Habits for Your Body & Spirit

Last month I shared with you a bit about my morning routine. And this month, I've been asked more about my healthy habits in what I call my Rhythm of Life. 

It's funny to me that people think those of us who meditate and/or do yoga either don't "do anything else" or we "have it all together". Neither is true. My healthy habits are what keep me grounded amidst the crazy full life God is inviting me to live. My life is no exception to the messiness of this world. I have my fair share of emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, relational stress and conflict, just like you. The habits I cultivate are ones that help hold onto my sanity - body and spirit - when life feels like it may fall down all around me. Please let me be honest, it has taken years and years to cultivate these habits. And I didn't tackle them all at once. This month I'm sharing an overview of my current habits and the one I feel most nudged to fully embrace during Lent. Can you guess what it is? 

Below is a glimpse into my habits and what I long to prioritize. Does every day check off every habit? No, it doesn't and that's okay. My heart's desire is to prioritize these areas of my life so that I can live into the life God has created for me. You may also look at this list and wonder, when does she do anything for anyone else? The point of these habits are to live as my best self so I can live and serve God in my home, my community, and this world. Self care may seem or feel selfish to you but it is true that if you pour into you, you can more easily pour out into others. 

Have you heard of a Rule or Rhythm of Life? I don't love rules but I do love rhythms and that's what my habits have become, a rhythm. Some "play" more loudly than others in certain seasons but they all matter to the overall music of life.

My current healthy habits include:
Silence & Meditation (breath prayer, centering prayer, reiki)
Prayer & Scripture (this often looks like journaling or lectio divina right now)
Movement (walking, yoga & swimming are my favorite - I am so ready for summer!)
Herbs (herbal tea and St. John's Wort have saved me this winter, check out this blog post)
Clean Living (real food, less toxins)
Reading for growth (spirituality, business, personal growth - I often listen to audio books while doing laundry, etc.)
Reading for pleasure (historical fiction all the way)
Focused Time (writing, creating, dreaming)
Relationship Growth (friendships, dating my spouse, family time, active listening with my teen, peer group accountability)
Financial Stewardship (budgeting, banking, administrative tasks)
Rest/Sabbath/Sleep (blocking off days of my week without social media is a new and helpful habit)
Gratitude (prayer of examen)

Some of these habits are MUCH easier than others are for me. I started clean living after my stroke and brain surgery in 2005 out of necessity. Today it's a fairly natural habit until food temptations arise and I find myself off course. Because it's a long standing habit, it's fairly easy to pick back up and find the rhythm, like a musician who hops in mid song. Others of these habits are truly challenging. Silence may be the hardest on this list in this full season but I long for it and desire it so much. That's why I'll be choosing silence & meditation as the area to focus my heart and mind during the season of Lent. 

Do you have a healthy habit you want to focus on during the Lenten season? While this time is often known for giving up, it may be a time to add to for you. Either approach could be taken with healthy habits - give up something (that is not great for you) or consider adding something (that will help you find your healthiest and best rhythm).

What healthy habits are vital for your body and spirit? ​