Capuchin Mindset

In my effort to delve into Capuchin Roman Catholic theology more deeply , I am attempting to be more proactive in my organization and thoughts about the beloved Capuchins.  I am starting to keep a notebook of things I find, and better organize books I have or may obtain about their thoughts and work.  

Capuchin theology is based on the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi and has folks attempting to live the Franciscan traditions. Capuchin Franciscans are a Catholic religious order who emphasizes the following in theology: 

Prayer: Capuchins seek to be a living prayer and joyful presence. They pray regularly, including morning praise, evening thanksgiving, and Eucharist. 

Fraternity: Capuchins are rooted in mutual love, humble reverence, and respect for one another and for all people. They believe that a Capuchin is first and foremost a brother among brothers. 

Simplicity: Capuchins live a simple lifestyle, but NOT a harsh one. They vow poverty, but have enough to ensure a healthy and complete lifestyle. 

Service to the poor: Capuchins dedicate their lives to serving the poor and marginalized. They preach, teach, cook, counsel, and minister in hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, parishes, and in the mission fields. 

Eucharistic devotion: Capuchins place great emphasis on Eucharistic devotion. 

Veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Capuchins venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

All of the above are aspects I wish to immerse in more deeply.  Today, in particular, the aspects of simplicity and service are the areas that especially resonated and I am planning to spend more time today attempting to learn more and to identify ways in which I can begin to grow and become better in those two aspects.  

PipeTobacco

Contentment Score = 7.5 - Generally things seem even-keeled, and there feels as if there is potential for me to grow and be a better person.  

Pipe Craving Score = 8 - I have always deeply associated contemplation with smoking my pipe.  And, what is perhaps valuable for me to recognize is that CONTEMPLATION is a wholly different mindset from RUMINATION.  For me, ruminating can be sometimes useful when I need to solve a problem or conundrum.  But, rumination itself can sometimes be debilitating to me, especially when there are no discernable pathways to improve a problem or conundrum.  Contemplation, by contrast, feels more as an action of being more present, more immersed.  And, truth-be-told, I do realize that my pipe has been a useful and loved tool that has helped me be more present and more immersed.  I do miss that.