It’s not something I had previously said in a sermon or congregational meeting . It’s one of those things that I’ve said to friends and colleagues but when with general church members, I’ve held my tongue. But a few Sunday’s ago, the level of my frustration was rising and the… Read More »Am I a Buddhist?
People often find that developing the spiritual dimension of life can be a challenge. While many people hope to experience inner peace or a sense of purpose in life, sometimes the experience of spiritual practice is frustration. Those frustrations are often linked to the ways the values of society conflict… Read More »The Spiritual Journey in an Instant Society
He’s an experienced social worker. Now in his mid-thirties, he’s taken a position as the leader of a crisis team in his urban county. He and his team could be called on to stabilize mental health related crises anywhere in the county. This was the kind of job he really… Read More »Compassion and Compassion Fatigue
When people visit my home, they often comment about the plants growing in the various rooms of the house. They compliment me about how healthy the plants look and how well I must care for them. I accept the compliment but rarely do I share my secret to caring for house… Read More »Caring for House Plants and Spiritual Practice
The conversation was very thoughtful. She chose her words with great care. As I listened to her responses to my questions, I found myself going deeper into her life experience. Rebecca (not her real name) is a participant in a research study I’m conducting on spirituality and its relationship to… Read More »Spiritual Practice and the Fear of Death
Spring: it’s fresh, green, and full of promise. It’s with optimism that I spend what time I can in the yard, clearing the debris from winter, preparing the ground, and planting both flowers and vegetables in the garden. What will this season of planting and new growth bring? Will there… Read More »The Spring Garden
“Where do you find the time?” That’s a really good question. Many of us find that our days are so very busy. There’s everything involved with maintaining a home, work responsibilities, community involvements, commitments to family and friends….and well, sleep needs to fit in there, too. It’s a very hectic… Read More »Where Do You Find the Time?
Introductions in a group are usually pretty routine things. Everyone takes their turn, says their name and something about themselves. Most of the time, what people say about themselves is easy to forget. It’s only after further discussion in a group that most of us get to know the others.… Read More »Being Spiritual… Not Doing Spiritual Things
