Intentional Practices

So, I used to set goals. Like lots of them. There is a part of me that is a super duper over achiever (I wish she had shown up in high school! :)). However, managing chronic illness and having a list of goals at the end of the year that didn’t get achieved only added to my pain and sadness and was this ugly reminder looking back at me. The losses that came with my illnesses were hard enough but to have only a few goals checked off on my list, well it felt like that darn goal list was mocking me and I felt defeated.

Adopting New Practices

I can tell you that the practices I am going to share with you today have nothing to do with goals. Put that pen away that is eager to check things off your list! Both of these practices have brought depth and healing into my life. They have been far more powerful than my old goal lists.

Photo Credit: River Rothary

Seeking A Word

Towards the end of every year, I sit in prayer and ask for a word that I can claim as my own for the next year. To give you a broader scope of how it looks for me, I wanted to fill you in on what word I was given last year and how I used that word throughout the whole year.

I typically start praying about 2 weeks before the end of the year. These are not hugely monumental, time consuming prayers, but just simple prayers asking for my word for the next upcoming year. I normally get several words that come to mind and I write them down. I pray over those words and ask if there are anymore in the days to follow. Without fail every year, I feel one of the words rise to the top. That is a word I will claim as my own.

Last year, the word I was given was ALIGN. Throughout the year I sought ways to bring my spirit into full alignment, my body into physical alignment and my emotions into alignment. Truly, I wanted that word ALIGN to penetrate all parts of me.

I funneled life decisions through that word. I embraced the various ways it taught me lessons. I learned what it felt like to not only be out of alignment but the consequences of getting out of alignment and how to adjust and bring things back. I wish I could tell you all about this past year and how impactful having that particular word was for me.

I will tell you that I made decisions quicker simply by asking myself if that particular thing aligned with where I was at and what I wanted to do. My relationships with people around me were more centered and whole. My inner peace went through the roof by aligning more and more with the truth instead of my feelings. I leave this year with so much gained.

I’m in the process of praying through my word for next year. I don’t think I’m finished with ALIGN, so I’m going to bring my buddy with me into next year too. I’d highly encourage you to pray, meditate or take time in stillness to find your word, phrase, verse, etc. for the new year or this next season of life. It has been a powerful tool in my tool chest.

Photo Credit: Sal Sciarrino Photography

Visioning

A few years ago when I was in counseling, my counselor had me do an exercise called “Visioning”. Visioning is putting pen to paper and writing about dreams and desires that are successful. Visioning can be done over a span of time or for a specific project and writing about it as if it were already completed or presently happening. It is not a goal or plan you are writing down, it is very real destination.

For example, say you have to give a speech in front of 200 people. You would sit down and write pen to paper (there really is something magical about that) as if the speech just occurred. You could possibly write something like, “In the weeks leading up to the event, writing this speech came naturally and effortlessly. It was like everything I wanted to say just flowed out of me in the way I was hoping it would. This morning I had a very strong sense of peace as I walked upon the stage. I thought that looking out at all the people would make me anxious, but the environment was so warm and friendly that I felt settled and right at home. I did not stutter or stammer over any words and the audience laughed when I was hoping they would and I could literally feel their deeper emotions in other parts. My voice was strong and confident and I held the people’s attention. I also thought I would be sweating bullets but I guess that sense of calm that was over me was deep or I totally nailed it with this deodorant this morning! When I was finished with my speech, I was able to interact with the attendees and be very present with them. I received many compliments and encouragement which I have to admit brought me satisfaction…..” Hopefully you get the idea. You are writing about how you want the speech to be a success and what it will look like. The goal is to be very detailed and specific.

The last time that I did Visioning, I was writing about my life 20 years into the future as if it were present day. I have looked back over the writings I did several times now and I am blown away by how so many “fantasy and far off” things at the time are now the reality in which I live. I am a big believer in this exercise.

This year for the the first time, our whole family is going to do this. We are writing as if it were this time next year so it will be a one year Visioning writing exercise. Visioning has a way to get to the core of your desires and I cannot wait to see what comes forth in mine and my families.

My hope for you, my sleuthy peeps, is to take time in prayer or meditation and in that glorious stillness to find revelation, desire and peace.

Do you claim a word yearly or seasonally? Have you done visioning before? I would love to hear about it! Comment below and fill a sister in!