In the fall, school starts and the speed of raising children accelerates. I get overwhelmed easily.My spiritual practice is gone and it feels like life is happening to myself. In a busy and cluttered environment, the little things go a long way.
Since co-authoring 12 Little Things: Simple Ways to Live a More Intentional Life (Broadleaf Books, 2021) I have enjoyed helping others cultivate micro-spiritual practices by doing one thing a day intentionally and with great care. Over time, our small practices will allow us to embrace simplicity and intentionally co-create a life with God.we can grow Deeper Root rather than reach for branches wider Towards inevitable depletion and depletion.
Parents often put spiritual practices on a pedestal or think of them as “extra” when in fact that’s the purpose. we— and in fact, it may be central to our prosperity. We think it has to look a certain way or that only certain things are “important.” Maybe you don’t have the time or don’t know where to start. We want to support our children in claiming spiritual practice, but we want to avoid it ourselves. But we know that the best way to support our children’s spiritual practice is to cultivate it ourselves and model it.
I hope other parents will join me in trying the little things that are offensive this season.
One of my little things is to go outside at some time every day and look up at the sky. This only takes a few minutes, but it requires you to get out into nature. Every time I do it as a spiritual practice, I am reminded that the universe is big and beautiful, and that I am small. It places me properly in the web of life. God is God, but I am not. Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, relax your jaw, and return to your day with a renewed sense of ease, space, and gratitude. Over time, that tiny seed takes root and grows. Sometimes at my invitation, but more often on my own, my children also join me and together we notice the beauty of the sky.
This fall, as you build a new routine around the school day, do one small thing a day with your kids, or the kids in your life. Let’s call it “spiritual practice.” Join God in the small moments and marvel at what takes root.
practice
- When drinking your morning drink, hold the cup with both hands. Don’t multitask. Take a few sips, using all your senses. Take this day to express your gratitude and encourage your children to do the same.
- Choose a “gratitude staircase” in your home. Praise God aloud with your children as you go up and down the stairs.
- At some point during the day, consciously take three slow, deep breaths. Recognize Spirit, the life force that flows through you and connects your inner world with the vast, divine universe.
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