Some Initial Insights and Feedback from my Facebook content request

First of all, I want to thank the readers who did take the time to give me their first thoughts and some initial suggestions for my FB site. I expect more of these suggestions, as they might have a double duty: They might also be useful for my new website postings and the possible expansion of its content or design…

First, and the most common response, is to reduce the posts to once or twice a week! I can understand this advice as I feel that I have acutely suffered from information overload during this last year, and now that my daily book entries are completed, that already marks a reduction in my daily submissions…

Now or next, I will be looking into ways to limit and streamline my sources of information and concern-not making the mistake of trusting internet commentary-on the right or on the left- as being reliable facts! What we need most, I feel, are role models, not talking heads!

Additionally, I am going to be more careful and selective about my FB posts…while choosing “to like” a post requires little effort, and can often simply be an emotional response… still, the value of my images/posts do engage your attention, and so I want to respectfully limit my daily posts to the ones I find to be the most compelling and inspirational, the most thoughtful and sincere. (Yes… I will stil try to find humrous one, too! There is often a need for some “holy agnostiicsm” and some irreverent wit!)

As a result of these requests, and for my own need to let go of the media fascination/addiction to information that many of us have had over this last tumultuous political and culturally challenging year, I will restrict my daily posts for Matthew Fox and Richard Rohr that I have dutifully posted seven days a week! You may have observed that along with the daily posts, at the end of each week, they post a summary! What a concept!

So, on Saturdays from now on, I will glaly post Fr. Rohr’s summary of that week’s topics or message, and on Sunday, Dr. Matthew Fox offers the summary of his more theological and cultural commentary. While these two remain excellent resources, by only posting the weekly summaries, it reduces your emails by 2 everyday or 12 each week! That cuts down a lot! Thank you!

Depending on the other responses I receive, and suggestions for new content, I will be better able to answer any spiritual and/or religious questions submitted to me, taking the necessary timee to discuss any books,movies etc.. (all the options I had mentioned as possibilites in my earlier note…)

Introducing A New Approach to Sabbath and/or Meditation Time

Next, as a part of a New Year’s assessment of personal energy, health, and focus, and my intention to make room a d time for a more distinct and practical recommendations for spiritual practice, I am going to personally recall and affirm the daily practice of meditation, and the intention of having or holding to a personally designed time period, historically or traditionally known as a Sabbath Day… (Sermon and books on the value of Sabbath can be provided…)

If a whole day, or even 8 hours feels too unrealistic, it has been a proven fact that being able and willing to set aside two 20 minute meditation times each day; an hour without media, or as a time for reflective or devotional/inspirational reading; and simply embracing the sacred silence works too!
It can be sitting on a porch, listening to birds, taking a walk or a long bath; the main thing is to quiet your mind, letting your heart relax; letting the body rest and recover from the inordinate stresses of everyday life…

It might be that you will not be able to choose the same time each week or even he same day; Experiment with time and place, and see what will work for you! Knowing that setting aside such a block of time is a gift you give to your heart, mind, and soul… Whatever you choose to do, dedicate this time to your desire for peace, rest, balance, and for recharging your body/mind/spirit in ways that will truly benefit you…

Most often, there is a meditative approach linked to a daily approach to Sabbath; the time you set aside for your personal daily or weekly rest, healing, and recuperation…. Often best facilitated by reduced sound/noise and often centering on paying attention to your breathing … I recommend that you start small: 5,10,15 minutes to begin with deep slow breathing rhythms.
(If anyone wants some guidance on these meditative or breathing practices, I will share the ones I use and the ones I recommend to others as a part of my interfaith spiritual direction or companionship work… These practices can also be combined with yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, simple stretches and mindful walks…

I feel that a Sabbath Day and/or more meditative daily practice(s) are sorely needed in our churches, our politics, and in our daily lives.

Blessings, Peter
I will begin this reduced postings on Saturday, and offer an Epiphany reflection…