Tag Archives: spiritual practice

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

ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE THIRD EYE

Posted on February 21, 2012 by nancyjfinleysd

On Ash Wednesday many of us will have ashes put on our forehead, on our “third eye,” if you will.  Why do we engage in this pagan-like behavior?  (Yes, this ceremony, like others practiced by many Christians, has pagan roots.)  Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Ash Wednesday, body, intellience, mind, MYSTICISM, nature, pagan, paradox, Religion, Spirituality, Taoism, Third eye chakra, 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

ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I LOVE THE EUCHARIST

Posted on November 2, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

Here’s another gem from Joseph Campbell: “A ritual is the enactment of a myth. And, by participating in the ritual, you are participating in the myth. And since myth is a projection of the depth wisdom of the psyche, by … Continue reading →

Posted in Carl Jung, Christ, eucharist, Jesus, Joseph Campbell, MYSTICISM, passion, Religion, Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HAVE FUN IN THE BELOVED’S DIVINE GAME

Posted on August 17, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

It’s summer!  So let’s follow the advice of Hafiz below to live worshipfully and have fun! A Suspended Blue Ocean The sky Is a suspended blue ocean. The stars are the fish That swim. The planets are the white whales … Continue reading →

Posted in body, Hafiz, nature, play, Spirituality, worship | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

WORSHIP AS A WAY OF LIFE (but do I have to get down on my knees?)

Posted on August 6, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

I know some folks resist the idea of “worshipping” a “higher power” because it suggests subservience or a hierarchical view of the cosmos – God is “above” and we are but mere mindless minions “below.”  But “worship” in its simplest … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, MYSTICISM, nature, Religion, Science, spirit, Spirituality, Uncategorized, worship | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

RELIGION FOR THE RELUCTANT, CH. 8: FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE

Posted on May 29, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (I Corinthians 13:13). Maybe we can make our peace with what it means to profess “belief” in something.  A larger issue that underlies all … Continue reading →

Posted in belief, faith, idolatry, Love, Religion, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Chapter 4, Religion for the Reluctant: Anhedonia

Posted on April 5, 2011 by nancyjfinleysd

Anhedonia means without pleasure.  If it’s pervasive in your life, it might be a sign that you are depressed. That’s not what this chapter is about.  Anhedonia can be specific to situations – like going to the dentist.  For some … Continue reading →

Posted in Carl Jung, Christ, Jesus, Joseph Campbell, mind, Religion, 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