Sunset at Sabbath
by Whitney R. Simpson Patience, I hear as I sit This happens every day Why do I rarely pay attention? Memories of sunsets My mind meditates on the beauty Thoughts frustrated by the clouds A deep breath runs through me Then a chill shivers down my spine Does it always take this long? Come back, again Recenter - heart and mind Savor the magnificence of creation The sun is sinking Another day is done The earth rests and so shall I Our sun sets daily Sabbath is a gift I long for Patience, I hear as I sit
Need some companionship to find deep rest for your body and spirit? Take some time to unwind with this Yoga Nidra meditation after sunset and before you sleep.
0 Comments
Are you feeling scattered, anxious, or overwhelmed in this season? It's understandable. In the Nashville community this week, the unthinkable happened at The Covenant School. While I do not have a direct connection to the victims, Nashville is indeed a tight community, and my heart has been overwhelmed with sadness. It takes practice at times like this to find peace amidst the overwhelm. One way I do this is through breathwork and meditation. Centering ourselves matters, especially when we're feeling anxious.
You likely know breathwork is a simple yet powerful technique that involves focusing on your breath and controlling it intentionally. This practice helps you calm your mind and body, reduce stress, and increase your overall well-being. Combining breathwork with meditation creates a potent tool for finding inner peace, connecting with your Creator, and simply slowing down that racing mind. Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to connect with the divine and find inner peace. By quieting your mind and focusing on the present moment, you can tap into a sense of calm that goes beyond your immediate circumstances. When you practice breathwork and meditation together, you can experience a deeper sense of connection to God and find peace in even the most difficult times. Here are some tips to help you get started:
By incorporating breathwork and meditation into your daily routine, you can find a sense of peace that transcends the world's chaos. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, or simply seeking a deeper connection to God, this practice can indeed help you find the peace you seek. Still feel overwhelmed with these suggestions? Need companionship with breathwork and meditation? If you'd like to take a Christ-centered approach to this practice, see below for one of my Exploring Peace Meditation podcast recordings to practice presence with God through breathwork and meditation. ![]()
I get asked this often....
How do you practice hearing God's voice? Well, the obvious answer is just that - I practice! The more I practice paying attention to God's activity in my life, the more familiar it becomes to notice when something is of God or is not of God. One of the regular tools I use to reflect on God's activity in my own life - and therefore hear God's voice - is the ancient Prayer of Examen. St. Ignatius of Loyola led his followers in this prayer and invited them to practice it twice daily. While I typically practice in the evenings, it is a very helpful tool in my soul care tool box. Ignation spirituality invites us into this ancient prayer practice of noticing God on our journey through gratitude, consolation, and desolation. We then bring our prayers before God. The Prayer of Examen is as powerful today as it was hundreds of years ago for the Jesuits. Why not try it for yourself? Use the prompts below and find a quiet place to listen to the guided version below. Make this prayer your own and discover what God invites you to hear today! Here's my simple key for my daily reflection: Up Arrow: When did I feel close to God today (a moment of consolation)? Down Arrow: When did I feel far away from God today (a moment of desolation)? Smiley Face: What moment am I most grateful for today? Heart: What is the prayer of my heart, for what would I like to pray to God about from today? (Note: this may be something already named from the day, or something entirely different) |
Whitney R. Simpsonauthor
speaker retreat leader spiritual director yoga & meditation teacher Click to connect: Categories
All
Content @ 2010-2023
Whitney R. Simpson Exploring Peace Ministries, LLC |