The call of the spiritual life is to live in the balance of our strengths and weaknesses, integrating our body and mind with our spirit. This process leads us to our best self and to living a good life. We bring heaven on earth as we align our wills with God’s purpose for us.
Recently, I had a beautiful trip to Knoxville Tennessee with my daughter, Lauren. We had fun, exploring a new environment as well as slowing down and taking the time for some deep connection in conversation.
At some point during the trip, Lauren noticed a sign that said “faith over fear.” I asked if that resonated with her and she indicated that this is my mantra. Little did I know that she was foreshadowing a realization that I’m currently sitting with. When I become comfortable or lazy, I’m not as attentive to living a balanced, embodied life. The result pushes me towards the fear end of the spectrum. I easily fall into all the “what if” scenarios and my catastrophic thinking. I realize that when I’m not taking care of myself and living my life with purpose, I’m more affected by the uncertainties and chaos that our culture is constantly throwing my way. When I am living an embodied life – body, mind, and spirit – I’m standing solid in a firm foundation of faith. I’m keeping my eyes focused on my divine destiny. The evil forces want to pull me away from this focus, distracting me and hitting me in my weakness. I’m putting my faith in this life not the heavenly one.
The small steps of taking my rosary walk and meditating in nature, along with being aware of my body through my yoga practice is balancing me and drawing me to make good choices in self-care and fueling my faith. The practice of movement while praying the rosary helps me focus on the virtues to live a good life. One of faith, hope, and love.
Are you living in faith or fear today?
Lord, thank you for the gift of the people in my life who you work through to give me exactly what I need. Thank you Lauren!
Smitten With Goodness 