Spiritual Practices | Lent | WEEK 3

Welcome to week 3 of our Lenten Spiritual practices!

Just as a quick reminder for the journey. First, guilt and shame are not our motivators for these practices being activated in our lives. Second, intentionality and motivation are two different words.

You might see these practices and go "I just don't feel like doing these practices...", which is a valid response. But we also might accept that you might never "feel" like it.

Intentionality is about trusting ourselves enough to lean and learn a new practice even when we don't feel motivated.

The gift of these practices is a result of our intentionality, diligence, and margin. Meaning that we don't know fully what these practices might offer to us once we start practicing them.

Week 3 Spiritual Practices:

1. Reach out each day via text, email, or phone call to someone to affirm and celebrate them.

2. Practice the 3-3-3 mindfulness practice. This is a great grounding practice if you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need to take a moment to calm down. In addition to celebrating the moments when all is well.

   1. Name three things you see: Look around and identify three things in your immediate surroundings. This could be a clock on the wall, a tree outside the window, or a chair in the room. Naming these objects out loud or in your mind helps divert attention from racing thoughts and refocus on the present.

   2. Name three sounds you hear: Close your eyes for a moment and tune into your surroundings. Whether it’s the sound of a bird chirping, the hum of the air conditioner, or the ticking of a clock, identifying these sounds shifts your focus from internal anxiety to external reality.

   3. Move three parts of your body: Wiggle your fingers, rotate your shoulders, or stretch your legs. Physical movement, no matter how small, reminds your body that it is in control. It also helps release tension that might be building due to anxiety. Learn more here.

3. Invite someone that you connected with over text, email, or phone for coffee or a meal this week. Bonus points if they are someone you don't know very well.