A vacation posting: this post from last spring is even more timely now in the midst of such widespread incivility

Here’s a simple practice that will change the way you interact with others, and how you treat yourself.

“Be gentle with each person you meet, for each of them is actually fighting a great battle.” Philo of Alexandria, 20 BCE—50 CE

It is a deeply spiritual practice, and contemplative—that is, it rises from the unceasing, interior prayer you are practicing.

Gentleness arises from the compassion God is birthing in you as you pray. Gentleness arises from your deep awareness of your own interior battle to be human and holy. Practice this and you will not only change the little part of the world you inhabit, but you will change yourself, for you too are fighting a great battle.