For me, this Lent is about changing the way I understand and relate to fear. The first step on my Lenten journey is recognizing fear. Another step toward giving up my fear is appreciating it, becoming more friendly toward it. Another step is letting go of fear. Another step is being authentic. Each step of this journey has lead me to a […]
Lent Reflection: Overcoming Fear Read More »
For me, this Lent is about changing the way I understand and relate to fear. The first step on my Lenten journey is recognizing fear. Another step toward giving up my fear is appreciating it, becoming more friendly toward it. Another step is letting go of fear. The next step for me is being authentic. To be deeply authentic, I
Lent Reflection: Fear and Authenticity Read More »
There are times when I do not feel like being open. Sometimes it feels so much easier to keep my eyes closed, keep my mind closed, keep my heart closed. I may be tired or hurting, I may be discouraged, it may seem like it is just not that important. It may feel like
Being Open is Not About Other People Read More »
For me, this Lent is about changing the way I understand and relate to fear. The first step on this journey is recognizing fear. Another step in giving up my fear is appreciating it, becoming more friendly toward it. The next step for me is letting go of fear. This Lent is showing me more clearly
Lent Reflection: Letting Go of Fear Read More »
The liturgical season of Lent began three weeks ago on Ash Wednesday, and culminates in Easter three and a half weeks away. For me, this Lent is about fear. One of the challenges for me in working on fear is finding the boundary between not being afraid and being foolish. I do not want fear
Lent Reflection: Appreciating Fear Read More »
The liturgical season of Lent began two weeks ago, on Ash Wednesday. I went to church, received ashes on my forehead to remind me that my life has limits, and began a focused effort to grapple with what holds me back. I have struggled with different things over the years. One year I gave up
Lent Reflection: Recognizing Fear Read More »
I appreciate the way Lauren Winner writes. She is honest, and writes honestly and bravely about things that mean a lot to me. She writes in a way that engages my attention and makes me want to read more. I appreciate her sense of humor and her sense of perspective. I enjoy reading what Lauren
Book Review: Still Read More »
Lent is not about giving things up. Lent is not a liturgical second chance for people who are not following through on their New Year’s resolutions. Lent is not about chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or Facebook. Lent is about being honest. It is an opportunity each year to recognize who I truly am, and to take
So, What is This Lent, Anyway? Read More »
The story of my life is shaped by what I do each day. One thing that has shaped many of my days from an early age, is a desire to find, and give, the right answer. Getting the right answer kept me in school. Getting the right answer kept me at church. Getting the right
Getting the Right Answer Read More »
Paula Huston is a lay oblate of New Camaldoli Monastery and Hermitage in Big Sur, California, which is the monastery where I am also an oblate. I have met her once at New Camaldoli; of course, we did not talk to each other. We are, though, friends on Facebook. I was introduced to New Camaldoli
Book Review: Simplifying the Soul Read More »
