Categories: convent
Tags: convent life, spirituality, studying
Date: 24 February 2004 21:49:56
Since arriving here, things haven't exactly gone as I'd imagined. Despite knowing the sisters before I arrived they are far less old fashioned than I'd expected. This still continues to surprise me. I suppose not in all cases tho. One of the sisters said that she just can't adapt to trousers, never has, never will. Oh well, but I suppose she isn't exactly that young.
Another thing that's really surprised me since being here is the sheer number of people I'm seeing to help sort me out. I know this is a good thing, but I now have a:
Spiritual Director - stange things. I didn't even hear of them til about 6 months ago
Medical Herbalist - it works, ya-know. Also something I hadn't come across
Reflexologist - very strange experience. Think anyone who goes near *my* feet is mad
Priest - erm, sort of. Well, there's a different one most days but there's the normal church one
Mentor Sister - to explain what the life is like and just to be there when I need her
and I should be getting a counsellor too!! All though the community and contacts they have. While some of these people could be expected I don't think that the reflexologist and medical herbalist are commonly found through convent links, but saying that I only know the one community!!
It's been a good day. A day off is treated as a day off, although I still did lots of community things. I appreciated the lie in tho. I'm frantically trying to get my essays done. At lunch we were talking about what we're going to do for lent, and I thought if I write it on here it might remind me what I have planned. One of the other folks was saying I should take up doing my essays for lent. It's a good plan but I want something achievable. ;-) Seriously I'm feeling quite inspired to do the work and if I can only get them done I might finally get a qualification!
For lent I'm planning on giving up desserts, taking up a cycle of private prayer (cos I'm most disorganised at this) and read some of the bible each day. I'm also planning to go to Compline every day (even on day off) except when I'm away and take part in the corporate reading group. It sounds a lot (for someone who doesn't normally mark Lent) and I really hope I can do it. It's not *that* long and it might be a good thing.
I went to see the spiritual director for the first proper session today. It was very interesting and I think it will be a good thing. We'll have to see. I even had an impromptu review session with the Mother Superior! (Today) things are going really well, and I hope they will continue.
Speaking of which, I'd better get ready for w*rk tomorrow - more printing and filing, and do some more reading for uni.
Note to self: I must use my mobile to connect my laptop to the internet less. It's too expensive!