Posts by Colette Lafia

Self-Control: Self-Control is our growing awareness of God’s abiding presence and steadfast love. The inward assurance of the Divine’s unwavering love enhances our freedom of choice and action. –from Thomas Keating, Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit   A Simple Breath-Prayer of Self-Control/Self-Awareness The breath is a spiritual transmitter that allows this exchange to happen.…

Patience: Through patience we learn to wait with confidence through the ups and downs of our lives, trusting in God’s enduring love present in all we experience. –from Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, Thomas Keating   A Simple Breath-Prayer of Patience The breath is a spiritual transmitter that allows this exchange to happen. Below…

Goodness: Goodness is the affirmation of creation as good, together with a sense of oneness with the universe and with everything created. Goodness recognizes the beauty of all creation in spite of the damage that human selfishness has imposed upon it. As a result gratitude abounds in our hearts and a positive attitude characterizes our…

Gentleness: Gentleness is participation in God’s way of doing things, sustaining all creation with great diversity. We learn to receive the tenderness of God, and then share that with others. –adapted from Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, Thomas Keating   A Simple Breath Prayer on Gentleness Below is a breath prayer I learned a…

Faithfulness: Faithfulness is a daily commitment to live the path of love, and a trust that the Indwelling Spirit is helping us fulfill this call. We offer our daily actions to the Holy One our of compassion for others, and serve God without dwelling on what God or others will do for us, and persevere…

Kindness: Kindness is love in its everyday clothing, a gentle attentiveness that sees another’s humanity and responds with care. The growth of kindness (meekness) opens us to the continual awareness of God’s presence and of everyone with their limitations. –from Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, Thomas Keating A Simple Breath-Prayer of Kindness Below is…