In this episode, Rich and Lisa discuss the rhythms of life, being a pilgrim versus being a tourist, and how they all connect to spiritual practices.
A Rule of Life outlines a pattern of living that is immersed in God and invites us to shape ourselves into it. The intent is to create a guide that shapes our lives and allows us to thrive.
A Rule of Life allows us to be more intentional about our lives and how we invite God to transform us. We can pray for God’s work in and through us to become more Christ-like, but this does not always happen automatically or randomly. Thinking through our life patterns adds a layer of intentionality to our desire to see our lives transformed. You may already have an informal life rhythm, or “rule” of life, without calling it patterns you have developed in your spiritual life. Or perhaps rhythm has eluded you.
Here is an overview of the exercise Lisa and Rich discussed. It can be both revealing and surprising. Choose a day (or two) to complete the activities:
Take three blank pieces of paper and a pen, and write the following headings at the top of each page:
Daily - Under this heading, write down anything you can think of which is part of your daily pattern of life. Most of what you write will be fairly mundane: “brush teeth,” “eat breakfast,” or “walk the dog.” No matter. Try to capture it all, and be as honest as you can.
Weekly -Under that heading, add anything part of your weekly routine that has not already been captured under the “Daily” heading.
Monthly - Under that heading, add anything part of your monthly routine that has not already been captured under the previous headings.
Annual - Under that heading, add anything part of your annual routine that has not already been captured under the previous headings.
You have now created your Rule of Life as it is right now.
The Growing your Rule of Life resource from the Society of Saint John the Evangelist can be found at this link: https://www.ssje.org/growruleresources/
We would love to hear your feedback about this episode, or maybe you have a question for Lisa or Rich, please email us at findingourrhythmpodcast@gmail.com
