Deep Breath

Season 2 is here! And we want to acknowledge that current events may be adding all kinds of unrest within the soul, and even in the body. How can we get (& stay) rooted and grounded when there's turmoil, inside and outside of us? Could awareness and acknowledgement be the first step? Let's try it on together! And speaking of trying on, to register for Try it On Workshop:  www.breatheandbe.net/store

We miss you, friends! But you can stay connected with us on Instagram @deepbreath54321 and on Facebook at "Deep Breath". Shop for your Advent meditations: The Arrival and your Honeycomb Journals on breatheandbe.net/store

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY 2021!

This is our last episode for season one of our podcast! Celebrate with us as we reflect on why we started, what we were hoping to accomplish, and if we feel like we reached those goals, desires, and hopes. Special thanks to all of you faithful listeners! Cheers! We'll return in January, but until then you can "be with us" by ordering our 4 Advent Meditations: The Arrival breatheandbe.net/store

Do you struggle with staying still long enough to pray or coming up with the right words? If so,  you'll want to "try on" this practice, Praying in Color. Reducing prayer to only conversation makes it simply a mental activity, but God is inviting us to engage our entire being in communion with Him. Praying in Color is just one way to do that. Praying in Color can include intercession or prayers for others, but it can also be a tool to soak in and stay with a piece of scripture longer than you normally would. We'll share our personal experience with Praying in Color and the transformation we have witnessed. No creativity or art experience required!

Reference: Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth

Books can have deep impact on our lives. The right book at the right time has potential to be a catalyst for change and growth. We share some (there's just so many!) of our favorites from over the years; we talk about the books we remember reading from 2020, and share what is on our nightstand to read next.

Pre-order your Advent meditation series, The Arrival:  https://breatheandbe.net/store

Just some of the books mentioned:

Experiencing God - Henry Blackaby

Boundaries - Dr. Henry Cloud

The Mitford Series - Jan Karon

Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Haley Barton

Mindful Silence - Phileena Heurtz

Enneagram of Belonging - Chris Heurtz

Abundant Simplicity - Jan Johnson

Daring Greatly - Brene Brown

NT Wright commentaries

Reaching Out - Henri Nouwen

Life of the Beloved - Henri Nouwen

The Next Right Thing - Emily P. Freeman

Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster

When the Heart Waits - Sue Monk Kidd

The Book of Longings - Sue Monk Kidd

Space for God - Don Postema

The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron

Love Does - Bob Goff

A Diary of Private Prayer - John Baillie (Revised by Susanna Wright)

The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis

As we head towards our ninth month in a pandemic, we ask ourselves, what will keep us grounded and produce joy? This could be small permissions we give ourselves, but when a few small things are practiced, they add up to big joy and keep us tethered. Listen in and perhaps you'll spark your own idea for what might bring stability and comfort in a time of instability, uncertainty and upheaval. 

Referenced here, Hometown Candle Company's "Spiced Pumpkin & Oatmeal" candle.  It burns forever and smells delicious. Small batch, hand poured soy candles. IG: hometown_candle_company or www.hometowncandleco.com. This is local to my area and love to support them!

Quarterly retreat is on our "to do's" list. Whether that means in a group, or alone, in silence, or virtually online; Michelle and Lexie value the discipline of retreat from the daily battle. Included in this episode is an interview with retreat attendees! Retreat requires surrender and trust. Perhaps we don't have to be everywhere at all times and hold the world together? What does it look like to be fully human and restore?

Note to our friends: there are some audio challenges on this episode, but we know you'll love it despite its imperfections. In fact it is a Deep Breath value to be okay with imperfections. We do our best to give you a great listening experience, and sometimes we settle for quality content over quality editing. We are still learning! 

Mentioned in this episode: "Invitation to Retreat", by Ruth Haley Barton

Celebration is actually a spiritual practice! Who knew? One way to enter into the divine life of the Trinity is through celebration. It is not dependent on perfect circumstances or happy feelings.

Does it even seem possible to practice celebration in the middle of Covid "season"? Lexie and Michelle break down what Celebration is, why we need it and how to get creative in the practice of celebration.