Words of Wisdom, Email Newsletter
Plant seeds of wisdom today
Take the next 28 or so breaths slowly and reflect deeply on your life. I hope these words help you grow in you the most valuable treasure in life: wisdom. Wisdom grows imperceptibly but flourishes like a mighty oak, standing the test of time
WoW 114: On the simplicity and power of your breath
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A quick New Year's note
Happy 2024! In the last two weeks I didn't post any Words of Wisdoms as I took a much welcomed break and slowed down to close off the year. I hope you were able to do the same. I know this season can be especially difficult for some and I pray you have been able to find God's comfort in the midst of it all.
The start of the new year brings hope, dreaming, and the possibility of new beginnings.
I have some big things cooking for 2024. I'm writing a book! If you're interested to follow along my process in more detail, click here, and I'll send you some emails to keep you in the loop.
I hope you are leaning into some new beginnings and restarting practices that will lead to your flourishing.
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Deepen your presence by breathing.
The more present you are, the more aware you are of your feelings, the more connected you are to God, the more you will be able to respond to stressors rather than react.
Become skilled in breathing.
Develop a stillness practice.
Perhaps after you workout, or first thing in the morning, before bed, or before every meeting. Simply take time to be still and breathe slowly.
If you aren't practicing being intentional about your breath you're missing out. Breathing is constant, yet so easily forgotten.
Breathing is a skill. But you don't need to overcomplicate it.
Simply slow down your breath.
Quotes
"If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path."
Attributed to Joseph Campbell, I'm unsure of the source.
"I recommend breath work to almost all patients that I see because, in my experience, stress is a primary cause (or an aggravating cause) of most cases of illness. And even if people have diseases that clearly have organic physical causes, relaxation can nonetheless benefit them and help their body's healing system work better."
Andrew Weil, MD Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing (audio book)
Questions
What is something courageous you've practiced in the past that you've let go of and would be helpful to return to?
When is the last time something or someone took your breath away?
Can you commit to doing 5 to 10 minutes of intentional breathing today? Why not try it now?
(Use these questions as a journal prompt and to guide your prayers this week)
Endnote
Take some slow, intentional breaths today. Notice how it helps you feel more relaxed and grounded. Breathe and then take courageous action.
Live wisely,
Josh
P.S. If you haven't yet, do Deeper, my 5 days of guided prayers which includes a slow breathing practice integrated into the guided prayers.
P.S.S. If you want to hear more about the book I'm writing, click here to follow along my journey.
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Join the growing community and subscribe to receive my Words of Wisdom every Wednesday.
Did someone send this to you? Do you want to cultivate more of the good, true, courageous, and beautiful in your life?
Join the growing community and subscribe to receive my Words of Wisdom every Wednesday.
