Often when I meditate, I have difficulty clearing my mind. Many times in the early morning I give up completely and start my day without meditating for more than a few minutes.

For most of my life I’ve prayed at night before bed, but in the last couple of weeks I’ve committed to praying each morning. The change has made quite a difference to my meditation.

After beginning with a formal prayer, I pray about each person [...]]]>

Often when I meditate, I have difficulty clearing my mind. Many times in the early morning I give up completely and start my day without meditating for more than a few minutes.

For most of my life I’ve prayed at night before bed, but in the last couple of weeks I’ve committed to praying each morning. The change has made quite a difference to my meditation.

After beginning with a formal prayer, I pray about each person or instance which pops into my mind. Putting all of my thoughts and challenges in God’s hands for the day fills me with peace.

On the first day I prayed, I still had some extra time so I decided to meditate. I was amazed at how easily I could concentrate on my body, breathing, and third eye. I’d released all that was bothering me in prayer and could settle into the quiet, untroubled place of my mediation. I can’t believe it took me so long to figure out this combination!

Praying gives you the freedom to let your mind wander constructively and clears the way for meditation. When I combine my religion with my yoga and meditation, I feel most complete.

For the first time ever, our church gathered writings from parishioners and created a Lenten devotional booklet.

Do we need these writings? Yes.

Today I found myself looking at an Easter display and thinking I needed to get the ingredients for our Easter dinner. “Wait a minute,” I thought, “Easter is 40 days away.”

I need Lent.

My writing is based on the passage for Ash Wednesday, Luke 18:9-14. For those of you who know about our decision to move [...]]]>

For the first time ever, our church gathered writings from parishioners and created a Lenten devotional booklet.

Do we need these writings? Yes.

Today I found myself looking at an Easter display and thinking I needed to get the ingredients for our Easter dinner. “Wait a minute,” I thought, “Easter is 40 days away.”

I need Lent.

My writing is based on the passage for Ash Wednesday, Luke 18:9-14. For those of you who know about our decision to move our local site, Rockville Central, exclusively to Facebook, I wrote this before we had the idea. We’ve had so much publicity because of the move that I believe my resolve was being tested.

During Lent I never give up or “fast” from something. When I was younger my minister encouraged us to add something, perhaps to make the world a better place, and this idea has stuck with me. To me Lent is a time to take a look at myself by adding a daily reading of the Bible, a contemplative book, or a Lenten study. This is why I love the idea of our church having a Lenten Devotional so much.

In today’s reading, Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee who is praying with a tax collector. The Pharisee thanks God that “I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers or even like this tax collector.” Meanwhile the tax collector beats his breast and begs “God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

Jesus’ response is to be humble because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.

How often do we think we are better than others and “toot our own horn”? In today’s world Facebook and other social networking sites are always open for bragging, pride, narcissism and egotistical behavior. We’re encouraged to market ourselves and list our accomplishments. Where do you draw the line when you can broadcast anything every hour of every day? Can you find the restraint to not judge others and be modest?

Lent is a time to turn to a daily reading and find the strength to look in your heart and be humble.

After almost 11 years of yoga practice, I’m timidly starting a Personal Revolution to kick off the New Year. Opening myself to new possibilities, I have no way of knowing what will happen.

As a gift for my birthday this month, my husband registered me for a program at Thrive Yoga based on Baron Baptiste’s 40 Days To Personal Revolution book.

For both my pregnancies my husband and I intensely prepared with the Bradley Method of Natural [...]]]>

After almost 11 years of yoga practice, I’m timidly starting a Personal Revolution to kick off the New Year. Opening myself to new possibilities, I have no way of knowing what will happen.

As a gift for my birthday this month, my husband registered me for a program at Thrive Yoga based on Baron Baptiste’s 40 Days To Personal Revolution book.

For both my pregnancies my husband and I intensely prepared with the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth (that’s another post I need to write!). During my second pregnancy almost 11 years ago, I added a prenatal yoga class and never stopped practicing at home by myself with videos and instruction.

Stepping into an actual studio with people was a big step a few years ago. I have never enjoyed group physical fitness experiences but I found a home at Thrive Yoga, a special and peaceful place which takes you beyond the physical yoga practice. When I first talked to the co-owner Susan, she explained that her husband, Dave, had been in a bad car accident and her sister had died from cancer. When she looked at her life, she knew what was important so they started Thrive. This is a beautiful studio where you can go to handle the stresses from life and center yourself. The workshops and classes are all about a better, complete life.

Since Thrive Yoga already provides a transforming experience, the thought of a more intense study requires me to take an even deeper breath. I’ll admit I’m nervous. A year and a half ago, I talked to Dave about advancing in my yoga practice. Expecting an easy answer about the classes I should take, he suggested the intensive 40-day course. He said most people think they don’t have the time and this was exactly what I was thinking. Then my arm injury prevented me from even considering the possibility.

But here I am.

For six weeks the program works on your health. In addition to at least six yoga practices a week, we’ll meet weekly to talk about our eating habits and daily meditation. That’s body, mind, and spirit.

I need this now.

When I spoke with one of my spiritual advisors recently, he commented that I had said the same thing to him two years ago. He’s right. He was also right when he said I was doing too many things.

I must stand still and listen for a while.

This will mean I cut back on much of what I am doing. I have a painting sketched out on a big white canvas and I’m going to pick up those brushes again. Because I never thought I’d make a salary with my artwork, I discarded it. Truth be told, I’m not making a heck of a lot of money freelancing right now so I might as well be doing what I truly love. So yoga, diet, prayer, painting, and family will be my only priorities as I open myself to come apart. My husband said he can’t imagine a better time for me to do this, and he is right.

Although I am fortunate to have a local program to keep me focused, 40 Days To Personal Revolution provides a complete guide for anyone, anywhere. Even a beginner can follow the instructions for each yoga pose and benefit from the weekly readings.

Now if I can only get “You say you want a revolution” to stop repeating in my head.

May you find what you seek this year.

This post is part of a series on my 40 Days To Personal Revolution journey.

The build up to the holidays can be stressful without any extraneous situations. With all my might I tried not to be negative during the week before Christmas, but many forces conspired against me.