Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Daily Practice for February

The end of a month is exciting for it represents a time of transition, the chance to review days gone by and make changes for personal growth in the days that lay ahead. The rubric for February looks something like a daily check-list and is presented in no particular order. This will become daily practice for the month until it is mastered . . . if nothing prevents me:

  • ASK: "What would _____ do?" 
"Cherish some man of high character, and keep him ever before your eyes, living as if he were watching you, and ordering all your actions as if he beheld them." (Epicurius)
  • PREPARE: "What could go wrong?" 
Think ahead, plan for contingencies. Don't let yourself be ambushed, taken by surprise.
  • TRAIN: Practice voluntary discomfort. 
Skip a meal, take a cold shower, "forget" your coat. Get out of your comfort zone.

  • RESOLVE: "If nothing prevents me .  . ."
The new "to do" list.
  • AMOR FATI
Accept what is outside your control and love it.
  • PRACTICE
Infuse every opportunity with virtue
  • RELEASE
Let go. Nothing is yours, only borrowed.
  • MINIMALIZE
Don't hoard or acquire what you will not use. Learn to use what you have.
  • FORGIVE
People don't know what they are doing. 
  • BREATHE
Stay calm, buy tranquility.

Daily Practice is the Philosophy

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