A NEW AWARENES
What if the spiritual practices you were given no longer serve you?
As I approached midlife with all of its shifts in role and identity, I felt unmoored in my faith. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe anymore, even though I had some disillusionment with the American church to contend with. I was longing for more rooted, holistic practices that would involve my body, mind and spirit, not just my head. Right on time I rediscovered Christian mystics and contemplative practices which I had originally loved in college. These practices have helped me reframe and expand my spiritual life at a time when I felt burnt-out, uncertain and without a spiritual home, and I hope they do the same for you.
I have found contemplative practices to help integrate my whole being in an embodied way, as opposed to a faith that was primarily grounded in reason and intellectual assent. I'll share more about that journey later. I pray that you experience the transformation that comes from integrating contemplative practices into your daily life.
The foundational truth for all of these practices is that if I am not present and aware in myself, I cannot be awake to the presence of God. Body and Spirit are intertwined; there is no division between sacred and ordinary. Awaken your soul, and step into a life of intention, mindfulness, and connection with God. There is so much richness to be found here!
This approach to your spirituality may be new for you, especially if you've been a part of an American, Protestant church. Rest assured that there is a rich tradition of faith that takes a more contemplative approach to connecting with God, over practices that emphasize linear, rational thought or formulaic ways to pray. In her book, When the Soul Listens, Jan Johnson gives the following explanation: "Contemplative prayer, in it's simplest form, is prayer in which you still your thoughts and emotions and focus on God Himself. This puts you in a better state to be aware of God's presence, and it makes you better able to hear God's voice correcting, guiding and directing you...The fundamental idea is simply to enjoy the companionship of God, stilling your own thoughts so you can listen should God choose to speak." I'm so thrilled for you to begin this journey.