Categories: anxiety, orthodox-life, friends, self-esteem, food, life, spiritual-journey
Date: 21 February 2010 03:49:50
While a tough week with the passing of my maternal grandma [the funeral is tomorrow, Monday: prayers appreciated, in particular for my mum and her sisters], the last fortnight, since my last "Positive Things That Have Happened To Me" post, has seen a great number of blessings. Working backwards...
Had a most wonderful, and unexpected [God indeed is gracious], talk to a fellow parishioner about struggles with acceptance, anxiety and self-esteem, which are issues she also struggles with. Completely unexpected, but just what I needed: and I pray I returned some of the help she gave in abundance to me.
Had a nice afternoon cup of Earl Grey tea in Parramatta Park: a treat for myself.
Listened to many podcasts from Ancient Faith Radio while driving which spoke to me directly of the struggles I am now facing; I am thankful for this internet ministry; I was never one to listen to sermons or talks in the car: now I am wondering why not, as I am getting great benefit from them. The most surprising was the one from The Illumined Heart on The Passions: How we get into this mess and how we get out with Mother Melania, a nun from St. Barbara Monastery in California. Wise advice, but also fascinating in that much of the advice of Mother Melania, which was advice from the writings of the Fathers and Theologians of the Church, was the same advice I had been given in hospiital and with my psychologists in overcoming my fears and anxiety: whether it be dealing with the situation immediately by distraction or not counting it a loss or failure when I fall, but to get up again. Of course, there is more, there is the overcoming of the passions [or anxiety, or whatever we suffer], but I find these techniques when I am in the midst of it and feeling overwhelmed very beneficial. Another podcast, St John of the Ladder on Seeking a Suitable Way of Life from A Word from the Holy Fathers also sounded as if it was given just for me: helping me to see the spiritual struggle of the Christian life takes place where we are at; we are called to that holiness and life in Christ in the circumstances we are in. Of course, with wisdom we can change our circumstances, but changing the circumstances in a belief that our problems will go away and we will not have to face them can be misguided.
Attended Monday and Tuesday's Great Compline services with the Canon of St Andrew of Crete, and Friday's Akathist service. A struggle to get to to be honest, in terms of desire or lack thereof, but once there, and afterwards, I was so glad I went.
Went to some gym classes even though I did not want to: it felt good afterwards.
Enjoyed time with my wonderful nieces; Eden in particular, as she approaches 18 months, is simply a delight to see as her loving and enjoyment-for-life personality shows through; even if she tires me out by wanting me to sing endless rounds of Ring a Ring o'Rosey -- interestingly, she falls down a bit early on the second "A-tishoo". All good fun though. Jessie is doing well, as is mum, and Skye is a delight as ever to play with, read to or talk to.
Received a most heart-warming and encouraging e-mail from someone I attend trivia with; the encouragement came in particular from her comments on me facing my struggles and attempting to change the misguided and unhelpful beliefs and actions, and how she knew it was not easy but was happy I was, as I am able, trying my best with the Grace and Love of God.
Had a most wonderful dinner and talk with two dear and beloved friends.
Had some in-depth and mentally-releasing discussions with colleagues, friends, at work.
I am sure there are more, indeed there are, such as reading enjoyable books and watching entertaining series or films on TV [final part of Doctor Who - The End of Time tonight! For all this, and for all I may have forgotten, thanks and praise be to God. I am blessed.