By Kathy Keary
A three-part series with ideas to ease stress, anxiety and depression in troubled times.
Part 3 of 3. All articles are here.
Undoubtedly, we are living in challenging times; however, I suspect for many this is not your first rodeo, so to speak. Difficulties have a way of entering our lives and upsetting our routines.
In the Christian tradition, living the Paschal Mystery — the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus — is raised up as a template for our lives. I have found that embracing the crosses that pop up in my life opens my heart to be touched by the new life offered in the Resurrection. Placing our hope in this cycle, a cycle that is also reflected in nature, can be life giving.
Never miss an article from the Renewal Center: Newsletter SignupIf we are experiencing difficulties coping during this time, the mindset offered in the Paschal Mystery invites us to own these emotions, but at the same time, trust in the promise that this too will pass. And when it does, personal growth will have likely occurred.
We offer further suggestions that may benefit you during trying times:
We invite you to take a look at the suggestions we have offered in this series selecting the ones that hold the possibility of giving you a reprieve during challenging times. Commit to implementing them as a way to care for yourself.
Self-care is so important. When we are depleted, we have little to offer and find ourselves unfulfilled. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in finding rest for your troubled soul. Trust in the wisdom that assures us that this too will pass.
[Kathy Keary, a Precious Blood Companion and spiritual director, holds a master’s degree in theological studies and is a graduate of the Atchison Benedictine’s Sophia Center’s Souljourners Program, an intense study of spirituality and spiritual direction. Kathy believes that the divine is present and active in all of life and encourages others to be awakened to the God in all including the divine within. She enjoys accompanying others on their journey to wholeness discovering the person they were created to be.]
Image © by Roy Harryman from Pixabay
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By Fr. Ron Will, C.PP.S.
September is back to school time. I’ve chosen to reflect on the Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children III, because you may hear this prayer if you join a school Mass in your parish.
Taizé is an ecumenical, meditative prayer experience using music, chants and scripture. We gather on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Each month we explore a different theme. The theme for September was "New Beginnings."