Kim Johnson, our SJT host, has read a new book, Wintering by Katherine May. I have not read this, but I loved reading Kim’s thoughts about how winter gives us some time to read and reflect. I wish I could say that I’ve had that kind of time, but the truth is things have been quite frenzied around my house. But a spiritual journey means even in times of stress, we should make moments in our day for prayer, meditation, and reflection.
I am currently reading The Buddhist Enneagram: Nine Paths to Warriorship by Susan Piver. I heard her on a podcast called The Austin Enneagram by Elizabeth Chapin. The author Susan Piver writes concisely about the enneagram numbers while adding in Buddhist teachings around warriorship. Who doesn’t want to be a warrior? I struggle to embrace the good aspects of my number (four) and tend to focus more often on the negative ones, such as overrun emotions and shame. Working on ourselves and with our personalities is a lifelong spiritual journey.
AI tells me “In Buddhism, warriorship is about being present with what is happening, and not reacting with fight or flight. It’s about facing one’s own neurosis in order to address the neurosis of the world”
I can become a warrior by living in gratitude.
On one of those frenzied days, I became overcome by irritation, so I took a drive by myself. I went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. While I checked out, a woman recognized me and told me how her husband was in the hospital. My heart went out to her. Also, my irritation was relieved. God was letting me know, through presence and empathy, I can be selfless and generous. Maybe I can be a warrior who “addresses the neurosis of the world.”
What are you reading on these cold days? How are you being a warrior?
Here is the link to the Google spreadsheet for 2025 if you would like to host a month for Spiritual Journey First Thursday. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G73WNfn54dXAqT8gJTAcPfPtmWh0pXxo1LrTdf2aTMA/edit?usp=sharing
Reflections on the Teche 
Thank you, Margaret, for the opportunity to host today. I have enjoyed the thinking and reflecting, as I prepared for this month of thinking about Christmas and the frenzied pace that it does not have to be. I like your idea of being a warrior – being present in each moment. Especially during times like these. I can’t wait to check out the book, too. I get depressed when I have to admit and confront my oneness on the Enneagram. I don’t like being a 1. I want to be more of a 4 like you.
Here is the link to sign up for next year: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G73WNfn54dXAqT8gJTAcPfPtmWh0pXxo1LrTdf2aTMA/edit?usp=sharing
Wintering is worth the read. A different perspective on wintering. Thanks for posting
If you’d like to host a month in 2025, go sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G73WNfn54dXAqT8gJTAcPfPtmWh0pXxo1LrTdf2aTMA/edit?usp=sharing
I’m reading Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being–if you haven’t read it, it’s a good one to continue your journey into Buddhism warriorship!
If you would like to be a host one month in 2025, sign up on this Google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G73WNfn54dXAqT8gJTAcPfPtmWh0pXxo1LrTdf2aTMA/edit?usp=sharing
Margaret, sometimes the hardest demons to face are the ones within us. I think we all like to think of ourselves as warriors and it is hard to ignore the fight or flight tendency. We need to find that inner strength that we all have within us, and with God’s help we can.
Margaret, when I think of a warrior I bring the yoga poses to mind. Since May I have not been able to engage in yoga poses. Each week, I attend PT and there I am strengthening my stance, gaining balance and strength. Your thought gave me time to reflect on how to be selfless and generous even when I think I do not have the time. Thank you for your thoughts. The them of wintering opens up so many thoughts for December. (I filled in the chart for the 2025 Spiritual Journey.)