Reflections
Thoughts to inspire you now, for the day, for life.
Patience Prayer
Help me, O Master, to learn and love patience.
When I am tense with worldly affairs, slow my steps, quiet my thoughts.
When I am tempted to anger by the real or fancied violation of my rights, remind me quickly that I live my life in partnership with you.
Put into my mind the saving thought that, as your other self, I must consult you before acting.
Help me to be kind, meek, humble in the face of insults, deprivations, and all injuries.
O, divine Master, teach me patience, teach me serenity, teach me peace.
From My Other Self by Charles Enzler
| Beginner’s mind is a posture of eagerness, of spiritual hunger.
The beginner’s mind knows it needs something, just as children do. This is a rare feeling in today’s treacherously seductive culture. Because we are offered so many things that are immediately satisfying (albeit in a superficial way), it is hard to remain spiritually hungry. We give answers too quickly, take away pain too easily, and too commonly stimulate ourselves with nonsense. In terms of soul work, we dare not get rid of pain before we have learned what it has to teach us. Much that we call entertainment, vacations, or recreation are merely diversionary tactics, and they do not “re-create” us at all.The word vacation is from the same root as vacuum, and means to “empty out,” not to fill up. One wonders how many people actually have such vacations!We must be taught HOW to stay with the pain of life, without answers, without conclusions, and some days without meaning. That is the path, the perilous dark path of true prayer. It is how contemplative prayer differs from the mere recitation of prayers (which can actually be another diversionary tactic instead of any kind of self-emptying). pp. 43-47 Adapted from Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer, by Richard Rohr, O.F.M. |
Self-leadership
Self-leadership begins with what matters most to you. Reflect on what matters most to you. As Kevin Buck (philosopher/consultant) says: “Without reflection, there is no true learning.” Make it a habit to notice more of what is going on around you: your circumstances, other people, and your feelings. Then ask what are you feeling and why.
“If you can’t lead you, please, don’t lead others.” Jim Cathcart
from an interview with Jim Cathcart on Coping University (www.copinguniversity.com) |
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