Deep Breath

Creating margin in your life means leaving SPACE in your days and in your schedule. Margin is a buffer for the unplanned and unexpected. Having margin gives you a chance to say "yes". Not having blank spaces in your life can lead to exceeding your resources of time and energy. We think margin is an indispensable practice in caring for your soul. Get Michelle's video on "4 Ways to Create Margin in Your Life": www.breatheandbe.net

Surprise, surprise we love to talk about the breath around here! Today's episode we take the physiology angle. Our hope is to give you more information on how the breath effects the body and mind, and how the two are connected. Also, join us in breath work as we guide you through a simple exercise. Cheers to engaging our parasympathetic system! Listen again: E94 & 45

This week we chat about stretching; literally and figuratively. As yogis and yoga instructors, we recognize and honor the body when it communicates pain or discomfort. And noticing the difference between pain and discomfort is key. Sometimes (somedays) a posture may cause stretching sensation but no harm is being done. We suggest it is the same in a spiritual sense. Sometimes (somedays, some seasons) we are stretched in our spirit and a natural response may be to shy away, resist, or back off. But choosing to lean into the stretch can manifest growth, transformation, healing, and renewal in ways that can only come from staying in the discomfort.

What is a Day of Permission? How is it different from a regular day off? And what distinguishes it from Sabbath? We think that the key word is "permission"; to do and to NOT do. The list will be different for everyone, and may be different each time you institute this practice. Listen in for more descriptions of what it is and why we regularly earmark this specific kind of pause from our usual routines. And, hear us offer to YOU to try-on a Day of Permission.

Let's try-on a mindfulness practice together! In this episode Lexie guides you through a breathing exercise and then invites you to remain in the present moment with a question and a prayer. Stillness is not required for this practice, it actually might be a great time to try out mindfulness while you are active! Listen to: "Mindfulness" S3 E116

You may have heard of them, you might have noticed we mention them, now we're going to have a whole episode about them: Morning Pages! What they are and how they different from other forms of journaling. Listen to: "A Life Changing Book" S2 E54; Books referenced by Julia Cameron: The Artist's Way & The Listening Path

Have you ever considered caring for your body as a spiritual practice? Do you ever feel like the body is the center of attention with diet trends & society's expectations, but as a spiritual being it is relegated to last priority? From the desire to connect with God we often focus on the spirit & soul and leave the body out of the mix.

We are not experts and we are not giving out advice. What we are suggesting is that the body shouldn't be left out of the equation when it comes to relating to God. Beginning with the simple practice of noticing, you may find yourself stronger & healthier in spirit & body!

Blessing from: 3 John 1:2 NLT; Listen to: "Yoga" S1 E13,

"Listen to Your Body" S3 E91

All major religions practice forms of mindfulness. This week we discuss what mindfulness could look like for those of us that believe in a God that is always present and Who is loving & compassionate. We define mindfulness as: a way of being; a state of choosing to be conscious of mind & heart moment-to-moment; awareness of thoughts, feelings, responses, reactions, & attachments; AND being awake to the fact that God is present in your personal reality. When life gets rough, throws a curve ball, or solid ground is elusive - mindfulness can ground you, center you, and above all - connect you to the Divine. Check out: "Mindful Silence", by Phileena Heuertz

We continue our chat about the "Second Half of Life". Many of you resonated with the topic so we wanted to keep delving into this important time in our lives. Specifically in this episode we wanted to discuss The Church. Maybe you've found it hard to connect in the ways you use to? Perhaps you've felt let you down or dissolutionment toward The Church? You are not alone! Let's talk about how this is can be a 'normal life cycle' and what God has for you in this season of life. Listen in: "Second Half of Life" S3 E110. Referenced: Dr. J. Robert Clinton's research; "The Interior Castle", by St. Teresa of Avila; "Long Obedience in the Same Direction", by Eugene Peterson

We find ourselves in between summer and fall. How about we feel what we feel? If you're like us, it's bittersweet! Can we stay present while we plan ahead? We'd like to savor the season we're in. What kind of spiritual practices might aid this goal? Listen in to hear our thoughts and wondering. Re-listen: S2 E72 Blessing from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT