Soul Rhythms: Breath
Have you ever felt like your brain was stuck in overdrive? Or maybe, after a holiday season full of sweets, travel, and disrupted routines, you find yourself feeling sluggish—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Oxford English Dictionary named "Brain Rot" as its Word of the Year for 2024, and it’s fitting. Brain rot reflects the mental fog that creeps in when we over consume social media, binge content, or numb ourselves with endless distractions.
This constant overstimulation rewires our brains, isolating us from community and fueling anxiety and depression. And while we often recognize the need to reset physically at the start of a year, our souls need the same attention.
The Invitation: Soul Rhythms
In this series, we’re going to walk together through spiritual practices rooted in scripture and supported by science. Every week, we’ll unpack a Biblical foundation and explore the physiological impact of these practices. The goal? To equip you with tools that foster connection with god and bring freedom from the mental and spiritual "gunk" that builds up over time.
We’re starting with something simple but powerful: Breathing.
Breathing in the Presence of god
Now, I know what you’re thinking—"I breathe every day. I’m pretty good at it." But this isn’t just about oxygen. It’s about slowing down, becoming aware of god’s presence, and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew you with every inhale and exhale.
Take a moment. Sit comfortably. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe in deeply for four counts. Hold it. Breathe out for six counts. As you do this, imagine breathing in god’s peace and exhaling your stress.
The Holy Spirit is described as the breath of god throughout scripture. In Genesis 2:7, god breathes life into Adam. In John 20:22, Jesus breathes on his disciples, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The wind of god—his ruach, his pneuma—fills us and sustains us.
With each breath, pray simple words: "Breathe in love, breathe out fear." "Breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety." This practice isn’t new. Early desert monks used breath prayers to center their focus on god. And now, we’re inviting you to rediscover it.
A Six-Part Spiritual Practice
This week, we’re starting with breathing, but over the next six weeks, we’ll introduce five more spiritual rhythms to shape your daily walk with god:
Examine – Pause to reflect. Where are you in relation to god today? What lies have you believed?
Confess – Agree with god. Align your heart with his truth, letting go of the burdens of sin and shame.
Trust – Cast your anxieties on him. Surrender your fears to the one who holds all things.
Forgive – Release bitterness. Experience the freedom of forgiving those who have hurt you.
Worship – Celebrate his goodness. List three things you’re grateful for, and let gratitude shape your heart.
We’ll provide bookmarks and journals to guide you through this process. Each day, we’ll spend 20 minutes intentionally connecting with god, engaging in these six simple practices. Don’t worry about perfection—show up as you are, and let god do the rest.
Not Just a New Year’s Resolution
I’ll be honest—this practice will stretch me too. Journaling isn’t my strength, and slowing down can feel unnatural. But I’m convinced the benefits outweigh the discomfort. We need this. Our souls need this. And together, as a church, we’re going to walk this path.
So, take a deep breath. Let’s embark on this adventure together. Let’s step into 2025 with rhythms that restore our souls and draw us closer to the father.
Are you ready? Let’s breathe.
Recap adapted from January 5, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton
