One Day at a Time—with Passion

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, June 16, 2015

One Day at a Time—with Passion

This is the first day of the rest of your life. It is, truly. I am not being facetious.

At least, that’s what Nathaniel Branden says in his chapter on Handbook for the Soul.

He speaks of the passion needed to go through life, and how much commitment each person needs. That, plus the ability to appreciate the positive things in life, are two key aspects of this journey called life. I think I might even be able to suggest that Branden considers them all-important aspects, even when each individual goes through continued difficulties and challenges.

I read with interest the real-life example Branden gave. He spoke of his first book, and while he began to explain (in words) about this situation years ago, I had a sudden insight about it. As this formely-young man thought at first, he needed to hurry up and get through the writing-part of this book. But then, he thought more and more deeply. It came upon him that his life was the process. Each day, one day at a time. [1]

What a free-ing thought!

This allows me to think more deeply and more kindly of others. (I am not sure exactly how this fits in with this particular chapter. I am just happy that I will not be alone. At least, I do not need to be alone. Or, stay alone.

As Branden says, “Obviously, we cannot control every area of our life. . . . But we do have an enormous degree of responsibility for the shape our lives takes. . . . We are not passive spectators, but active contestants in the drama of our existence.” [2]

Positive thinking, and one day at a time living. I watched as others nourished themselves; and by God’s strength, I can praise God for these basic instructions. Not easy. Not by a long shot. However, now Branden knows. Now, we do, too.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995.), 102.

[2] Ibid, 103.

Mindful, Nourished Soul

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, June 8, 2015

Mindful, Nourished Soul

Today’s chapter by Stephen Levine stretched my way of thinking. Yes, I usually think in terms of a Judeo-Christian mindset. However, this reading had a definite Eastern, even Buddhist view on mindfulness and the soul. Not my usual way of thinking, at all.

But, he also speaks of nourishing the soul. No matter what background each individual comes from, no matter what belief structure each one espouses, practically everyone acknowledges that the soul needs to be nourished. Strengthened, and encouraged.

A universal breakdown of that nourished, strengthened soul happens when distrust happens. I don’t care if people have Jewish beliefs, Christian understanding, Buddhist mindset, or whatever else is there. Mr. Levine tells us more: “We don’t trust ourselves, so we stay rooted in the easy and convenient. We eliminate as much pain as we can from our lives and end up painted into a corner we call safety. Safety is the most unsafe spiritual path you can take.” [1]

This last statement reminds me of the chaplain internship where I served, from 2002 to 2003. I was attending seminary full-time, but I also worked at the retirement center 20 hours per week. The director of chaplaincy was awesome. A wonderful administrator, he knew how to delegate authority. More than that, he knew enough not to hand-hold us chaplain interns. He turned us loose in the retirement center, with very little safety net. He took calculated risks, and gently encouraged us to take risks, too.

Further words of wisdom from Mr. Levine: “It’s important in everyday life to work with kindness. Learn patience. When you stand in lines or are at a red light, soften your belly. Open your body and your mind to the subtler levels of experience, letting go of your attempt to control, to be right, not worrying about appearances, not trying to be safe.” [2]

So, here I am reminded of how I am to be, and how I am not to be. Yes—kind, yes—patient. Those attributes are good and positive. No—to safety. In other words, no fix, manage or control.

Yes, these are all attributes I need to allow myself to work on. Get better at. God willing, I shall. Doesn’t that sound like a good idea? One step at a time. One day at a time.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995), 50.

[2] Ibid, 51.