Contemplative Wisdom for Wellbeing
I am aware that not all of us grow older gracefully, not even all of our grandparents and great-grandparents. We do not all become naturally mellow and light-hearted, forgiving and free. Perhaps this speaks of rigidity and strictness. Perhaps our years can tighten us up and choke our gratitude. Continue reading “Who choked our gratitude?”
“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”
A creative video on how we spend time with our family or community during the Covid-19 crisis. God speaks to the inner critic, the inner observer and the inbetweener again, asking: “What would you say to a family or community member whose cracks are beginning to show? How would you treat them?” Scripture: Matthew 7: 1-5. Continue reading “Value of time: 3 of 3”
A three minute guided meditation in which we ask ourselves three questions on gratitude and the Covid-19 pandemic: Can we be grateful for the time we have had? Can we be thankful for what this time has taught us? Can we carry forth lessons into the future? I also share my own personal learning over the last three months. Continue reading “Value of time: 2 of 3”
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”
This week I offer a creative reflection on the inner critic, the inner observer and the inbetweener. I imagine their mantras and mottos, and ask who we identify most with. Continue reading “Who to befriend”
On World Environment Day, I give a short guided meditation on connecting with the meadows and streams of our minds. Using our imagination and scripture, we focus on turning from our inner critic to our inner observer. It encourages a deep connection between all living things. Share your voice on social media for the protection of our environment using #ForNature. Continue reading “Our inner observer”
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 respond to a decrease in overall satisfaction with life during the pandemic and a challenge from a listener. I draw from Ignatian Spirituality to explore the mellow flame of love that sustains us through the ups and downs of life. While acknowledging the natural highs and lows, I look to an Ignatian rule of vigilance after experiencing a consolation without a preceding cause. Continue reading “Mellow flame of love”
A three-minute guided meditation (and a one-minute introduction) on facing one of the biggest challenges in the spiritual life. Acedia, also known as the ‘noonday demon’, is a kind of listlessness or restlessness that leaves us without a sense of divine presence. It was experienced by the desert mothers and fathers who were tempted to turn to distractions during their normal routine. We can also experience acedia during the Covid-19 crisis when we are restricted in our movements around work and leisure. Continue reading “When the walls close in”
Gratitude In All Things 