“I am amazed on how you continue to write in your journal,” Jo said during my group spiritual direction group.
“I have learned the hard way,” I answered, “I am more lost, more scattered, find myself drifting aimlessly without this practice. I need to journal.”
I thought about my words as I drove home – a statement of fact about how the spiritual practice of journaling grounds my life and brings me closer to God. I smiled remembering how my answer to her just tumbled out of my mouth. I didn’t just enjoy journaling, wanting to journal, but I needed, deeply craved/required, this discipline.
What are your essential spiritual practices? Sometimes I feel like a toddler searching for her lost blanket – tangible connecting points for this little child of God to touch her Master. Finding the practices that come naturally to each of our own spiritual personalities and naming them – will help ground us and hold us especially in difficult times.
For me as I wrote above, journaling is essential. While I don’t write every day, I would describe my practice as regular. I do notice an internal vagueness, drifting, aimlessness when I fail to record what I am experiencing and my conversations/fears/longings with God. I need these moments of reflection to see where I am and remind me who and Whose I am.
Spending quiet time in prayer with God is another discipline. Too often I get in the habit of checking my emails first, then oops I forgot my morning prayers. Or rush through them to get to the all-important to-do list. Longer daily contemplative prayer realigns me with God and begins my day in sacred Presence.
I am an introvert and have learned the importance of community and relationships, but I also know I can easily get “peopled” out. The practices of silence, solitude, and stillness are balm for my spirit. A daily practice and also one that I dive deep into when going on multi-day retreats.
Another essential practice for me is seeing a spiritual director. She creates a safe, sacred space for me to articulate where I am spiritually, to explore where God may be inviting me, and to discern direction in my path of life. A spiritual director doesn’t direct me; she listens and companions me on this journey.
In rereading these essential practices, I realized each of them provide a means for me to be my true self while in the presence of God. To drop all pretenses and fears. To rest in God’s love. To connect and be held by Love.
Henri Nouwen wrote the following about spiritual direction, but I think could be true for all of our essential practices:
“Spiritual direction provides an “address” on the house of your life so that you can be “addressed” by God in prayer. When this happens, your life begins to be transformed in ways you hadn’t planned or counted on, for God works in wonderful and surprising ways.” Henri Nouwen
What about you? What are some of your essential spiritual practices?
Writing down my words is such a valuable spiritual practice for me, too. If I want to really work something out in my emotions and/or thoughts, it helps if I type them out as I process them.
I agree. there is a real power in digging deep for just the right words to write, then writing them out – I know this is a practice that makes a difference for me.
My gratitude journal has become a valuable spiritual practice, helping me be more mindful of God’s gifts. I see his attributes at work in creation, circumstances, and people, which encourages my spirit.
I thought of you when I wrote this remembering you kept a gratitude journal. Such a nourishing practice.
Along with writing in my journal and spending “first thing in the morning” time in prayer and meditation, I have come to realize that creating content and preparing for the contemplative writing group I lead at my church is a spiritual practice. To do that practice, however, I need the journal writing and prayer time and regular worship services. It all connects. It all becomes one.
Hi Nancy!Yes yes it all connects doesn’t it? God is so good!
I do love times of stillness and solitude, as in early mornings, when I take time to offer prayers for others and give thanks to God for all His blessings. I wish I could become disciplined in keeping a journal, but I find that challenging to do. Maybe, I’ll have a change of heart.
Blessings, Jean!
Aren’t mornings the best? I know I just love that stillness and silence first things – I hear God and my own voice better then and so much thanks and praise too. Don’t fret over journaling – it is not a practice for everyone. Blessings!!
thank jean..
im also an old introvert..my main spiritual practice is time with God in the morning..bible reading..devotionals..talking with him and praying for loved ones on my prayer list…need to get back to journaling…lately ive needed something tangible to hang onto since still a physical body..i know faith has to become as tangible as hanging onto a staircase railing to prevent failing…im working on it..
peace
You have some great practices. don’t feel guilty about not journaling. I find most people come and go with that practice. I just know when I do journal; it helps. and yes it is a tangible practice, isn’t it?