Author Archives: richp45198

About richp45198

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

The Gift of Enthusiasm

Posted on July 16, 2021 by richp45198

One of my favorite sportscasters was Jim McKay of ABC Sports. One of his duties over the years was to host Wide World of Sports on Saturdays. What impressed me about Jim was his capacity to be enthused about any … Continue reading →

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Reading the Bible Yet Again!

Posted on July 9, 2021 by richp45198

I just finished reading the Bible again for the sixth or seventh time. Not sure. I remember the first time I read To Kill A Mockingbird. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately reread it. I would be dishonest … Continue reading →

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On Asking Questions

Posted on June 25, 2021 by richp45198

Rabbi David Wolpe once wrote that being human includes asking the important questions, asking them again and again and not letting go. The religion I grew up with wasn’t big on asking questions so I was often left to entertain … Continue reading →

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Poems as Spiritual Teachers

Posted on June 11, 2021 by richp45198

One of the beauties of the spiritual journey is that we have available to us an abundance of teachers. I have been blessed with many great ones. Spiritual mentors ranging from Henri Nouwen to Abraham Joshua Heschel to Thich Nhat … Continue reading →

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Further Thoughts on Memorial Day

Posted on May 27, 2021 by richp45198

A combat veteran recently said to me “I hope to God nobody says ‘Happy Memorial Day’ to me. I’ll cuss ’em out!” Indeed this is not a happy day for many. Starting in late April/early May many combat veterans look … Continue reading →

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Mothers in Movies

Posted on May 7, 2021 by richp45198

Just as in literature, motherhood is a popular theme in film. Granted, many of those portrayals of mothers are not flattering. Some mothers are portrayed as deeply wounded (Amanda in The Glass Menagerie). Others are deeply disturbed (Mommie Dearest). Here … Continue reading →

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Survivors of Suicide

Posted on April 30, 2021 by richp45198

This week I spoke with two survivors of suicide, one dealing with the suicide of a colleague, the other dealing with a family member. This is a silent often overlooked population, sadly becoming more common these days. The suicide of … Continue reading →

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My Good Friday Walk

Posted on April 16, 2021 by richp45198

Here is a piece I had published recently in the on-line magazine Spirituality for Today. Enjoy!      I have long been drawn to the theme of the journey. Stories ranging from “The Snow Leopard” to “Lonesome Dove” have always drawn … Continue reading →

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The Best Is Yet To Be: Spiritual Challenges of Growing Old

Posted on April 9, 2021 by richp45198

“Grow old along with me/The best is yet to be.” So wrote poet Robert Browning to his beloved Elizabeth. It is a warm sentiment that can be a comfort to those of us facing old age. In contrast, though, to … Continue reading →

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Unanswered Prayer

Posted on March 26, 2021 by richp45198

My brother asked me an interesting question the other day. “What is the most frequent unanswered prayer?”, he asked. His opinion is that the most frequent unanswered prayer is “Lord, let me win the lottery.” He might be right. I … Continue reading →

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