In this quote, Anne Lamott invites us to sit with our questions and the mess. We do not need to deny our doubts or fear curiosity. We can deconstruct what was given to us, and go on the lifelong journey of deconstruction and transformation. A lot of this can happen …
Why have we in the church made some people outcasts? In recent weeks, I have had conversations with friends pondering why we have felt the need, certainly in conservative Christianity, to outcast LGBTQ people and to make women inferior? We have been asking the question, was this what we signed …
Lament We do not choose the losses and suffering that force themselves into our lives, without invitation or warning. We all experience pain and sorrow. We all witness the suffering of others, whether in our own community, or on the news. Anguish can threaten to overwhelm us, when we lose …
Gratitude It can feel counter-intuitive to practice gratitude during times of loss, suffering and change. It can be hard to be thankful when we are sitting in darkness. And yet, gratitude is the pathway to joy, the gateway to abundance and Love. When we feel sorrow, fear and anguish, it …
Falling How we resist falling, failure, loss, illness, death. And yet it is inevitable, all around us, within us, and happens to us again and again throughout our lives. It is universal to the human experience.Our first experiences of falling may be the loss of a pet, not being chosen …
Several folk have asked me how I went on the journey from the beliefs I was given, in a conservative Evangelical setting, to where I am on the journey now. I liken this process to entering an Autumn Season in life. It actually began when I was still living in …
Are emotions such as happiness important? What happens when emotions are suppressed? How is “God’s glory” sometimes used to control and abuse other people? I read the following meme on Facebook, and want to highlight how this can be used to spiritually abuse others, as was my experience as a …
This book is sitting at the feet of a master and absorbing a lifetime of wisdom about communicating when the subject and circumstances are hard. It is written by a palliative care doctor, so includes examples from her work as a medic, but is applicable to anyone who wants to improve …
Whether we want to recognise if someone is a safe listener, or whether we desire to be a good listener for others, understanding pity, sympathy, empathy and compassion is crucial. Telling our stories is an integral part of our healing. The response we receive makes a huge difference to whether …
This is a treasure trove full of nuggets of wisdom on emotions. It will help you name them correctly, and express them in your day to day living. It has the potential to enhance your connection with others, your listening skills, compassion and empathy. Based on Brene’s 20 year of …
