Why?
To pray, think, reflect, and listen.
Sometimes, life can get so "busy," and somewhat chaotic, to the point where it seems to be on auto pilot. Walking a path that is familiar, almost repetitive, with no new inspiration, just the same old, same old. It's not easily recognized because it's routine, ingrained, and habitual. It becomes draining, unproductive, and eventually sucks the life out of you.
About fourteen months ago I had a total knee replacement. It had been on the cards for a few years and finally I got to a place where life had become miserable. I was unable to walk properly, and I was suffering with pain. It put me on my hiney to say the least. It was tough, painful, and a long recovery. It also threw me out of the day to day life I was living and I felt robbed of "familiar" routines that I was used to. My energy was taken up with recovery and being able to walk again. That meant physical therapy two or three times a week, and at least twice daily at home. It was painful. There was not a lot of sleep. My life as I knew it was disrupted.
I kept trying to get back on the same path I was on. It wasn't working. Then, on one of the many sleepless nights I had, I had divine inspiration for my new book. I actually got out of the bed and wrote it down so I wouldn't forget it. Sort of what I do when I get a song idea in the middle of the night. Only this was a book. It was about reseting emotions and thoughts around old habits, behaviors, relationships, and changing them for the better.
"The One Minute Emotional RESET."
Little did I know how this tiny book of inspiration would actually change my life and the path that I was on.
And yet, realizing a change of direction was in my future, did not happen overnight. It took doors closing, other doors opening, routines becoming so impossible to maintain that they dried up. Being forced to stop my mind going in a hundred directions and begin to search for answers. I ran into walls and doors that looked pretty good before though now they looked like they were blocking out what had been and I had to work out why.
In writing this book of divine inspiration, I finally had my eyes open to the fact that you have to shovel out what's been done, or not working anymore, to make way for new things to prosper. In fact Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
This is followed by a well-known passage listing various times and seasons in life, such as "a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
It was time to change direction. Wow! Why does it take so long to realize when the season is done and God has something new and exciting waiting for you to wake up and step into!
Letting go of anything, whether it's been good, or bad, isn't easy. "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." And, sometimes the season looks good! When this happens it's hard to see the season is done. Though is it just a perception that it's still "good?" Nothing stays stagnant, everything is mean to grow and change. What works for a while may not always be the case. When disruption, or interruption happens, that's a sign. A sign it's time for a change and to recognize we need to pivot, and move on. I'm plucking up what I have planted, and am replanting, fresh new seeds that will sprout into the next season God has planned for me.
What is disrupting or interrupting your life right now? Is it a behavior, a relationship, a habit, a slump, or dissatisfaction with a situation that's not working for you anymore?
Letting go makes room for new beginnings, inspiration, and growth.
Would you like to explore and have a chat about it? CLICK HERE!
If you'd like a free resource I have about change CLICK HERE!
HAVE AND AWESOME DAY AND REMEMBER
YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!
Staying on track with mindfulness is a powerful tool for maintaining focus, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. To cultivate mindfulness, it's essential to regularly set aside dedicated time for practices such as meditation, prayer, or deep breathing exercises. This deliberate commitment to mindfulness allows you to develop the skill of observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Furthermore, integrating mindfulness into your daily life by practicing awareness during routine activities like eating, walking, or working can help you stay attuned to the present moment. Consistency is key; by making mindfulness a regular part of your routine, you can foster a greater sense of inner calm, improve your ability to concentrate, and better navigate life's challenges with a clear and centered mind.
The concept of mindfulness as it is understood in contemporary psychology and meditation practices is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, there are biblical verses that touch upon the themes of being present, focused, and attentive in a spiritual context.
One such verse is found in the New Testament, in the book of Philippians, chapter 4, verse 8 (NIV):
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
While this verse doesn't use the term "mindfulness," it encourages believers to direct their thoughts and attention toward positive, virtuous, and uplifting things. It underscores the importance of maintaining a positive and focused mindset, which aligns with some of the principles of mindfulness practices aimed at cultivating awareness and presence in the present moment.
Practicing mindfulness through prayer can be a deeply spiritual and enriching experience, combining the benefits of mindfulness with a connection to one's faith. Here are steps to practice mindfulness using prayer:
- Select a Quiet Space: Find a quiet, peaceful space where you can pray without distractions. This can be a designated area for prayer or any place where you feel comfortable and focused.
- Choose a Prayer: Select a prayer that is meaningful to you. It can be a traditional prayer from your religious tradition or a personal prayer that reflects your thoughts and feelings. The Lord's Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, or the Prayer of St. Francis are examples that many find suitable.
- Set an Intention: Before you begin, set an intention for your prayer. This can be a specific concern, a desire for guidance, or simply the intention to be present and mindful during your prayer.
- Focus on Your Breath: Begin by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale. This helps you become present and calm.
- Recite the Prayer Slowly: As you recite the prayer, do so slowly and intentionally. Pay close attention to the words and their meaning. Consider how each word or phrase resonates with you personally.
- Engage Your Senses: If your prayer includes physical actions, such as lighting a candle, holding beads, or making specific gestures, engage your senses fully. Notice the texture, color, and scent of the objects you are using.
- Stay Present: If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to the prayer. It's normal for thoughts to arise; the key is to acknowledge them without judgment and return to the prayer.
- Reflect on the Prayer: After completing the prayer, take a moment to reflect on your experience. How did it make you feel? Did you gain any insights or clarity?
- Express Gratitude: If your prayer includes expressing gratitude, take time to think about what you are thankful for. This can help foster a sense of mindfulness and appreciation.
- Practice Regularly: Like any mindfulness practice, consistency is essential. Try to incorporate this mindful prayer into your daily or weekly routine, adapting it to your needs and schedule.
Mindful prayer allows you to deepen your spiritual connection while also reaping the benefits of mindfulness, such as reduced stress and increased mental clarity. Over time, you may find that your prayer practice becomes a source of inner peace and strength in your life.
While meditation seems a little "woo woo" to some meditation is mentioned in the Bible. Biblical meditation is a spiritual practice rooted in the Christian faith that involves deep contemplation and reflection on specific passages, verses, or teachings from the Bible. Unlike some Eastern meditation practices that focus on emptying the mind, biblical meditation involves filling the mind with God's word and seeking to understand it more deeply, apply it to one's life, and connect with God on a personal level.
Here are key elements and practices associated with biblical meditation:
- Selecting a Scripture: Biblical meditation typically begins with selecting a specific passage, verse, or theme from the Bible. It could be a verse that speaks to a personal issue, provides guidance, or offers comfort.
- Quiet Reflection: Find a quiet and contemplative space where you can focus your thoughts without distractions. This might be a dedicated prayer space or simply a peaceful environment.
- Repeated Reading: The chosen Scripture is often read multiple times. Each reading allows for a deeper understanding of the text and a chance for its message to resonate more profoundly.
- Contemplation and Reflection: During meditation, individuals contemplate the meaning of the scripture, seeking insights into its relevance to their life, values, and relationship with God. This may involve asking questions and reflecting on how the passage can be applied to one's daily experiences.
- Prayer: Biblical meditation is typically accompanied by prayer. This can involve expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, or asking for wisdom and understanding related to the scripture being meditated upon.
- Listening to God: Part of the process is listening for God's guidance or presence in response to the meditation. This may involve stillness and openness to insights or a sense of God's presence.
- Application: After meditation, individuals strive to apply the insights gained from the scripture to their daily lives. This might involve making changes in behavior, seeking forgiveness, showing gratitude, or finding strength in difficult times.
Biblical meditation serves as a way to deepen one's relationship with God, gain spiritual insights, and find comfort, guidance, and wisdom within the Bible's teachings. It's a practice that varies among individuals and Christian denominations but shares the common goal of seeking a deeper connection with God through the study and contemplation of His word.
If you would like to know more about how mindfulness can help you on your journey of change, grab my free resource HERE!
If you would like to chat with me over a coffee book your free call HERE!
Essential oils to help with being mindful are HERE!
Grab a copy of my book "Find Your Purpose, Find Your Passion" HERE!
Have an awesome day!
As a foster parent, you must make many changes in your life. Embracing those changes is sometimes difficult. Your life is suddenly turned upside down, and your routine as you know it changes dramatically.
When you have to make a change in your life, it comes down to choosing to do that.
Our choices are important, every one of them.
Why?
Because your choice will ultimately give you your outcome in any situation.
Changing your thoughts simply comes down to making the decision that you don't desire something in your life anymore.
Making that decision to choose differently may take some time to recognize this is not how you desire to live your life. Though, when you make that decision it is generally made very quickly. The reason for that is that you have finally had enough of the situation, the attitude, or the behavior. In under a minute, you can and will embrace the change you desire and then you will end it.
Recently, I made a huge decision in my own life. A habit I had mulled over for a very long time though when I chose to change I did so in just a moment or two.
Often it is recognizing finally you don't desire to keep this habit or attitude and it's done. Gone. Over. You chose to end it.
When I first became a foster parent I didn't understand how much my life would have to change, and embracing those changes often came with tears and frustration. I had a routine of going to the gym first thing in the morning after dropping my older kids at school. Well, my first two charges, identical twenty-month-twins didn't handle the car very well at all. Just about every time I nearly got to the gym, they threw up all over themselves and their car seats. Something had to change, and it had to be me.
When the moment came that I embraced the need for a change, I chose to do so with a list. First was to see the doctor and work out why they kept throwing up in the car, and second was to buy another set of car seats!
I embraced the change, I made the choice, and I conquered the challenge of working it out. Life did become easier.
I found a great sense of freedom from embracing the new changes. I had to adjust my attitude, and my expectations big time!
The day's routine certainly went smoother when I was choosing to change my daily habits to accommodate my new little charges.
Habits are just that. A way of living that has become normal even if it is something you don't desire or doesn't work anymore. Breaking the habit comes from recognizing it and then choosing to end it.
Your mind is a powerful part of your body. Your mind controls your brain where all these habits are formed. Your brain, of course, doesn't like change which causes us to take time to overrule it with our conscious mind.
The great part is your mind is in control and can make the change when it fully decides to.
What habit or attitude would you like to change?
Remember.
You can embrace the change, make the choice, and conquer the challenge.
I'll leave you with a verse from the bible that says it all!
Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse emphasizes the strength and empowerment that comes from faith in Christ, which can be applied to embracing change, making important decisions, and overcoming difficulties.
When we started fostering to adopt, I didn't have any idea of what those benefits were. In fact, I was afraid of fostering in case my heart would be broken. Little did I know that every child who comes into foster care already has a broken heart. I was worried about myself instead of worrying about the abused and neglected children who lived just around the road from me.
If you are on the fence like I was about fostering to adopt or fostering in general here are some reasons, or tips, as to why this is a great idea.
Fostering to adopt, also known as foster-to-adopt, is a process where individuals or families foster children to eventually adopt them. This pathway offers several benefits for both the children and the families involved:
Benefits for Children
- Stability and Permanence: Children in foster care often experience instability. Fostering to adopt provides them with a stable and permanent home, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being.
- Continuity of Care: When a foster family decides to adopt, the child doesn't have to transition to another home, allowing for continuity in care and support.
- Sense of Belonging: Being adopted by their foster family helps children feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is essential for their self-esteem and identity development.
- Supportive Environment: Foster-to-adopt families are usually well-prepared and equipped with resources to support the child through their unique challenges, providing a nurturing environment.
Benefits for Families
- Informed Decision: Families get to know the child and understand their needs and personality before making the permanent decision to adopt, leading to more informed and confident decisions.
- Support Services: Foster-to-adopt families often receive support and resources from foster care agencies, including training, counseling, and financial assistance, which can continue post-adoption.
- Building Strong Bonds: The fostering period allows the family to build strong emotional bonds with the child, which can ease the transition into adoption.
- Meeting Diverse Needs: Families interested in adopting can find children who match their preferences in terms of age, background, and specific needs, making the process more tailored and personal.
Benefits of the System
- Reduced Disruptions: Fostering to adopt can reduce the number of placements a child experiences, leading to fewer disruptions in their lives.
- Increased Adoption Rates: This pathway can increase the number of adoptions from foster care, providing more children with permanent homes.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By moving children from foster care to permanent homes, the system can save resources that would otherwise be spent on long-term foster care placements.
Emotional and Social Benefits
- Enhanced Development: Children in stable, loving homes show better social, academic, and developmental outcomes compared to those who remain in foster care.
- Community and Support Networks: Families who foster to adopt often become part of a community of other adoptive families, providing additional social support and shared experiences.
Fostering to adopt is a pathway that can create lasting, positive impacts on children, families, and the foster care system as a whole. It offers a route to permanency that is filled with opportunities for love, stability, and growth.
You can ask me more questions in a complimentary coffee chat. CLICK HERE!
To grab my free resource 5 Steps to Intentional Change CLICK HERE!
p.s. Becoming a Foster to Adopt parent requires change! Ask me, I know!
