Comments on: Acedia & Me by Kathleen Norris

By: Ann Bursch

Ann Bursch — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:20:07 +0000

I am visiting Waikiki alone celebrating what would have been our 5oth anniversary. Sadly my dear husband died 20 years ago at the young age of 51. We were here the year before his illness. I too have been a caregiver for him as well as others through the years. I am re-reading Ms. Norris’s Dakota as I sit on the 41st floor Lanai looking out Diamond Head The canal to my left and the beautiful beaches to my right. How I would love to find Ms. Norris having a break from her cares and have a good visit with her. Knowing that that is not possible I am visiting with her through her books and finding renewal and peace in the hustle and bustle of this beautiful place. I am looking forward to reading this new book. It is well with my soul a rainbow is shining through the clouds over the mountains to the northeast.
Thank you Kathleen for your inspiration and Praise God for His continuing love.

By: Intuit Too

Intuit Too — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:08:48 +0000

Thank you so much for this.
This morning I prayed to God to show me what was wrong with me. I dont feel like exerting myself, to be a good wife, to be what I can capable of being, and why I just plainly feel that I do not care. I went along from, looking for “work” in the corcordance, to sluggard, to slothfulness, to acedia… its painful to learn these things about yourself, but like putting medicine on a wound, it is necessary.
All my life I’ve lived not knowing why i felt what i felt. Sometimes i stare at a wall and just cry and the utter sadness overwhelms me, and i don’t even know where it comes from.
I thank God that He has shown me what He wants to heal me of. There is hope in God, and His love endures forever. And He does want to heal us of this and live our life to the fullness of His plan.

By: Judith McLauchlan

Judith McLauchlan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:50:33 +0000

It is so good that Ms. Norris is able to be both honest and hopeful. It was helpful to see her able to do this after years of caregiving (shown in the interview) which can easily lead to despair rather than hope.

By: Merepeace

Merepeace — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:41:17 +0000

To weave the sacred with the profane of daily living is brilliant and reaches the soul of each person with comfort- thanks to you for the experiences revisited and shared !

By: Nathan Simmons

Nathan Simmons — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:11:28 +0000

I don’t know Kathleen Norris except through her books. I do know Saint John’s Abbey very well, having been a member of the monastic community from 1961 through 1974.
I will say, as Kathleen has said, that monastic life does bring one to an ability to identify acedia (and depression) and teaches one to deal with it.

By: Judie Harron

Judie Harron — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:21:09 +0000

AFter reading this interview I immediately reserved Ms Norris’ newest book at the local library. How refreshing to have an author who provides an antidote for the condition being reviewed in her book. I will read, pray and sing the psalms with my favorite Cistercian community with even greater zest for the mysteries revealed there and the ready answers to our human nature.

By: Ellen C. Warren

Ellen C. Warren — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:30:53 +0000

Years ago I wrote a poem that began “Care. Care. Don’t care too much.” It was a part of my attempt to armor myself against a world filled with suffering and injustice. Being extremely sensitive is a battle in this world, and not always an uphill one. I find myself stuck in the bottom of a hole too often. I truly appreciate that Ms. Norris has realized, and helped me validate my suspicion, that those of us dealing with acedia are many. And I’m also thankful for a word to use to describe it.

By: Priscilla Gannon

Priscilla Gannon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:49:03 +0000

I eagerly look forward to reading Ms. Norris’ newest book. Just reading the excerpt reveals to me how thirsty I am for the Psalms in my own struggle with acedia. Thank you Ms. Norris for brining me a word that helps me understand what I am feeling and the antidote.

By: mary

mary — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:43:45 +0000

thank you for letting me know I’m not alone,even though I knew in my heart of hearts I am never alone;I have always taken solace in My God.

By: Chuck Berdel

Chuck Berdel — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:37:57 +0000

How terribly profound. As I age I find there is a realism and acedia that is a part of who I am. Much of life is like she describes it…cyclical. The temptation to despair is real.