If you feel like you need more peace and calm in your life, adding spiritual practices to your morning and evening routines may be the answer. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to add spiritual practices to your morning and evening routines. We will also provide tips on making these practices work for you!
Wake up early and spend time in prayer before the day begins
The stillness of the early morning makes it the ideal time for prayer. The world is quiet, and there are few distractions to take our attention away from God. In the busyness of our lives, it can be easy to forget to spend time in prayer, but if we make it a priority to wake up early and pray before the day begins, we will find that our relationship with God will become stronger. Additionally, taking time to pray first thing in the morning sets the tone for the day’s rest. It helps us focus on what is important and reminds us that God is always with us. Whether facing challenges or celebrating victories, spending time in prayer each morning will help us keep our perspective and remember what truly matters.
Connect with nature by spending time outside or looking at photos of landscapes
There are many ways to connect with nature, but spending time outside is one of the most enjoyable. Whether you take a hike in the woods, lie in the sun at the beach, or stroll through your neighborhood, being in nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood. If you live in an urban area, you may need to seek out green spaces to get your nature fixed. But even looking at photos of landscapes can have benefits. Studies have shown that viewing images of nature can help lower blood pressure and heart rate and relieve fatigue and tension headaches. So next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, step outside for some fresh air or take a few minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature through photography.
Practice gratitude by thinking about things you’re grateful for each morning
A straightforward way to start your day off on the right foot is to take a moment to think about the things you’re grateful for. Whether something as small as a good cup of coffee or as significant as your health, taking a moment each morning to appreciate the good in your life can set the tone for a more positive day. And studies have shown that gratitude can have lasting mental and physical health benefits. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood and improve your wellbeing, try starting each day with a grateful heart.
Meditate for 10-15 minutes each morning to focus your mind and center yourself
The benefits of meditation are well-documented, and there’s no denying that it can be a beneficial tool for managing stress and promoting overall wellness. Starting a regular practice can seem daunting if you’re new to meditation. But it’s important to remember that even 10-15 minutes of meditation daily can make a big difference.
The key is to be patient and consistent with your practice. Meditation requires focus and concentration, so it’s essential to set aside sometime each day when you won’t be interrupted. Once you’ve found a quiet spot, sit comfortably with your spine and close your eyes. Begin by focusing on your breath, and try to clear your mind of all other thoughts. If you are distracted, refocus on your breath and start again. Don’t worry if it takes a little time to get the hang of it – the important thing is that you stick with it. Over time, you’ll notice that your mind feels calmer and more focused, and you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
I have to be honest, I find moving or walking meditation to be better for me because stillness is very hard for me.
Journal about your thoughts and feelings each morning to get clarity and peace of mind
It’s always helpful to start the day with a clear mind. But sometimes, our thoughts can feel cluttered and chaotic first thing in the morning. That’s when spending a few minutes writing in a journal can be helpful. Getting our thoughts down on paper can help give us some clarity and peace of mind. It doesn’t have to be fancy – just a few sentences about our feelings and what’s on our minds. Taking time for this simple practice each morning can help us feel more grounded and prepared for whatever the day might bring.
There are many ways to add spiritual practices to your morning and evening routines. By spending time outside, practicing gratitude, meditating, and journaling, you can set the tone for a more positive day. These practices can also have lasting mental and physical health benefits, so be patient and consistent with your routine to see the best results.
I LOVE LOVE Journaling. I have a paper journal and also a Penzu ( online journal) because sometimes I just want to write stuff down and its invaluable that I have a locked app on my phone for my thoughts and feelings. I sometimes just address entries directly to God and tell him how I’m feeling and what my stressors. I can lament freely before God in my journal. Give it a try.
The Bible contains references to rest, and it’s not hard to see why. When we rest, we give our bodies and minds a break from the stresses of life. This allows us to rejuvenate and come back stronger than before. This blog post will discuss the biblical basis for rest and how it can enhance your life!
The biblical concept of the importance of rest
The Bible is clear on the importance of rest. In Genesis, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. And in Exodus, we see that he commanded his people to observe a day of rest each week. The New Testament also speaks to the importance of rest, with Jesus often withdrawing to solitary places to pray and recharge. The apostle Paul even writes that “we should labor, working with our own hands” so that we can “give ourselves faithfully to prayer and ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). In other words, work is essential. Still, it should be balanced with periods of rest and refreshment. This principle is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. In a world that is always on the go, it is essential to take time to rest and recharge. For Christians, this may mean taking a Sabbath each week to focus on God and spend time with family and friends. It may also mean taking regular vacations and sabbaticals throughout our lives. Whatever form it takes, resting is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
How Jesus modeled rest
In today’s hectic world, it can be easy to forget the importance of rest. We are always on the go, juggling work and family commitments and trying to squeeze in a bit of leisure time when we can. However, Jesus himself modeled the importance of rest-keeping when he took time out to pray and reflect during his busy ministry. By making time for rest, Jesus showed us that even when we are at our busiest, it is still essential to take a step back and recharge our batteries. When we follow his example, we can find the strength to face whatever challenges life throws our way. So next time you feel overwhelmed, take a page from Jesus’s book and take some time out for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
Practical tips for implementing biblical rest in your own life
To many people, the idea of rest seems like a luxury. It can be challenging to slow down and take a break in a world that demands more of our time and energy. However, the Bible clarifies that rest is not optional but essential for our health and well-being. Here are some practical tips for incorporating biblical rest into your life:
1. Set aside specific days for rest. Just as the Sabbath is set apart as a day of rest, you can set aside specific days each week for rest. Make sure to unplug from work and other obligations to relax genuinely.
2. Take regular vacations. If possible, plan a vacation at least once yearly where you can completely disconnect from work and other responsibilities. Use this time to recharge your batteries and enjoy some much-needed leisure time.
3. Make time for hobbies and personal interests. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to forget what we enjoy outside work or family obligations. Schedule some time each week to pursue your hobbies and interests, whether reading, playing sports, or going for walks in nature.
4. Slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through life without taking the time to enjoy the little things. Make a conscious effort to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures, such as a cup of coffee in the morning or sunset at night.
The Bible is clear on the importance of rest, and Jesus modeled the importance of taking time out for rest. In a world that is always on the go, it is essential to take time to rest and recharge. For Christians, this may mean taking a Sabbath each week to focus on God and spend time with family and friends. It may also mean taking regular vacations and sabbaticals throughout our lives. Whatever form it takes, resting is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
For me, sometimes rest is just taking 15 minutes with my office door closed and blowing bubbles with one of those summer bubble wand things… away from my paperwork of course. I find worship music restful and I sometimes spend some time just singing out loud on my porch. Find some ways to rest this week.
There’s a lot of debate about morning and evening routines. Some people swear by them, while others think they’re a waste of time. What does the research say? Are our morning and evening routines necessary? The answer is yes – for both your mental and physical health! This blog post will discuss the benefits of morning and evening routines and how they can affect your day-to-day life.
What is a morning routine, and why is it essential for your day
A morning routine is a set of activities you regularly do, typically after waking up and starting your day. Many people find that having a morning routine helps them to feel more productive and motivated throughout the day. There are many different ways to create a morning routine. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to be consistent with it. It’s also important to consider the best time to wake up based on your daily schedule. You may also find it helpful to write down your goals for the day or week ahead of time. A morning routine can help you make the most of your mornings and set yourself up for a successful day.
How to create a successful morning routine that works for you
A successful morning routine is all about finding what works for you. For some people, that means waking up early and taking time for themselves before starting the day. For others, it’s about taking things slow and taking the time to enjoy breakfast. But there are a few key things that all successful morning routines have in common.
They all start with drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up. This helps to rehydrate your body and jump-start your metabolism.
They all include eating breakfast. This gives you energy for the day ahead and helps you to focus on your tasks.
Successful morning routines always end with taking some time to relax in the evening. This allows you to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Evening routines – what they are and why they’re important
Most of us are creatures of habit, whether we realize it or not. We tend to like having set routines that we can follow day in and day out. This feeling of predictability and stability can be exceptionally comforting at the end of a long day when we want to relax and wind down. That’s why having a regular evening routine is essential for adults and kids. It offers a sense of calm after a busy day and can help improve sleep quality, promote healthy habits, and reduce stress levels. Plus, it can be a great way to bond with your family as everyone winds down for the night.
How to create an evening routine that will help you relax and unwind after a long day
After a long day, it can be hard to unwind and relax. However, creating a calming evening routine can make a world of difference. First, keep your routine relatively simple and consistent from one night to the next. This will help your body and mind know what to expect and make it easier to stick to the routine. Secondly, schedule enough time for winding down and relaxing before bedtime. This means disconnecting from electronics, reading a book, taking a bath, or whatever else helps you to feel calm and sleepy. Finally, avoid doing anything that will make it harder to fall asleep, such as working on a project or eating a large meal.
You can do a few things to increase your chances of success. This will help you stay positive and keep going even when things get tough. If you Slip up, don’t be too hard on yourself – everyone makes mistakes. Pick yourself up and start again tomorrow.
My dream morning routine is to do some sort of exercise every morning even something light as stretching but in reality that doesn’t happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t aspire to it. Every new day that dawns, we get to begin again!
Gratitude seems all fun and dandy until we’re going through a dark night of the soul–until fear or despair gets a grip on us and we can’t seem to think of anything else. I’m not talking about clinical depression or any psychological illness. I’m talking about grief or short-term sadness from an event or the bit of anxiety when we’re gearing up to have a big milestone. Sometimes it’s just hard to be grateful.
This is why it’s so important to already have a gratitude practice in place. When you are gloomy or thinking about how you need a nuclear saferoom because you’re afraid the world will end– you should just follow through with your gratitude routine. So go ahead and form the habit. Start a Friday night text thread gratitude list with your bestie. Write every morning or evening in a gratitude journal. Take a break during your workday to be grateful for what’s happened so far during the day. Use your lunch break as a gratitude break.
Life is not linear; there are ebbs and flows. There are mountains and valleys. Having healthy habits in place that soothe your spirit will help you find your way. This is not one of those just do it or fake it till you make it strategies. . This is just a practice of reflection on what is good in your life. It could be something simple. Like I had two meals today. Someone gave me a compliment. My coffee was delicious. My shoes are really comfortable. Small wins are still wins. And being grateful for where we are and what we are experiencing can only beget even better fruit.
Today I want to talk to you about having a gratitude practice. Nothing but breathing and your heart beating come automatically in this life; everything else takes practice.
Why Practice Gratitude?
I don’t know why… I could tell you the science, but somehow gratitude automatically elevates the mood, and takes the focus off of us and what we’re not doing and what we’ve been given. A lot of twelve-step programs, and many spiritual communities encourage their followers to engage in gratitude or gratitude-related practices daily.
When/How to Practice Gratitude?
One of my favorite things to do before I start my morning prayers is to just take stock of all I have and write in my gratitude list. In the past, I’ve had a gratitude text chain with friends where we just texted 3-5 things we were grateful for every single day. You don’t have to write in a gratitude journal every day or start a text chain to start a gratitude practice. You don’t even have to say it out loud (although I recommend it). You can just look around the room you’re in right now and silently acknowledge the blessings God has given you. You can sit in your car for a minute and thank God that you have a car, that you have the skill to drive, and that you have all the physical health and functioning to be able to drive. Those are all blessings. Before you eat lunch, thank God for the food and all the people who had a hand in making it. The people who farmed it, the people who processed it, and the people who shipped it all the way to you.
If you already do those things, another way to practice gratitude is to get involved in your community. Volunteer at the shelter or the food bank. Donate your time more than your money.
Benefits of Practicing Gratitude?
It statistically makes people happier by over 10 percent than people who don’t practice it. Emmons & McCullough, 2003; Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005
This month is going to be all about feel-good vibes. We’re gonna dive deep into how to live out gratitude. I may talk about some stories in the Bible, some biblical affirmations to help you speak truth to the darkness, or just talk about my birthday! That’s right May has my born day. I was born on a Saturday during the Sabbath, so it’s only natural that I spend my birth month giving thanks for what God has done and talking about rest and all that is good.
As we breathe
As you probably know, breath is something that we spend a lot of time talking about in church, and singing songs about in worship. Breath is often mentioned in scripture and it is a medical phenomenon that we still really don’t know a lot about in 2022. Breath is automatic, we don’t know what starts it or finishes it and just know that when it stops we need to make it to the ER ASAP.
In the bible, there are names for God based on the concept of breath. He is the Breath of Life. It is also believed that the name YHWH actually comes from the sound made when breathing. It is important to note that an automatic function that we have a lot of mystery about is attributed to God in such a deep way. That God is the start and finish of every breath.
Breathing In Gratitude
There are a few stories in the bible where I think to myself “ man what a crazy time to be grateful.” They come in the story of Jonah, Job, and Daniel.
Let’s start with Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of a whale after being swallowed up for his disobedience to God’s call/ to rescue him from drowning. In Jonah 2: 9, Jonah is within the belly of the whale when he says “But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!” I mean when you think about it one way, he had a reason to be grateful. He was alive. But the other half of the situation is he has no idea when and if he’s ever gonna leave the belly of the whale, or if he will leave alive after passing through the whale’s digestive track. And then right after Jonah’s expression of heartfelt gratitude, he gets vomited out and onto dry land. I mean what a crazy story.
Then there’s Job. He finds out all of his kids have gotten killed in one fell swoop while hanging out at their eldest siblings’ house and he thanks, God. He says naked I came into the world and naked I will go. It’s a crazy story.
Then there’s Daniel who was told not only not to praise God, but to definitely not do it in the window or he will be put to death. The verse says in the ESV version “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” Daniel went about his business with His God; he did not care.
While we can pass off these stories as man, that’s crazy. The real lesson they were so cray .. is that they were so tight with God and their relationship was so deep that they could be grateful, anyway, and on any day. The reason gratitude needs to be likened to breathing is so that it could be automatic. It needs to be automatic like Daniel, who didn’t need to think about the regulation that just passed, he just did his routine. He just walked daily with God and thanked him thrice a day and wasn’t going to stop for anyone.
What are the non-negotiables in your life? Do you not drink milk after brushing your teeth? Do you not turn on social media before noon? Do you have any spiritual non-negotiables? Like I won’t leave the house without praying, or start my car without talking to God? Let’s think about inviting God and gratitude into our lives more often, so that we may be able to suck the marrow out of life and live in the sunlight.
