Weekly Messages

We conclude this rather lengthy lesson on the prayer of confession -- the prayer of self-awareness and self-disclosure with this epilogue. If you've seen a movie where the the priest finishes confession with an assignment, "say ten hail-Mary's," or some such thing,...

We can't practice the prayer of self-awareness and self-disclosure we've been talking about these many weeks -- without creating an environment that is safe for doing it. Today's lesson is about the practical things we must have in place before this transformative...

We're nearing the end of this lesson on the ancient prayer of self-awareness and self-disclosure. But all the rich treasure we've learned about the practice is moot -- if we don't have access to the environment in which to practice it. Have a listen, Doug...

The 12-step tradition has hard-won wisdom to offer. Turns out, the same dynamics that govern addiction to alcohol, drugs, or the other well-known addictions -- govern all of us. The way our brains balance themselves makes over-use of any tool, almost automatic. So,...

To know ourselves deeply, the questions we ask are really important. Fortunately, our tradition has left us a legacy to help us ask good questions. They are wrapped up in the ancient practice of confession -- or as we've framed it, the prayer of self-awareness and...

There are three steps in the ancient prayer of self-awareness and self-disclosure (confession). Step 1:  We pay attention to our negative emotions Step 2:  We undertake a thorough self-examination Step 3:  We engage forthright self-disclosure The second step is tough!...

Einstein once said that we can't solve our problems - with the same level of thinking that got us into them. This highlights the trouble we face when we come to the ancient prayer of self-examination - confession. The second step in this ancient prayer is to undertake...

We work really hard to keep an internal equilibrium in the face of a deep internal sense of shame. Some of feel the shame, others feel the bravado of confidence we use to keep the shame at bay. Either way, like duck feet under the water, we're paddling like crazy, to...

We're looking at two bedrock prerequisites behind the prayer of confession -- the prayer of self-awareness and self-disclosure. Last time, we looked at the first: our worth or preciousness are non-negotiable givens. So, we don't have to observe religious rituals to...

But in my defense - I didn't know I was. The story I was telling myself, is that I was being strong, and dependable, and sturdy. In the story I was telling myself, I was the good guy. My wife was the bad one. But I was wrong. And thank God, someone had taught me the...

If you grew up in church, there's a good chance you have some negative feelings toward the ancient prayer of confession. It may be, for you as it is for many, tainted with the idea that God withholds grace and mercy until you knuckle under, acknowledge how truly foul...