Spiritual Formation Archives

Spiritual formation is a lifelong journey of drawing closer to the True Self and the Divine, with spiritual practices offering both scaffolding and a firm foundation for the search. Find posts on spiritual formation below, explore specific spiritual practices on the resources page, and sign up here to receive updates on new posts directly in your inbox.

What to Do With the Wait: My (In)Fertility Journey

I have been pregnant for 534 days, or at least that’s what it feels like.

534 days ago I found out that I was pregnant, and while we miscarried at six weeks, it feels like I’ve been in a liminal space ever since—body, mind, and soul.

During our first month of trying, I was so grateful to finally be in this season that the entire process seemed exciting. I began haphazardly tracking my cycle using the fertility awareness method, taking my temperature each day and monitoring cervical mucus to discover my fertile days. Once I knew I had ovulated I bought a box of pregnancy tests—First Response, early result, because I wanted to know the outcome as soon as possible. When the first day I could take the test rolled around, I woke early and took it in the bathroom, my hands shaking at the gravity of it all. The results were negative, and while disappointing, I found comfort in knowing that this was only our first cycle of trying to conceive—we were just getting started.

Advent is finally here, and being the first season in the new liturgical year (after a lengthy Ordinary Time, I might add) it seems that many, like me, are eager to dive in.

In my latest monthly newsletter to subscribers, sent on the first day of Advent (Missed it? Sign up here), I shared reflections on the season and an invitation for us all in the days ahead:

Pause. Prepare. Keep Vigil. Wait.

Today I want to share with you my favorite resources and practices that align with these invitations and themes of Advent so that, as fellow pilgrims, we might journey together through this season of mystery, longing, and great anticipation. (It seems tailor-made for the Seeker of the Sacred, doesn’t it?)

It’s a rainy Halloween here in Seattle, and I have no plans of going out this evening.

It’s likely that no trick-or-treaters have plans of stopping by, either—we live on an arterial route, and it seems the kids tend to stay on the quieter streets. While I have a soft spot for anything festive and do love seeing kids in costume (and eating my share of the candy), that’s okay by me. Since spending time in Ireland and learning more about the Celtic tradition and the invitations of the liturgical year, Halloween and the days that follow have taken on new meaning for me.

Although today Halloween is a family-centric folk holiday focused on costumes, candy, and light-hearted frights (a healthy opportunity to play with our fears, I might add), when we think of the origins of the holiday a spookier era comes to mind—a time rife with witch trials, hauntings, and superstition. In truth, though, the roots of Halloween, far removed from today’s manifestations, stem from quite ordinary places.

With our phones being the one thing we most often have on hand these days, it’s no surprise that there’s an app for everything, including tools to promote spiritual practice.

I know, I know—I’m a lover of the tangible, too, and the physical practices of highlighting the pages of an inspirational book or ringing a singing bowl at the beginning of a time of prayer can’t be beat. However, in the active world in which we live, I’ve come to discover that many days I’m more likely to engage in spiritual practices when I have everything at my fingertips (read: phone), especially when I’m on the go.

Here are my favorite apps to enhance your spiritual practice, whether you’re curled up in your favorite chair or on your daily commute. The good news? They’re all free!

« Previous Page

Which pilgrim path are you on?

Click on a path below to find your direction and discover practices to guide you along the way.
the pilgrim at home

the pilgrim abroad

What to Do With the Wait: My (In)Fertility Journey

I have been pregnant for 534 days, or at least that’s what it feels like.

My Favorite Resources + Practices for Advent

Advent is finally here, and being the first season in the new liturgical year (after a lengthy Ordinary Time, I might add) it seems that many, like me, are eager to dive in.

A Liturgy for Halloween?

It’s a rainy Halloween here in Seattle, and I have no plans of going out this evening.

My Favorite Apps for Spiritual Practice

With our phones being the one thing we most often have on hand these days, it’s no surprise that there’s an app for everything, including tools to promote spiritual practice.

EXPLORE

DISCOVER

CONNECT

Spiritual Formation Archives

I have been pregnant for 534 days, or at least that’s what it feels like.

Advent is finally here, and being the first season in the new liturgical year (after a lengthy Ordinary Time, I might add) it seems that many, like me, are eager to dive in.

There’s no denying it: Everyone who’s anyone knows that we have a big election in the U.S. coming up.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS SPIRITUAL PRACTICES CAN HELP YOU VOTE:

It’s a rainy Halloween here in Seattle, and I have no plans of going out this evening.

With our phones being the one thing we most often have on hand these days, it’s no surprise that there’s an app for everything, including tools to promote spiritual practice.

EXPLORE

DISCOVER

CONNECT