Down-to-Earth Spirituality

The purpose of Lent is to prepare us for Easter—it is not only a Catholic tradition, but an ancient Christian rhythm.

In recent years, following the church calendar has been new for me. It has helped me live a more intentional rhythm of relationship with God.

Lent feels invitational—to reflect, to remember, and return.

What new rhythm might gently lead you closer to Jesus this season and beyond?

What could you release that quietly depletes you? What might you welcome that will restore you?

Take a moment to consider the pattern of your days and nights. Is there anything that feels drying—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

I think of this season as opening a window in our life—so the Spirit of Jesus can breathe fresh space and truth into our daily living.

My intention is not to re-create or share a watered-down Lent tradition, but to offer a down-to-earth spiritual rhythm that helps bring clarity to who Jesus is in your life.

It’s less of an intervention, and more of an alignment.

A beginning to a rhythm of ordinary, daily living that brings harmony to your life and relationships.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few simple ideas to consider:

• Try settling into bed earlier. The way we end the day shapes how we begin it.

• Let your first moments of the morning be quiet. Before the phone, news, or emails—just breathe and look outside.

• Take a short walk, even 10 minutes, in the morning or evening.

• Sit down for your meals. Eat without multi-tasking. Digestion is about more than just the food we eat.

• Choose foods that are close to the earth when you can.

• Step outside barefoot and feel the ground beneath you.

• Consider eating dinner earlier in the evening, before 7:00 pm.

These aren’t rules. They are rhythms—small ways of creating space and promoting good health. It’s not about self-improvement or adding more pressure. And it’s not about trying to impress God or anyone else.

One small shift in alignment can make a significant impact in your body, mind, and spirit.

Simply put: when we feel worn down—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—it becomes harder to love others well.

Caring for our bodies and tending to our daily patterns is one practical way to steward the life and relationships we’ve been given.

Returning to what restores. Returning to patterns written in our bones. Returning to our Creator and creation.

And in all of it, invite the Spirit of Jesus in.

God created with order and intention.  There is a pattern woven into life. As we pay close attention to our own patterns, we often discover both deeper self-understanding, alignment, and nearness to Him.

We are designed with limits. Sometimes a circumstance, a relationship, or a habit reveals the edge of ourselves. Not as a failure, but an invitation to return. A complete dependence on God.

What is your edge revealing right now?

What small shift could help you draw a little more near?

If you've gotten this far and you're wondering what does this have to do with yoga?

Yoga is a practice of awareness on and off your mat.

Psalm 50:6 (VOICE)

But still, you long to enthrone truth throughout my being; in unseen places deep within me, you show me wisdom.

Return

For Ash Wednesday, by Jan Richardson

Remember.

You were built for this,

the ancient path

inscribed upon your bones,

the persistent pattern

echoing in your heartbeat.

Let this be the season

you turn you face

toward the One

who calls to you:

Return, return.

Let this be the day

you open wide your arms

to the wind that knows

how to bear you

home.