Today, I’m putting my laziness aside and listening to the voice of God who wants my temple to be cared for the way it was intended. A body meant for movement, love, and care, not abuse, judgment, and sloth. Where my physical core, my foundation is strong and allows for stability in the rest of my body. Today, I’m breathing in life.
God, Your breath created me and all of creation. A breath that continues to this very day, bringing healing and hope to this moment. A breath that is woven into future generations. A Breath that is shared by ALL.
This year I need to slow down, build some resilience, and continue to turn to what’s important. It’s so easy for me to default to busyness and the hustle to prove my worth. I’m observing that this is a sign for me to stop and step up my contemplative practice.
Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new day, and a fresh start for new beginnings. A time for a new mindset and waking up to what’s real. A time to focus on the wholeness of relationships with God, with myself, and with others, living integrated in body, mind, and spirit. Living a contemplative life of meaning.
It is the beginning of Advent. A time when we decorate our homes, shop for the perfect presents, and celebrate the season just as the world says we should. It is too easy to be distracted and lose sight of the true reason behind the season.
It was important to me that Smitten with Goodness launched last year on All Saints Day. Because saints love God and they love what is good, I felt putting this stake in the ground would be a guiding force for the journey. When we show up and say “Yes” to God, He uses us to touch lives, bring His love to the world, and walk the path of holiness and sainthood.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
The definition of Smitten with Goodness is being struck by strong feelings of attraction in the direction of being good, holy, and pure. We fall in love with the good. We are smitten, deeply affected, or infatuated with goodness or godliness. A state of being free from guilt and sin, it is being in the presence and flow of pure love.
Recently I have noticed being stuck in a rut. As much as I love the comfort of a routine, I am realizing that this can create a deadness in me. So, I have decided to switch it up. When I say my daily rosary, rather than praying with community, I walk in silence observing nature. I am throwing some Pilates in with my yoga practice. I am re-committed to tracking what I eat. And I am actively calling the Holy Spirit to be with me throughout my day. These small, intentional changes help me live more fully alive, feeling inspired rather than in the deadness of a rut. Next step will be to add some creative spice. My needlepoint is calling me again. It is a two-fer – I can enjoy nightly Netflix with my husband, and I can keep my fingers busy and the snacking at bay!