Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

I suspect that each of us looks to a vacation that will refresh and renew them.   And that's not the same for each of us.   I just returned from a week of vacation at a cabin on a lake in the northern woods which, for me, is the perfect vacation.   I've been reflecting on that experience of simply being in God's presence. This time and place provided me with the space to enter into the gentle presence of God in   all of creation, which too often in my busyness, I can miss.   It was a time to just be. I was in awe at the beautiful sunsets on the shores of this lake, the strength and determination of the old turtle that I caught, the lovely bluegill who gave their lives for our breakfasts, the many faces of the lake and the simple love and fun shared by friends.    I delighted in hearing God's voice in the cry of the bullfrogs, the wind coming through the trees, the glorious songs of the birds and the play of the children nearby.   I recognized...

As  Dominicans we are always called to deeper truth.  I have the good fortune in the ministry I do to be in a learning mode.    Daily I am invited to practice nonviolent communication more practically and more genuinely.  The other day I got frustrated at our administrative assistant.  While I certainly expressed my feelings I did not pause to learn where he was coming from and what were his feelings or needs.  How to practice better communication in this instance?  Well, there is nothing like back-tracking to try to truly hear each other. This kind of learning is its own preaching as well.  Phrases like deeper listening, pausing, being curious about where the other is and what are his/her feelings and needs.  These are all practice tools. The ultimate goal?  Transformation:  individually, communally, and socially.  Through this practice I am slowly expanding my experience of empathy:  self-e...