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The Way of the River

Gifts of Practice:  Persistence

Gifts of Practice: Persistence

January 5, 2016 by Catharine Clarenbach Leave a Comment

Here I offer my last in the Gifts of Practice series. This piece is on that ever-elusive virtue, persistence. I Haven’t Been Great at This Here, my friends, is a virtue I have had to learn later in life than I might like. As a kid, many things—academic, literary. musical, social—came easily to me. I […]

practice Tagged: dailiness, gifts of practice, persistence, routine

Might Your House Be Your Temple?

January 8, 2015 by Catharine Clarenbach Leave a Comment

I’ve written here and elsewhere about the practice of building altars. About how they are little (or not so little!) centers of attention. I’ve posted photos of what my personal working altar looked like. I’ve shared the experience of gathering things that are meaningful and arranging them in ways that are evocative. This week, though, […]

practice Tagged: dailiness, practice, routine

Let’s Begin Again, In Love

Let’s Begin Again, In Love

November 13, 2014 by Catharine Clarenbach 2 Comments

I’ve never been exactly sure what “beginner’s mind” is. Nonetheless, I know about the struggle to be a beginner, just to let myself learn and grow and take steps as small as I need them to be to keep moving. I know a lot about that struggle. And maybe it doesn’t need to be a […]

practice Tagged: dailiness, practice, routine

Impatience and Persistence in Spiritual Practice

Impatience and Persistence in Spiritual Practice

September 29, 2014 by Catharine Clarenbach Leave a Comment

“Ageless Beloved…. Ageless Beloved… Ageless Beloved….” If you walk by my study early on any given morning, you are likely to hear me singing. “Core of Peace, I rest in you. Core of Peace, I rest in you. Core of Peace, I hear you calling. Core of Peace, I rest in you.” You may smell […]

practice Tagged: practice, prayer, routine

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Discernment means to make a difficult choice. To find a path forward that was previously hidden. To reflect upon your deepest values, desires, and hopes.

Learning the art of discernment — and yes, it truly is an art! — doesn’t happen overnight.

However, once you have learned it, it will serve you for the rest of your days. Choices may well still be hard, but after acquiring the tools of discernment you will be able to rest comfortably in knowing you came to the decision that’s right for you.

One such tool is what I like to call “The Perfect Day.”

It’s a simple writing exercise to help you recognize your values, hopes, and desires, and how the decision you’re making will impact, influence, or improve them.

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I would not have made it through the gauntlet that is the MFC process without Rev. Catharine; it's as simple as that…
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