Peaceful, Centered + Connected
There is an oak tree in our front yard. It was planted as the construction of our home was completed in 2008. As a sapling, it was supported by wires that stretched out to metal poles as a means of support.
When they handed me the keys to our new house I was instructed to remove the support from the tree after a certain period to prevent it from growing around the wires; otherwise, they'd become embedded in the tree. I obliged.
Seventeen years have passed. The tree stands tall and provides a much-needed respite from the heat of the Texas summer sun.
Something was happening beneath the surface all of those years that revealed itself last July through flooded bathrooms. The roots of the tree had found their way to the sewer line. The water flowing from our home through deeply buried pipes had now encountered deeply sprawling roots.
The plumber had this fancy camera that he could push way down into the pipe that allowed me to see the intersection of tree roots and a broken sewer line. He mumbled something about the HOA guidelines, construction, and how eventually these things are bound to happen...and the next part I heard very clearly, "...because the roots will always reach for their source."
Of course, they will.
I have come to learn we aren't so different from that oak. The spiritual journey will often invite us to let go of the things that once served as much-needed support. Prayers begin to feel like they aren't "working" like they used to. We begin to see things differently than friends, family, and the spiritual communities that shaped us. What happens when our wires and poles fall away? Do our roots run deep? Do they not reach for Source?
An inconvenience in our home has come to serve as one of the most beautiful metaphors that I've yet to access when it comes to the healing, sense of connection, and transformative growth available when moments of silence, stillness, and solitude are integrated into our daily life (My choice for this is Centering Prayer). These moments, this practice, are slow and steady movements through the obstacles that appear to separate us from God, from Love. A way of remembering that the essence of who we are is ever reaching and ever connected to Source.
Our roots run deep.
Grace + Ease,
Tia
A New Way to See the Good News
A new way to see the Good News offers a short passage that may offer a fresh perspective or insight into the ancient collection of poems, letters, and stories known as the Bible.
"Deep calls to deep..."
⎻ Psalm 42:7
A Breath Prayer
Pause. Take a moment. Close your eyes. Find your breath. Breathe.
Inhale: Deep
Exhale: To Deep
Begin 2025 With Transformative Contemplative Experiences
I'm excited to share two ways to deepen and expand your spiritual practice and understanding in the new year.
The Centering Prayer Summit is hosted by a dear friend and colleague and an event I've had the honor of participating in both as a teacher and panelist.
The First Black Contemplative Prayer Virtual Summit is something I'm curating and hosting. This summit is for everyone and led by Black contemplative teachers and thought leaders.
Join either or both now. Early bird pricing ends today for the Centering Prayer Summit.
There should be no financial barrier to attending. I am working with the Chicago chapter of Contemplative Outreach to create an accessible experience for all who desire to register. To inquire about scholarships simply reply to this email.
2025 Spiritual Guidance Sessions
Nurturing Spiritual Growth in 2025 – Now Booking 1:1 Sessions
A unique opportunity to embark on a 12-month spiritual guidance journey with me—meeting once a month, for a full year, to explore, reflect, and grow in the ways you nurture yourself.
What is the 12-Month Spiritual Guidance Journey?
This one-on-one guidance is designed to support you as you nurture your inner life and explore questions that matter most to you. Over the course of 12 months, we’ll meet once a month (virtually or on a call) to co-create a space for reflection, growth, and discovery.
Together, we will:
- Create a personalized path of growth that aligns with your life and commitments
- Work through challenges that arise in your spiritual or professional life as you show up for others during times of turmoil
- Cultivate a deeper connection to yourself, those you serve, and the sacred
What to Expect:
- Monthly 1:1 Sessions: We’ll meet once a month for an hour over the course of the year to support your journey.
- Co-Created Schedule: We’ll design a flexible meeting schedule that fits into your life.
- Personalized Guidance: You’ll receive spiritual support tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Ready to Begin?
If you're feeling called to invest in your spiritual growth and take this journey with me in 2025, I invite you to secure your sessions now.
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12-month Spiritual Guidance Journey
This one-on-one guidance is designed to support you as you nurture your inner life and explore questions that matter... Read more |
To learn more or explore payment plan options reply to this email.
