Category Archives: Kenosis

I’M GIVING UP GUILT FOR LENT

Posted on March 11, 2012 by nancyjfinleysd

Lent is the season of penitence and many people sacrifice something as a nod toward their notion of holiness – something they might feel guilty about.  I’ve been guilty of scrupulosity, so as a Lenten discipline I’m trying to abstain.  What … Continue reading →

Posted in attachment, guilt, humility, Kenosis, Lent, Penitence, scrupulosity, shadow, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

CASTRATING THE EGO

Posted on December 27, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

As we approach the new year, it’s time to purge.  I find it’s a good time to take stock and empty myself in preparation for the unknowns to come. You may have heard the story of the zen master who tells the student … Continue reading →

Posted in attachment, belief, Hafiz, humility, Kenosis, MYSTICISM, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MUSINGS OF A MALL SANTA

Posted on December 1, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

Behind the big window I sit in the North Pole set, sweating in red and white, scratching the skin behind my long white beard. The elves herd long lines of harried parents      hoping to create flashbulb memories       clutching … Continue reading →

Posted in attachment, Christmas, hope, idolatry, Kenosis, Santa, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

‘TIS THE SEASON…

Posted on November 30, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

’tis the season to be quiet.  It’s advent.  It’s dark and still.  That is, it’s dark and still except for all the holiday lights and non-stop Christmas music, the mad pace of consumerism, the stress of high expectations.  For those … Continue reading →

Posted in advent, faith, hope, Jesus, Kenosis, Love, Religion, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

GUM ON MY SHOE

Posted on November 14, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

Sometimes I step in gum.  It’s annoying.  It impedes my ability to move freely.  Attachments are like that.  They interfere with travel to spots on the map that call us to a larger life, places where we might find adventure, solace, wisdom,  joy, … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, belief, hope, humility, Kenosis, mind, MYSTICISM, Spirituality, Taoism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

HUMILITY AND AGING

Posted on August 6, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

When I am older, I hope my facial expression looks sort of like hers (on the left).  As I think more about the joy of feeling “ordinary” and “humble,” I realize that it’s one of the perks of aging.  It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, body, faith, humility, Kenosis, MYSTICISM, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Kenosis, God, and the Tao

Posted on January 8, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

I love this idea of self emptying (from the Greek kenosis).  Not only does it feel really good to gently let go of grasping, it creates a spaciousness out of which flow some surprises regarding God and my relationship with God.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenosis, Spirituality, Taoism | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

My body is a koan, Part 2

Posted on January 8, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

A few more thoughts:  My body is an imperfect and leaky container for the divine.  Sometimes I feel trapped, inconsolable, and called to share in God’s suffering about the pain of embodiment and sin.  My joints ache and my mind is … Continue reading →

Posted in Kenosis, Spirituality, Taoism | Tagged , | 1 Comment