authenticity
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 …
I have been pondering, what is the spiritual abuse of children? And what are its effects? And what is a healthy spirituality characterised by? Let’s start with what some churches give as the definition in their own safeguarding policies. “Spiritual abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. It …
Authenticity was not important in my religious upbringing. Fitting in was. We were accepted only if we agreed with and lived by the values we were taught. These included If a child grows up in a family and community where they are threatened with rejection by their family and that …
A poem by CP Cavafy about life as a journey, not a destination. translated by Edmund Keeley As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians, Cyclops, angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them: you’ll never find things like that …
Poem by Derek Walcott The time will comewhen with elation, you will greet yourself arrivingat your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here. Eat. You will love again the stranger who was yourselfGive wine. Give bread. Give back your …
As is now my custom, this morning I sat cross-legged by the patio doors and gazed out at the beautiful, vibrant tulips currently gracing our balcony. It has a calming effect on my racing, anxious thoughts, and allows my new friend, Trust Yourself, to find space to sit peacefully beside …
Do you see it? That ember glows on the horizonthe flicker of courage risingthe quaking shadowsof dry bones being invited to live. Do you feel it? The fierce wave of hearts burningthe multitude of souls yearningbegging for a wildfire of graceto spread across a desperate world. Do you hear it? …
Book review – Working from a Place of Rest by Tony Horsfall, BRF 2010 This book is written for people who are serving in Christian ministry, who are perhaps starting to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or are heading for burnout. The first part of the book develops the metaphor of life …
I sit here, not knowing quite where to start. I have spent 3 years now, reflecting on, deconstructing and grieving so many of my past experiences and beliefs. It has taken so much emotional energy, as I have raged and wept, and come to recognise the false identities I had …
This blog is all about returning home to my true self. True self is called Immortal Diamond, by Richard Rohr, the Self in psychotherapy such as Internal Family Systems, Beloved by Henri Nouwen, Gabor Mate calls it Authenticity. My own path to healing started when I listened to Lectio Divina, …
