Tag: Catholic

Looking for God’s Goodness in contemplation and prayer. Courageous Listening.

Moderation allows us to avoid excess and extremes in our behavior and opinions. This virtue allows us to live a life of temperance knowing our value and another’s value.  It is in this space that we can stand solid in who we are, where we own our story, and we can witness another’s story. In today’s practice of finding God’s goodness, Sikh activist Valarie Kaur shows us how she has made a commitment to listen to those with whom she disagrees. Here, in this reflection, she describes some of the practices that make it possible:  

Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present. This takes presence within and a stance of self-control. Where we moderate our own thoughts, perspectives, and agendas and empty ourselves to create space and holy ground, this is sacred listening. 

Moderation creates space. It invites possibility rather than keeping us entrenched in a certain attitude, opinion or behavior. It’s important to my well being to live in the hope of what’s possible. It is easy to get distracted by the darkness of our world and lose sight of God’s goodness. The space of moderation orients my heart toward meaning. Love defines my attitude and brings peace and hope to my day. 

Are you stretched thin by the anxieties of everyday life? Are you impacted by fatigue, sadness, or apathy? Does it feel like your relationships are stagnating, despite your best efforts? Are wounds from past relationships affecting your ability to live joyfully?

What if I just let go? What will I find? Where would I fall? Would I lose all control or would I actually gain self-control? Would I live in moderation or excess and extremes? Would I find my reality is what it is supposed to be and everything is exactly as it should be? My fear of falling affects my self-control. 

Moderation is to avoid excess or extremes, especially in behavior or political opinions.  The virtue of temperance helps us live a life of moderation. I would say that we all need a big dose of this virtue, especially for those of us in the Western world where greed and excess abound.  As disconnected people, we live our individuality all in the vein of success. Sometimes I think about the similarities of today and those of the Roman Empire. History cycles over and over. Do I place my hope in the world or do I use these thoughts to draw me to God? Where do I find meaning?  In a life full of love.