Self-observation and spiritual presence

Self-observation talk at Well Spring House

  By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Contents of a talk about self-observation and spiritual presence given at Well Spring House Swedenborg Open Learning Centre 1/7/23 We have a natural tendency for mindless reactivity Jumping to conclusions Travelling to the venue where I presented this talk, I indignantly watched a driver ahead of me stall in the queue … Continue reading Self-observation and spiritual presence

Mindfulness – Swedenborg perspective

mindfulness

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Mindfulness is gaining growing popularity as a secular practice in daily life. It is a coming together of the  contemplative traditions, particularly Buddhism, and modern science Mindfulness is learned through meditation and other practices such as walking and eating mindfully. It involves paying close attention to what is going on in one’s … Continue reading Mindfulness – Swedenborg perspective

Spiritual practice – Which one is best?

spiritual practice

  by Stephen Russell-Lacy. When on life’s path we are all likely to be blown off course by the myriad unsettling and distracting things in the world in which we live. By worries and stress to do with, for example, gaining social esteem, earning a living, keeping friends, or finding a mate. And so you may … Continue reading Spiritual practice – Which one is best?

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?

Saying sorry — when should I do this?

Saying sorry

You can hear people saying sorry at funny times. I thoughtlessly knocked into someone in the supermarket the other day and she apologised to me even though it wasn’t her fault! Actually, I have noticed that British people do tend to say sorry over the least thing. It seems to be an unthinking response in … Continue reading Saying sorry — when should I do this?

How can I swallow the bitter pills of life?

Bitter pills of life

People who moan about the bitter pills of life can get you down. For instance I don’t like Lawrence. He is the sort of individual who you may also know. Someone who comes across as a bit of a moaner and much to my embarrassment is not slow to criticise even his own children behind … Continue reading How can I swallow the bitter pills of life?

Honesty – Is it really the best policy?

honesty

A lot of us have grown careless in what we say. “It wasn’t my fault we lost the game, I didn’t hear the whistle.” or “I was pushed over and my foot hurt.” Who has never made up an excuse to stop feeling embarrassed? This covering up may seem harmless enough but over time a … Continue reading Honesty – Is it really the best policy?

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Starring Shakespearian actor John Barrymore, and directed by John S Robertson, this  silent movie version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was made in 1920 at Paramount’s Astoria studios New York and is the fourth of over 120 film versions of Robert Louis Stephenson’s macabre novel. It proved a tremendous success at the box office. The … Continue reading Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Gossip – Is it good for the soul?

gossip

Is it good to talk about the private lives of public figures? Like the sexual seductions of Dominique Straus-Khan, managing director of the IMF? This is someone who was heading for high political office. Or the widely reported affair of footballer Ryan Giggs with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas? What is more important — the human right to a private life or the media’s freedom of expression? Can talking about people we know be a good thing?