Shining Light into the Darkness
Listening with discernment rather than judgment is one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other. The difference between discernment and judgment is subtle but important. When listening with discernment, we recognize and understand the differences between what the speaker is saying and what we hold to be true. We respect their right to …
Each morning we awake, we have a choice. Will we let the circumstances of our life determine the level of joy and gratitude we feel that day or will joy and gratitude flow simply from the gift of the day? Some days have more challenges than others yet how we perceive those challenges determines whether …
Did you know that we spend 60% of our time listening? Unfortunately, most of us really don’t listen very well at all and we retain only 25% of what we hear. This lack causes all sorts of problems in personal relationships, at work, and even accessing everyday services like proper health care. Since January is …
Peace begins with a thought, an idea, a seed germinating in a heart that is watered with love, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and respect for all life. Peace isn’t simply the focus of nine days of prayer; peace is a way of life. So, water the peace seed in you. Feed your heart with the smiles of …
Invitation to pray a Novena for Peace 2012 For the next nine days (or any nine days of your choice in this season of holiness and hopefulness), please join me in setting aside ten minutes of our day to sit quietly reflecting on how we have added to—or disrupted—peace during the previous 24 hours. In our …
Contrary to the claims of many chain emails (especially ones labeled Novena of St. Theresa), a novena is not some sort of superstitious set of magic words to get what you need out of life. A novena is a nine-day ritual prayer focused on a particular intention. It does not rely on superstition or magic …
Over a decade ago, sparked by my distress over the United States starting two wars in the Middle East, I began inviting friends and family to pray with me a Novena for Peace during the holiday season. Some might—and some have—called this a naïve gesture that won’t make a difference. Given the social unrest at …
The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing. . . not healing, not curing. . . that is a friend who cares.” ~ Henri Nouwen A number of years ago, I …
Can you fake it ‘til you make it? According to Amy Cuddy, not only can you fake it ‘til you make it, you can fake it until you BELIEVE it and BECOME it. Our ability to communicate non-verbally with ourselves is so powerful that it can it can change our thoughts, our physiology, and even our …