Deep Breath

We welcome back our friend Pam Jackson to Deep Breath Podcast this week. Pam is a fully trained business and Life Coach. For over 14 years she's worked along side small business owners and entrepreneurs; guiding and equipping them to reach their full potential. We asked her to share how she integrates spiritual practices into business, the work place, and entrepreneurship. And friends, for those who don't consider yourself a business person, you'll still love her ideas of how to invite God into every aspect of life.

There's much to glean from her years of practicing prayer and discernment in community! Pam's Instagram and Facebook:  @encounterpurpose, Email: [email protected]

This short meditation from Matthew 6:29 - 34 is meant to give you opportunity to pause, reflect and soak in God's Word. This reading is from The Message version.  

Journaling Prompt: What is God doing in your life? Where do you see Him at work?

"How do I want to live so I can be who I want to be?" - Ruth Haley Barton. The spiritual practice of a Rule of Life (or Rhythm if you prefer) is to have a scaffolding on which you hang your deepest values. Creating your unique life on-purpose; with clear intentions and conscious thought to who you are and who you are becoming. It takes time and effort to drill into your values and create a life around them, but we trust this episode will assist you in taking a few steps towards the life balance you desire.

But, if you are local and want to delve deeper into this practice, we hope you'll join us (and others from this lovely community) for an in-person Rhythm of Life Workshop, Feb. 12, in Stanwood, WA. Register at: www.breatheandbe.net/store

Hello, friends! We are excited to begin Season 3. But before we say so long to the last year... we are asking ourselves some questions (as per usual with Deep Breath!) We are considering what we've learned over the past twelve months; what we'd like to leave behind and what we'd like to come with us into the new year. And then we're inviting God to prepare us for the next year; set intentions, wondering about a 'word for the year', and much more. Including ways we like to anchor these lessons and intention with rituals (ritual = custom, act, practice, liturgy or observance). We also talk about "why new year's resolutions don't work". That conversation in itself is worth a listen!

It's the end of Season 2! We can hardly believe we've done 2 seasons of podcasting, 81 episodes, 2 scripture doodle journals, 2 meditations series (Advent & Holy Week), AND put on a spiritual practices workshop!! Thank you, friends for coming along this journey with us. You have tried things on, connected in community, and made our lives richer. This week, we're reviewing YOUR favorite episodes! We chat briefly about each of our top 5 downloads. Since we'll be taking a break over December, we encourage you to go back and listen to these. AND purchase "The Arrival", our 4 part meditation series on the coming of Christ, only $10 www.breatheandbe.net/store

Top episodes:

1. Yoga: S1 E13, S2 E57, S2 E46 (Praying with the Body)

2. Centering Prayer: S1 E20, S2 E78

3. Meditations:  Song of Songs S1 E21 (and many others with meditation in the title)

4. What do You Want to Weary Yourself Out With (and for Whom):  S2 E56

5. Breath Prayer: S2 E45

We would love to hear about your favorite episodes and why. Email us: [email protected] and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at Deepbreath54321 and Deep Breath w/Lexie & Michelle

We're asking ourselves (and you!): What do you want this holiday season? Consider setting an intention like you would at the start of a yoga class! Name your want. Could that want be even more specific? And then, make any plans or preparations to bring your want to fruition. Do this holiday season on purpose, dig down into your desires, and make efforts to bring them about. We're right there with ya! Checkout: Re-engage With Intention S2 E52. The Arrival Advent meditations: breatheandbe.net/store

Our last episode in our Just One Thing series is not quite what the title would lead you to believe. To spend time with God is never a waste! What we mean is: how might you enjoy time in God's presence in ways that don't necessarily "produce" something? What's a non-transactional way you'd like to spend time with God? What gives you joy, what brings you delight? Try doing that *with* God this week. Note: all the blessings are from the book In the Sanctuary of Women, by Jan Richardson

Friends, we'll be taking a holiday break in December. But you won't have to miss us! Stay connected throughout the Advent season with our 4 meditations: The Arrival. They're a meaningful way to engage your heart and mind in the coming of Christ. Enjoy! Breatheandbe.net/store

Our second highest listened to episode of all time is "Centering Prayer"! This week we are talking about it again because it's a fantastic Just One Thing to anchor us into the present... which is literally the whole point of the practice! If you've tried-on this spiritual discipline before and felt like you failed, or you wrestled so hard to quiet your thoughts you were more exhausted than rested, we get it!! But how about giving it another shot? Set a timer for only 5 minutes and set your intention to "consent to the actions of God within". Centering Prayer S1 E20 

*Get your FREE copy of Centering Prayer: A how-to Guide*:  https://breatheandbe.net/store/ols/products/centering-prayer-how-to-guide

We're really excited to try-on our Just One Thing this week: Thin Places. This one is brand new to us! But the practice has ancient roots in Celtic Christianity. A Thin Place is a location or a moment in which your sense of the sacred is more pronounced. Where the space between the transcendent and the common place is exceptionally narrow. When has the veil between heaven and earth felt thin to you? That's a Thin Place! This week, how and where might you invite awareness of heaven meeting earth? Explore with us the idea and practice of certain spaces as sacred places. For more: https://www.asacredjourney.net/thin-places/