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Haywire

September 17, 2008

susan_preston_wire.jpg

Wound Up ~ Canon 30d

HAYWIRE just seemed an apropos blog title this week. $85 Billion loan to AIG to "prevent" global financial mayhem. Ummm... and this is a good thing? If anyone thinks what got AIG into trouble (writing CDS, or credit default swaps) is an isolated thing, I have a bridge in Alaska to sell ya.

On a note of utter relief, I went to the cathedral last night to hear Kathleen Norris talk about her newly released book, Acedia & Me. Wow. Double wow. It's was a very interesting discussion of acedia – a state of being described by 4th century monks as a slothful, meaningless state of being where one is transformed into someone who simply doesn't care... about anything. Along with pride and anger, the early desert monks considered this one of the 3 major temptations because of the insidious effect it has on our spirits –  compelling us to "check out" of life because our lives... the world... the election... the media... poverty... global warming... are too overwhelming and threatening. Instead of paying attention to those things that desperately need our love, we take false refuge in acedia. (Pronounce, a–SEEDY-ah).

I wanted to run up to the podium and hug her – so much of what she said mirrored my recent studies in Buddhism, it amazed me. Finally! A book addressing our spiritual complacency! When the video is posted on the cathedral site, I'll let you know for sure!


{ Yet another West Virginia image. }

Posted by susan at September 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Comments

Oh my goodness, this really is what is happening to so many of us. I've felt it happening to me sometimes and have desperately fought that feeling...I hope I can continue to and I certainly pray toward that end.

Posted by: Kirsten at September 19, 2008 01:12 AM