Begin Again
— Lamentations 3:22-23
Read at your own pace
Begin Again
Find a comfortable seat. Let the shoulders drop. Close the eyes, or soften the gaze.
Take three slow breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Let the exhale be longer than the inhale.
Notice, without changing anything: the body sitting. The breath moving. The mind doing what minds do — wandering, returning, wandering, returning. This is normal. This is the practice.
Read the words slowly. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. You are not behind. You are not failing. You are simply here, in a body, in a day, in the long kindness of God.
Place a hand on your chest if that feels right. Feel the warmth. That warmth is older than you are.
When you're ready, open the eyes. Carry one word with you into the day. For me, the word is mercy. For you, it might be something else. Let it find you.
A prayer
Lord, let this day be enough. Let the mercy that is new this morning be enough for whatever comes. Amen.
Scripture
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
— Lamentations 3:22-23
For reflection
You do not have to carry yesterday into today. Each morning is a small mercy, handed to you without you having earned it. Begin again.
Your journal
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