Tag Archives: control
Unveiling the Shadow
Shadow Work Unveiling the Shadow Sunday, June 13, 2021 This week’s meditations focus on unveiling the shadow self, an essential concept in my work that comes from Swiss psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961). It always needs initial clarification and definition. Let’s begin with the personal shadow. During the first half of our lives (and for… Continue Reading Unveiling the Shadow
This Is an Apocalypse
Apocalyptic Hope This Is an Apocalypse Monday, April 26, 2021 In April of last year, I was invited by the Call to Unite [1] to share my thoughts about what we might learn from the COVID-19 pandemic. I knew it might be a risk, but I felt a strong urge to speak about the much-misunderstood… Continue Reading This Is an Apocalypse
The Second Gaze
Contemplation and Action Summary The Second Gaze Friday, January 1, 2021 New Year’s Day Contemplation happens to everyone. It happens in moments when we are open, undefended, and immediately present. —Gerald May Even after fifty years of practicing contemplation, my immediate response to most situations includes attachment, defensiveness, judgment, control, and analysis. I am better at… Continue Reading The Second Gaze
It Must Happen to Us
Order, Disorder, Reorder: Part Two It Must Happen to Us Monday, August 17, 2020 Sooner or later, if we are on any classic “spiritual schedule,” some event, person, death, idea, or relationship will enter our lives that we simply cannot deal with using our present skill set, our acquired knowledge, or our strong willpower. It… Continue Reading It Must Happen to Us
The Truth Will Set You Free
Inner and Outer Freedom The Truth Will Set You Free Sunday, June 14, 2020 Authentic spirituality is always on some level or in some way about letting go. In a consumer society, however, we have little training in how to let go of anything. Rather, more is usually considered better. Jesus said, “the truth will… Continue Reading The Truth Will Set You Free
The Prayer of Francis and Clare
The Universal Pattern The Prayer of Francis and Clare Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Both St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) and St. Clare (1194–1253) let go of their fear of suffering; any need for power, prestige, and possessions; and any need for their small self to be important. By doing so they came to know who… Continue Reading The Prayer of Francis and Clare
Lesson Four: Passing Over to Life
Reality Initiating Us: Part Two Lesson Four: Passing Over to Life Thursday, April 9, 2020 Holy Thursday It is true that you are not in control, for “can any of you, for all your worrying, add a single moment to your span of life?” (Luke 12:25-26). If we cannot control life and death, why do… Continue Reading Lesson Four: Passing Over to Life
Lesson Four: You Are Not In Control
Reality Initiating Us: Part One Lesson Four: You Are Not In Control Thursday, April 2, 2020 At some moment I did answer Yes to Someone—or Something—and from that hour I was certain that existence is meaningful and that, therefore, my life in self-surrender had a goal. —Dag Hammarskjöld To be in control of one’s destiny,… Continue Reading Lesson Four: You Are Not In Control
Ours to Do
Action and Contemplation: Part Two Ours to Do Sunday, January 12, 2020 I founded the Center for Action and Contemplation more than thirty years ago because I saw a deep need for the integration of both action and contemplation. Over the years, I met many activists who were doing excellent social analysis and advocating for… Continue Reading Ours to Do
Lightlessness
Darkness Lightlessness Tuesday, December 3, 2019 I have shared the writings of Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister many times. She is a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, and she is also a brilliant and prolific writer, with more than fifty books to her credit. She writes here of the effects of literal darkness or… Continue Reading Lightlessness