and vocal prayer to be a recipe for wellness. Continue reading “New life, new normal” →

In the movie Cast Away, Chuck is stranded on an island and befriends a volleyball which he names Wilson. He shares his intimate thoughts and feelings with it and becomes distraught when it is swept away in the ocean. He eventually has to let Wilson go. Similarly, technology has helped us make the best use of our time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Zoom calls with family and colleagues have been awesome! But now we are encouraged to let go and see more people in real flesh and blood. Continue reading “Value of time: 1 of 3” →

Before the descent the ascent! It was a rainy and blustery day as a small team of us, including the married couple in the painting, climbed Djouce mountain in County Wicklow. I used to climb the mountain with my family as a child, and my dad often squeezed our friends into the car and boot! Years after his passing, we trekked the same terrain and lifted our knees as the cosmos tried to make up its mind on the weather. We pushed on – some leading, some accompanying – until we reached the jagged rock at the summit. We made it! Continue reading “Descending Djouce” →

I imagined being in a quiet land outside of the city and suburbs during the Covid-19 crisis. Jesus and I had our hands on each other’s shoulders while we looked at a statue in front of us. I heard a wind come and go, I smelled and tasted the earth, I tried to be present. As I delved deeper, I saw a gentle expression on the statue’s face. I saw a blanket of cloud and I got in touch with the movement of the wind. Continue reading “Contemplative nothingness” →