Author Topic: Innocent mental recreation for a Catholic young man (Read 899 times)

Änσnymσus · « **on:** June 01, 2016, 03:12:54 PM »

The title is fairly self-explanatory. I do work in the garden on fine days (I hope to get some foxgloves when next paid, they were apparently referred to as Our Lady's gloves in the Middle Ages) and go for long walks on the moors, but fine days are not numerous in my part of the world. The long winter also sees weeks on end shut up in the house and obviously nothing doing. I live in a very remote area so anything would have to be solitary. I considered correspondence chess but apparently it was condemned by St Peter Damian as unseemly for clerics (I am not but I remain hopeful of one day entering a monastery) and the preponderance of Jєωs and atheists troubles me.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2016, 03:44:39 PM »

Quote from: Guest

The title is fairly self-explanatory. I do work in the garden on fine days (I hope to get some foxgloves when next paid, they were apparently referred to as Our Lady's gloves in the Middle Ages) and go for long walks on the moors, but fine days are not numerous in my part of the world. The long winter also sees weeks on end shut up in the house and obviously nothing doing. I live in a very remote area so anything would have to be solitary. I considered correspondence chess but apparently it was condemned by St Peter Damian as unseemly for clerics (I am not but I remain hopeful of one day entering a monastery) and the preponderance of Jєωs and atheists troubles me.

Then St. Peter Damian was expressing a private opinion, and a very Jansenist one at that.

There is nothing wrong with Chess for anyone. St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Winona, MN under Bishop Williamson had 3 chess tables, and they got heavy and constant use. Mostly by upper-year seminarians (as opposed to the lower years, fresh from the World) Fr. James Peek (a very holy and devout priest) and other priests would play Chess as well.

What is wrong with puzzles and mental stimulation? When it's due time to recreate, I mean? One has to unwind periodically otherwise your mind won't be ready for more activity. That's the whole point of recreation.

"The bow that is always stretched will eventually break." -- St. John the Evangelist.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2016, 08:28:23 PM »

Take up woodworking, carving, learn calligraphy and make illuminated manuscripts, make a study of a topic that interests you, take an on-line class, write poetry, learn to sing, play an instrument, draw, paint, learn to make cut glass windows, restore an old car or vehicle, cook, learn Latin or another language, put on rain gear and go for a walk. Follow the same route everyday and become closely acquainted with the natural world...
DO NOT play video games, except, perhaps chess. If you turn on the TV or computer, let it be for a specific reason. Don't "surf" here and there. It's a waste of precious, God-given time.
Of course, pray!

poche · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2016, 02:18:35 AM »

Read the sayings of the Fathers of the Desert.

Änσnymσus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2016, 09:11:16 AM »

Quote from: Guest

The title is fairly self-explanatory. I do work in the garden on fine days (I hope to get some foxgloves when next paid, they were apparently referred to as Our Lady's gloves in the Middle Ages) and go for long walks on the moors, but fine days are not numerous in my part of the world. The long winter also sees weeks on end shut up in the house and obviously nothing doing. I live in a very remote area so anything would have to be solitary. I considered correspondence chess but apparently it was condemned by St Peter Damian as unseemly for clerics (I am not but I remain hopeful of one day entering a monastery) and the preponderance of Jєωs and atheists troubles me.

Is there something that you are naturally talented at that you could take up as a hobby?

One man I know has a garden and writes a blog in the winter about growing in virtue.

Another trad man I know paints pictures of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, and the saints which are simply stunning!

A friend of mine's almost fiance studies various languages including Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and more. He says that he can at this point learn a language in about 6 months!

As a woman I sew clothes and chapel veils for myself and other friends when the farm is not in its busy season.

I also play the violin, piano, sing, and am working on learning the organ and mandolin.

You shall be in my prayers. Please keep me in yours, especially if you enter an order!

Keep fighting the good fight and may you have the strength to persevere until the end! :-)

PG · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2016, 11:44:06 AM »

Quote

Run. It has incredible effects on the brain which will allow you to be more productive in your intellectual, spiritual, and educational pursuits. It also mortifies the flesh, and increases your tolerance for pain, which will come in handy if you are ever scourged or whatnot.

For recreational exercise I walk. And, for recreational fun I play the guitar and flute. But, work is also good and important. Labora may be what will fulfill you. Try to think of a job you can do indoors during the winter months.

Author Topic: Innocent mental recreation for a Catholic young man (Read 899 times)

Änσnymσus

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