What is Catholic Meditation?
Take me to "A Catholic's Guide to Self-Help"
By Gerry Crete, Ph.D.
We’ve all heard a lot about meditation, and these days, it’s often associated with New Age or Eastern practices that faithful Catholics are rightly wary of. But what is Catholic meditation? How is it different from relaxation? From prayer? And can it be used appropriately to reduce anxiety?
Understand the Definitions
First, it’s important to understand the definitions of what we’re talking about....
The Need for Community
Tell me about the Resilient Catholics: Carpe Diem! Community
By Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
Human beings need to be part of communities. According to Aristotle, human beings are “social animals” and therefore naturally seek the companionship of others as part of their well being. Some branches of psychology like attachment theory attribute mental health issues to a failure to bond in key relationships. We frequently refer to the communion of saints, the Body of Christ, the Church...
Overcoming Paralysis in Seeking God’s Will
Take me to the vocational discernment course!
By Dr. Mark Glafke, HSPP
Faithful young Catholics often desperately want to do God’s will in their lives. They take the idea of vocational discernment very seriously, turning to prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual or priestly counsel. It can feel like a daunting task: to discover and embrace whatever God desires for our lives.
Even secular-focused young adults can struggle for years in trying to answer the question of direction. According...
Helping Daughters Develop a Healthy Body Image
By Wendy Baribeau, LAMFT
We are all made in the image and likeness of God, and He declared all of His creation good. Unfortunately, this basic truth is often lost in modern America, especially by young women who feel immense pressure to improve their external physical “beauty.”
Advertisements work! Ads are a powerful force in modern media, which contribute to appearance-related anxiety while benefiting from the sale of products and services that...
Transform Conflict Into Better Relationships
Take me to A Catholic's Guide to Helping a Loved One in Distress
By Gerry Crete, PhD
Most of us handle conflict in one of two ways: we become defensive or we avoid. The defensive posture allows us to feel strong and self-sufficient, but it may lead the other person to feel shame, humiliation, anger, or frustration. The avoidant response keeps us isolated and alone. Either way, relational disconnection occurs.
As Catholics, we’re called to be part of the mystical body of Christ....
Seven Reasons Why Handwritten Letters Can Be Holy and Healthy
By Peter Malinoski, Ph. D.
Handwritten letters are as ancient as the written word and now are becoming as scarce as fountain pens. In our modern world of immediate communications, handwritten letters can seem antiquated, unnecessary and even a waste of time. However, a handwritten letter holds much more than the words on a page; it provides a unique vehicle for holiness and human connection.
1. Handwritten letters let us say exactly what we want.
One beautiful thing about handwritten...
Solitude, Masculinity, and Men’s Health
by Anthony Isacco, PhD
As we all know, comic book movies are very popular. Some of the best moments in comic books movies are when heroes have an existential crisis or an experience of defeat. They have self-doubt and feel wounded. They then retreat away from civilization and people. Superman has his Fortress of Solitude. Batman has his cave. Those places are supposed to be reprieves from the pressures of the world and spaces of reflection and healing. Essentially, they go there to get away...
The Greatest Psychological Obstacle to Almsgiving in a Crisis
Take me to the Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem Podcast
by Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
We’ve all seen the images of people in Costco battling over toilet paper. Times of crisis seem to bring out shocking behavior in many people, often driven by fear. During the last two weeks, we’ve looked at the first two pillars of Lent, prayer and fasting, as they apply to the current coronavirus pandemic. This week, let’s look at the final Lenten pillar just before Holy Week, the pillar...
Fasting (the Second Pillar of Lent) and the Coronavirus Crisis
Take me to the Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem Podcast
By Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
Fasting is something that Catholics typically define as limiting our food intake. You know, the ole “one full meal and two smaller meals” rule. And many Catholics leave it at that. Just meet the obligation on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and you’re good to go. Check the box. Done.
Remember the Point of Fasting
Let’s take a step back and ask: What is the point of fasting? Fr. Dwight...
A Psychological Take on the Coronavirus and Lent: Prepare for Prayer
Take me to the Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem Podcast
By Peter Malinoski, Ph.D.
We’re about halfway through the Lenten season, and how many of us predicted the kind of sacrifices would be required of us just a month ago? It’s been three generations since many of us have seen as much dislocation to daily life and our culture as we currently have with the coronavirus pandemic. With the rapid changes and all the new challenges come great opportunities for growth, for...