Breathe...

I was honored to be the guest speaker at a recent Christmas event, and I couldn't help but think of how hard it is to sit still these days. We find our feet in one spot - but our minds in another. It is true for all of us. Here's an excerpt of a practice I shared with the guests of the event. I hope it will be helpful for you too.

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We can find ourselves longing for December 26… when maybe, maybe, maybe we can slow down and take a deep breath.

I’m here to invite you today - to not wait to breathe. In this moment, here right now, take a big deep breath. In her book Breath as Prayer, author Jennifer Tucker suggests you consider your breathing in this way - big deep breath in like you are smelling your favorite flowers; slow release with emphasis, like you are blowing out a candle. Try it one more time. Maybe close your eyes for just a moment. Lower your shoulders. Take another deep breath. Be where your feet are in this moment. Pay attention to where your mind is distracted and busy right now - release where you are going next, what has to happen this weekend, and any other matter occupying space in your brain. Breathe.

As we continue to slow our breathing and start to focus, I’d invite you to ask, “Is there an invitation for me today?” Let’s practice a few moments of silence as you offer this prayer and continue to breathe...

As you return to your space, even with that brief pause, does your body feel any differently? Do you feel more aware and more present? If yes, you’ll be in good company - for many of us, it just takes a pause, a deep breath, and a quick reset to realign ourselves. If your answer is no, let it be a reminder how much you need a time of rest. Especially as women, we often need reminders, invitations, and even gentle permission from someone who loves us to slow down, breathe, and take care of ourselves. It is in doing so - and only when we do so - that we can share and care for others the way we would truly want. A wick can only burn so long without maintenance.

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I found out with poor practice recently that if you light a new candle and don't let it burn for a bit, out to the edges, that it can create a pocket that essentially makes the wick burn straight down instead of out. That doesn't make for a great candle experience. Instead, we need to allow a slow burn, allowing the wick to do its work, so it literally doesn't burn straight down and out. We need to slow down. We need to let that light shine. Best practice says what's next is to trim the wick and maintain it before we light it up again.

In this season of light, remember again the heart of the season. To slow down and savor, to treasure these moments, to allow yourself to breathe deeply. Don't let it pass you by. Let it sink in.

In and out. Deep breaths. Deep gratitude.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5