Fasting on bread and water and abstaining from meat are a good place to start. Some priests recommend putting a pebble in your shoe. But anything more serious you must consult your regular Confessor before you proceed further.
Do not put a pebble in your shoe. It could permanently damage your foot, which would be a sin, especially if you can no longer provide for your family.
Instead, do what several retreat masters have suggested by cheerfully accepting all the trials and crosses that come with daily living.
Read the book of Job for good advice on how to accept the trials of life.
Study the book of Hosea if your wife has imperfections, and rejoice that she is not a prostitute.
Above all, give thanks and praise God for all things. Never curse.
When someone curses you, bless them.
When you receive bad news, bless the Lord as it could have been far worse.
Say short prayers throughout the day, like "Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner."
Increase your prayer life by saying prayers morning, noon, and night.
Ask your confessor to recommend good spiritual reading books.
Read the Epistles and Gospels that are appointed for the day.
In addition, start reading the Bible, especially the Psalms of David, and try to memorize certain passages so that you can pray them whenever you are tempted.
Above all, pray that you may not fall into temptation:
O Heavenly King, O Spirit of Truth, O Comforter, Who art everywhere present,
And fillest all things, Come and abide in us, Cleanse us of all impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.
Topic: Corporeally punishing yourself after sinning? (Read 7761 times)