I really appreciate this piece—especially the distinction between emotions and dispositions, and how you tie that to spiritual formation. That last point struck me deeply: how spiritual growth involves turning fleeting emotions into enduring patterns of the heart.
Two thoughts I’d add, if I may.
First, when we talk about positive dispositions—like joy, hope, and gratitude—it’s essential to bring in the idea of practice. These aren’t just things we feel or even “have”—they’re things we do, daily, often imperfectly. Gratitude, for example, isn’t just a response to a gift; it’s a muscle that gets stronger the more we use it.
Which leads to my second point: gratitude is the foundation of all the virtues. It’s what unlocks joy. It teaches humility. It even tempers anger. If you want more joy in your life, start with a grateful heart and let that shape your gaze. You’ll start noticing beauty that was always there.
⸻
I really appreciate this piece—especially the distinction between emotions and dispositions, and how you tie that to spiritual formation. That last point struck me deeply: how spiritual growth involves turning fleeting emotions into enduring patterns of the heart.
Two thoughts I’d add, if I may.
First, when we talk about positive dispositions—like joy, hope, and gratitude—it’s essential to bring in the idea of practice. These aren’t just things we feel or even “have”—they’re things we do, daily, often imperfectly. Gratitude, for example, isn’t just a response to a gift; it’s a muscle that gets stronger the more we use it.
Which leads to my second point: gratitude is the foundation of all the virtues. It’s what unlocks joy. It teaches humility. It even tempers anger. If you want more joy in your life, start with a grateful heart and let that shape your gaze. You’ll start noticing beauty that was always there.