I agree with other commenters that it would be helpful to hear other real-life examples. (For example, I heard on a podcast interview that an author decided to start the day by going outside first thing, even in bad weather, instead of looking at his phone. He remarked at how much that simple decision had formed him. How easy to implement!) Since it seems that many of these questions require some thought, maybe a resource as a half-day personal retreat?
I've been interested in this for some time and have a bit of knowledge. I use a planner that encourages you to create one and then review it annually. The problem I've always had is not having concrete examples of how it looks in basic, everyday terms. I don't want to flat copy someone else's as they should be personal to your own situation, but it would be helpful to see what kinds of things people include. I suppose Earley's book would be helpful in that regard - if I ever get it off the TBR pile. (I need a rule of life for my TBR pile alone!)
I am an Enneagram 1 with a 9 wing who was brought up in fundamentalism and legalism and is still recovering! So while the idea of a rule of life appeals to me, I have a hard time following through without accountability. I don’t fly by the seat of my pants. I like structure and routine. I read my Bible and pray most days. But I don’t like to feel overextended. Therefore, I need a minimalist rule with a compelling purpose. And I like PDFs! :)
I'm interested to hear more about the difference between Rule of Life and the Reflections exercise you provided in December/January. I found the Reflections very helpful. Reviewing what I wrote in December 2021 has been encouraging and convicting. I'm seeing what is working and where goals are in progress still. For a few years I used the template for Rule of Life from Ken Shigematsu. I'm at a different stage of life now and would appreciate accessing your resources as a bonus to your next book.
Writing a rule of life is a subject I would like to explore and will be interested to read what you will share about writing yours. My thought on a rule of life is that it should be a guide for living that helps keep the focus on eternity.
I’ve been talking off and on w my pastor/friend about this. It feels ..... big. And the temptation for me (and others, perhaps) would be to overdo it. “I will memorize a Psalm a day and achieve holiness by year 2.” How to keep it simple and .... doable, would be helpful.
Have you read The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green? Your adjustment to Cincinnati reminds me of his adjustment to Indianapolis after living in NYC. The audiobook is excellent (give it about 5 chapters) I laughed, I cried. The original review of Indianapolis was recorded for this podcast
Have found Stephen Macchia’s book “Crafting a Rule of Life - an invitation to the well ordered way” a most helpful resource in prayerfully creating my own Rule of life.
I agree with other commenters that it would be helpful to hear other real-life examples. (For example, I heard on a podcast interview that an author decided to start the day by going outside first thing, even in bad weather, instead of looking at his phone. He remarked at how much that simple decision had formed him. How easy to implement!) Since it seems that many of these questions require some thought, maybe a resource as a half-day personal retreat?
Ooo, I love the day of a half-day personal retreat! Or at least suggesting it as one-possible option.
I've been interested in this for some time and have a bit of knowledge. I use a planner that encourages you to create one and then review it annually. The problem I've always had is not having concrete examples of how it looks in basic, everyday terms. I don't want to flat copy someone else's as they should be personal to your own situation, but it would be helpful to see what kinds of things people include. I suppose Earley's book would be helpful in that regard - if I ever get it off the TBR pile. (I need a rule of life for my TBR pile alone!)
I need a rule for my TBR pile, too!!! Thanks for these great thoughts, Tammie.
I am an Enneagram 1 with a 9 wing who was brought up in fundamentalism and legalism and is still recovering! So while the idea of a rule of life appeals to me, I have a hard time following through without accountability. I don’t fly by the seat of my pants. I like structure and routine. I read my Bible and pray most days. But I don’t like to feel overextended. Therefore, I need a minimalist rule with a compelling purpose. And I like PDFs! :)
PDFs, yes! And I agree that a rule needs flexibility, simplicity!
And thank you for the resources! JMC on fasting is excellent!
I'll have to reread this from him!
I'm interested to hear more about the difference between Rule of Life and the Reflections exercise you provided in December/January. I found the Reflections very helpful. Reviewing what I wrote in December 2021 has been encouraging and convicting. I'm seeing what is working and where goals are in progress still. For a few years I used the template for Rule of Life from Ken Shigematsu. I'm at a different stage of life now and would appreciate accessing your resources as a bonus to your next book.
I'm so glad to hear that end-of-year review was helpful! And thanks for suggesting this resource fromn Ken. I'm not familiar with it!
Writing a rule of life is a subject I would like to explore and will be interested to read what you will share about writing yours. My thought on a rule of life is that it should be a guide for living that helps keep the focus on eternity.
Agree, 100% Thanks, Lynn!
I’ve been talking off and on w my pastor/friend about this. It feels ..... big. And the temptation for me (and others, perhaps) would be to overdo it. “I will memorize a Psalm a day and achieve holiness by year 2.” How to keep it simple and .... doable, would be helpful.
YES! I agree. It's very defeating if something is too ambitious!
Have you read The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green? Your adjustment to Cincinnati reminds me of his adjustment to Indianapolis after living in NYC. The audiobook is excellent (give it about 5 chapters) I laughed, I cried. The original review of Indianapolis was recorded for this podcast
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed/episodes/anthropocene-reviewed-indianapolis-and-love-first-sight - perfect length for your school commute and I think you'd appreciate his comments about "home" in general.
Have found Stephen Macchia’s book “Crafting a Rule of Life - an invitation to the well ordered way” a most helpful resource in prayerfully creating my own Rule of life.