Deep Breath

Deep Breath

By Michelle TornettaReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Deep Breath episodes

  • Creativity and Play
    Many in our circles are feeling low energy and hitting a wall in month #7 of Covid. The word "play" doesn't even seem applicable with so many serious things going on in the world. And what practical use is there for creativity in these times? From a beginner stance, Lexie and Michelle are learning to embrace play and creativity and all the benefits they bring.  
    More questions covered in this episode: Do you consider yourself a creative? Do you allow yourself the "luxury" of play?  What are the benefits of play?
    18 min
  • Honest Struggles Regarding Time
    Lexie and Michelle bring you along as they process out loud their struggles around a scarcity mentality when it comes to time. There is never enough time! Is time a friend or an enemy? 
    Books referenced:
    Crazy Busy - Kevin DeYoung (pg. 57-58)
    Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Haley Barton (pg 144-145)
    20 min
  • What is a Spiritual Discpline/Practice?
    Feeling stagnant in your pursuit of God or wandering aimlessly? We invite you to "try on" a spiritual practice. Spiritual disciplines (or practices) are central to the Deep Breath podcast, so we dedicate this episode to defining what a discipline is and sharing more about the transformative power of these practices.  Simply said, spiritual disciplines are really just a way of posturing ourselves to receive from God and tuning in to God's "radio waves".  
    To get more specifics on some of these disciplines, you'll enjoy these Deep Breath previous episodes that cover these disciplines:
    #4 Sabbath
    #11 Journaling
    #12 Lament
    #19 Soul Friendships
    #20 Centering Prayer
    #21 Lectio Divina
    #25 Spiritual Direction
    #26 Examen
    Recommended Readings:
    Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster
    Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
    25 min
  • Exploring the Examen
    Lexie and Michelle walk you through the spiritual practice called the Examen.  This short and simple practice has been used by Christians for centuries as a way to notice where God shows up in our daily life. It is a practice that attends to what we might otherwise miss in the press of duties and busyness. 
    For a list of the questions, please go to our Instagram page, DeepBreath54321.  
    There are various versions of the Examen, but we share the one that we practice.  For other versions of the Examen, even for young adults and children, check out the Pray as You Go app.
    6 min
  • Revamp or Release
    What if, instead of revamping and adding to your fall schedule, you choose the act of release?  Our conversation invites you to look at places that feel depleting and not life-giving.  Letting go of just one thing may open the door for a lighter and freer rhythm for fall during Covid season.  
    For more details on creating a rhythm for your life, see Episode #3 Quarantine and a new rhythm of life.
    21 min
  • Spiritual Direction (or Companionship)
    If you're longing to be more attentive to God and His movements within your heart, spiritual direction is worth exploring. We define what spiritual direction is technically, but also give our personal experience with this sacred practice.  How does group spiritual direction differ from individual spiritual direction? What is the difference between spiritual direction and counseling?  All these questions, and more, answered in this week's episode.
    - Information on Group Spiritual Direction and starting a group, check out Seeking God Together by Alice Fryling. 
    - To get a small taste of what spiritual direction is like, Michelle provides 15 minute mini sessions on Zoom called 15 Minutes to Breathe & Be. To join the Monday or Saturday sessions at 9:00 am PST, email [email protected]
    - One great resource to find a spiritual director in your area:  https://www.soulformation.org/find-spiritual-director
    20 min
  • Holding Space

    We treasure our deep and inspiring conversations with our friend, Kiyomi. So we thought, why not bring all of our podcast friends in on just one of these conversations.  (And we try on our first ever podcast interview!) 

    Kiyomi quotes from Simone Weil:  Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. I Corinthians 13:4-7 The Passion Translation And Lexie quoted Brene Brown: Don't shrink. Don't puff up. Stand your sacred ground.

    20 min
  • Back to School?!
    What would you consider "success" for this year for your kids (and for you?)? As we head into this very unique school year, we talk about approaching it as a beginner. Because we all are beginners in this pandemic anyway! So, how could adjusting expectations, being kind to yourself, and remembering that God cares about you. What practices can help you in this stressful start to the school year? Listen in, and we'd love for you to share your ideas with us!
    18 min
  • Are We There Yet?
    Lexie brings a little story, a couple questions, and a short meditation this week. There are times and season when we ask "how much longer?" (like a global pandemic for example!) How can we follow a path that we don't know and *be with* the journey? Next week Michelle & Lexie will be podcasting together again! Stay tuned for some new stuff!!
    13 min
  • Song of Songs Meditation

    Today, enjoy this mini retreat for your soul from Song of Songs 2:10-15 in the Passion Translation. Grab some paper and flesh out the questions presented, but do it playfully. No need to "work" too hard, but rather rest and see what emerges as you soak in His presence and His words spoken like poetry over you.

    We have unusual schedules the next two weeks, so we thought it would be lovely to offer a short meditation from each of us. Let us know what you think? We'll be returning to our regular format in a couple weeks with some surprises!  Stay tuned.


    12 min

About Deep Breath

From the publisher's feed

Lexie & Michelle explore spiritual practices and ways of connecting with God, others and ourselves. They invite you in to the conversation and to perhaps try on a new practice.