I told you a story this week about starting your day with a spiritual practice, so I figured, let me introduce you to a creative spiritual practice that I think many of you will love.
Lectio Divina, or Sacred Reading, is a contemplative spiritual practice that began with early Christian monastics (monastics were people who devoted their lives to God and gave up worldly pursuits; they often lived solitary lives or resided with others in an intentional setting).
Although Lectio Divina has roots in Christianity, it is easily adaptable for anyone, regardless of religious or non-religious affiliation.
If you are someone who enjoys meditation, reading, and quiet thinking time, this will likely be something simple to try. If you are someone who struggles to slow down, this is a practice that could be beneficial to challenge yourself with.
Here are the basics of Lectio Divina:
Choose a reading of moderate length. Readings that work great are a few paragraphs of a book or article, song lyrics, a poem, or about 20 lines of religious text. You will read through your chosen piece three times, slowly.
2. On the first read through (remember to read slowly), your goal is to listen and be present with the text.
3. On the second read through, your goal is to savor a word or phrase that stands out to you, or has energy in your being as you read it. You may choose to underline it, or write it down in an accompanying journal or notebook.
4. On the third and final read through, your goal is to dwell. Be present. Notice where you are feeling drawn. This final read through may illumine a new piece of self-awareness or a place in your life where you feel drawn to take action. Sit with this and journal if you feel so inclined.
5. Finally, close this time out with a prayer or acknowledgement or blessing, where you can ask for guidance on where to go next and say thank you for the Divine guidance you may have felt. Be sure to honor yourself for putting aside time for Sacred Reading.
*Bonus - there is another practice called Visio Divina, or Sacred Seeing. You can use an image (picture, mural, painting, sculpture, etc.) and do the same three steps - be present with the image, savor something about it, and dwell with it.
Let's help each other get started and share our favorite readings in the comments!
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