Practices From the Inside Out: Spiritual Life is Not About Being Responsible

Last updated on: June 10, 2018 at 9:02 am By Greg Richardson

Spiritual Life is Not About Being Responsible I know people who seem to think spiritual life is about being responsible. They are convinced spiritual life drives us to become more responsible. These people believe spiritual life within them and in the world draws them to take on responsibilities. They take on projects and positions of responsibility and approach them with serious intention. Many people view spiritual life as a ladder or staircase of responsibility. They see additional responsibilities as signs... Read more

Leading Like a Monk: Who Inspires You To Become a Leader?

Last updated on: June 7, 2018 at 3:28 am By Greg Richardson

Who Inspires You to Become a Leader? I know a lot of leaders, and each one is unique. Some of the leaders I know are excellent at speaking in public to groups of people; others are much more effective talking to one or two people. Some of the leaders I know are very good writers. They write with grace and substance. I also know people for whom writing a few sentences is a terrible ordeal. Some leaders are extroverts and... Read more

Listening to Sacred Stillness is Going Beyond Everyday Limits

Last updated on: June 5, 2018 at 8:31 pm By Greg Richardson

Going Beyond Everyday Limits Listening to sacred stillness is how we go beyond everyday limits. There are times each day when my own limits come into clear focus. I get to a point where I cannot go any further, physically or emotionally or intellectually. It is almost as if everyday life is trying to point out our limits to us. Even though I am recovering as a workaholic, I still often strain against limitations. I do not like to think there... Read more

Practices From the Inside Out: The Power of Anticipation

Last updated on: June 3, 2018 at 3:42 pm By Greg Richardson

The Power of Anticipation Do you believe in the power of anticipation? Some people approach life as an opportunity to anticipate. They pride themselves on their preparation for any eventuality. People who anticipate follow a list. Their bags are packed and ready to go before the morning of their trip. People who enjoy anticipation like to believe they can see around corners and in dark spaces. They like to think they can foresee complications and plan accordingly. The people who... Read more

Leading Like a Monk: An Introduction to Monastic Leadership

Last updated on: June 1, 2018 at 3:23 pm By Greg Richardson

An Introduction to Monastic Leadership Monastic leadership grows from a unique set of assumptions and expectations. We think of leadership as being out in front, directing people’s effort, making decisions. Our understanding of leadership starts with telling people what to do and how to do it. We believe people need to learn and wait to become leaders. Many of us believe we choose our leaders in popularity contests. Some of us see leaders as special people with enhanced abilities. Our... Read more

Listening to Sacred Stillness: When God Smiles Back at Us

Last updated on: May 29, 2018 at 9:02 pm By Greg Richardson

When God Smiles Back at Us Many people feel intimidated by spiritual life. They think sacred truths are for people who are better or wiser than we are. It is easy for us to believe spiritual life is about following a set of rules. We assume we are supposed to act certain ways or be interested in particular topics. When do not behave like that or share those interests we can feel bad. We might feel guilty or ashamed or... Read more

Practices From the Inside Out: A Weekend for Remembering

Last updated on: May 27, 2018 at 8:10 am By Greg Richardson

A Weekend for Remembering This is a weekend for remembering and reflecting on how we remember. In the moments between sleeping in, grilling and eating, sporting events, and retail sales, we will remember. I have to admit remembering is not something I particularly enjoy doing. It is not that I have a problem remembering facts or information. I am not good at remembering my passwords, and no longer need to remember phone numbers. The real challenges for me are remembering what... Read more

Practices From the Inside Out: A Spiritual Journey to San Diego

Last updated on: May 24, 2018 at 9:44 pm By Greg Richardson

A Spiritual Journey to San Diego Two Wednesdays each month I take a spiritual journey to San Diego and back. My friend Cristin owns and operates Saffron & Sage, a wellness resource. In addition to essential oils, energy work, massages, and yoga, Saffron & Sage offers spiritual direction. I take a train from Los Angeles to San Diego in the morning and return to Los Angeles the same evening. It takes me about the same amount of time to travel... Read more

Listening to Sacred Stillness: Becoming Our Own True Selves

Last updated on: May 22, 2018 at 8:31 pm By Greg Richardson

Exploring Our Own True Selves We believe we know ourselves well. After all, we have known us our whole lives. We work hard and spend years trying to be true to who we are. Eventually we realize we are strangers to our own true selves. The selves we thought we knew come apart in our hands, fragile facades and masks. Behind the masks we find carefully constructed defenses, one after another, which we do not remember building. We try to... Read more

Practices From the Inside Out: Lighting the Fire of Inspiration

Last updated on: May 19, 2018 at 11:15 am By Greg Richardson

The Fire of Inspiration How do we practice lighting the fire of inspiration? There are days when I feel the heat from inspiration on my face. It may be warming my fingers on the keyboard or the back of my neck. Then there are days when nothing seems to spark inspiration for me. I try match after match and nothing seems to catch fire. Is there something wrong with the matches or the strip on the side of the box?... Read more