For years we’ve read headlines about sexual abuse in churches and self-appointed gurus swindling money from people. While these are obvious cases of wrong-doing, there are also other ways that well-intentioned people experience abuse in religious and spiritual settings. Spiritual abuse is an important problem we need to take seriously,… Read More »Soul Wounds: The Impact of Spiritual and Religious Abuse
Appreciating life in the here and now can be a challenge for many of us. Often, we focus on what went wrong in the past and miss happiness in the present. Or we worry about the future, attempting to control what happens, again failing to experience the wonder of life… Read More »Past Resentment and Future Worries: Finding the Strawberry
Our pets mean a great deal to us. Consider the ways they draw us out of ourselves, respond to us, and enjoy being with us. Our relationships with pets and other animals have a spiritual dimension. Perhaps it’s a good time to explore this aspect of spirituality.
Work. We have jobs, housework, and other responsibilities that are “work” for us. Work fills most of our days. Are we able to understand work as an expression of our spirituality? How are spirituality and work connected?
Most people don’t recognize it, but many of us live with the effects of trauma. Trauma disrupts our lives and our sense of normalcy. Today, I’m discussing both the prevalence of trauma and how spiritual practice can help to bring us to greater healing after traumatic events.
Sometimes the guilt for things we’ve done holds us back and blocks our happiness. Other times the things that other people have told us have demeaned us and led to our feeling shame. That also blocks our happiness. In coming to understand guilt and shame, it’s important to understand that… Read More »Dynamics of Guilt and Shame
When people face difficult times in life, we often say, “It will get better.” Will it? What does it take to get better? Does time heal all wounds? When someone is caught in a cycle of bullying or abuse, how will it get better?
It’s amazing to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Or the sunset across the desert. Cherry blossoms, brilliant maples in autumn, a mama bear and her cubs … Earth is a wonder and delight. Care for our planet is an integral part of spirituality. There’s a deep connection between us… Read More »Spiritual Connection and the Earth: What You Can Do?
