Prayer to stop smoking
19 years ago I tried to quit smoking for the millionth time. Of course, I always tried to do this on my own, not thinking of asking for God's help because of where I was in my spiritual journey. This time when I quit it was for good. Every time I had an urge to pick up a cigarette or a craving for the nicotine I would say "my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I will honor that". Then I would say the Lords Prayer. It worked wonderfully and it was the last time I had to try to quit smoking because I was successful with the help of God. It was my Mantra for healing.

Prayer to Stop Smoking
Great practice, Michelle. I wish I'd thought of that when I was quitting smoking years ago. I'm afraid more of my practice was snapping at Fred and throwing things. ;-) But, thank God, the quitting stuck.

I can think of a lot of situations or conditions or challenges when using the mantra "My body is the temple of God and I will honor that" would help. Thanks for suggesting it.

A part of it all
As a firm believer that we are all part of creation as a whole, related to each other, and shere a kinship with all other creatures on this panet; I find a great deal of comfort and spiritual connection in the philosophy and practice of Naturism. It has given me a feeling of connectedness and belonging, a deeper experience of and appreciation for the the earth and environment, a better acceptance of myself and others, and a new way of looking at and experiencing my body and myself. I have been a naturist since 1994, and I introduced my wife to it about 4 1/2 years ago. It has made a big difference in her life as well. It really has magnified a sense of oneness, and has been a part of our spiritual path.

prayer
In considering my own experiences with prayer, I have the notion that things are cyclical, almost coming full-circle. Having come from a mainstream religion, prayer was taught to be rote. In fact, I recall elders in my family praying aloud and it appeared to be rote. Not that this is a terrible thing. For in rote activity there is ritual. And ritual is surely a necessary part of a healthy spiritual life. I am reminded here of Malachy McCourt's book "A Monk Swimming". He wrote that the name came from his days at school where students rotely recited the Hail Mary. He said that he believed the phrase in the prayer "amongst women" was actually saying "a monk swimming".

More to the oint though, I ceased prayer for many years. But, now, at an older age, I find myself exploring and practising a mixture of prayer, reflection, and meditation that seems to be still evolving. I guess that I am still seeking.

John

Praying with the Jugular


Frederic, I love this idea - thanks for sharing this simple gesture like a wonderful prayer in action. Perhaps I can cultivate this as part of a cooling down period when I'm reacting, sensing the "I am with you, I am with you..." Whoa...down!

Grounding
I have been working with an energy work therapist for several years. When I started, I didn't even feel my body most of the time....

One of the best things I can do to honor my body and calm my mind has turned out to be grounding myself with my feet on the floor, imagining the roots of me growing into the ground like the roots of a tree, and breathing in the life energy.

I say to myself, "I live in my body. I stand on my feet."