Remembering to breathe

The impact of spiritual practice really hit home this week – basically because I let the week slip by without stopping to breathe. It was rainy most days – coldish – windy – and I was busy being busy. And I wasn’t feeling my best, besides. So I didn’t take any walks. I filled my days and evenings with important things to do, preparing for our first Board party with the congregation for the year. You see – as is my way – I was driven to take full advantage of this precious opportunity with our congregation. Along the way, though, I didn’t stop to breathe.


I had many chances -- I am blessed to have several different small groups I meet with from time to time – and it seemed like they all met last week: Open Circles, Women's Spirituality, Spirituality Writing, and another group of inspirational women.  There were clues during all these gatherings about this need to breathe. Early in the week I heard the perspective that meditation can occur in many forms - at most times. Still I didn’t take time to breathe. Others recounted how laughter is healing – and I recalled a time while commuting in rush hour traffic, that I forced myself to turn off the chatter in my brain and just smile – a big, tooth-revealing, smile. So silly - and I instantly felt better. Even more, I noticed a rainbow in the sky in front of me that I simply would have missed in my tense battle with the cars around me. And still I didn’t take time to breathe. On Thursday I spent time with my small group of inspirational women and I was reminded about perspective and letting go. I began to consider I should take time to breathe. On Saturday, in my spiritual writing class, I began to absorb the message – spiritual practice takes many forms. Allow the form to unfold – it’s the renewal that occurs that’s important. My weeklong headache began to subside. I spent two hours with this group of wonderful women, just writing and sharing. And I felt refreshed. So much more prepared to serve others.

If you were with the Board on Friday evening, you heard a bit about our long range plan. “Renewal within” is one component – and one I can personally relate to. When I’m busy being busy, the energy is sapped from my mind, body and spirit – and I am clearly not at my best for serving others. By taking the time to breathe – to intentionally renew within – I find I am better able to serve others and the challenges we face in this world. There’s a Board meeting tonight – and I have much to do to get ready. So I took a long walk this morning, on this beautiful day; sat by a stream and listened to the water running; closed my eyes and smelled the leaves, felt the breeze; and prepared myself for another great week.

In Faith,

Nancy