Take care of yourself during family gatherings. They can be emotionally rough. Sometimes these get-togethers do not feel good because of negative patterns that are deeply imbedded in the family system. Keep your perspective. Set the emotional distance you need when troublesome behaviors occur. Detach yourself from old unhealthy behaviors.
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
Such good advice. We have high expectations of family gatherings during the holidays but in reality we are the same people as we are during the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteTrue. So many shows and advertisements keep us attuned to the miracles we can face in family dynamics during Christmas.
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