Jean Vanier Thoughts

Accompaniment

I accompany a number of assistants who have been with L’Arche for varying amounts of time. My role is to listen to them so as to discover with them the cause and meaning of their difficulties both as human beings and within the community. It is important to meet them where they are and not to judge them on the basis of an ideal or of what I think they ought to become. Sometimes what I say helps them, but on the whole it is my listening more than anything else that enables them to put hopes, difficulties and needs into words. Generally, accompaniment is something very gentle. I am discovering how essential accompaniment is for human growth.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 156

My Accompaniment

I was lucky enough to be accompanied for nearly forty-six years by Father Thomas Philippe. He never told me what to do, but he asked me questions which made me reflect about my vocation and the purpose of my life. He knew that the more the fundamental goal of our lives is clear and present to our hearts and minds, the easier it is to discern and choose the right way of reaching it.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 156

Space

We need space, our own private space, the place of solitude where we can really be in touch with our deepest being. If we do not have this, if our space is taken away or violated, if we are under too much pressure, or overwhelmed with things to do, then we risk falling into confusion. We can no longer really welcome people to come close to us. We are unable to understand and love them. We are forced to defend and protect ourselves, because the pressure is too great. If the waters of our hearts are to run freely, and if we are to remain fully open to life, we must have that inner and outer space where we can find peace and rest
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 155

Stress

Stress is often the result of a lack of harmony between life's difficulties and responsibilities, and the kind of support, spiritual nourishment and formation we need to be able to cope with these difficulties. Stress can cause certain psychological disorders. In order to find relief from these, a person may become depressive or aggressive, or look for compensation in alcohol or something else. Often he becomes excessively tired or falls victim to psychosomatic illness.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 155

Real Rest

Relaxation is finding new sources of energy, and being affirmed and supported in the awakening of these energies, it is rediscovering trust in our mission and what is deepest in us. It is the opposite of slumping in sadness, apathy, lack of self-confidence and doubt. Real rest involves relaxing the heart with friends and family through celebration, laughing, singing, joy, humour. It means feeling well and happy in our body, house, family and community.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 154

Real Rest

Relaxation is finding new sources of energy, and being affirmed and supported in the awakening of these energies, it is rediscovering trust in our mission and what is deepest in us. It is the opposite of slumping in sadness, apathy, lack of self-confidence and doubt. Real rest involves relaxing the heart with friends and family through celebration, laughing, singing, joy, humour. It means feeling well and happy in our body, house, family and community.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 154

Sleep is not Necessarily Relaxation

I am realizing that there are many people who do not know how to relax. It took me a long time to learn. Obviously, people know that they must sleep, but relaxation is more than that. Sleep, moreover, can be a way of avoiding reality, an escape, a kind of depression. Real rest is the renewal of our energy so that we can struggle for peace and truth with more energy, enthusiasm and hope.
- Jean Vanier, Our Journey Home, p. 154