Ep.512: The Spiritual Practice (and Power) of Stretching and Breathing with Whitney Simpson

Our bodies need our attention. When stress comes knocking, we often don't realize how much we hold. We need a way to slow down and release the physical tension. Our guest Whitney Simpson discovered this need after a major medical crisis. Stretching and holding poses through yoga allowed her to be fully present in her skin while praying and meditating. A Christian spiritual director - she helps people work through practices that are attuned to their whole selves.

Much of what we talk about on this episode has to do with slowing down and noticing what is happening in our bodies. It is tempting to ignore how our bodies keep the score, but ignoring doesn't offer what we need. Our bodies need our attention.

In a stage of life where you may be caring for people above and below you in age, working hard at your paid job, and feeling new aches and pains, it is often easier to push aside physical discomfort or tension than to acknowledge it. This episode will remind you how to be present enough to notice what your body is carrying and how God can meet you in your movement and breath.

Whitney Simpson- Website

Whitney Simpson Book- With God in Every Breath

Whitney Simpson Podcast- Exploring Peace Meditations

Whitney's Other Books

• Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit
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• Fully Human, Fully Divine: An Advent Devotional for the Whole Self

Hebrew "ruach", "nouma"- Breath, Spirit or Wind

Alex Kuykendall's Book- Loving My Actual Life

1. If you were to choose one word to describe your relationship with your body now, what would it be?
2. Where in your day could you build in the habit of taking several deep breaths or practicing breath prayer?
3. What practice can you put into place to feel more integrated with your body?
4. Is there a time in the next few days, you could commit to 10minutes of meditation?

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