Treasure Tuesdays: The Quiet Hour

The day of reading, writing, and books. *****

Above: The Woman's Study Bible NIV, Something More by Sarah Ban Breathnach, Gratitude/Affirmation Journal, The Rainbow Study Bible KJV, Prayer binder, Our Daily Bread, Chicken Soup for the Soul Hope & Miracles, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Scripture Journal

I know. You've got it all figured out. Down to the minute. You rise just before the alarm goes off. Make a quick trip to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Get dressed in your workout clothes. Down a glass of water and your vitamins, and then it's off for your walk/run/gym. Then you're back for your shower, skin care and hair routine, get dressed for the day, and make breakfast. And then the rest of your day begins. But wait. You've taken care of your body, but what about your soul? Now I know, you haven't actually gotten dressed yet and you can barely open your eyes and you've poured coffee in your cereal and the baby just knocked over the orange juice while another child is asking about the cupcakes for school that you didn't make. You don't have a spare hour to lounge around. It doesn't have to be an hour. If you can manage five minutes then the quiet moment can help ground you. Even if that five minutes means that you're nursing a baby at the same time. And that's what this is about. Grounding you, centering you, or communicating with God before life whirls you around. Call it what you will. Some call it devotional time. You might find another name for it. Women of faith understand it. Even if you're not a woman of faith you can still do it using books that inspire you and writing down your thoughts. This is your time. Maybe it's just grabbing a book for five minutes. Or you can turn this into an entire ritual with candles, coffee or tea, essential oils or incense, soft instrumental music in the background, and a designated sitting spot where you can keep your supplies. Maybe you like working at a desk or table, maybe it's a cozy chair by the fireplace with your favorite blanket, maybe it's out on the porch where you can hear the birds sing and gaze at your flowers. Or maybe it's right in your bed. Or maybe you store everything in a box or basket and move to wherever inspires you that day. I use a combination of things for my devotional hour. I live alone now so I can do this. I do not use all the suggestions on this list. Create your own combinations. I've made a list of supplies and activities you may choose to use. The point is to create a routine that is exclusively for you. What helps you feed your soul? Scriptures (Bible, Koran, Torah, Book of Mormon, or some other scriptures) Devotionals

Inspirational books

Hymnal

Psalter

Prayer book

Rosary

Prayer journal or binder Meditation

Gratitude journal

Scripture journal

Journal

Morning pages

Affirmations

Daily Quotation

Planner

Inspiration Station

Vision journal

Yoga An inspiring podcast, audio book, or tv program You may also need notebooks, pens, colored pencils, stickers, glue, and highlighters. And you might have other ideas.

I know one woman who says she always makes time for her knitting first thing. It makes sense. Knitting is a soothing repetitive motion. You an listen to something inspiring while doing it. Or say your prayers or mentally make your plans for the day.

I may start off with singing a song, then prayer. Then I'll read a chapter from an inspirational book and at the same time write down the quotes, my affirmation, and five things I'm grateful for. I'll turn to my scriptures and study in them for awhile, writing down my thoughts and observations of what I read. Then I'll finish off with a chapter from a couple of other inspiring books. If I think of something that I want to do or want to make a list, or write a piece of poetry, I'll grab my Inspiration Station notebook and jot things down. One thing you need to avoid during this time is social media and/or the news. You can't feed your soul with negative or controversial energy. That can wait until after. If i get nothing else done all day, at least I've done this. And maybe when the baby knocks over the orange juice, you will not lose your mind this time.