Why might you think more about some of your identities than others?
What experiences have led to this awareness?
What has made you unaware of other identities?
awareness
Seeing the Rivers of Life
Pay attention to the events of our lives from a Vincentian perspective:
- What happened today that INSPIRED me?
- What happened today that SURPRISED me?
- What happened today that CHALLENGED me?
- What happened today that touched me deeply or called me to CARE?
“Your mere presence will touch their hearts.”
~St. Vincent de Paul
- How was your Vincentian heart touched today?
“What a benefit to be in a community where each single person participates in the good done by all the members.”
~St. Vincent de Paul“Encourage one another, and may your mutual good example speak louder than any words can.”
~St. Louise de Marillac
- Given these gifts of the day, what are some practical “next steps” for you on your Vincentian journey? How will you go about your work differently after having been a part of this day?
Juansen Dizon Poem
By Juansen Dizon
it’s okay
to dissolve
in the process
of creating yourself.
it’s okay
to leave parts
of you behind
if they no longer
serve a purpose in
becoming who you are
Juansen Dizon is a poet and dreamer who explores themes of depression, hope, healing, romance, and the love for life.
Issue We All Face
By Robert Rivers
I know what you may face today
All those issues that come your way.
Within the dark of the night
Gives no one any delight.
If you think you are alone
Simply call a friend on the phone.
It is never beyond a true friend’s scope
To be there to help you cope.
No matter who you are
Those troubles are not too far.
But, never be one to give up so quick
We can always intervene that is the trick.
Life issues will come and go
Sometimes fast and sometimes slow
Sometimes good and sometimes bad
Giving us happy and giving us sad.
Don’t hold it in, don’t be uptight
Stand your ground, give it a fight
Issues can cause so much stress
But always remember that life can also bless.
So talk it out with a friend
You will feel better in the end.
Issues we always face
But talking it out makes this world a better place
Caring for Ourselves Reflection
Caring for Ourselves Reflection Questions:
1. How are you, really? How are you physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually? (If helpful, spiritually can be understood as wherever we find meaning or connection in something bigger than ourselves)
2. What has been most stressful during this quarter?
3. What are ways you currently care for yourself?
4. What do you want to START or STOP doing which you think will help you care for yourself?
5. Caring for ourselves cannot be done in isolation, but community/collective care is also important? What does that look like in your life right now?
6. How can we live out collective care as a community?
The Two Feet of Social Action
Activity to discuss the desired balance between service and justice.
- Everyone stand up! Stand on one foot and think of all the times that you offered service or helped someone out. Think of all the moments that you were doing charity of some kind. When you are finished thinking about these moments you may put your foot down.
- Now stand on your other foot. Think of all the times that you worked toward changing a structure or system of some kind. Think of all the times you advocated for someone, called your legislature, or anything else you would consider working for justice. When you are finished thinking about these moments you may put your foot down.
- Did you notice a difference between the two? Did you stand longer on one foot than the other? Why?
We need both feet – both charity and justice – if we are in this for the long haul. Direct service is important, but it is also important to start asking ‘why’ we are doing what we are doing and ‘what’ are the causes of the injustice and poverty we witness.
Stop Being a Pleaser
By Henri Nouwen
You have to let your father and mother [and parent] figures go. You must stop seeing yourself through their eyes and trying to make them proud of you.
For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. You need not look at that only in a negative way. You wanted to give your heart to others, and you did so quickly and easily. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you. You must stop being a pleaser and reclaim your identity as a free self.
Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest, writer, and theologian.
From The Inner Voice of Love: Doubleday, 1996.