I love seeing that you have this practice, Brian. I have my own, as well. Mine include music sometimes, depending on my mood, but usually it's silence and pen to paper, usually with a book of reflections at my side.
Lately I'm reading another by Henri Nouwen, one of my favorite spiritual writers, and I feel an intimate kinship with him, though he has long ago died. It's like he's sitting there with me as I read. Sometimes his words speak specifically into what I've been mulling over lately.
What I don't do is read or watch or listen to news. I can't do it anymore. I abandoned that practice almost 5 years ago, because it stole my peace.
I think that's why I always look forward to Advent every year - because it grounds me in the promise of hope and the reminder of redemption, especially when all is lost.
Henri Nouwen is one of my favorites. "Way of the Heart" is the first book I read after my heart attack, and I felt like he wrote it just for me. I also recently deleted the Apple News app from my phone and replaced it with a single app. I want to be informed but not overrun.
I love seeing that you have this practice, Brian. I have my own, as well. Mine include music sometimes, depending on my mood, but usually it's silence and pen to paper, usually with a book of reflections at my side.
Lately I'm reading another by Henri Nouwen, one of my favorite spiritual writers, and I feel an intimate kinship with him, though he has long ago died. It's like he's sitting there with me as I read. Sometimes his words speak specifically into what I've been mulling over lately.
What I don't do is read or watch or listen to news. I can't do it anymore. I abandoned that practice almost 5 years ago, because it stole my peace.
I think that's why I always look forward to Advent every year - because it grounds me in the promise of hope and the reminder of redemption, especially when all is lost.
Henri Nouwen is one of my favorites. "Way of the Heart" is the first book I read after my heart attack, and I felt like he wrote it just for me. I also recently deleted the Apple News app from my phone and replaced it with a single app. I want to be informed but not overrun.
Yes! I’m glad to hear this, Brian.