In my early Church of the Saviour days
I learned a lot about
the church's understanding of daily quiet time,
regular reflection on Scripture,
prayer and journal writing
as ways of nurturing awareness of Spirit.
But to keep these alive for me,
it has been important to find fresh, fun, alternative ways
to nourish my spiritual life as well.
If one practice does not work for me,
I have repeatedly chosen alternatives
that have been more life giving.
Keeping a color journal,
using water colors to draw images,
making my spiritual reports in color, drawing, or painting
instead of words,
using humorous as well as serious reading,
being intentional about early morning walks,
arranging flowers in a meditative way,
always using my swimming as a time for prayer,
particularly intercessory prayer,
looking at the weather report for parts of the country
where I have friends or family,
putting myself in connection with them -
my weather rosary beads -
these are examples of what has brought life.
To me the key in all of this is
the intentionality, the purpose, and the consciousness
of how a particular experience feeds my spirit.
It doesn't mean that other practices
are not also important.
But sitting quietly for a half hour every morning
is not the whole story.
All parts of my body, mind, and spirit
need to be cared for.
The tough part is to be
intentional and conscious.