Back to basics is the theme for the next few weeks here on Healthy Spirituality. A fitting topic for September and for our spiritual journeys. September is often called the second new year – a time for fresh starts and reenergized actions. An invitation to review what practices are most life-giving for us and are we honestly making the most of them.
I know my essential practices as I mentioned last week are gratitude, journaling, prayer, and sacred reading. Duh! I totally forgot one of my fundamentals disciplines that has nourished my soul quite a bit these last few years. Exploring a word of the year.
Back to Basics with Word of the Year Practice
At the end of the previous year I begin a list of possible words/themes to guide me in the new year. I am grateful Lisa Burgess to offer a community and prompts to give us ideas how to dig deeper into our words.
Usually, a word or phrase is simple, easy to remember and flexible by taking us many directions to explore. I’ve learned the little unglamourous words often reveal the most lessons.
In 2023 a phrase rose in my heart: Honoring the Thirst Deep Within. These words have guided me in prayer. Each on taking a turn leading me deeper into wonder and discovery. The game of seeing the word in readings, Bible verses, spoken in conversations, sermons, on plaques in Hobby Lobby – continue to surprise me and bring me joy.
Staying with a word of the year takes time, focus, and frequent revisiting. Isn’t that true of all our essential practices? I know when I apply the actions that feed my soul on a regular basis, I am stronger and feel loved and held by God. Consistency isn’t glamorous but it is effective. I am not so rigid to force myself on a fixed schedule and feel shame when I can’t keep up, but I try to give myself grace in the daily demands of life. Regular nourishment sustains my soul.
A word of the year contains the seed of new life – a refreshing sustenance for our spirit. A practice that deepens my walk with God and has proven itself to be an essential building block for my spiritual growth.
Are you getting back to basics with spiritual practices? Which one is inviting you closer?
So much wisdom in this post, Jean! Many sentences stand out to me, including this one: “A word of the year contains the seed of new life – a refreshing sustenance for our spirit.” It’s been amazing how much fruit can be born from these seeds we plant. So thankful for you!
Thank you for your kinds words, Lisa. This practice has been life giving for me with many thanks to your ideas and encouragement along the way
I think that getting back to the basics is a good practice because all too often life interferes and we get off-track.
One Word #6
Amen! I know a good old fashion reset keeps me aligned with God and not going too far off track!
September is always a time for re-evaluation for me, and getting back to the basics. My WOTY is Intention and the spiritual practice I need to intentionally re-establish are my prayer days.
Intention is a powerful word, Jodee. May it bless you in many ways!
I’m with Pat–continuing to practice silence and solitude, per Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Invitation to Solitude and Silence. I feel I still have much to learn and experience!
I’m with Pat–continuing to practice silence and solitude, per Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Invitation to Solitude and Silence. I feel I still have much to learn and experience!
Glad you are continuing this practice too Nancy. That book is wonderful, isn’t it?
Several things lately have reawakened my word of the year, Jean, including your writing here. I’m now asking myself, how have a been “mindful”? What other things can I practice that make me more “mindful” of the world around me?
Great advice, and I do hope to see you around my blog soon.
Blessings!
Mindful is a great word, Martha! I don’t know why I quit getting your blog in my inbox but just went there and resigned up. Looking forward to reading your words regularly once again. Thanks!
thank you jean…glad you reminded abt the word of the year..i had forgotten abt it..i continue to practice silence and solitude and replacing neg thots with sacred scripture…not easy..peace
I know I needed a reminder too. I have learned so much by paying attention to my word(s) over the years – what a good practice. Peace!!