Next week, I’m hosting what I hope will be a continuing conversation about spirituality and work. I’m calling it Prayerful Productivity. In preparing for the conversation (and inviting you to join me), here are a few things you might want to know.
I’ve been considering doing something like this for a long time. And it’s been a struggle. On the one side, I feel really strongly that spirituality has an important role to play in our lives–not just personally but in what we work at and how we work at it. Whether it’s prayer or meditation, ritual or routine, with beliefs or without, tapping into meaning and purpose is powerful. Being intentional and mindful is powerful. And I would like to talk about that and write about it and serve people who feel similarly.
The flip side, the thing that’s held me back, is fear. Fear of being labeled as some sort of religious, right-wing kook (and for the record, I’m not right-wing). Fear of offending someone. Fear of being rejected or ridiculed or being subjected to the "who-the-hell-are-you?" thing (as in, "you’re not a spiritual leader and why should be listen to you?"). Fear of being called wifty or flaky or who knows what.
So creating this conversation and calling it prayerful outs me as a Christian (like you might not have already figured that out) and a Catholic (as if blog posts that refer to Saints hadn’t already indicated this). And what I really want you to know is that I take my faith seriously, especially that part where Jesus says “Love your neighbor,” which I interpret as meaning that I am called (yes, called) to be kind and gentle and hospitable.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have boundaries or that I’m willing to put up with a bunch of BS just to be nice. What it does mean is that I’m committed to having conversations with people from other faiths and no faiths at all. So if you’re someone who likes the idea of meditation and you’re not sure about this whole God thing, you’re invited and I’ll do my best to help you feel welcomed and comfortable. And if you’re an evangelical Christian, you’ll find things to like. And if you’re Jewish or Buddhist or Muslim, you’ll bring valuable insights to our conversations. If you’re an atheist and you're completely opposed the idea of God, you’re probably not reading this, but if you are: You might not enjoy these conversations and you’re still welcome to try. That brings us to the next bit.
There are some rules.
- Be nice.
- Listen actively.
- Don’t interrupt other people when they’re speaking.
- Attacking people as wrong or bad or damned to hell isn’t okay. Do that on your own time.
One last thing: This is a conversation. I won’t be yakking the whole time. We’ll ask questions and consider ideas and stuff. I want to know what you think. If you’re not willing to participate, then it will be very quiet. If you’re in it to converse, it’ll be fun. Here’s how to register.
Tara, I look forward to this conversation. You have been the catalyst for my rediscovery of the difference between faith and church. I have long been a solid opponent of some of the practices of the Catholic Church (most specifically opposition to birth control, even using condoms to prevent AIDS). When I learned you were a Catholic, that was what came to mind.
I have thought about it a lot recently and have come to realize the difference between the fundamental beliefs of Catholicism and the organization headquartered in Rome. I am remembering my surprise when I read Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Living Buddha, Living Christ,” in which he pointed out the common threads between the Catholicism and Buddhism.
Thanks for opening this door!
Hi Donna,
thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. I'm with you: I don't always agree with how Rome goes about doing things on a lot of levels from women in leadership to birth control and much more. One friend told me that if those who disagree with the Church leave her, then she'll never change. So I stick around, finding my tribe wherever they are. I, too, look forward to our conversation!
With love,
Tara
What a pleasant invitation. I have a committment until at least noon that day, with great possibility that it will run over. I wish I were free. I’d love to join you. I’ll share this brief insight, though.
Some years ago, a friend was stricken with cancer and died in less than 2 years. He inspired me, as he underwent treatment and I decided to deny myself some indulgences in order to lose weight. My thoughts were something like this: “If he can’t eat this, due to his illness, then I won’t either.” I gave up the cookies, etc. and lost 18 pounds. What it taught me was that answering to a Higher Power makes discipline easier, since there is no negotiation! It was kind of like Lent, I guess. I’d like to remember that with regard to my daily productivity, but I fail more often than not. Thanks for the reminder, Tara, and I hope to be able to join you late, next week.
Fondly,
Maripat
Dear Maripat,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and to share your thoughts. I was so inspired by your story and my heart aches for your loss. I am grateful for your presence in my life and look forward to hearing your voice again soon.
With love and blessings,
Tara
Thank you for declaring your faith. You are an inspiration. I can’t wait for the call.
Tara, I feel like our beliefs line up on so many levels. I am a passionate Christ follower. I feel as though I’m called to serve my fellow man in all things. As far as my occupation goes, I am a real estate consultant, but wish to grow my brand and my offering to much more than that. I’m looking forward to having this conversation about how we can bring our spirituality in to our work.
Tara,
I have a commitment at that time, so will have to catch the podcast. I’m very much looking forward to the exchange of ideas and will post comments later.
I am Jewish. For about a year I’ve been learning about a body of knowledge and practice within Judaism directed to “providing guidance on how to live.” Discovering this connection has helped me to stay on the path; Maripat expresses this well, where she says “answering to a Higher Power makes discipline easier.”
You’re very courageous to take on this subject.
Warmly,
Andy
Hi Brian,
You inspire *me*! Looking forward to our conversation!
Hugs,
Tara
Hi Andy,
Sorry you'll miss the call. I hope you'll be able to join another one later on. And thank you so much for your warm and encouraging words!!
Lots of best wishes,
Tara
Hi Kenny,
My apologies for the slow reply. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment! I am grateful that you are interested in learning more and look forward to contributing something to our conversations.
With blessings,
Tara