PANDEMIC RESOURCES

During this pandemic there have been many suggestions as to how we might cope with the awful stresses and strains caused by lockdown.  Frequently the media report on a variety of physical exercises that can relieve gloom and despair; we are reminded that nature is a great healer and that time spent in the countryside, in woods or parks, can be very beneficial.  But few, if any, address the deeper needs that are often forgotten or even unrealised; the need of our inner being, the heart of who we are – that ‘immortal diamond’, interior castle – which needs our attention.  If we’re concerned with our physical well-being, why are we not equally concerned with the centre of our being which determines so much about who we are and how we cope with life.

The Church (of England) has so many resources it could offer people and I hope these simple Exercises might encourage others to share the hidden wisdom of our Faith which can be of such help.  If you have comments you would like to make or additions to the Exercises, do leave a message.

There are various ‘spiritual exercises’ we can undertake, and I want to draw your attention to  a few that can really help in this time which many find to be filled with anxiety and fear.  Firstly, of course, it’s important to acknowledge that we do have an ‘inner-being’!  That we’re more than skin, muscle, brain and bones.  That we have what’s been traditionally called a ‘soul’, our God-given identity, which lies in the heart of who we are.  And, because it is God-given, it is beloved.  We are loved in the deepest part of who we are and no one and nothing can destroy that love because it is of God – we don’t own it, control it or  have it at our disposal.  We need to ‘hear’ that, accept and own it – we are loved in the depth of our being, loved with Godly compassion, so it’s important that we practice sitting in that compassionate gaze which God turns towards us so that we can be enfolded in God’s compassionate love.

Christians realise that Jesus is all compassion, and any spiritual exercises are best practiced with him who – ‘though we cannot see him – is closer to us than our breath.  So, here are exercises you can practice – in the comfort of your chair or, if you have one, using a prayer-stool.  Decide how long you’ll spend – how long would you give to physical exercises?  Fifteen minutes?  Half an hour?  Here are some you might try – but remember, they need to become part of your life if they are to have any effect.

(NB.  You can download these from Google docs. by pressing the 'Download' button)

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN:  A preparation

EXERCISES

EXERCISE 1:  Learning to breathe

EXERCISE 2:  Becoming centred

EXERCISE 3:  Simple exercises

EXERCISE 4:  Natural exercises

EXERCISE 5:  Words of life

EXERCISE 6:  Imagining the Word

EXERCISE 7:  Relishing Life

EXERCISE 8:  At the centre of our being

EXERCISE 9:  The music of the heart

JUST THINK ABOUT

REFLECTION 1:  PSYCHOMACHIA - psycho what?!

REFLECTION 2:  INSHALLAH - as God wills

REFLECTION 3:  CHRISTMAS IS COMING - without the kids?

REFLECTION 4:  LOCKDOWN AND LONELINESS

REFLECTION 5:  LIVING WITH THANKSGIVING

REFLECTION 6:  COPING WITH FEAR

REFLECTION 7:  THE ONLINE 'JESUIT GUIDE' - to the pandemic if not everything ..

REFLECTION 8:  DEPRESSION, DESOLATION AND DARKNESS

REFLECTION 9:  FULLY HUMAN

REFLECTION 10:  CONTEMPLATION IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC

A BOOK: The Mystery of Faith which is introduced here contains helpful information about ... Faith.

If you would like to be advised when other Exercises or Reflections are added, please send an email to: jff2209(at)yahoo.com requesting to be kept in contact.

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John-Francis Friendship TSSF
November 2020