Something to Soothe, Something to Read

Something to hear, something you need

Dec 18, 2021

By now you may have heard the gift-giving advice: something to wear, something to read, something they want, something they need.

My hunch is that you, dear reader, are more likely gift-giver than gift-receiver.

So here are four categories of goodness for y-o-u as Advent wanes.

Something to Soothe

Do you or your kids need to find ways to encounter awe in this frantic season? This beautiful WaPo essay invites us all to ponder our place in the universe.

Do you need to spend time in the healing power of nature? Check out my friend Erica’s work on forest bathing (I promise it’s not as strange as it sounds).

Do you want to give yourself the gift of time in prayer for Epiphany as the New Year dawns? Join us for January’s In The Beginning retreat!

“St. Joseph” by Fr. Jonathan Harmon, SJ. Used with artist’s permission; may not be printed or re-shared. Visit jharmonsj.com for more work.

Something to Read

Want to embrace the delightful Icelandic practice of Jólabókaflód, giving books and chocolate on Christmas Eve? Here are a few favorites from my nightstand right now:

I’m savoring Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry (why did it take me so long to read his novels?!). Beautiful, soothing writing, even about the losses over a long life.

If depression is part of your life–or if you struggle in the northern winter darkness–check out The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You through Depression by Jessica Kantrowitz.

Started The Five Wounds but couldn’t finish it. If you loved it, let me know if I should keep going?

We got the children’s book Look! I Wrote a Book! (And You Can Too!) by Sally Lloyd-Jones from the library, and I refuse to return it. Buy this for any writer in your life; it makes me laugh out loud every time.

Something to Hear

Last week I discovered the heavenly music of Italian composer (and priest, and Dante scholar?!) Marco Frisina on Spotify. Now I’m listening to nothing else.

If you need Advent inspiration, I loved this 2020 episode of Sacred Ordinary Days with Scott Erickson about his book Honest Advent: On Vulnerability: Prayer, Art, and Parenthood.

I also started listening to Sarah Ku’s podcast A Growing Home with her latest episode on diverse children’s literature–so good.

Something You Need

Remember it’s ok to grieve in this season of joy.

I’m grateful to U.S. Catholic magazine for publishing this feature on supporting fathers in grief. Special thanks to the fathers who shared their stories with me:

Tommy Tighe (who just published St. Dymphna’s Playbook: A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being)
Alexander Pyles’ (whose beautiful eulogy for his son Frankie is worth your read)
Charley Monaghan (and the Emmaus Retreats he & his wife run across the U.S.)

Remember the One whose coming we celebrate.

I wrote an essay for U.S. Catholic on praying through the Christmas season with the names of Jesus. To dive into this prayer practice, check out my Emmanuel: A Christmas Collection.

Peace,

Laura

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The Holy Labor

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