Author Archives: richp45198

About richp45198

I am a clinical psychologist and have an abiding interest in matters spiritual.

On Retirement

Posted on May 24, 2023 by richp45198

I recently closed my 40+ years practice of psychological counseling. As I approached that landmark, I found that I had to apply to myself advice I’d offered to many others over the years: “Don’t just think about what you are … Continue reading →

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Heroes: Henry Aaron

Posted on May 2, 2023 by richp45198

Baseball season is in full force and my Red Sox are struggling. But I continue to embrace baseball with the enthusiasm that I learned to nurture early in recovery. From my love of baseball, I have also acquired a number … Continue reading →

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Conspiracy Theories: A Spiritual Problem

Posted on April 11, 2023 by richp45198

Conspiracy theories are nothing new. People have long embraced conspiracy theories, most often in an effort to make sense of catastrophic events. Earlier in my lifetime, there were two prominent conspiracy theories, both of which are still around today. Those … Continue reading →

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The Star Thrower

Posted on March 24, 2023 by richp45198

Some years ago, I was reading a book by the great naturalist Loren Eiseley and came upon a chapter titled “The Star Thrower”. In it Eiseley shared an encounter he’d had on the coast of Costabel. In the distance, framed … Continue reading →

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Is My Church Still Dying?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by richp45198

Roughly 23 years ago I wrote a piece published in America that was titled “My Church is Dying?” At a later point, I was interviewed for a television piece on the pedophile crisis in the Church and again said “My … Continue reading →

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Challenge of the Serenity Prayer

Posted on February 28, 2023 by richp45198

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change The courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference. I have these words above my desk, mainly so that I am reminded … Continue reading →

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Songs Along the Way

Posted on February 14, 2023 by richp45198

Elsewhere I have written about the power and importance of sacred music on one’s spiritual journey. I have paid particular attention to “Amazing Grace”, a beautiful hymn that has special meaning for those of us recovering from addiction. However, I’ve … Continue reading →

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Cain and Abel: A Story of Sibling Rivalry

Posted on January 24, 2023 by richp45198

     Do you have a brother or sister? Have you always gotten along? Sadly, it is quite common for there to be rancor between siblings. In the case of Cain and Abel, that rancor erupted in a most horrifying manner. … Continue reading →

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Saints Along the Way

Posted on January 17, 2023 by richp45198

I have been thinking lately about saints — individuals whom the Catholic Church has designated as people of great spirituality who are held up to us as role models. When I was young, I viewed them as perfect and, knowing … Continue reading →

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God’s Grace in Surprising Ways

Posted on January 3, 2023 by richp45198

I used to make fun of televangelists. I saw them as hucksters and con artists and doubted very much that they provide doorways to salvation. That all changed some years ago when I heard a woman’s story of an encounter … Continue reading →

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