I love this insight to you faith Donna and the openness it allows at that intersection where spirituality and faith can live in harmony. It reminded me that although I’ve never been religious growing up in a small village meant that the spirit of community was always present and when I was in church I felt a calming influence. It’s been special to reflect on that today through your words. With love and light. Louise x 🙏💫
I loved this read Donna. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve done any regular reading because of exam prep (still ongoing unfortunately!), and coming back to substack to read this was beautiful. Similar to you, my faith gives me strength for everything, including the demands of hospice work. I do have moments of uncertainty/doubt when I see terrible things happen to good people at work, but having faith in a Grace that sustains me is far more important than letting go of the faith in defiance of its relevance based solely on the things I see/how I feel. Thank you for this lovely read! (:
Donna, I'd gotten so far behind in my substack reading this week, but this post had been calling to me from my inbox like a siren. I couldn't wait to have time to read it and, boy, was it worth the wait. I was raised Methodist (though I attended Catholic school) and I must have said that "peace that passeth understanding" benediction a million times, from the time I was old enough to copy what my parents were saying. I said it by rote and it was meaningless to me. Until now. What a beautiful sentiment...may we all have profound peace. When I was in my 30s, I'd turned to Hinduism for my spiritual nourishment and there we learned a benediction that translates to: "May all beings in all universes be free from suffering." I truly never realized the similarity in the two until I read your post. Thank you so much for that gift! Now I want to go back and find the meaning in all the things I'd memorized and taken for granted in those Methodist teachings.
This post is beautiful, and I can't help but share that it recalled for me a wonderful memory. I recall the first time "the peace that passeth all understanding" clicked into place for me. I can almost hear the click. And then the swoosh of feeling that overcame me, a sense of awe, amazement, and utter peace--as if that peace visited me. The liturgy ends in procession soon after, and I recall making my way along the dark, carved church pews, through the massive wooden doors of the church, and out into an open, blue sky. I was young, and it was a profoundly formative moment in my own spiritual life, and I resonate with your felt-sense of this 'peace' and your sense of well-being.
I am also deeply grateful to you for sharing about the upcoming Awaken Wonder course--on a post about your spirituality, especially. A humble thank you, Donna.
Faith (when tied to religion) is a funny thing to me. I flinch away. Not for other people. I want people to find whatever supports their spiritual and emotional health in any form that works for them.
I believe in our connectedness to one another, to our planet, and all on it. And maybe this is my version of a higher power--those mycelia-like strands that bind us all, the whole of them. I think that’s what I hear you saying. It can be whatever works for me. And I appreciate that. It brings me closer to peace about an aspect of life that still contains a great deal of under-the-surface roiling for me.
Beautiful words, Donna. Poignant and profound. I really appreciated — and needed to hear — the bit about it not being either action or surrender but rather that both can exist simultaneously. I think I’ve struggled with this because I have a tendency to fall into ‘all or nothing’ thinking, and so I really appreciate that reminder.
It was also really good to hear how your spiritual life and your mental health are connected, as these two things seem too close not to be influencing one another.
OMG your uncle sounds like me. 🤭 I think I actually said the same line a few times.
I’m grateful to have had church experiences as a youth that didn’t scar me. What a blessing that was, given how many seem to do nothing but wound and scar.
I just read the other day that it always hurts when you argue with what is. That’s why it’s better to surrender to reality, which is my definition for God.
It is hard to talk about faith in a way that makes every reader welcome, but you have a knack for open arms. Here, your truth and compassion shine together:
“I am thankful my churches didn’t leave the scars that seem to have been deposited on the souls of others who were raised in the Christian faith. I have many fond memories of being there.” 💕
You pass that peace on to me and others with every post, Donna - beautifully conveyed - I'm so grateful I'm at a point in my life where I can read things about faith and spirituality, and not run screaming, because I have my own and I'm always learning more about them, with an open mind and heart. 🤍🤍🤍
You are absolutely right about the connection between mental, spiritual and physical health, and the ripple effect something positive in one aspect can bring to the others. I have actually discovered that maintaining a balance is key to sustain the challenges in life. Thus we cannot neglect either of these aspects. Thank you for writing about such an important topic!
-- Faith, for me, is an unwavering anchor that profoundly impacts every facet of life. It’s not just a set of beliefs; it’s a guiding force that shapes my values, choices, and responses to life’s twists and turns. In moments of uncertainty, it becomes a source of profound comfort, instilling a sense of purpose that transcends the immediate challenges.
Through faith, I’ve discovered resilience — navigating difficulties with an underlying assurance that there’s a greater purpose. It’s in these trying times that faith unveils its transformative power, allowing me to find strength within myself and fostering a resilience that propels me forward.
Moreover, faith weaves a tapestry of connections. It deepens my relationships, as it encourages empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose with those who share similar beliefs. It’s a personal journey, yet it binds me to a broader community, creating a sense of belonging that goes beyond the tangible.
In essence, faith isn’t just a component of life; it’s a constant companion, influencing the lens through which I perceive the world, shaping my responses, and ultimately enriching the very fabric of my existence.
Thank you, Donna, for sparking these reflections in me today. 🤎 Xo.
This is beautiful. Faith is very personal. I appreciate you sharing. I love the description of the church you grew up with and the quote from your uncle.
When I was in LA I went to an Chinese medicine doctor (who was from Israel not China, hehe) and the biggest take away from that appointment was this— work on healing my soul first and the rest will fall into place.
Thanks for sharing your faith and wisdom.
It is indeed rather art than science about building an inner strength, nurturing our inner light that's connected to the Creator.
I love this insight to you faith Donna and the openness it allows at that intersection where spirituality and faith can live in harmony. It reminded me that although I’ve never been religious growing up in a small village meant that the spirit of community was always present and when I was in church I felt a calming influence. It’s been special to reflect on that today through your words. With love and light. Louise x 🙏💫
I loved this read Donna. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve done any regular reading because of exam prep (still ongoing unfortunately!), and coming back to substack to read this was beautiful. Similar to you, my faith gives me strength for everything, including the demands of hospice work. I do have moments of uncertainty/doubt when I see terrible things happen to good people at work, but having faith in a Grace that sustains me is far more important than letting go of the faith in defiance of its relevance based solely on the things I see/how I feel. Thank you for this lovely read! (:
Donna, I'd gotten so far behind in my substack reading this week, but this post had been calling to me from my inbox like a siren. I couldn't wait to have time to read it and, boy, was it worth the wait. I was raised Methodist (though I attended Catholic school) and I must have said that "peace that passeth understanding" benediction a million times, from the time I was old enough to copy what my parents were saying. I said it by rote and it was meaningless to me. Until now. What a beautiful sentiment...may we all have profound peace. When I was in my 30s, I'd turned to Hinduism for my spiritual nourishment and there we learned a benediction that translates to: "May all beings in all universes be free from suffering." I truly never realized the similarity in the two until I read your post. Thank you so much for that gift! Now I want to go back and find the meaning in all the things I'd memorized and taken for granted in those Methodist teachings.
Donna,
This post is beautiful, and I can't help but share that it recalled for me a wonderful memory. I recall the first time "the peace that passeth all understanding" clicked into place for me. I can almost hear the click. And then the swoosh of feeling that overcame me, a sense of awe, amazement, and utter peace--as if that peace visited me. The liturgy ends in procession soon after, and I recall making my way along the dark, carved church pews, through the massive wooden doors of the church, and out into an open, blue sky. I was young, and it was a profoundly formative moment in my own spiritual life, and I resonate with your felt-sense of this 'peace' and your sense of well-being.
I am also deeply grateful to you for sharing about the upcoming Awaken Wonder course--on a post about your spirituality, especially. A humble thank you, Donna.
I love your thoughts here Donna!! You have a beautiful way of describing faith.
“It lands in my heart in the form of trust.
It lands in my mind in the form of exploration.
It lands in my gut in the form of knowing.”
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing!!
More than happy to send a cyber hug, Donna!
Faith (when tied to religion) is a funny thing to me. I flinch away. Not for other people. I want people to find whatever supports their spiritual and emotional health in any form that works for them.
I believe in our connectedness to one another, to our planet, and all on it. And maybe this is my version of a higher power--those mycelia-like strands that bind us all, the whole of them. I think that’s what I hear you saying. It can be whatever works for me. And I appreciate that. It brings me closer to peace about an aspect of life that still contains a great deal of under-the-surface roiling for me.
Beautiful words, Donna. Poignant and profound. I really appreciated — and needed to hear — the bit about it not being either action or surrender but rather that both can exist simultaneously. I think I’ve struggled with this because I have a tendency to fall into ‘all or nothing’ thinking, and so I really appreciate that reminder.
It was also really good to hear how your spiritual life and your mental health are connected, as these two things seem too close not to be influencing one another.
A great piece, Donna, thank you.
OMG your uncle sounds like me. 🤭 I think I actually said the same line a few times.
I’m grateful to have had church experiences as a youth that didn’t scar me. What a blessing that was, given how many seem to do nothing but wound and scar.
Thank you Donna. 🙏
I just read the other day that it always hurts when you argue with what is. That’s why it’s better to surrender to reality, which is my definition for God.
It is hard to talk about faith in a way that makes every reader welcome, but you have a knack for open arms. Here, your truth and compassion shine together:
“I am thankful my churches didn’t leave the scars that seem to have been deposited on the souls of others who were raised in the Christian faith. I have many fond memories of being there.” 💕
You pass that peace on to me and others with every post, Donna - beautifully conveyed - I'm so grateful I'm at a point in my life where I can read things about faith and spirituality, and not run screaming, because I have my own and I'm always learning more about them, with an open mind and heart. 🤍🤍🤍
Loved it!!
You are absolutely right about the connection between mental, spiritual and physical health, and the ripple effect something positive in one aspect can bring to the others. I have actually discovered that maintaining a balance is key to sustain the challenges in life. Thus we cannot neglect either of these aspects. Thank you for writing about such an important topic!
-- Faith, for me, is an unwavering anchor that profoundly impacts every facet of life. It’s not just a set of beliefs; it’s a guiding force that shapes my values, choices, and responses to life’s twists and turns. In moments of uncertainty, it becomes a source of profound comfort, instilling a sense of purpose that transcends the immediate challenges.
Through faith, I’ve discovered resilience — navigating difficulties with an underlying assurance that there’s a greater purpose. It’s in these trying times that faith unveils its transformative power, allowing me to find strength within myself and fostering a resilience that propels me forward.
Moreover, faith weaves a tapestry of connections. It deepens my relationships, as it encourages empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose with those who share similar beliefs. It’s a personal journey, yet it binds me to a broader community, creating a sense of belonging that goes beyond the tangible.
In essence, faith isn’t just a component of life; it’s a constant companion, influencing the lens through which I perceive the world, shaping my responses, and ultimately enriching the very fabric of my existence.
Thank you, Donna, for sparking these reflections in me today. 🤎 Xo.
This is beautiful. Faith is very personal. I appreciate you sharing. I love the description of the church you grew up with and the quote from your uncle.
When I was in LA I went to an Chinese medicine doctor (who was from Israel not China, hehe) and the biggest take away from that appointment was this— work on healing my soul first and the rest will fall into place.