When It Feels Heavy - Connect to the Power of Prayer & Meditation
We're living through intense times; each of us wading through persistent grief, whether due to mass shootings, threats to American democracy, escalating attacks on marginalized communities, or our day-to-day struggles; and it's clear that constant movement without recharging spiritually, takes its toll.
In this episode, I share a short grounding meditation, designed to help center calm in the midst of chaos using an ever-present anchor God gave each of us, the breath. You'll also hear a prayer following the meditation, inspired by Jesus' challenge in Matthew 25:40 - "Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done it for me."
Join us on April 30, 6pm via Zoom for our first monthly ASK Ministry: Prayer + Action meeting. Read more about the story behind this ministry (in loving memory of my Dad, Rudy) on our website, and sign up here.
Resources -
Scriptures for dealing with anxiety / stress (you can use for meditation, jounraling and prayer):
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Mindfulness Tools
I have trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and now also have certification as a TSD Mindfulness Coach. Check out a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction workbook, there are great exercises at the end of each chapter which help you make the mind, body and soul connection.
TSD mindfulness helps reduce stress, move through grief and crisis, while healing from trauma; there are concrete teachings in resilience, acceptance, being present and self-compassion (which I see as deeply connected to community care). You can read more about it here.
And look out for upcoming offerings through Pray with our Feet that center mindfulness for folks like us, spiritual activists.
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Special thank you to my husand Keston De Coteau, for podcast production; he is an award-winning videographer and photographer.