Spiritual Practices: Sensing (from May 28th by Mandy Kampen)
By Mandy Kampen
A few weeks ago, our Sunday school class started walking through the second spectrum of the Myers-Briggs (Intuitive and Sensing), which measures how we take in both information and truth from the world around us. For those leaning toward the Sensing (S) side of things, this means that our natural spiritual path is in the world of our senses - what we can experience, see, and measure. We see the value in the status quo and find ways to improve what is (rather than just move on to something new). God is revealed through the Incarnation, and we are drawn to see God in all that is around us.
Below are some areas to explore if you are naturally inclined toward this way of being, or if you are more iNtuitive and want to explore one or two for balance. The Divine is all around and longing to connect with each of you; these practices and disciplines just help create the space to do so.
Engaging with the Church
*Serve communion - feel the bread and smell the juice.
Reminds us what love in action looks like.
*If you make food for a potluck or another reason, really focus on that process as an act of love and feeding. Think about the ingredients and how they impact our bodies.
Prayer
*Use manipulatives.
*Prayer beads (we’ll do this together next week).
*Baking bread Baking Bread Spiritual Meaning (Life Lessons in Leaven) - Spiritual Mojo
*Choose an icon - any image or figurine - and use it as a meditative tool.
*Use your body in prayer:
Body scans, yoga, tai chi, or simple stretching can be beautiful ways to engage in prayer physically.
Postures in prayer can feel odd, but they can be very powerful. Raising your arms, opening your hands, lying face down, and kneeling all put you in physical positions that reflect the energy of your prayer.
*Use breath prayers
Write out your prayers and then burn them as a form of release. *You can also use stones you throw into water, paper submerged in water, etc.
Scripture
*Focus on a gospel or Acts - sections of scripture with a lot of action and interaction.
*Use scripture as a mantra - a psalm or verse that you can repeat throughout the day.
*Use your imagination - if you are reading a narrative, what did things look, smell, sound, feel, taste like?
*Immersive scripture reading - write the story in your own words. Ask the questions that go through your mind as you read, and then write, draw, paint, or sing the possible answers.
Personal Worship
*Set the scene - use incense, oils, scented candles. Dim your lighting.
*Find music that sounds meaningful.
*Participate - sing or play an instrument. Try drumming along!
Other Ideas
*Artistic expression - if there is an art form you enjoy, use it to transform your prayers, scriptures, or worship into it.
*Go for a photography hunt - take a camera on a walk and ask the Spirit to draw your attention to whatever She wants. Put the pictures into a collage.
*Go on a nature walk and collect gifts from the spirit to put in a jar or bowl at home.