How we relate to those different from us is essential for a progressive Malaysia.

AFTER many years of reading, deep contemplation and practising my faith, I have come to the conclusion that the true path to spiritual enlightenment lies in how we relate to people who are different from us. And we need such spiritual enlightenment to create a strong brotherhood of citizenry that will help build a progressive, successful nation.

For me, there are three types of spiritual values that are the most important to cultivate. When these values are practised and entrenched in our hearts, they will help us rebuild this nation into a better and more meaningful one.

We all need each other

One of the most fundamental facts about spirituality is the clear realisation that we need others from all sorts of races, faiths and cultures to help us in our daily lives.

Think of our teachers, our doctors, our employers or our childrens employers. Think of the mechanic who fixes our cars or the person who takes care of the airconditioning units in our homes. Who are they? Are they all from our own race, our own faith and culture? Certainly not.

Shockingly, I have heard some clerics telling their flock not to frequent that laundry or barber or shop, etc, run by those of a different race or faith to prevent any pollution of their faith. For me this is not spiritual thinking, and it certainly fails in nation-building where the forging of ties in trust, dignity and compassion must cut across these divides.

The fact that we depend on others shows our vulnerability, it reminds us that we are all human, and we sometimes need help. Humility in showing weakness and vulnerability is an essence of faith in God and helps strengthen the brotherhood of citizenship in a nation.

I have written before of how the Prophet Muhammad had asked for help from a Christian king from Yemen to protect the first Muslims emigrating there and who were under threat of annihilation from the non-Muslims of Mecca.

We all share the same blood

I have also written before about how when I was bleeding internally and required a transfusion to save my life, I had joked with the doctor about whether the blood was from Muslims or non-Muslims he smiled and said that he did not know because it came in types of A, B, AB or O and what not. I, of course, did not mind, but I know many who would.

Ive also shared the story of the time I needed a heart bypass and the doctor recommended I get blood donated in preparation. Six young Chinese men, friends of my students, gave blood willingly, without any compensation.

This biological need, as opposed to the previous socioeconomic needs mentioned, is in our DNA to simply show that we are all one, that we are all one family. There are no two or three separate seeds of birth, only one.

And Ive noticed over the years how children with Down syndrome generally share the same look whether they are Malay or Indian or Chinese or even Western. I take it to understand the spiritual truth that we all came from one set of parents.

This, then, is another great spiritual truth: that our blood is one and that we can give life to each other even if we are of different faiths, races and cultures. Organ transplants are also a reminder that what is in us can belong to others different from us.

Once a non-Muslim woman who was a prisoner of war was brought before the Prophet as she said she was his milk sister. It was the tradition at that time for rich Arabs to give up their sons to a tribe that lived outside Mecca to be nursed by their women so that they would be strong and healthy as well as learn the ancient traditions. The Prophet Muhammad was given to Halimah, who had children of her own and the woman prisoner was his sister. The Prophet realised that the blood that ran through this non-Muslims veins was also his. He then gave her provisions and had her escorted to freedom.

Treat everyone with respect

To be a family that has trust in each other and compassion for all, there must be dignity in how we treat each other. We must all respect others even if they are not of our faith, colour, lifestyle and race. I have seen how some educated professors, high-ranking politicians and clergy treat those of other races and faiths with contempt, and it makes me sad.

Once the Prophet Muhammad said to his Companions: Do not insult or say bad words to your dead parents.

The Companions were shocked for in the Arab tribe parents are held in the highest regard. When they asked him what he meant by that statement, he replied: If you insult the parents of others, they in turn will insult your parents and this is how you have insulted your own parents.

The message here, to me, is to treat others as how we wish to be treated.

Buddhist teacher Ajahm Brahm taught me that the most important person in the world is the person in front of you at any time in your daily life. Whoever you deal with, you must give them your respect.

Once a person came to the Prophet Muhammad and said that his non-Muslim mother had come to him to help. The Prophet told him to help her and treat her with respect. Thus, treating others with respect is an extremely great act of spirituality, for if we treat all with respect then perhaps we can hope that God will treat us with some.

For nation-building, respecting others is a core value that must be entrenched if Malaysia is not to fail as a country.

These three values need to be taught in our houses of worship, in universities and in schools to change the political narrative from being a toxic one of mistrust and malice towards each other to one of kindness and acceptance of all. These values are not only the keys to spiritual fulfilment but also the basis on which we have to reforge relationships to realise the (almost lost) dream of Malaysia as a united, free and prosperous nation.

Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi is Professor of Architecture at the Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Studies at UCSI University. The views expressed here are entirely the writers own.

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Spiritual values in nation-building - The Star Online

Link your spiritual WiFi with God: Do prayers help in the healing process?

Photo : iStock

We all like to have an anchor in life, a point to offload our worries, and recharge our batteries of hope and good health. And entrepreneurs and enterprising women are not any different.

"Before I go to bed, my nighttime ritual is to pray. Just a universal prayer.

Prayer, in this sense, is not a religious ritual. I use this time for quiet contemplation, praying for the well-being of everyone everywhere. I pray for a few minutes for peace and love to prevail, replacing hatred and intolerance.

Several studies have shown that prayer can positively impact health. It can provide you with a sense of calm, control, encouragement, and connection. Praying for the well-being of others, even those who have harmed you - can reduce anger and aggression.

Along with gratitude, prayer is one of the most powerful tools I know of to create a calm inner space. I feel in a world torn by rising intolerance, prayer is a powerful transformative tool.

What are your tools for inner peace? Do you pray for others?

#Wellness #MentalHealth"

The power of prayer in healing and health:

It adds that the advocates of prayers exalt the healing power of the activity in health care, while critics are sceptical about this claim and its healing potential is put down to coincidences or its placebo effect.

There is evidence to suggest that some patients and healthcare practitioners believe in the healing power of prayer. Nurses may be called upon to pray with or for patients as part of holistic care.

Prayers and spirituality need no scientific validation:

"With double-blind clinical trials, scientists tried their best to study something that may be beyond their best tools," said Brandeis sociologist Wendy Cadge, an expert on the intersection of religion and medicine in contemporary American society, "and reflects more about them and their assumptions than about whether prayer 'works.'"

Reflecting a recent shift toward delegitimising studies of intercessory prayer, recent commentators in the medical literature concluded: "We do not need science to validate our spiritual beliefs, as we would never use faith to validate our scientific data." Wendy Cadge, incidentally, is the year 2009 Suzanne Young Murray Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University - as well as the author of the book, Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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The power of prayer in health and healing: Venture capitalist Vani Kola vouches for benefits of spirituality - Times Now

Nanette V. Hucknall has spent a lifetime studying spirituality and psychology, and is the founder of Higher Self Yoga. Photo courtesy the author's website

MONTEREY For some, talk of the higher self might be akin to a foreign language. For others, like Nanette V. Hucknall, this terminology rolls off the tongue. Not only is Hucknell, the founder and president emeritus of Higher Self Yoga, fluent in this form of communication, she has also spent a lifetime studying spirituality and psychology. Her goal is to help others on their own personal journeys, and one way shes doing it is through her new book, Higher Self Yoga: A Practical Teaching, a recent winner of the 2022 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.

The Higher Self is in everyone, Hucknall told The Edge, pointing to the spiritual part of the individual that is connected to the source, (yet distinctly separate from religion) where ones positive characteristics reside including creativity, wisdom, inspiration, and unconditional love.

[The Higher Self] knows exactly what vocation you should be in, said Hucknall, who started off in New York City as an art director before pursuing career therapy and ultimately psychotherapy. Over the course of four decades, Hucknall has had cause to use her own Higher Self to overcome problems, navigate relationships and understand her personality. This book offers practical applications for others to use in their day-to-day lives, the very desire that drove Hucknall to start Higher Self Yoga more than three decades ago.

Using yoga in its original sense not as a physical practice, but rather a spiritual one the potential for personal growth expands exponentially with spiritual development. Your heart is your conduit to the Higher Self, Hucknall said, pointing to a primary focus fueled by the wise being within. It is this alignment with ones inner wisdom that allows an individual to become the best possible version of themself.

Our Higher Self knows our purpose in life, and encompasses our potential to live a fulfilling and joyous life through personal growth and self-awareness, said Hucknall. This book, her eighth, is an approachable guide for personal discovery that taps into the readers unknown potential, unexamined desires and new possibilities that can be applied to myriad arenas spanning career to spiritual development. The use of colorful anecdotes coupled with exercises provides a step-by-step approach for anyone at any stage of their journey. In a fitting nod to the personal work involved, Hucknalls book won in the Self Help category.

I was really, really surprised to win the award, said Hucknall of the prestigious, international recognition, honoring an outstanding contribution by an author or book to the industry or society at large. Experienced editors and judges select books based on content, quality, writing, style, presentation, and cover design. And, while the publication of this book feels both timely and evergreen, it was written two years ago, said Hucknall, who discovered the Higher Self when studying psychosynthesis, which is rooted in the human inclination toward finding wholeness.

The founder of psychosynthesis, an Italian man called Roberto Assagioli (18881974), taught about the Higher Self and [encouraged practitioners] to use it in their therapy work, she said of the medical doctor, first psychoanalyst in Italy, and contemporary of Freud and Jung. In addition to her extensive writing, Hucknall offers a free, online introduction to Connecting with the Higher Self: Guided Experience. The eponymous experience is based on the writing, lessons, and exercises from earlier works and aims to develop a sincere relationship with the wise being within.

After four decades of practice, Hucknall is well-versed in moving this way. What begins with routine exercises eventually evolves into a way of being, where you start to awaken, and all you do is just link to your heart, she said. I think it would change the world if everyone was talking about this.

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Higher Self Yoga: Nanette V. Hucknall goes right to the source - theberkshireedge.com

Poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai says African elders' and traditional healers' bodies need to come together and mend the broken communication between the generations.

This comes after Ntsiki criticised dancer and reality TV star Zodwa Wabantu for wearing ancestral beads while gyrating half-naked, saying it was disrespectful to the African culture.

There needs to be more control in these initiation schools. In other spiritual practices you go through processes and there are elders and there are Gobelas. Also in African spirituality who have spent many years doing this. So this thing where we disregard the elders is a problem because then as the youth we start making up our own rules, and when you make up your own rules that's when you are going to mess up with spirits and then we all know that messing with spirits can go horribly wrong.

A tendency that Sangoma and African spiritual teacher Gogo Dineo Ndlanzi also noticed about the youth is lack of patience.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, at a panel discussion hosted by Castle Milk Stout on April 25 she said the most important tool to have on one's spiritual journey was patience.

When you are impatient dont even bother to start. Go find out why you are impatient, deal with that, because our youth, especially the ones born in the 1990s, are very impatient.

We dont blame them because the programme was set for everything, they were born into a programme of a sense of entitlement more than anything. So already they say, 'no this thing is taking too long, I want to see changes now'.

Ntsiki said black people need to go back to the basics of having conversations where information and knowledge were passed down from the older generations to the new.

In ancient times there was a circle between the young and the old, and that was how information was transferred .There was a full circle from the young to the old and from the old to the young. So there's been a disruption of the communication by colonialism and we need to start having conversations around how do we come back to being African.

We keep doing it in trends but until we are fully committed to going back to ourselves we are going to continue losing ourselves and we will continue not having anything and not owning anything.

Shocked by the lack of outrage after the video clip of Zodwa Wabantu that emerged on the socials she said people cant be left to their devices.

I definitely think we need traditional bodies to regulate this, I'm so ready for that. We need to lay down law and to have control. We need control in the black nation. People can't just do as they please. Another thing is that some people think they have amaDlozi but it is sometimes unhealed childhood trauma. And if they went to therapy you will find that they don't do most of the stuff that they do. So we can't allow our things to be disrespected. They have been disrespected enough.

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Ntsiki Mazwai talks about African spirituality and the need for traditional bodies to lay down the law - TimesLIVE

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CNS) -- Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla, a pediatrician and daughter of Italian St. Gianna Beretta Molla, plans to open an international pilgrimage site and center in Springfield to help spread knowledge of and devotion to her parents and promote marriage and family life.

"I learned from my saint mom and holy dad to have deep faith and unwavering confidence in divine providence," Molla said. "The establishment of this international center is one of those times I am trusting in God to show me the way and all those who are involved in the project. I am filled with humility to start this international center so we can promote and help families grow holier together."

She said she chose the location because of Springfield Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki's faith-filled leadership and commitment to defend innocent life. She also thought the city's location -- in driving distance of St. Louis and Chicago -- was helpful.

Ultimately, she said: "It was God who chose Springfield."

Molla plans to live on the grounds once the center is open.

The St. Gianna Beretta Molla and Pietro Molla International Center for Family and Life will be located near the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Evermode Institute, which is a new center for Catholic spiritual and intellectual formation.

"For years, Dr. Molla has been searching for a site to honor her holy parents and promote holy marriages and families, and if you want to see first-hand how divine providence can work, the story of how this all came together is the perfect example," Bishop Paprocki said in a statement.

He said he met the saint's daughter in a shared car ride to a conference at the Napa Institute in California in 2019 and after that she reached out to him with the idea of the center.

"The excitement of what is shaping up in Central Illinois is proof the Holy Spirit is guiding all of this. To think, Central Illinois will have The Evermode Institute, the St. Gianna and Pietro Molla International Center for Family and Life, our own Venerable Father Augustine Tolton in Quincy who is on his way to sainthood and Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen in Peoria. This region of America will provide so much grace to people around the world who visit," the bishop said.

The center is expected to bring thousands of pilgrims to Springfield every year from all over the world as St. Gianna is known as a saint for mothers, families, health care workers, and the pro-life cause, as she herself raised four children, was a pediatrician, and died from complications after giving birth to her daughter Gianna.

While pregnant with her fourth child in 1961, St. Gianna learned she had a tumor in her uterus. Doctors discussed having an abortion to preserve St. Gianna's life. Instead, she chose to only have the tumor removed, understanding this could save her child but lead to further, perhaps deadly complications for her.

Both the baby and St. Gianna survived the surgery. Knowing she could lose her life delivering her child, St. Gianna prayed to God and told the doctors and her family: "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate, choose the child. I insist on it. Save the baby."

On April 21, 1962, Gianna Emanuela Molla was born. Over the next few days, her mother experienced serious complications and despite several treatments, died a week after giving birth.

As word spread of St. Gianna's action, the Catholic Church opened her cause for sainthood. She was canonized a saint by St. John Paul II in 1994.

Attending her canonization was her husband, Pietro, and children, including her daughter, Gianna, whom she saved. It was the first time a husband witnessed his wife's canonization. Today, St. Gianna is the patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn children. Her feast day is April 28.

St. John Paul II described her as a "simple, but more than ever, significant messenger of divine love."

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St. Gianna's daughter planning to open spiritual pilgrimage center. Published May. 9 2022. Nation. - The Pilot

I was born five pounds heavy, five weeks ahead of my due date. According to my parents, I was immediately placed in an incubator like a chicken egg. I was continually losing the few pounds of weight that I had, which terrified them. It seemed I hadn't been quite ready to enter the world. Dad often held me in one hand, my hairless head resting in his roomy palm. Mom had to tape little plastic tubes to her nipples when trying to breastfeed, shrinking herself for my weak lips.

A couple of weeks after giving birth to me, Dad heard Mom scream from behind the closed bathroom door. She kept screaming. He found her sobbing, pointing at the toilet. I bet he gasped when he saw it and that his reaction made Mom cry harder. Using two big serving spoons, he fished out of the toilet a giant roundworm parasite. It was a few feet long. They put it in a quart-size zip lock bag so they could bring it to the doctor.

Did you hear about the missionary wife with the massive parasite?

The nurses and the doctor made Mom feel like a freakshow. Did you hear about the missionary wife with the massive parasite? They apologized for their unprofessional reactions, but their remorse was immediately negated as they, again, emphasized that this was the largest worm they had ever seen in real life and in textbooks. They informed her that due to its once again extremely large size, they could infer two things: it had been growing in her for at least a year and that it could not be the only one. They gave her a medication to kill its brethren that were likely multiplying at that very moment, swimming in her intestine as she sat shamefully in the sterile American office.

Mom became petrified of using the bathroom, of encountering more roundworms in their porcelain grave as the medication killed them. But she had to do what she had to do. She never saw another parasite. She found out a couple of months later from my uncle who is a doctor that the medication also dissolves the worms. Her doctor had somehow forgotten to mention that; he was likely too distracted, gawking at her ziplocked giant.

RELATED:Holy bodies, holy hungers

Maybe they grew rapidly because her suffering was spiritualized away.

When Mom was pregnant with me, she was not only eating for two she was eating for hundreds. I often think about how my embryo-self and the parasites grew in parallel inside of her. Almost like inmates, only a thin wall kept us apart as we fought for space and nutrients. Maybe the giant roundworm who made itself known had left its family to find me. I imagine it said to me in a raspy slithering voice: Hey kid, there's not room enough for the both of us. I imagine that I agreed. Chucking up deuces to my rowdy neighbors, I fought to get out ahead of schedule. I imagine that when Mom tenderly wrapped her arm around her swelling belly, whispering prayers over my kidney-bean-shaped body, the parasites thought she loved them. Maybe that's what spurred their impressive size and numbers. Maybe they grew unchecked because we were living in a country that did not sanitize the way Americans are used to. Or maybe they grew rapidly because her suffering was spiritualized away.

* * *

My parents had been concerned that they wouldn't make it back to the States in time for Mom to give birth to me. They once again packed up their lives and embarked on the 24+ hour trip from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Portland, Oregon, USA. With my two older sisters (6 and 4 years old) and many suitcases, my family had conquered the first of many legs: a small plane had flown them to Istanbul, Turkey. But when they checked in for their next flight, the Turkish Airline's clerk looked with raised eyebrows at Mom's rotund belly which was emphasized by her petite frame. The clerk shook her head. Dad had already offered the handwritten note from the missionary doctor who had checked Mom's vitals on the couch in our living room; she had been alarmed to find Mom's blood pressure extremely high. The doctor said if my family wasn't already planning to leave in a few days, she would have called the U.S. embassy to get Mom medically evacuated.

Dad led the way in most situations that took place outside of our home, but not this time. This time Mom stepped in front of him, handing him the water bottle and Winnie the Pooh backpack she was undoubtedly holding. "I am getting on that plane." Mom's eyebrows had raised to meet the clerk's, her voice was steady and low. The clerk suggested they leave the airport and go to the hospital a couple of miles away to get an official note from a Turkish doctor approving her for travel. They only had four hours until their next flight (the 18-hour flight that would bring them back to America). There was no way.

"Let me speak to your manager," Mom countered, her voice's volume slowly rising to meet her blood pressure. The clerk shook her head again, eyes darting at the attention their conversation was starting to draw. "I am getting on that plane! Where is your manager!" Mom yelled, slamming her hand on the counter.

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I wish more than anything I could have seen this next part with my own eyes, but I'm sure I was cheering her on; her cortisol and adrenaline spinning me in circles. She stepped up on the luggage scale with her hands on her hips, the conveyor belt was stationary at the time. She threatened to come behind the counter. Clerks from surrounding kiosks came rushing over, anxiously trying to get her to step off. Did you hear about the pregnant American lady who threatened Turkish Airlines? She refused to budge until the manager arrived. I imagine that Dad had taken a few steps back with my sisters, watching with pride and shock as Mom transcended. The manager came and made her sign six different forms to agree that they would not be liable if anything were to happen to her or the baby's health while they were flying 40,000 miles above land. Mom stepped down, signing her and my life away. My family finally got on the plane. I was born six weeks after we arrived, and Mom was healthy (aside from the roundworms).

* * *

On late Saturday mornings during my childhood, I could always find Mom in the back corner of my parents' room. Sitting in her armchair with her feet tucked under her, she wrote in her journal with a tall mug of steaming coffee beside her. I sat at her feet on the faded carpet, my back against the bed. After interrupting her "quiet time" repeatedly, I waited and watched. I watched Mom's tilted head sway softly along with her right hand as it moved back and forth, watched the floating specks in the sunlight and imagined them to be fairies dancing just for me, watched her turn filled page after filled page, watched the shadow of grapevine leaves fall through the window to twitch across my folded body and slowly encircle her chair, watched her lips barely move as she re-read what she wrote.

I know now that her many journals were filled with lists and lists of bitter beseeching prayer requests.

If I squeeze that memory tightly with my adult hands, it starts to crumble; fairies twirling in sunlight become illuminated dust. Of course, my parents sheltered my sisters and me from the hardships of growing up in Kyrgyzstan. But I know now that they also hid how her mental illnesses were exacerbated by the environment we lived in and by the pressures of evangelism. I know now that her many journals were filled with lists and lists of bitter beseeching prayer requests, her barely moving lips re-reading angry pleas.

RELATED:It's my mom's fault I stole her letters

She had to pray for God to lead us back to America because she could not lead us back herself. Dad would not lead us back unless it was God's idea first. Or at least that was the message they received from the American church. This message was reinforced when she commiserated with her friends who were also missionary wives. They prayed with heavy bowed heads for their children's safety and for each other's sanity since they didn't want to pray for themselves out loud. She told me recently that Ephesians 6:12 was the backbone of the evangelical pressures she endured (in addition to the salt of the Earth and carry your cross tropes). "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." How could she complain about earthly inconveniences like parasites and high blood pressure when there were demons to be fought and unsaved souls to reclaim?

My mother lived overseas in a state of high anxiety for 16 years, all while raising four daughters. She dreaded the unexpected health problem that could have been easily treated if only we lived in the country we were from. She worried over her isolation and otherness, surrounded either by seven-foot brick walls and children or by people she could not easily communicate with. It's one thing for her to acknowledge her privilege as a mostly-white-passing, middle-class, highly educated, American woman. It's another thing entirely for her to be told that her longing to leave was a discredit to her faith: longing to have consistent access to healthcare and education for her family, longing to live somewhere she belonged.

As I sift through the remaining sand from the crumbled memory, I see now that there actually was a bigger problem than hundreds of roundworms living inside my pregnant mother. Evangelism, a spiritual leech. Even after we permanently moved back to America, the metaphorical parasite clung on. Our home was an extension of Mom's womb, a vessel in which she carried and protected her growing children. We swam together in spiritualized gaslighting, grasping for a life that ought to be enough.

More essays on growing up evangelical:

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The parasites inside my mother were both real and spiritual - Salon

No you dont, Im just kidding.

I dont have a lot of time to blog this morning, and of course, am horribly tempted by Hillary Duffs I too struggle to make peace with being unfathomably hot (to quote someone named Kat Rosenfield) self-bragging (skip the humble) pictures of herself in Womens Health. First of all, I love that a lot of people, glancing at Womens Health thought it said White House and wondered why that auspicious institution needed to know about her personal struggle. I do that all the time. I think it is because I am a tiny bit dyslexic. And also not patient. Second of all, I cant link it because you shouldnt go looking at naked pictures of Hillary Duff, no matter how perfectly airbrushed they are, no matter how many very funny replies there are.

So anyway, Im not going to blog about that. This leaves me in a sad state because I have been reading books more than the internet. I have been plowing through various books on a variety of subjects, as I think I said last week, and have been vaguely feeling like (just to be allowed to join in a trend) it would be fun to start a substack where I laboriously fisk books that I have to read. I could say all the stuff that doesnt fit neatly into a review or a regular blog post. Wouldnt that be fun? But then it occurred to me that no one would be that interested. Still, I might, just because a lot of the books I read are pretty exasperating, and full of one-liners that need to be at the very least discussed if not actually refuted.

For example, I am slowly working through Nate Collins All But Invisible: Exploring Identity Questions At the Intersection Of Faith, Gender, and Sexuality. Here is something that strikes me as darkly funny. Its a long two paragraphs culminating in an unwitting punchline, so hold tight:

When admiration becomes passionate admiration, its not merely a sign that the intensity of my appreciation of someone has increased. Instead, it signals the additional reality that my admiration has acquired a forward-looking orientation. When I passionately admire someone, I perceive the future as potential rather than simply as that which has yet to take place. The prospect of future encounters with the personhood of the one I admire excites me.

So, heres the million-dollar question that weve been preparing to ask. Is it possible for a gay man to passionately admire another manor even another gay man, for that matterwithout sinning? I think the answer to this question has to be yes, it is certainly possible. One reason we experience passionate admiration of others is because people are hardwired for relationship. Its natural to passionately admire individuals we relate to personally when we experience some aspect of their personhood as good and virtuous. As a gay man, when I admire a same-gender friend of mine, Im not merely admiring his gender, although that is necessarily part of the experience. Im also admiring who he is as a person. If I cant do that with both passion and chastity, then yes, theres something wrong with me. [emphasis his]

Ok heres the punchline:

But I also think theres something wrong with a Christianity that cant support me in my efforts to try. [emphasis mine]

Wish I could paste in a picture of myself falling on the floor laughing out loud but no one took one. If youre missing the joke, its that you havent been reveling in Don Quixote and his wonderful side-novella in chapter XXXIII (is that 33?). The note says: Which recounts the novel of The Man Who Was Recklessly Curious. The story starts out this way:

In Florence, a rich and famous Italian city in the province called Tuscany, lived two wealthy, eminent gentlemen who were such good friends that they were known by everyone as the two friends. They were bachelors, young men who were of the same age and habits, all of which was sufficient cause for both of them to feel a mutual, reciprocal friendship.

After a bit, one of the friends, Anselmo, falls in love and marries a beautiful and virtuous woman named Camila. Camila was so happy to be married to Anselmo that she unceasingly gave her thanks to heaven, and to Lotario, through whose intervention so much contentment had come to her. But Anselmo is an absolute fool (which is the point of the story) and decides to embroil them all in misery, ruin, and pain. Not to spoil it (but I will because its been published for hundreds of years) in the end they all die. To cut to the chase, Anselmo wants his friend Lotario to seduce Camila to see how long she will hold out and how chaste she really is. It goes exactly as well and as foolishly as Collins desire to try to have passionate admiration for men without ever giving way to unchastity.

Im sorry to say it, but the church, and Christians, have always known and warned against these kinds of obvious dangers. Its why marriage between one man and one woman exists. Anselmo should have not tested his wife and his friend, but let go of his friend to work on passionate admiration for his wife. He could have been friends with his wife. That is a thing that can happen, no matter how often the Spiritual Friendship party tries to say it is a myth. It is not a myth. It is hard, but it is not a myth. Becoming friends with a woman over the course of a marriage is one of the main reasons a man should get married to a woman. But Anselmo didnt want, really, to be friends with anyone but himself. That is the deep, unacknowledged, unwise subtext to Collins two paragraphs. The person you are drawn toif that person is fundamentally like you in gender, in sex, in personality, in looks, in temperamentis too often the doorway to idolatry. Its not about him, its about how he makes you feel when you are with him. This is one of the reasons that the friendship of marriage, which, on the surface, is so contrary to both people because they are so unlike each other, is the remedy to idolatry. The unlikeness pulls you out of yourself.

Oh gosh, my blogging time is up and I havent finished my thought. I didnt get to the helper fit bit! See! I totally need a substack. Or is this the kind of blogging that anyone can endure here? If you have any opinion on the matter, let me know!

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The Reckless Curiosity of Spiritual Friendship | Anne Kennedy - Patheos

Julie Roys is a Christian investigative reporter located in Chicago who is known for having brought to light abuse and corruption relating to some of Americas most high profile pastors and evangelists.

Roys launched The Roys Report in 2019, shortly after investigating alleged corruption within Moody Bible Institute in 2018, for whom she was working as a national radio host at the time. The investigative series led to three of Moodys top officers exiting their positions and ultimately ended her relationship with her employer. Her personal blog, where she shared her articles, became a what she describes as a Christian media outlet, reporting the unvarnished truth about whats happening in the Christian community so the church can be reformed and restored.

In 2018, Roys journalism exposed the now-former senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC) James MacDonald for his aggressive leadership style and abuse of the churchs finances. The Roys Report has over 78 articles dedicated to MacDonald and/or HBC, many of which were written by Roys. MacDonald was firedin February 2019 by HBC elders stating that their pastors conduct was harmful to the best interests of the church.

Days after MacDonalds firing, HBCs executive leadership, which included elders, announced their resignation, admitting that they had made mistakes, specifically when it came to direction, discipline, and response time.

Since then,HBC has apologized to MacDonald after MacDonald won a legal dispute where he retained ownership and rights to Walk in the Word, the broadcast ministry MacDonald started in 1997. MacDonald received the assets of Walk in the Word books, marketing materials, and equipment, as well as sermons, podcasts, and websites.

MacDonald sued many of those who went after him, including Roys. In the summer of 2021, he unleashed a social-media tirade against the investigative reporter, calling her a gossipslut, a liar, and an apostate.

Roys was also involved in detailing many of the sexual-abuse allegations brought against world-renowned Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias by multiple women. The sexual abuse claims were found to be true after Zacharias death in May 2020.

Roys has covered high-profile scandals, including sexual abuse allegations directed at Willow Creek Church and former senior pastor Bill Hybels, abusive leadership by former Mars Hill pastor and current pastor of The Trinity Church Mark Driscoll, and Naghmeh Panahis allegations that Franklin Graham pressured her to return to her abusive husband. Roys has published allegations regarding Grace Community Churchs senior pastor John MacArthur, accusing him of covering up sexual abuse and plagiarism. The hot-button coverage is possible reason why Roys has seen an uptick in character attacks lately.

Roys founded a one-day conference called Restore hosted at Judson University, saying that it is aimed at restoring faith in God in the church.

I put together Restore Chicago because Ive witnessed firsthand the pain and the devastation left by two major church scandals in the Chicago area, Roys said in her podcast while recapping highlights from the 2019 conference and referring to the MacDonald and Hybels scandals.

This years conference is taking place on May 21, 2022, and will include Diane Langberg, Scot McKnight, Lori Anne Thompson, Wade Mullen, Lina Abujamra, and Karen Swallow Prior. The conference will cover topics including Where is God when theres abuse? Recovering from spiritual trauma, Effective victim advocacy, and Choosing hope vs. despair.

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Investigative Reporter Julie Roys Removes Herself From Her Own Conference After Accusations of 'Spiritual Abuse' - Church Leaders

The Vatican office organizing a major 2023 Vatican summit on synodality held a preparation meeting last week, saying the synod of bishops has already begun.

This synod was conceived not as an event that will take place in a moment, meaning October 2023: It has already begun, and this awareness has been assumed by all of us taking part in this assembly, said Colombian layman Oscar Elizalde, spokesman for CELAM, the Latin American bishops conference. We are not preparing for the synod, it has already begun.

Last weeks general assembly was hosted by a 15-person office known as the Secretariat for the Synod, which until Pope Franciss highly anticipated reform of the Roman curia was released last month, was known as the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops.

That is to say, the mission for the secretariat is to promote synodality in all the organisms of the church, and the synods [of bishops] that take place in Rome convoked by the pope are one way to put this synodality in practice, said Father Carlos Galli, the dean of the theology faculty of Argentinas pontifical university, and one of Pope Franciss favorite theologians.

Galli says there are three clear stages in the ongoing synodal process: the preparation stage, which is centered on consultation and listening, perfecting what was already being done; the celebration stage, which will be the actual meeting of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican in late 2023; and the implementation stage, which will be about the reception in the local churches of what is discussed in the Roman summit.

Officially called Synod 2021-2023 for a synodal Church, communion, participation and mission, the process was launched last October by Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Carmen Pena Garcia, a professor of canon law at the Pontifical Comillas University in Madrid, said that all the synods look at the church, but those we have had thus far, look at the church in its action with respect to a concrete reality: The family, the youth, the Amazon.

This synod, in a way, is a return to the church itself and to the understanding of the church, truly wanting to implement the Second Vatican Council, she said, highlighting that there is both continuity and novelty in the process. The continuity is the development and reception of the Second Vatican Council. The novelty is that much emphasis is being placed on the idea of the ecclesial subject.

Through this entire process, which includes consultations at a parish, diocesan, national and continental levels, the baptismal condition is at the center, Pena said. Baptism is what unites us and makes us members of the church, co-responsible for its action, without taking away the fact that there are different charisms, different ministries and functions.

The hierarchy has its role, which is capital, but it is also very important to point out that it does not detract from the co-responsibility of all the baptized, she said.

As a canonist, she said she hopes that the entire process will help make the faithful aware of their responsibility and their role within the church when it comes to having an active participation. And that the bishops will allow them to be so!

She also wants to see the fullness of the code of canon law be applied, because there are many channels of participation that have already been an option for over 40 years, but are not applied.

Since Pope Francis was elected in 2013, he has convened two extraordinary assemblies of a synod of bishops, in addition to those that have traditionally been celebrated every three years. In an attempt to bring the voices of all the church, not only the hierarchy, into the synod hall, there have been consultation processes and pre-synod meetings, but this time around the pope wanted to make sure that all those who want to take part could have their voices heard.

Before Oct. 2023, the synods office is expected to produce what thus far has been called a working document, a general guideline for the discussions of the three-week summit, though sources have told Crux that among the things discussed last week is a change of the name for this document. This time around, it wont be about what Rome thinks should be discussed, but a summary of what the seven regional assemblies think should be discussed.

Spanish Marist Brother Emir Turu, Secretary General of the Rome-based Union of Religious Superiors and a member of the synods spirituality commission, said that the fact that such a commission exists is a novelty on its own.

It seems incredible that this is new, he said. But we want to give another tone to the discernment the synodal process is supposed to inspire: It is not an intellectual debate on positions already taken. It is about entering together into a process of spiritual discernment. The intention, I believe, is extraordinary. I guess time will tell if we succeed.

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Synod on synodality to be 'process of spiritual discernment,' participants say - Crux Now

I would never have believed that I'd review and love a novel that includes recipes. But Michelle Huneven's "Search" and her Midmorning Glory Muffins have made me a believer. Which is appropriate because "Search" is a story about the evolving nature of belief.

Others, though, may feel skeptical about entering this explicitly religious novel. After all, "Search" is about a church looking for a new minister. The chapters present a long series of committee meetings a plot that could test the faith of even the most devout reader, despite the inclusion of Escarole Salad with Favas, Mint, and Pecorino. Indeed, in summary "Search" sounds weirdly ecclesial and culinary, like Marilynne Robinson with a light vinaigrette.

Behold: What follows isn't so much a review as an act of evangelicalism.

Huneven's narrator, Dana, is a restaurant critic and memoirist who belongs to a Unitarian Universalist Church in Arroyo, Calif. The wealthy, highly educated group of about 300 members is liberal to a fault, more devoted to diversity than divinity: Atheists Welcome! They're wholly focused on social action and generally uncomfortable with Jesus-talk. By some heavenly coincidence, the church goes by its initials AUUCC, pronounced "awk."

Although Dana has belonged for 24 years, in the opening pages she confesses to a "midlife spiritual drift," a rising ambivalence about organized religion. "I wasn't sure I still wanted to go to church," she says. "Almost everything in the Sunday worship had begun to annoy me."

The universe, of course, has other plans for Dana.

When the minister suddenly announces his intention to retire, a committee is formed to conduct a year-long search for his replacement. The intense little group must articulate the church's goals, interview ministerial candidates and present the best applicant to the laity.

Dana is daunted and flattered to be asked to join the search committee, though the retiring minister warns her: "Not everyone survives prolonged exposure to all the behind-the-scenes and inner workings of an institution." Still, Dana imagines that participating will enliven her spiritual life and even help her create an organization that interests her more. "I was hungry," she says, for "intense discussions of spiritual issues, theological trends, and ministry itself; subjects that my husband and my a-religious friends were not inclined to explore: faith, surrender, Baptist polity, the flames all mystics see."

Beneath those metaphysical concerns, Dana also harbors a secret motive, which becomes the incarnation of this book. Participating on the search committee, she hopes, will provide her with material she needs for her next memoir: "The Search, or how five or six intelligent, well-meaning people select their new leader. A study of democracy in miniature. A fractal of the national process. Plus recipes."

The stakes may be salvation itself, but, as is so often the case, the real matter of church work is taken up with who's wearing what, whether members should clap for the choir and other earthbound distractions sowed in every congregation by Screwtape's minions. Even Dana wonders, "Who'd want to read a book about a church committee," but the story that develops from this wafer-thin premise is miraculously engaging. Dana finds herself part of a committee divided into older members who know exactly How Things Must Be and younger members who are weary of ministers nattering on about Annie Dillard. One of them is covered in tattoos; another is in a polyamorous relationship. "This was not quite the group of brilliant, wise deliberators of my fantasies," Dana admits. But naturally, everybody imagines they have God or the Goddess on their side.

That theme, explored with light wit and deep humanity, makes this unabashedly churchly novel strikingly relevant to our conflicted political era. Dana is flummoxed and sometimes infuriated that her fellow committee members don't appreciate or dislike the same candidates she does. How do we convince people that they should reject the meretricious puffery they find inspiring? How do we resist the bitterness that comes from knowing we're right while everybody else is wrong? An older member of the search committee gently advises, "Consensus is not just everybody agreeing," but Dana is often too angry to understand what that might entail.

Clearly, there's more than a soupcon of autobiography mixed into this novel. Like Dana, Huneven spent time in seminary and then became a restaurant reviewer and an award-winning food writer. She attends a Unitarian Universalist church herself and once served on a search committee to find an assistant minister. Huneven's fellow congregants must be poring over these pages like Holy Writ searching for signs of their faces and foibles. But I suspect the author is far too experienced to lift her own acquaintances into this story untransformed.

Still, there is something refreshingly candid and transparent about "Search." For all our oversharing, we have relatively few novelists willing to write about the role of religion in contemporary life and even fewer who address spiritual practices with humor, empathy and lived wisdom. Huneven is one of those rare spirits. Religion doesn't bore or frighten her. She knows what a rich and fraught sanctuary the sanctuary can be.

"Church is the one place I know that privileges the soul," Dana says, "that focuses on spiritual values and bases a community on them. Church gives me more capacious and compassionate ways to think about my life and the world."

One could say the same thing about a thoughtful novel like this.

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Michelle Huneven's 'Search' offers spiritual wisdom and cookies - Frederick News Post

Zoe is serving with CMS under the Anglican Diocese in the Northern Territory. In her first year in community, she is focusing on learning language and building relationships. She prays that God will use her in her role as church support worker to encourage Indigenous church leaders in Ngukurr and surrounding areas.

My phone rings.

Zoe, weya yu?

La main kemp. Wanim?

Ai wandi go fishing.

I have this conversation on an almost daily basis. Little did I know when I signed up to become a church support worker in remote Arnhem Land that so much of my time would be spent fishing.

Ive been in Ngukurr for two months and its been a mixed bag of emotions. The delight of being welcomed in and getting to know my Aboriginal family. The frustration of my baby language as I learn Kriol. The natural beauty of this landscape. The constant trickles of sweat as daily temperatures vary between 38 and 40 degrees celsius. The fascinating lessons in bush skills from the church ladies. And all these emotions are rolled into one chaotic Technicolor kaleidoscope when we go fishing.

I finish up what Im doing and pack the car. Hand lines, cold water, bait, billy-can, camping chairs, maybe some bananas if Im feeling peckish and pessimistic about the prospect of fish. I drive to my friends house to pick her up. Turns out her sister and niece are coming too.

Before we go, my friend needs to go to the shop. There we see my Aboriginal sister who asks for a lift home because its too hot to walk. When we drop her off, her mother asks to come fishing too with her grandson. I have to tell her that we dont have room, but Ill try to take her another time. I drive off feeling satisfied with my culturally appropriate no that didnt involve actually saying no, whilst mentally adding her to my ever-growing list of people I need to take fishing.

I listen, praying for wisdom and cultural insight.

An hour after I left my house, were finally ready to drive out to the billabong.

As we drive, the ladies regale me with stories from their childhood. The old mission days were hard in many ways, but there was a simplicity to their childhood and they talk fondly of the whitefellas who were safe people in a world that changed too quickly. They lament over their own kids who seem to be launching straight from children to adults. We discuss family and community life. I listen, praying for wisdom and cultural insight. I long to share life with these ladies and support them, but I know that trust takes time. So I listen and I pray.

Wujay wi gada go? I ask as we get to a fork in the track. Its the first Kriol phrase I learnt and has been one of my most used.

Straight on.

I take the path I think is straight on. Turns out it was the other straight on. I pull up, reverse and take the other road. As the passengers laugh at my mistake, I take a deep breath and remind myself that vulnerable mission is the goal after

Read Full Story At: Eternity News.

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Missionary Diary: The spiritual discipline of fishing | The Paradise News - The Paradise News

The colourful notice on a wooden board in one of the offices of the Golden Temple, just steps away from its community kitchen, read: Register here for a free tour by bus of historic Sikh temples. The bus departs every morning at 8 and returns the same evening by 5. Though this service has been on for decades, I learnt about it a few weeks ago during a leisurely walk around the temple. My mind was quick to recall the words of William Wordsworth, Going for a walk is an invitation for surprise.

I began to imagine the experience of the tour. So, the following morning itself, I was at the office to get registered. At the bus boarding point, there were devotees, young and old, from almost everywhere. I was the only local but didnt look like one for I was holding a camera and a diary. As the journey started, we began singing hymns. Though I didnt understand the meaning fully, I could feel the peaceful vibes and hummed along.

To ensure we kept time, our elderly driver reminded us at every temple to stay together, and we did. Though I had seen all the temples on the itinerary, this time I found myself exploring each one of them with a fresh perspective. I came across many facets that I had failed to absorb earlier. For instance, during my many visits, I had walked past the 156-foot-high minaret along the holy pool at Gurdwara Tarn Taran Sahib but I didnt know that it was built by Kanwar Naunihal Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839. At Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib, I was oblivious to the fact that its land was gifted by Mughal emperor Akbar.

Altogether, we covered six gurdwaras, including Goindwal Sahib and Khadoor Sahib, passing through a scenic country route. The mere sight of vast green fields was soothing to the eyes.

There was a comedian uncle (as Id like to call him) with us. He kept reading a newspaper but his witty comments would leave us in splits. At one moment, he had something to say about the driver, and at the very next, he would remark on the serious expression on a pilgrims face. A native of Sangrur, he looked to be in his 70s but was much younger at heart. At Gurdwara Dera Sahib, known for serving lassi in the langar, he loudly joked, The driver brought us here as he is fond of lassi. He may have many glasses. During the last leg of the journey, I saw him explaining the Punjabi brochure of a gurdwara to a tourist from Delhi.

But what touched me most was the bond we developed on board. It grew stronger as we came out of every gurdwara. We felt like a big family that went on to exchanging our experiences and sharing anecdotes from our lives. Many of us were engrossed in spiritual talks and I stayed alert, soaking in the essence of a beautiful life. We should keep counting our blessings. It can change our destiny, said one of them, who had taken the same journey a decade ago as well.

As we were returning, there was an exchange of phone numbers, some even extending invitations to their homes. We boarded the bus as complete strangers and disembarked as members of the same family, which was such a blessing! I knew it was the effect of spirituality which beautifully bonded us despite our different age groups and backgrounds. Glad I decided to become part of this journey that enriched me with inspiring memories.

rameshinder.sandhu@gmail.com

The writer is an Amritsar-based freelance contributor

Rameshinder Singh Sandhu is a staff reporter based in Ludhiana. He mainly covers administration, besides writing on agriculture, lifestyle trends, culture and travel. ...view detail

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Spice of Life | From strangers to family on a spiritual journey - Hindustan Times

I grew up in a culture and in a household where seeking out a therapist meant you were weak or "loca." In fact, the few relatives that were in therapy were often attending either to save their marriage or due to a major life crisis or mental breakdown. It was never perceived or discussed as self-care or life management which is literally what it is. As a result, it took years of me destigmatizing my own ideas around therapy and mental health to finally cough up the courage to see a therapist. But unlike a lot of my Latinx peers, my first experience with therapy didn't come in my 30s or after COVID. I first took the plunge in my senior year of college.

I didn't know what to call it until my 30s, when mental health became more of a mainstream conversation, but looking back I think I first started realizing I struggled with some degree of anxiety my senior year of college. The 2008 recession had hit hard, and it was particularly affecting the media industry, so I had a ton of anxiety about whether or not I'd be able to secure a job after graduation. I started to notice my thoughts would race, and whenever I was overwhelmed I'd feel like I was about to have a heart attack when in reality they were actually panic attacks. So I started privately seeing a holistic therapist who specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy. The only people who knew were my parents and my siblings, who were incredibly supportive. I saw her for an entire semester and didn't feel the need to go back to therapy until my early 30s. I've had my fair share of therapists, the most effective ones always being Latina women. I noticed a major difference in how my sessions would go once I started working with someone who understood my cultural needs and challenges. I say all that to say that as much as I advocate and believe in therapy, COVID taught me that I actually needed much more.

Before the pandemic hit, I was just starting on my own spiritual journey. I grew up in a pretty strict Christian Latinx household that became more progressive and open-minded as my siblings and I started to get older. But growing up, it was hard. As a result, I was pretty agnostic most of my 20s. It was after 30 that I really started developing more of a curiosity and interest in my spiritual health. And while I've explored this mostly on my own it was in 2020 that I chose to seek out more spiritual guidance and support.

In 2020, I lost my full-time editor job, the medical insurance it came with, and my apartment in Harlem. I was in my mid-30s, moving back with my folks, and feeling like the world was working against me. I needed support, and so my very good friend Yaqu Rodriguez who is a reiki healer, a curandera, and the founder of Wave of Healing started working with me for free for months. I got more out of these sessions than I'd ever gotten out of traditional therapy sessions.

If you're not familiar with reiki, the best way I could describe it is it's a form of energy healing that is believed to have originated in Japan. It is believed to improve the body's energy flow and help remove blocks that can result in pain, stress, or anxiety. These energy healing sessions are typically done in person, but during COVID, Rodriguez and I did them remotely. They often felt like a mix of talk therapy with spirituality. I would share my struggles, Rodriguez would help me unpack them or work them out, and then we'd go into either a guided meditation or a reiki session, where things would come up for me and messages would be sent to her. It was helpful and healing. I was sold.

In 2021, with my Fidelis insurance, I started working with a traditional therapist again while simultaneously working with spiritual coach and reiki healer Zayda Rivera. After doing reiki for so many months in 2020, I knew that only doing talk therapy was going to feel very one-dimensional for me. So Rivera and I started doing a spiritual life-coaching package where we'd meet every two weeks over Zoom. It was a beautiful blend of talk therapy, life coaching, healing, reiki, and manifestation work. I truly believe that the work we did together helped me heal from things that would have taken me another five years to heal from. I also believe that our manifestation work is what helped me secure my current job and my apartment they were exactly what I was looking for.

Rivera describes the work we do together as "pltica, or a heart-to-heart conversation with spirit messages." During our sessions, she tunes in to me and my journey, and as she listens to my words she begins to receive intuitive messages that she conveys to me in assisting with my healing and growth.

"It's similar to talk therapy because our 60-minute session is created on the foundation that I am here to listen to you first and foremost, and whatever we discuss is confidential," Rivera says. "It's different from talk therapy because of the spirit messages. As an intuitive and a clairvoyant, I'm able to tune in to you so directly that I receive messages from your spirit team that are aimed to offer guidance, reassurance, and protection along your path. I am channeling these messages from a higher power. The therapy I offer is driven by our energy and the ability to shift and shape our energy for healing and growth."

Coaching sessions with Rivera feel three-dimensional to me. They address my mental, spiritual, and emotional health in a way that traditional therapy has struggled to achieve. It's no wonder so many Latina mental health experts who are also intuitive and spiritually gifted have been expanding and incorporating both spirituality and ancestral practices and wisdom into their work. It not only addresses cultural needs, but in many ways it feels like someone is finally speaking my language.

My mental health journey started with having to fight the stigmas associated with seeing a therapist at a time when no one in my life was seeing one. Now, while talk therapy is openly accepted, I have to fight the stigmas associated with spirituality outside of organized religion. It's been a challenge, which is why I was so resistant and so agnostic for so many years. Even attending Buddhist temples in Manhattan at one point had my Dominican mom freaking out.

It was when I focused on my own healing and my own needs and set others' opinions aside that I was able to openly seek the support and healing that I desperately needed, especially during this incredibly stressful and isolating time. "When we realize that it all starts with our energy and we focus on ways to find balance it will positively impact the whole of us. If energetic imbalances are left unattended for too long, they begin to appear in our physical lives as various ailments," Rivera says. "This therapy is based on the idea that when we return home to ourselves through meditation, surrender, movement, mindfulness, and shadow work, which is oh so necessary for true balance, we can heal ourselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. But it all starts with going inward and reconnecting with our spirit."

My goal for these coaching sessions is to get to a place where I stop giving my power to exterior circumstances and stop allowing my fears, doubts, and anxieties to take over me. One small disappointment or one stressful circumstance has literally ruined my day in the past. But I'm working through it and getting better. Rivera wants me to be able to experience people coming and going in my life without it impacting the peace within me. "The lessons will never end," she reminds me. "The journey is rough sometimes. Sometimes it's boring. Sometimes it's amazingly adventurous and exciting. We are ever-evolving creatures. So, embrace every part of what makes you you, and take deep breaths along the journey to remind yourself that you're alive. And what a beautiful thing that is."

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I Traded Traditional Talk Therapy For Spiritual Healing Sessions - POPSUGAR

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The defence minister's peppy, multi-disciplinary and very opinionated advisory panel clearly wishes to disqualify Roman Catholics from serving as chaplains in the CAF

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The Ministry of National Defences Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination recently produced a somewhat horrifying report. This was probably inevitable; there is not a significant number of genuine racists in Canada, nor can Canadian institutions be considered racist. This is just an abrasive cliche that has become faddish for all those who for whatever reason seek to dramatize, or at least aggravate, internal tensions in the country.

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Of particular concern was Section 6 of the report, titled Re-Defining Chaplaincy. This in itself is unsettling, since there is no need to redefine chaplaincy and the Department of National Defence has no moral authority to do so. Chaplains are usually Christian clergymen attached to different organizations, such as the Armed Forces, who, when requested, assist coreligionists, or anyone seeking spiritual guidance, with the resolution of questions having to do with their religious practices or concerns. The authors of this extraordinary document start hopefully enough with: The Defence Team recognizes the importance of an individuals potential need for effective support in ethical guidance or spirituality through the new Total Health and Wellness Strategic Framework.

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Unfortunately, the storm signals arise immediately after that portentous entree: It is necessary as well to recognize that, for some Canadians, religion can be a source of suffering and generational trauma. This is especially true for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited members of Canadian society. And Indigenous peoples have suffered unimaginable generational trauma and genocide at the hands of Christian religious leaders through initiatives such as Residential School and Indian Day School programs. Those members of the Armed Forces who find religion a source of suffering and trauma are free to avoid it without depending on this panel to conduct its own Reformation for them. The authors of this report manifest no aptitude to distinguish between the ecclesiastical needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited members of the Armed Forces and those members of the military who could not be so described. The history of Indigenous people in Canada is far beyond the remit of even the most wildly aspirational advisory panel to the Ministry of National Defence. And no one has suffered genocide at the hands of Christian religious leaders in the history of this country, whose civilized laws and principles it is the chief duty of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to protect, rather than to fictionalize and defame.

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The redefining of chaplaincy by this panel had just begun, but it got worse: At present, some chaplains represent or are affiliated with organized religions whose beliefs are not synonymous with those of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Some of the affiliated religions of these chaplains do not subscribe to an open attitude and the promotion of diversity. For example, some churches exclusion of women from their priesthoods violates principles of equality and social justice, as do sexist notions embedded in their religious dogmas. In addition, certain faiths have strict tenets requiring conversion of those they deem to be pagan, or who belong to polytheistic religions. These faiths dogmas and practices conflict with the commitment of the Defence Team to value equality and inclusivity at every level of the workplace. The advisory panel has observed that there are varying degrees of misogyny, sexism and discrimination woven into the philosophies and beliefs of some mainstream religions currently represented in the cadre of chaplains in the CAF.

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No, your eyes do not deceive you. This peppy, multi-disciplinary and very opinionated panel clearly wishes to disqualify Roman Catholics from serving as chaplains in the CAF, although they represent the largest religious denomination in Canada (representing almost 40 per cent of the population), including the sectarian identification of seven of Canadas last nine prime ministers i.e., the democratically chosen leaders of the organization that funds and commands the Armed Forces and is responsible for governing the country that it is the purpose of the Armed Forces to defend. The panel also considers various other Christian sects that are represented in the current chaplaincy of the Armed Forces to be unacceptable. In its holy crusade against systemic discrimination, this panel has taken it upon itself to decide what clergy members of the Armed Forces may consult, and apparently feel entitled to judge what theology it is acceptable for members of the Armed Forces to be exposed to.

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The report reassures us that the panel does not seek to evaluate or categorize these religions in this report. Rather it is pointing out that the Defence Team cannot consider itself supportive of inclusivity when it employs as chaplains members of organizations whose values are not consistent with National Defences ethics and values. And in its recommendations, the panel urges the rejection of chaplaincyapplicants affiliated with religious groups whose values are not aligned with those of the Defence Team.

It is undoubtedly appropriate for the Canadian Armed Forces, especially given the recent actions of some of its senior officers, to consider any changes that might be useful to eliminate harmful discrimination and generally to make the ambience of the Armed Forces as contented a workplace as it reasonably can be. But the idea that it has any standing to determine which of the worlds Christian and other religious denominations are adequately inclusive suggests that what is required is less focus on inclusivity and a more rigorous administration of tests of the basic intelligence and psychiatric wellness of the Defence Ministrys advisory panel. More precisely: are these people mad?

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It is chilling to think that the taxpayers are funding this hare-brained, wildly misguided intrusion into the religious liberty of the members of the Armed Forces. The analysis and recommendations included in this section of the report are a Vimy or Dieppe or D-Day-level assault on the intellectual and spiritual freedom of Canadas soldiers, sailors and airmen. It is time to stop this nonsense and launch a national and holy crusade to root out and dispose of systemic idiocy, and from the looks of this preposterously self-important and authoritarian document, there is no better place to start than with the CAF, whose almost uninterruptedly distinguished and courageous history appears now to be threatened by a cabal of tinkering lunatics trying to replace our Judeo-Christian and other traditions with contemporary moronic, busybody bureaucratese. This appears to have been recognized by Defence Minister Anita Anands office, which assured Canadians on Friday that chaplains from a variety of faiths will continue to serve in the Armed Forces. Let us all hope she stays true to her word as the very dignity of our military is at stake. Our Armed Forces have made great sacrifices and 112,000 of them gave their lives and over 205,000 were wounded defending Canada and the cause of freedom throughout the world in the two world wars. It would be profoundly unjust if they were to have this scourge of mindless official despotism inflicted upon them by the government of the people that they so admirably serve and represent.

National Post

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Conrad Black: A D-Day-level assault on the intellectual and spiritual freedom of Canada's soldiers - National Post

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. The Archdiocese of Newark and Seton Hall University announced that Monsignor Gerard McCarren, S.T.D., will begin a one-year appointment on July 1 as the Interim Rector and Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall. Monsignor McCarren currently serves as Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and the seminarys Spiritual Director.

Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., will conclude his tenure as Rector and Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology on June 30. After Monsignor Reilly steps down, he will begin a sabbatical year during which he will renew his vocation with study, travel, reflection and professional administrative development.

Monsignor McCarren is a well-respected priest, theologian, and seminary spiritual director, with excellent and relevant experiences that will allow him to continue our vital mission of supporting our seminarians as they discern Gods call to the priesthood, said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark. I am confident he will guide the men closer to Christ our Redeemer and prepare them to be good shepherds who will minister to the flocks that will ultimately be entrusted to them. I am grateful for his gracious acceptance to join us in the Archdiocese as interim Rector and Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.

Monsignor McCarren is a well-known scholar of Saint John Henry Newman and was a member of the Newman Association of Americas board of directors from 2001 to 2016. In addition to his work at Seton Hall, he has taught and provided spiritual direction at the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

His multifaceted experiences in priestly formation, deep knowledge of theology and esteemed reputation among priests and seminarians made Monsignor McCarren a clear choice for this interim appointment. During his interim year, the University and Archdiocese will advance the ongoing search for the seminarys next full-time Rector and Dean.

We thank Monsignor Reilly for his service in priestly formation over two decades. In 10 years as Rector and Dean, he cultivated an outstanding formation faculty while completing several facilities projects, including the seminary chapel. Perhaps most importantly, the seminary under his leadership instructed scores of young men in serving the people of God as priests and deacons, said Seton Hall University President Joseph E. Nyre.

After his sabbatical year, Monsignor Reilly will take up his new role as Vice Provost for Academics and Catholic Identity, and will continue integrating the Universitys Catholic identity ever more deeply across academics especially in local and international initiatives and academic programs that make Seton Hall an icon of Catholic education worldwide.

The University and Archdiocese of Newark are fortunate to count Monsignors Reilly and McCarren among the servants of Christ who enrich our spiritual lives. We pray for their success in fulfilling these new responsibilities, said Cardinal Tobin and President Nyre.

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITYOne of the countrys leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been showing the world what great minds can do since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 80 rigorous majors, Seton Halls academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and caring global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles by train, bus or car to New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. A new independent economic analysis of the University found that Seton Hall provides a significant impact on New Jerseys economy, totaling over $1.6 billion annually and creating and sustaining nearly 10,000 jobs. The universitys nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark. The Universitys Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in Clifton and Nutley, N.J. opened in the summer of 2018. The IHS campus houses Seton Halls College of Nursing, its School of Health and Medical Sciences as well as Hackensack Meridian Healths Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. For more information, visit http://www.shu.edu.

ABOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARKThe Archdiocese of Newark, under the leadership of Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, serves approximately 1.3 million Catholics in 212 parishes and 73 schools throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union. The Archdiocese serves the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. To learn more, visit http://www.rcan.org.

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Spiritual Leader Monsignor Gerard McCarren Appointed Interim Rector and Dean of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall...

While you may see pots of gold and lucky four-leaf clovers pop up in March for St. Patricks Day, thats not necessarily the luckiest time of the year.

In fact, spiritual advisorMeghan Roseclaimed the luckiest day of the year is here now and reveals how to best manifest all the luck in the air.

According to Rose and other astrology experts, Jupiter and Neptune will collide in Pisces on April 12, a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

In fact, the last time this occurred was 1856.

Explaining why this astrological happening is so special, Rose told The Sun: Jupiter is the planet of expansion, so it amplifies anything that it encounters and when its encountering Neptune, which is the psychic planet of ideals, intuition, spirituality, compassion, and dreams, what were seeing is an amplification of all of those elements in our lives.

She added that this will be an especially exceptional day for romance.

This is going to be an extremely luckydayfor love, new romance, a new romantic vision that will transcend time and space and actually ask us to open our hearts to unconditional love and take an inventory where unconditional love has previously had difficulty entering our lives, she noted.

This means that people who have struggled with relationships in the past may make a move to be more open to accepting love and friendship, while relationships that are currently struggling may find a positive groove.

Furthermore, Rose said those who have a strong relationship with their career may also thrive and see the recognition they have been working so hard to get.

As this is such a unique event, it makes sense to want to take advantage of it, and Rose revealed to The Sun the best way to use the energy of April 12 to your advantage.

A lot of it is going to be listening to your own inner voice, she stated.

Thats going to be the first and most important thing that someone can do.

She said everyones own voice will call on them in a different way.

If youre feeling called to stay into rest, to connect to yourself, thats the path that youre going to be asked to go into.

If youre feeling like theluckis only going to happen if you put yourself out there, step outside of your comfort zone, and start networking and connecting with others, its going to be a very fruitfuldayif you push yourself outside your comfort zone and those limitations, Rose explained.

She also said an ideal way to kickstart the positive energy during Neptune and Jupiters collision is to begin the day with a healthy morning routine such as journaling, intuitive movement, or getting outside.

Rachael Hartley, a dietitian and nutrition therapist,describesintuitive movement as the practice of connecting with your body and its internal cues and using that to determine what type of movement, how long, and the intensity youd like to engage in.

This can be anything from practicing yoga to embarking on your favorite hike for as long as your body feels motivated to do so.

Describing why she recommends such practices, Rose said: These things very clearly help us raise our vibration and when we get into that higher vibrational state, other people can see it, so then we start to see our external reality changing.

She added that its important to set boundaries for yourself so you can show up authentically and compassionately throughout the day.

And while Neptune and Jupiter will align in Pisces, its actually currently Aries season.

Rose previously told The Sunwhat each star sign can expect during this time of the year,which runs through April 19.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission.

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Spiritual adviser explains what to do on the luckiest day of the year - New York Post

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - The life of prayer, the consolidation of the relationship with Christ in order to help the faithful who are facing a crisis of faith, the new ways of evangelizing in the midst of a pandemic: these are some crucial points that emerged during the monthly meeting of the Seminary Family of the Archdiocese of Beijing, which was held on March 24. According to information gathered by Agenzia Fides, the intense synodal journey of spirituality of Lent, preceded by a long meditation before the Blessed Sacrament and the Crucifix, marked the usual sharing of the seminarians, guided by the formators and the spiritual assistant. Each class, group of seminarians and teaching staff presented their studies, their pastoral and missionary work carried out in the parish but also online, given that the pandemic situation does not yet allow the normal development of the life of the Church. The seminarians also took part in the monthly community spiritual retreat, on the theme "Contemplation in prayer", on March 25 and 26. They were invited "to always respond with the Fiat of the Virgin Mary to the Lord". In addition, some seminarians are preparing, with great commitment and the support of the entire seminary community, for the Beijing Civil Authority Higher Education Examination, which will take place from April 16 to 17, that is, on Easter Sunday. Along with prayer and encouragement, the Seminary's Office of Academic Affairs provided them with the classroom and the necessary material for their studies, since cultivating knowledge is part of the integral formation of the Seminary, in preparing candidates for the priesthood. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 12/4/2022)

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ASIA/CHINA - Prayer, relationship with Christ, new ways of evangelizing: the Beijing Seminary continues its synodal journey in the spirituality of...

Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) - The spirituality, the "lesson and missionary legacy" of the first Cardinal of Malaysia are contained in a book entitled: "The Cardinal: The Life and Times of His Eminence Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez". The project of the publication, to commemorate the contribution left to the local Church by the figure of Cardinal Fernandez, was led by E. Samson, with an editorial staff made up of people who worked closely with Cardinal Soter, who passed away on October 28, 2020, at the age of 88. "Cardinal Soters vision was so pastorally oriented as leader of the Church, not only in Malaysia but also in the region. He had a vision that was so farsighted. He did not think in a singular way but thought holistically. He did not just have one focus in mind, he had many things that built up the Church", said Samson the author, at the launch in recent days, at the Stella Maris International School in Damansara. The book contains tributes and memories from the young and old, featuring people from all walks of life and different religious backgrounds as well as those whose lives that the Cardinal touched in one way or another. Father Clarence Devadass, Director of Catholic Research Centre, who expressed gratitude for the gift of Cardinal Soter "whose life touched the hearts of many and left memories to last a life time". "May this book not only inspire many but also be a tool to spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Help us all to grow closer and nurture the bonds of community, values that Cardinal Soter exemplified by his life", said Father Clarence. In his speech, Dato' Richard Robless, Chairman of the Board of the Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon Foundation, which manages Catholic private educational institutions, spoke about the inspiration and legacy of Cardinal Soter which was the impetus behind the formation of the Stella Maris group of schools. "In 1987 - recalled Robless - the then Archbishop Soter had conveneda conference amongst Catholic educators, religious teaching congregations and lay persons, at the Infant Jesus Convent in Cheras, to discuss the situation and circumstances surrounding Christian mission schools, and to discern the Churchs mission and response to the changes and challenges that were taking shape. The conference resulted in the formation of the Malaysian Catholic Education Council and, subsequently, the birth of the Archdioceses agenda in private education". "The first Stella Maris School - he continued - opened its doors in 1994 in Jalan Robertson, Pudu. Encouraged by the success of this first school, Archbishop Soter initiated the incorporation of Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon to control and house under one roof, all of the Archdioceses interests in private education. The Foundation today owns and operates four private schools, including one that offers an international curriculum,"said Dato' Richard Robless. "The schools stand brightly lit as stars born from the burning desire and quest of one man. This is his legacy. This is his testament. And while we may have lost our mentor, we look at what he has left and we stand thankful and grateful to God for this great and loyal servant of His", he added. "His vision for education was something close to his heart. And despite all the handicaps and challenges that we were confronted with, he always encouraged us on. He used to say, whatever your cross, whatever your pain, workin the Lords vineyard will always be very difficult. But be encouraged for He will always be with you", he concluded. The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Julian Leow, speaking at the presentation and praising the initiative of such a publication, expressed the hope that "the book will serve as a historic legacy for the younger generation, and for those who may not have had the opportunity of knowing Cardinal Soter. Let us continue to keep alive this legacy that Cardinal Soter has left us. Let it not die but let it continue to grow and to bloom. And to take the Church in Malaysia to the next level. Inter-faith dialogue and ecumenism were foremost in Cardinal Soters mind, to build the Church and to contribute to the growth of this nation", concluded Archbishop Julian. (SD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/4/2022)

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ASIA/MALAYSIA - In a book, the spirituality and missionary legacy of the first Malaysian Cardinal - Agenzia Fides

Actor Jim Carrey has never been shy about any of his beliefs, from the political to his faiths. At one point, he even revealed that his faith helped him when journeying through hot Arizona. During his travels, Carrey recalled a particularly harrowing incident, where he feels he was comforted by a higher power.

Mega-blockbuster star Carrey embraced a more spiritual philosophy about life he wasnt shy about sharing with the world. Some of the lessons the In Living Color alum learned during this perceived spiritual awakening was that there was no Jim Carrey.

I dont exist, so They are all characters that I played, including Jim Carrey, including Joel Barish, including any of those things, Carrey once said at the Toronto International Film Festival. They are all characters.

This philosophy has even helped Carrey overcome extreme emotional issues.

So when I tried to go back and play Jim Carrey, I got depressed, and now I dont try to do that anymore, he continued.

But Carrey didnt limit himself to following just one religion.

Im a Buddhist, Im a Muslim, Im a Christian. Im whatever you want me to be, Carrey once told CBS News. It all comes down to the same thing. You are either in a loving place, or you are in an unloving place. If you are with me right now, you cannot be unhappy. Its not possible, just try.

Carreys newfound spiritual awakening has seen him through many trying times. In addition to granting him a certain level of peace, The Mask star once asserted it even saved his life. Speaking to The Mirror, Carrey recalled a time he went on an Arizona vision quest with the Lakota Indians.

I didnt plan on it, he said. I just went to a spa and I met a guy who was connected to the tribe and he told me about this vision quest which they dont let outsiders on. But I went and talked with the chief and he knew my heart was in the right place, so he decided that I could do it.

The journey would eventually take Carrey to the mountains.

I fasted for four days, I spent time in a sweat lodge and then they came in the middle of the night with a pick-up truck and blindfolded me and drove me to the top of this sacred mountain where theyd had these vision quests for a thousand years, he said.

Eventually, Carrey would feel he received help from a higher power during his quest.

Then at night I got tired of standing and I lay down on this little Indian blanket and I was really frightened. The coyotes were howling and the place was full of rattlesnakes, and I actually spoke out loud and said, God Im scared, be with me, he remembered. And at that point, the mountain range that was above me became the perfect shape of a man laying on his back beside me. All the fear left my body and I lay there thinking, This is really happening. Im actually seeing God and I cant believe it. Im so lucky.

Carrey was well aware of how some in the media viewed his newfound awakening. He compared it to how the industry once treated Tom Cruise.

Everyone gets to be the big joke for a year. Thats this business, he told The Times. Last year it was Tom Cruise. I could be the next Kathie Lee Gifford. But you have to say to yourself, Wait a minute, dude, thats not you.

Carrey was proud of the experiences his spirituality gave him. So much so that the Sonic actor considered writing a book about it.

It will be more representative of who I am than anything Ive ever done, he said. I feel like I know something. These thoughts make me feel like Im wearing gold shoes.

RELATED: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Actor Jim Carrey Reveals Only 5% of His Jokes Make It Into Movies

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Jim Carrey Once Felt He Saw God After Going on a Spiritual Journey - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

In a video recording captured a few years ago, Tom Leonhardt led a chant of the Hindu Gayatri mantra at the Crown Point Ecology Center in Akron.

Leonhardt in his early 80s at the time stood in a barn, surrounded by a small group of chanters. He wore a black T-shirt and a beaded South Asian meditation necklace as he taught the mantras words in the ancient language of Sanskrit.

"So it's call and response; is that going to be OK for you?" he asks the group.

The question seems to put them at ease. They smile and nod.

This is hardly the traditional picture of an ordained Catholic priest which Leonhardt once was.

But according to his many followers, untraditional was Leonhardt's way an approach he practiced until his death in December, at age 87, of complications from COVID-19.

"The people for whom he was most important were those who were neglected by or couldn't make it work in more institutional settings," said John McKinney, a psychiatric social worker from Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood.

McKinney first met Leonhardt more than 30 years ago. Leonhardt eventually became his spiritual director teaching him how to meditate, for example.

"He used a prayer from the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hahn, who said, Breathing, I know that I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know that I'm breathing out," McKinney said.

Drawing from different spiritual traditions was not an approach for which Leonhardt prepared early in his career.

Born in Toledo in 1934, he studied medieval Latin and religion in college. In the 1970s, he taught theology at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, eventually becoming ordained as a Catholic priest.

Tom Leonhardt was an ordained Catholic priest when he started Hope House of Prayer. [Carolyn Horvath]

Then, in 1981, he started forging his own path. He rented space in an apartment house on West 69th Street, in Clevelands Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. He paid the rent with his own money. Two or three times a week, he'd host Catholic services that included teachings from other religious traditions.

Now called Hope House of Prayer, the space is still in the same building today.

A small gathering room is filled with overstuffed armchairs. On the walls are colorful paintings and photographs, many related to the liturgy, meditation, reiki and dance workshops he led here for more than 40 years.

"We can always pull in more chairs if we get a lot of people," said Carolyn Horvath, Tom's wife, who survived him, led Hope House of Prayer with him and lives there today.

Yes, wife. Tom left the priesthood in the late 1980s to marry Carolyn. She'd been a Catholic nun who met Tom during a retreat at Hope House, and she, too, needed to leave her Catholic order to get married.

Carolyn Horvath, Tom Leonhardt's wife, stands in front of a tapestry showing a symbol Leonhardt designed honoring nature and unity. [Justin Glanville / Ideastream Public Media]

Their newfound independence freed them to become even more far-reaching in their offerings, apparent from the wide array of art and artifacts that decorate the room.

"This picture over the couch is the cover of the book that he wrote, Praying with Aramaic Jesus," she said, pointing at a framed rectangle of rainbow colors. Then she pointed to a corner with a smiling Buddha statue.

"That's our Buddha corner, because we have meditation on Mondays," she explained.

The space is physically small, but spiritually large a feeling that's intentional, according to Horvath.

"What people tell us is that it's very peaceful. They feel welcomed," Horvath said. "And from the beginning also we have said the door is open to everyone."

Welcoming everyone and forging their own path wasnt always easy or luxurious.

For the first 10 years after they got married, when they were in their 50s and 60s, Tom and Carolyn cleaned houses to pay their bills.

Later, they added to their income by working as "simulated patients" at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, giving feedback so students could practice their bedside manner.

Dr. Edweana Robinson of Kent State hired them more than 20 years ago.

"I want to be like Tom," she said. "I want to be a kind and gentle person."

Robinson said Leonhardt, with his shock of white hair and often sporting a rainbow peace symbol on his windbreaker, became a familiar and beloved presence on campus. Not just for his words but his way of being.

"Sometimes we are so rushed, we are so pushed that we forget all we want to do is get the job done as opposed to working to make the world better," Robinson said. "And he did. And that's what I want to remember is how I should treat other people."

Tom Leonhardt and Carolyn Horvath had been married for 32 years. [Carolyn Horvath]

Slowing down, being present, being kind Carolyn Horvath said those are her husband's greatest legacies.

Since he died a few months ago, she's been going through a dog-eared copy of The Little Prince. He used it as his only textbook early in his career as a theology teacher. It's full of passages he underlined, one of which Horvath read aloud:

"And all day, he says over and over, Just like you, I am busy with matters of consequence, and that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a man, he is a mushroom."

Horvath laughed, her eyes welling.

"I like that one a lot," she said.

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Spiritual leader for Cleveland's non-conformists leaves a legacy of slowing down and opening up - ideastream