Awareness, alertness and care are essential for a completely engaged life. When I am traveling through life on "automatic" my care for detail tends to slip into sloppy mode. I become less involved with the present task and tend to drift from one thing to another. I am like a leaf being blown across the yard by the wind.
The less engaged I am with life and my surroundings the less alive I find myself. I start to lose perspective and all of a sudden the small and trivial becomes huge and all-consuming. I need the structure that community provides to re-center me in life...to provide some form of balance in my life.
How am I living out this balance today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Consistent Tardiness
Some people always seem to be running at least a little late no matter what the circumstance. On the other hand, there are some (like me) who would rather be 30 minutes early than even 1 minute late. For us, "being right on time" is one step away from being late.
Chapter 43 deals with habitual lateness at prayers and at the table. Benedict seems to understand that there are times for everyone when they will be running late. (Too much traffic on the way in, an emergency occurs, some sort of delay along the way) Benedict even makes accommodations for there to be two instances of tardiness--just so it doesn't become a habit. Once it becomes a pattern, Benedict recommends that the person be excluded from the common table or other community activities. In a sense, if I really want to be separated from the group so much that I always show up late...Benedict suggests giving me what I seem to want--to separate me from the rest in a formal way.
Although I may not be late to activities, there are much more subtle ways in which I show that I am choosing to be separate.
Chapter 43 deals with habitual lateness at prayers and at the table. Benedict seems to understand that there are times for everyone when they will be running late. (Too much traffic on the way in, an emergency occurs, some sort of delay along the way) Benedict even makes accommodations for there to be two instances of tardiness--just so it doesn't become a habit. Once it becomes a pattern, Benedict recommends that the person be excluded from the common table or other community activities. In a sense, if I really want to be separated from the group so much that I always show up late...Benedict suggests giving me what I seem to want--to separate me from the rest in a formal way.
Although I may not be late to activities, there are much more subtle ways in which I show that I am choosing to be separate.
- I can sit back and observe activities rather than fully participate. I look around and evaluate what is happening around me. I can keep pretty good notes at times.
- I can find ways to proclaim how different I am from the group; thus setting myself apart.
- I can participate externally while pouting or finding fault with the activity.
How am I choosing to separate myself from the group today? Am I a team member or do I undermine the team?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Avoiding Excesses
I can have it ALL--everything that I can dream or imagine.
Growing up that could easily have been seen as my philosophy of life.
Since I am capable, independent and resourceful, I grew up truly believing that there was not much that could place limits on my capacities, especially since I also had an abundance of energy. As I have matured in life, I have come to realize that I am really not unstoppable (possessing all capabilities) and that all of my abilities are a direct gift from God (not a product of my own creativity). It has taken many years but I have slowly learned to accept my human limitations, my dependence of God and my own frailty.
This awareness is what Benedict speaks of when addressing moderation. There needs to be a conscious balance in our lives. I need to work everyday to carve out space for God, leisure and self-care. I work to achieve equilibrium in my life so that my lack of balance does not unduly affect my work or those around me.
How am I balancing my life today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Growing up that could easily have been seen as my philosophy of life.
Since I am capable, independent and resourceful, I grew up truly believing that there was not much that could place limits on my capacities, especially since I also had an abundance of energy. As I have matured in life, I have come to realize that I am really not unstoppable (possessing all capabilities) and that all of my abilities are a direct gift from God (not a product of my own creativity). It has taken many years but I have slowly learned to accept my human limitations, my dependence of God and my own frailty.
This awareness is what Benedict speaks of when addressing moderation. There needs to be a conscious balance in our lives. I need to work everyday to carve out space for God, leisure and self-care. I work to achieve equilibrium in my life so that my lack of balance does not unduly affect my work or those around me.
How am I balancing my life today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Preparation
Today we hear about the reader of the week in the monastery. The reader holds an important task since the service of the reader is required at common prayer and at common table. Many monastic houses have reading during at least one of the daily meals.
The directive from Benedict about the preparation necessary to fulfill this role is applicable in monastic settings and in many other group situations. Preparation is paramount for St. Benedict. He states that the reader should be someone who is prepared for the task not just a person who happens to pick up the book at the last minute...with little or no preparation.
Why is preparation so important? I know that if I happen to slide into my prayer place 30 seconds before the bell signaling the beginning of prayer I am not going to be as prepared for prayer. I will tend to be more distracted, more frazzled and on edge. In the same way, when I am a teacher or a student and do not come prepared for class with my materials, my homework and my book, I will probably be much less productive and focused.
Being prepared for the important tasks in my day are necessary. What do I need to do to be prepared to welcome God into my life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The directive from Benedict about the preparation necessary to fulfill this role is applicable in monastic settings and in many other group situations. Preparation is paramount for St. Benedict. He states that the reader should be someone who is prepared for the task not just a person who happens to pick up the book at the last minute...with little or no preparation.
Why is preparation so important? I know that if I happen to slide into my prayer place 30 seconds before the bell signaling the beginning of prayer I am not going to be as prepared for prayer. I will tend to be more distracted, more frazzled and on edge. In the same way, when I am a teacher or a student and do not come prepared for class with my materials, my homework and my book, I will probably be much less productive and focused.
Being prepared for the important tasks in my day are necessary. What do I need to do to be prepared to welcome God into my life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, November 15, 2010
Compassion for the Needy
Chapters 36 and 37 of the Rule (yesterday's chapter and today's) deal with the compassion that needs to be shown to those among us with special needs. We are all among the needy at different times whether through illness, age, strength, or personal weakness. There are always some among us that need our love in a special way.
This reality is something that I need to remember daily. Being fairly healthy, capable and independent, I tend to lose patience when I feel that I am having to adjust MY plans or timetable to help another...even when it really is not costing me anything. I get impatient waiting in lines, being stuck in traffic behind a slower driver or having to patiently wait to get my meal in our buffet line. I need to constantly find ways to reframe these times into something positive rather than more infuriating annoyances.
Here are some ways in which I might do this in even small ways:
This reality is something that I need to remember daily. Being fairly healthy, capable and independent, I tend to lose patience when I feel that I am having to adjust MY plans or timetable to help another...even when it really is not costing me anything. I get impatient waiting in lines, being stuck in traffic behind a slower driver or having to patiently wait to get my meal in our buffet line. I need to constantly find ways to reframe these times into something positive rather than more infuriating annoyances.
Here are some ways in which I might do this in even small ways:
- When stuck in traffic, use the opportunity to use the Jesus Prayer.
- Being grateful for my health and independence--and thanking God for that especially when needing to wait behind someone who needs extra help.
- Taking time to notice the beauty of the world around me...something I sometimes miss when I am either rushing around or stressing about having to wait for something.
- Looking for ways that I can help at least one person who needs assistance--even if it's just with a smile or a hug.
How else can I learn patience and compassion for others today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Getting What I Need
It is written: 'Distribution was made to each one as he had need' (Acts 4:35). By this we do not imply that there should be favoritism--God forbid--but rather consideration for weaknesses. RB80.34.1-2
Parents will often say that they love all of their children...but show that love and care in different ways for each. Everyone responds in a different manner to various situations; being an individual particular interests and need should be taken into account. For example, my younger brother could easily be coaxed into doing things with the promise of more tech time; whereas I would probably more interested in a new book or more social time with friends.
Today, Benedict reminds us that all need to receive what they need. There is really no 'one size fits all' in any community--family, team, classroom, workplace. The talented leader is able to look at the group and assess what will be the most successful for the whole. Do they need more encouragement? Do they need to be challenged? Do they respond well to more time? What is the 'magic blend' for each person on the team?
When I am called to be a leader even in a small way, I need to remember the individual as well as the whole. I need to be aware of what will help the group as well as what the member needs to succeed.
How am I being aware of the needs of those I work with today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Parents will often say that they love all of their children...but show that love and care in different ways for each. Everyone responds in a different manner to various situations; being an individual particular interests and need should be taken into account. For example, my younger brother could easily be coaxed into doing things with the promise of more tech time; whereas I would probably more interested in a new book or more social time with friends.
Today, Benedict reminds us that all need to receive what they need. There is really no 'one size fits all' in any community--family, team, classroom, workplace. The talented leader is able to look at the group and assess what will be the most successful for the whole. Do they need more encouragement? Do they need to be challenged? Do they respond well to more time? What is the 'magic blend' for each person on the team?
When I am called to be a leader even in a small way, I need to remember the individual as well as the whole. I need to be aware of what will help the group as well as what the member needs to succeed.
How am I being aware of the needs of those I work with today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Material Goods
I like new things. I like the feel of a new pen, the smell of new books, the excitement of opening a new piece of technology. The "new" just seems to evoke different emotions in me.
Chapter 32 of the Rule deals with the goods of the monastery. Although I do not own anything as an individual, the monastery as an entity does possess property, vehicles, buildings and other things.
In reading Chapter 32, Benedict invites me to deal with material possessions that show care and reverence. Reverence not so much for the item but to signify my awareness that all, even my body is on loan to me. Just as I would be careful with something which I borrowed and would try to return it in good condition....so also with all possessions. I am to remember that I have these things for a time and will be called on to return them at the end in good shape.
This attitude can be a challenge for me at times because I tend to lose interest in what is not new and shiny anymore. I tend to be easily distracted. I need to remember that all is gift from God for the good of others.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Chapter 32 of the Rule deals with the goods of the monastery. Although I do not own anything as an individual, the monastery as an entity does possess property, vehicles, buildings and other things.
In reading Chapter 32, Benedict invites me to deal with material possessions that show care and reverence. Reverence not so much for the item but to signify my awareness that all, even my body is on loan to me. Just as I would be careful with something which I borrowed and would try to return it in good condition....so also with all possessions. I am to remember that I have these things for a time and will be called on to return them at the end in good shape.
This attitude can be a challenge for me at times because I tend to lose interest in what is not new and shiny anymore. I tend to be easily distracted. I need to remember that all is gift from God for the good of others.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
