Another note from Brother Franco, Headmaster of all Pizzaonian Monasteries,
Brother Giovanni,
It occurred to me this morning that for so many of our novice monks to be so concerned with themselves in terms of development and growth that they have to come from backgrounds where they were well-fed.
When people are digging for roots to stay alive there isn’t a lot of time for worrying about your state of mind. Don’t get me wrong, I am not recommending that we need that kind of hardship in our lives, but we do need a lot less self-indulgence and narcissism if we are going to survive as a culture.
My basic prescription is still the same. Focus on helping someone else and get your mind off yourself. It's amazing how our Creator is so willing to enter the minds of those who are simply out there trying to help someone.
I am not advocating joining a crusade or becoming a foreign missionary. How about just reaching out to someone close to you and helping them. Spend a few moments getting into their heads and being there for them.
It seems when we do this the door is open for spiritual growth without having to think about it.
Stay in touch…
Brother Franco.
Submitted by Brother Giovanni, Worldonian Bureau Chief, PNS, Pizzaonian News Service. Portalized 1:30 PM April 23, 2011
Although I wouldn't share the religious sentiments, I couldn't agree more with the notion of helping another to help oneself. Nice blog post - I hope others read and benefit too. You might like this; it has a similar theme: http://bit.ly/fq5ZRd
Posted by: JB | 04/26/2011 at 11:42 AM