We’ve spent a number of days talking about spiritual freedom, a discussion that led quite naturally to the topic of discernment. We want to go about our lives with wisdom; we want to develop the ability to reflect and learn.
Sometimes our difficulty in spiritual growth can be traced to fundamental self-neglect. What I mean by that is, we are going full speed ahead without taking proper care of ourselves. We think our belief is faltering, but really we are physically exhausted. We’re frustrated by spotty concentration, not realizing that we’re distracted by worry over possessions or what we’ll have for dinner.
This week, I’ll introduce you to a colleague, Joe Paprocki, whose new book addresses keys to spiritual wellness. We’ll share a video of Joe and me discussing the book and will offer a special discount for those who want to purchase it. Joe has been working with catechists for many years and maintains Loyola Press’s popular blog, Catechist’s Journey.
Although Days of Deepening Friendship is not a blog for catechists, many of you in our DDF community have given years, even decades, of work to ministry in and out of the Church. Some of us have worn ourselves out before realizing that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
What’s interesting about Joe’s book is that he began with the seven deadly sins and explored what their opposites would be. The seven deadly sins lead to a breakdown in spiritual health, so wouldn’t their opposites—the virtues—lead to spiritual wellness?
I’m interested to hear your ideas about what leads to spiritual wellness—please post your wisdom!
Take advantage of special savings on 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness by using the promo code 7keysDDF for 30% off. Offer expires 2/29/12.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
THANK YOU, Vinita and Joe! This is a timely message at this point in my life. As always, the Spirit hovers over what needs healing. God bless you both.
My child-care days are over but my life still holds the same challanges. Now it is the care of elderly parents as well as work, being a wife and my small role in my church as lector. (when I was younger, I not only worked in the religious ed. department of my parish, but also taught there)
I am often left with the feeling of wanting to do more, but being tired and left with no personal time to spend for anything. My dedicated prayer life is actully relegated to about 15 min at 4:30 a.m. Not as focused as I would like. I don’t feel generous and I don’t feel like I am being the Catholic Chrisian I should be in my work or family life. I guess I am basically shot! My husband needs my support as he deals with the aging parent problem, but I don’t feel that I am doing enough! For me it is always the Martha/Mary thing and I don’t know what direction is right for me anymore!
m.
Hi Marg–
I’m right there with you–I’m the primary caregiver for my mom who has alzheimer’s and I work full-time as well….I am learning (LEARNING!!!) to be more gentle with myself and to not beat myself up when I need sleep more than I need to get through a 1/2 hour prayer time. We really are our own worst enemy sometimes…….
God uses the raw material of our lives to manifest His presence in ways we don’t expect–if we are open to Him….
In that respect, I would say that caring for my mom has been the single most transformative way that I now experience His presence in my life–but I am often blind and deaf to this way of His appearing—so I am trying to pay close attention to Him THERE, instead of trying to come up with my own ways and my own agendas…
Peace…..Marlee
Wise words, Marlee–thank you.
Marg, please know that you are LIVING your prayer. I do believe that God sees it that way. Peace to you–Vinita
Recall the things you loved to do when you were little and had no responsibilities. Those activities and likes were the seeds that either grew to fruition or were covered up (which means they are still there albeit unused). Look at what you liked to do (for me it was read, write long letters, and ask ten million questions). Turns out I was a writer waiting to happen.
That is only my example. You too have examples. Search. Seek. Find. Honour what you come up with. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your search. If you spent your life being a caregiver you have lots to share in several directions. Keep a journal of what you come up with as your search continues. Relax.
Blessings.
… and don;t worry about “being” and “doing.” Those are attacks by negative spirit. You already are being and doing! If you do something for yourself, as I mentioned above, you will naturally have more to offer without deliberated production of further beings and doings.