Joan sends a weekly e-newsletter. This one really spoke to me. She wrote about the Rule of St. Benedict.

In her recent newsletter she pointed out:

“The Rule gives us three criteria by which to assess our likelihood of ever being truly happy. Not simply satisfied, that is, but genuinely contented by life. Happy.

“First, if you have not attached your sense of self to having the best of everything, you won’t be crushed when you see someone with things that cost more than yours. You’ll be happy to have what you truly need.

“Second, if you don’t need to be the center of attention, you will be happy just to be part of a group of good people who do good things together. The thirst for attention is a toxic brew. If it comes—in athletics, in government, in public activities—you will be scrutinized. And if it doesn’t, you’ll be depressed.

“Third, if you don’t expect a constant deluge of praise, privilege, and preeminence, then not experiencing those things will not disturb you.

“The Rule is straightforward: If you do not depend on exemption, advantage, and personal prerogatives to measure your happiness, your success, your life will become its own reward. A walk by the lake at night will dilute all the pressures of the day. An appointment for supper with friends will be enough to get you up happy in the morning. Then whatever the turn of the social system around you, your love of life unadorned and unaffected will sustain you. from Radical Spirit: Twelve Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life by Joan Chittister

If you have not read anything written by her, you might want to try. She is the author of 26 books.

Love of life unadorned and unaffected … quite a concept in contemporary America. I am giving it a try!