Sunday Journal Prompt

“It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters.”

– Amit Ray, Meditation: Insights and Inspirations

 

Raised Catholic, I no longer attend Mass on a regular basis. Since practicing yoga and reading Buddhist, Hindu, Tao, Jewish and other teachings, my commitment to Catholicism has waned—though I feel my sense of spirituality has risen. Still, I find peace during Mass, as its predictable structure and familiar hymns ground me, especially during times of sadness or uncertainty. 

On a recent cold, gray, rainy weekend afternoon, I felt the urge to go to 5 p.m. Mass. I sat near a man with special needs, flanked by his elderly parents with whom he communicated through sign language. When the priest held up the consecrated host in preparation for Communion, the man raised his arm as if he was at a rock concert, his index finger and pinky finger extended while the rest of his hand was in a fist. He waved his arm and body about, revealing a beaming smile to the congregation. I left Mass feeling a renewed sense of energy, having received the positive vibration radiated by this lovely soul.

When have you been lifted by someone else's spirit?

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

 “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

– Alexander Graham Bell

For the past six weeks, my older son Michael has been preparing for his first actuarial science exam, a national certification exam that positions him as a viable candidate for internships and job opportunities. He studied as many as ten hours per day during his winter break from college. Although he took breaks and hung out with his friends several times, he largely stayed focused on his mission.

After reviewing and re-reviewing study materials and taking practice test upon practice test, he sat for the exam yesterday—and passed! Our family is thrilled for him, as his success uplifts us all. I’ll never forget seeing his ear-to-ear grin when he shared the good news. A day later, my heart remains full, knowing that he proved to himself that his hard work paid off.

When has someone else’s success filled your heart with joy?

 

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

What energizes you?
How can you share it with others? 

Today I will launch the first of a series of journaling workshops designed to help people reflect on who they are, what they want and how they can help themselves flourish. The Sanskirt word dharma, for which there is no definitive English translation, has many meanings. The way I think of it, when we practice our dharma, we are fulfilling a passion that promotes inner peace and helps us thrive, thus enhancing our relationships with people in our various communities. 

What are we doing when we feel a sense of flow—that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing? Similar to a calling, a dharma may be caregiving, painting, writing, teaching or ministering. For me, sharing my love of journaling is a way to practice my dharma, to promote something that’s meaningful to me with others. 

What most energizes you? How can you share it with others?