Over and over and yet over again, we read that the Way to peace, love and joy, or peace of mind, is in the opposite direction of the way our egoic mind points us, natters at us, demands of us.
Clearly, that is why Thérèse of Lisieux always speaks to me...which I forget until the next time I come across her teachings. Whenever I read that she taught the spirituality of imperfection, I feel gobsmacked. It's as if I've never heard of that before, then I recognize again...the answer is in imperfection. And forget it before the day is wrapped.
I also take comfort that she trusted her own experience rather than the teachings of her church. I take comfort probably because that is where I am today in trusting my own body rather than my doctor's drug-pushing medical advice...not to be overly perjorative about it.
Interestingly, many of my daily readings right now are directed toward give up, give over, give in, my BFO gift of so long ago. For instance, one day, there was the memoirist Heather King's, We learn to love through frustration, disappointment, and failure. We learn through the seemingly trivial incidents of our daily lives.
The next day, here's Brené Brown, a contemporary teacher, who writes: It is in the process of embracing our imperfections that we find our truest gifts: courage, compassion, and connection. . . .
These are experiential writings from which I take heart for they validate my BFOs and unproven thoughts.
Egoic mind seeks ever and always to be right, spiritual mind accepts and welcomes Fr Richard's, We don't get to God by doing it right, we get to God by doing it wrong.
Thérèse of Lisieux humbly trusted her own experience and taught the spirituality of imperfection instead....[God] does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and gratitude.
Thank you.
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