Peaceful Hours

When I opened the door, she was holding a doll. I greeted her gently. “How are you doing today?” She responded in fragments — stories of a home she had lived in long ago, a name here and there, words flowing without connection. She was a woman in her 70s, in the advanced stages of dementia , receiving hospice care in the United States. I quietly walked in and sat beside her. There was no real conversation to be had. I simply stayed, listening. But one thing was clear. When she said, “I miss my daughter,” her eyes changed. Amid all the tangled words, that one sentence stood out with clarity. She clutched the doll beside her, and tears filled her eyes. I had her daughter’s phone number, but reaching her wasn’t easy. Then one day, the call finally went through. Her daughter, who lived in another state, shared what had been happening and mentioned that her mother’s birthday was coming up. On her birthday, I arranged a video call. “Mom, it’s me… Happy birthday… I love you.” In t...

Suffering in the journey of life often arrives unannounced. Faced with illness, loss, or unexpected twists, humans frequently fall into a deep sense of helplessness. While many regard suffering merely as a misfortune to be avoided or an interruption of life, from the perspective of Spiritual Care, suffering is also a "time of reflection"—an opportunity to confront the essence of human existence and discover new meaning. 1. Focus on 'Meaning' Rather Than the 'Reason' for Pain When hardship strikes, the first question that arises is, "Why is this happening to me?" However, becoming immersed in the "Why"—the search for cause and effect—makes it difficult to escape the swamp of self-blame or resentment. The great psychologist Viktor Frankl proposed "Logotherapy," which involves finding life's meaning even in the midst of extreme pain. True healing begins not by analyzing the cause of suffering, but by shifting the question to: ...

In this age of hyper-connectivity, we are more linked than ever before. With a single touch, we hear news from the other side of the globe and see faces through video calls. Paradoxically, however, the sense of spiritual isolation and loneliness felt by modern individuals is deepening. For the senior generation in particular, the rapid digital transition has become a significant challenge, leading to more than just technical exclusion; it often results in the severance of social relationships and a profound sense of spiritual loss. 1. Confronting Spiritual Isolation Beyond Digital Alienation The digital difficulties faced by seniors are often dismissed as a mere struggle with operating devices. However, the core issue lies in the fear of "the disconnection of the pathways of existence." As communication tools shift from analog to digital, those who cannot find a window to share their hearts become increasingly isolated. This digital isolation exacerbates depression and shrink...

  What is the true source of the stress and lethargy we face today? Often, it’s not because we have too much to do, but because our 'Inner Order' has collapsed. In a world full of noise and information, failing to find our own center leads to a sense of anxious aimlessness rather than freedom. Mental health experts say, "When your heart is shaken, the first thing to do is restore your daily rhythm." Today, I want to talk about a time management strategy that protects your mental well-being while maximizing efficiency: The 'Spiritual Golden Hour' with God. 1. Time Management is Actually 'Emotion Management' The reason we fail to execute our plans is rarely due to laziness. It’s because unresolved anxiety and stress consume our brain’s energy. The Psychological Fact: Your prefrontal cortex handles decision-making, but when stress is high, the limbic system (which controls emotions) takes over. You end up choosing 'easy distractions' (like sc...

Have you spent the first half of your life running at full speed, and are you now preparing to open a new chapter? If you feel an unexplained lethargy or a vague sense of anxiety rather than excitement, it is a signal from your soul that it's time for a "tire change." Just as you cannot drive on a new road with worn-out tires, the second act of life requires a fresh strategy for mental management. 1. Burnout: A Process of Switching to a 'New Engine,' Not Laziness Many seniors, when taking a break, often feel anxious with a sense of loss and an identity crisis, asking themselves, "Am I falling behind?" Having lived a life tuned to achievement and speed, it is difficult to endure a moment of standing still. However, burnout at a major turning point in life does not mean your energy is completely depleted. Rather, it is a vital signal to redirect the "flow of your energy." Psychological Shift: The lethargy you feel now means the old ways have r...

 In today's fast-paced society, many who take a proactive lead in their lives face a common struggle: an unexplained sense of lethargy and Burnout . This is not a matter of simple laziness or lack of will; it is a signal that your psychological and spiritual energy is depleted. Here is a holistic strategy that integrates psychological and spiritual insights to restore your peace of mind and regain your life’s momentum. 1. Lethargy as a Psychological Signal: The Necessity of a 'Pause' In psychology, burnout refers to a state of complete exhaustion—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It is especially prevalent among responsible leaders and those designing a new chapter in their lives (seniors and entrepreneurs). Insight: Lethargy is a vital signal from your brain trying to protect itself. Pushing yourself harder in this state only deepens emotional depletion. Acknowledging your current state objectively and accepting the need for 'rest' is the first step toward he...