Empowered Thoughts » spiritual practice

One Day at a Time

Rev. Christine — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:50:32 +0000

I was sharing with a friend today about my passion for empowering women to live inspired lives. Each of us has power, potential and unlimited possibilities. All too often that potential is buried underneath guilt, doubt, lack and limitation.

As we commit to our inner work of clearing away blocks and releasing error thoughts and limiting beliefs, we let our light shine. We find freedom to achieve our goals and dreams.

Once we find our own freedom, we are then in a position to help others on their spiritual journey. Transforming the world to be one of peace, freedom and grace begins with taking dominion of our own lives. One day at a time. Praise God!

This is your brain on God

Rev. Christine — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:59:00 +0000

Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania and is also the author of a new book “How God Changes Your Brain.” The new research shows that “the physical and emotional benefits of spiritual observances dramatically accrue over years of practice.” The researchers also took a group of people that had never meditated before and taught them a simple meditation practice. After meditating 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, their evaluation showed improvement in memory scores and decrease in anxiety and anger.

The article talks a lot about religion but primarily they are talking about spiritual practices. A fascinating article and research. We already knew this but it is always great when science catches up with spirituality!

Class: Living by Faith

Rev. Christine — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:18:00 +0000

There is no secret mantra or magic formula to faith. It is a process of willingness, surrender and practice. Faith reveals freedom, peace of mind and an expansion of life.

Israel is a place of faith, conflict, peace and separation. It is also a consciousness that lives within us. Join us as we deepen our understanding of the outer and inner experience of Israel and as we take the opportunity to deepen our practice together.

Date: March 9, 16, 23, 2009 (Monday)
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $60
Location: SW Portland – call for location

Wheels of Life

Rev. Christine — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:28:00 +0000

I noticed a few weeks ago that one of the tires on our car looked a little flat. I stopped at the gas station to put air into it. The tire was not inflating no matter how much air was flowing into it. After a visit to the tire store, it turned out to be a bad valve on the tire.

The car manual states that inflating car tires with the correct amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensuring even tire wear. So the same goes for maintaining the balance of spirit, mind and body. If we sustain a constant relationship with our spiritual practice (meditation, journaling, prayer, classes, etc) we are able to retain a presence of a peaceful mind and ease in our daily activities. When we are out of spiritual balance, the peaceful experience leaks out and the body feels deflated and lacks energy and we have difficulty getting tasks accomplished. Stress builds in the body because we are operating with less energy.
I realized that doubt is like a bad valve in our thinking. No matter how many positive affirmations, prayers or good thoughts we have in the moment, doubt is a slow leak that can leave us drained, diminished and discouraged.

Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Spiritual balance can be measured in DDP or daily dedicated practice. As we maintain our practice we leave little room for doubt or uncertainty to take hold.

It is so important during the rough, bumpy road that we seem to be traveling lately to take the time to maintain our spiritual balance. It can boost our faith and keep the wheels of life moving with ease and grace.

I am Willing to Receive

Rev. Christine — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:04:00 +0000

I talked with a friend the other day that just had major surgery. A challenging part of healing is to receive care from her husband. He has been taking care of her and making sure she is comfortable. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer. Of course he should take care of her. But when you are used to being the person caring for everyone else, it becomes a challenge.

I had that experience last week when I visited my friend at the coast. I found it difficult to have her prepare our meals and clean up. It took a lot of energy to sit still and not help.

Receiving is a spiritual practice and prepares us for receiving even more of God’s blessings.

Rev. Christine — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:56:00 +0000

I was talking with a friend over the weekend and she was sharing about her new job and new home. She was very grateful for this sudden turn around in her life. I reminded her of her years of trial and error, of dedicated spiritual practice and of faith.

This is similar to when people say that an actor or actress was an ‘overnight’ success. There was nothing ‘overnight’ about it. It was long journey of hard work, patience and dedication. It always seems overnight because when good happens it is sudden and profound.

The same is true of our spiritual journey. It is so important to stay connected to our spiritual practice, intentions and purpose. The Good that we desire is coming…it may not happen on our timeline but it absolutely is on God’s time.

Getting past procrastination

Rev. Christine — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 22:16:00 +0000

Why do I find it easier to clean out the tray of the toaster oven than to do my daily spiritual practice? Why do I find cleaning out the closet more captivating than writing my daily three pages?

I think a big reason for procrastination is the focus on the task instead of the big picture. I recently found one of my journals from 10 years ago. Wow, has my life improved over the past 10 years!! All the issues I was stressing about have been resolved: debt has been paid off, have a terrific husband, a great house, doing what I love. At the time (according to my journal) I was lazy and ineffective at getting things done. Somehow I inched past the inertia and procrastination to move ahead on my spiritual journey.

I think that’s where we shortchange ourselves. We focus on the ‘to do’ list activity instead of the big picture down the road. If I can see the end result, I can take the small steps to get closer to the goal.

That’s what is great about living by intention. Intention is a daily declaration of acceptance. Example “I am gratefully living with energy and vitality.” “I am living a grace-filled life with my beloved husband.” Intention is about living in the now and not worrying about tomorrow.

Ok, gotta go. Time for my spiritual practice:)