Christmas –  Not looking forward to it?

Christmas

  By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Do you have mixed feelings about the Christmas season? Typically, people say that they had a stressful time, despite also being satisfied. The very phrase ‘the spirit of Christmas’ evokes a sense of goodwill and cheer. Yet the idea can sound a bit hollow if we live alone and have no … Continue reading Christmas –  Not looking forward to it?

Miracles – Do they happen?

miracles

By Stephen Russell-Lacy People vary as to what they understand by the term ‘miracle’. For many, miracles smack of things caused by the supernatural, like a magical or mythical power. The term has religious connotations and the secular mind may be sceptical about miraculous phenomena seeing them as possibly due to superstitious perception. Others may … Continue reading Miracles – Do they happen?

Pet cats – What can we learn from them?

pet

My wife and I have a pet cat. We have got to know him quite well – his eating, relaxing, communication, play, and so on. Animals live on an entirely natural level and I realise it would be a mistake to attribute human emotions to them. But is there anything we can learn from our … Continue reading Pet cats – What can we learn from them?

Plant growth – A lesson in spirituality?

plant

My wife and I have recently taken on an organic allotment plot to try our hand at vegetable and fruit growing. From what I have so far learned, I have been wondering whether plant growth might have something to teach us about the human side of life. What might be the deeper lessons in nature … Continue reading Plant growth – A lesson in spirituality?

Scripture – Is it uncivilised dogma?

scripture

On the face of it, much of the Bible and Qu’ran is dogmatic and sometimes unintelligible. Scripture contains scientific misconceptions. Also it has outmoded rules of living for example about food consumption and animal sacrifices. There are references to historical events that seem unrelated to being alive today. One also notices all sorts of horrible … Continue reading Scripture – Is it uncivilised dogma?

Sacred things – Do they matter?

sacred

Ordinary life is filled with cares and concerns. We each get taken up with earning a living, the needs of our family, the problems of where we live or whatever. Don’t you sometimes yearn to re-discover a sense of balance and composure? Many people do this by re-connecting with a magical place where they have … Continue reading Sacred things – Do they matter?

Battle with yourself – How to win?

battle

You may be uncomfortable with some negative traits in yourself. Instead of being greedy you may wish to learn moderation, instead of being judgmental, to learn tolerance. Or maybe your archilles’ heel is self-pride or impulsiveness and you want to develop modesty and patience. Whatever your weakness, the question arises how do you change? For … Continue reading Battle with yourself – How to win?

Way of life – What path to follow?

way of life

Who hasn’t made big mistakes? Going down the wrong road. Choosing the wrong study course. Taking up with the wrong business partner. Moving in with, or marrying the wrong person. If your way of life is on the wrong track you may be in a bad way. Looking back on that bad choice can feel … Continue reading Way of life – What path to follow?

Colour – Why does it affect us?

colour

People vary as to their awareness of colour around them. When my wife and I moved house, she surprised me by stating she couldn’t sit in our lounge because of its green furniture and purple coloured walls. I’m probably a bit unusual but, beyond my initial impression, I hadn’t really noticed. However, I must admit, … Continue reading Colour – Why does it affect us?