As the days grow longer and the earth awakens from its winter slumber, spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate—not just your home or your wardrobe, but your body as well. 

After months of heavy, hearty foods, our digestive systems can often feel sluggish and in need of a little reset. Spring offers an opportunity to give your gut the love and care it needs to thrive, and there are several natural ways to support your digestive health during this season of renewal.

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Why Gut Health Matters

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Your gut, or your gastrointestinal tract, is more than just a place where food is digested; it’s a complex ecosystem of bacteria, enzymes, and processes that play a critical role in your overall health. 

A healthy gut supports not only digestion, but your immune system and your mental health as well. It can also lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Several factors can cause imbalances in your gut and cause a variety of issues like bloating, constipation, and fatigue. These factors include eating too much sugary or processed foods, experiencing high levels of stress, lack of exercise or sleep; even antibiotics which eliminate bad bacteria in your body can also harm the good bacteria needed for a healthy gut.

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Rejuvenating your digestive system can set the stage for a healthier and more vibrant spring.

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Eat a balanced diet

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Spring offers an abundance of fresh, seasonal foods that can naturally support gut health. These nutrient-rich options can help to cleanse and replenish your digestive system:

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• Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and arugula are packed with fiber and antioxidants, which help regulate digestion and provide essential nutrients for your gut’s good bacteria.
• Asparagus: Rich in prebiotics, asparagus feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, promoting a balanced microbiome.
• Radishes: Known for their ability to support liver function and digestion, radishes can help flush toxins from the body.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide vitamin C and fiber, helping to stimulate healthy digestion and detoxification.

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Hydrate

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Staying hydrated is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and the removal of waste. Consider adding a bit of flavor to your water with cucumber, lemon, or mint to make hydration more enjoyable and soothing for your digestive system

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Incorporate Probiotics into your day

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Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome. During the spring, consider adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso to your diet to give your gut an extra boost. 

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If you’re not a fan of fermented foods, probiotic supplements work well to support your gut with good bacteria.

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Get Moving

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Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your digestive system functioning well. Spring provides the perfect weather to get outdoors, whether it's going for a walk, bike ride, or gardening. 

Even gentle exercises like walking after meals can improve digestion and prevent discomfort. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity a day to keep your digestive system—and the rest of your body—working smoothly.

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Manage your Stress

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Finally, it's important to remember that your gut is highly sensitive to stress. Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health, leading to symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and irregular digestion. Spring offers an opportunity to take a deep breath, slow down, and make time for self-care practices that support both mental and physical well-being.

Consider incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress, which in turn supports your gut health.

Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your gut and set the foundation for a healthy, balanced digestive system. Your gut will thank you, and you’ll feel energized, refreshed, and ready to fully enjoy all the beauty that spring has to offer.

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Breathing is a natural, life-giving process that we do mostly without thinking. However, the way we breathe matters.

In our fast-paced world, many of us take shallow, hurried breaths, missing out on the physical and mental benefits of intentional breathing. 

By practicing deep breathwork, we can improve our health, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of calm and focus.

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The Science Behind Breathwork

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Deep breathing engages the parasympathetic nervous system–the part of the body which counteracts the “fight or flight” mode caused by stress and that activates the "rest and digest" response. It promotes relaxation and reduces the harmful effects of chronic stress. 

When we take slow, deep breaths, our heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, and oxygen delivery improves throughout the body. Studies have shown that breathwork can:

• Lower stress and anxiety: Deep breathing triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones. These hormones help reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, making you feel calmer and more relaxed.
  
  
• Improve lung capacity and circulation: As the diaphragm moves downward with each inhale, it creates more space for the lungs to expand, improving overall lung function. Over time, this can increase lung capacity and stamina, which is especially beneficial for physical activities like exercise or meditation.
  
  
• Enhance focus and mental clarity: Oxygen is vital for brain function, and a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain can enhance cognitive performance, memory, and focus. Inhaling deeply encourages better focus, mental clarity, and helps reduce mental fatigue.
  
  
• Support digestion and immune function: Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating the digestive process and enhancing immune response. Slow, steady breathing can improve gut health, promote better digestion, and support overall immune system functioning.

This powerful combination of physical and mental benefits makes breathwork a simple yet effective tool for improving overall health and well-being.

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Breathwork in Christian Meditation

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Deep breathing can also aid you in moments of prayer and meditation, allowing you to more deeply enter into stillness and helping you to more clearly hear the voice of God speaking into your heart.

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In Christian meditation, one practice known as "breath prayer" involves pairing each breath with a prayer or a phrase from Scripture.This practice not only helps with calming the mind but also fosters a deep connection to the presence of God in our lives; it can help us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), as we can use every breath to bring us into a deeper awareness and communion with God. 

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Traditionally, the Jesus Prayer offered the words for breath prayer:

(Inhale) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, 

(Exhale) have mercy on me, a sinner.

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However, you can pray with words from Scripture, the Rosary, or your own thoughts to practice this form of prayer. 

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You can practice this even in ordinary moments–like folding laundry or washing dishes–to invite God into your daily work. 

Want to experience Christ-centered breathwork?

By integrating breathwork into your daily life, you can nurture both physical vitality and spiritual serenity.

Join us at Pietra Fitness, where breath, movement, and prayer come together to strengthen your body and soul.

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“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” These are the words most often used while the priest signs our heads with ashes at the beginning of Lent, and they highlight our deep need for conversion and renewal.

Lent, in a particular way, is a time for deepening our relationship with God, acknowledging our need for His mercy, and growing in holiness. The Lord wants us to emerge from these 40 days able to fully embrace the joy of His Resurrection. 

The Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation is one of the most powerful and transformative ways to experience the mercy God longs to extend to you. 

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Why Confession?

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The thought of going to Confession can evoke strong feelings of hesitation and fear, even among many life-long Catholics; but the truth is, this Sacrament is one of the most unique and profound gifts of our Faith. 

When we commit a sin, particularly a mortal sin, we cut ourselves off from a relationship with God. And, just as our first parents, we cannot restore this relationship by our human efforts alone; we Divine Intervention. We need God’s grace and Mercy that comes from Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection. 

Confession is more than just a way to “clear our slate.” It restores us to communion with God and His Church, and similar to the Holy Ecuharist, it facilitates an encounter with Jesus who has the power to transform our hearts to be more like His. 

Not only do we receive forgiveness for our sins, but the graces from this sacrament also help remedy the temporal consequences of them, which often affect our lives and relationships. 

This sacrament brings healing and wholeness to those who seek it. 

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Steps for Making a Good Confession

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Confession offers a fresh start, a moment of grace where we can be restored and set on the path of holiness once again. Here’s how you can approach this Sacrament with a heart open to receiving God’s grace and forgiveness: 

1. Examine Your Conscience: Before going to confession, take time to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and desires. This can be done through prayer or by using a guide for an examination of conscience. Consider areas in your life where you’ve strayed from God, whether through sins of commission (things you’ve done) or omission (things you’ve failed to do).
   
   
2. Be Honest and Specific: When you confess, be honest with the priest. Don’t rush through your confession, but take time to name the sins you’re confessing. Be specific, as this helps you acknowledge the gravity of your actions and allows you to truly seek God’s forgiveness. Remember, there’s no sin too big for God’s mercy.
   
   
3. Express Contrition: True contrition is the heartfelt sorrow for having offended God. It’s not simply being sorry for the consequences of sin but for how it affects your relationship with God. This is the attitude of repentance that prepares your heart to receive God’s forgiveness.
   
   If you don’t have an Act of Contrition memorized, don’t worry! Most confessionals have one available from which to read.
   
   
4. Complete Your Penance: After the priest gives you absolution, he will assign a penance—usually a prayer or an act of charity. It’s important to complete this penance as soon as possible, as it signifies your desire to make amends and grow in holiness. It also shows your commitment to turning away from sin and toward God.

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During Lent, the Church invites us to approach this sacrament with a renewed sense of purpose. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual lives, examine our hearts, and seek forgiveness for the ways we have fallen short of God’s love and expectations. 

The Church offers Confession throughout Lent, and many parishes host extra times of confession during this season to make it even easier for you to receive the sacrament.

Take the time during this season to seek that mercy, to turn back to God, and to experience the joy of reconciliation with Him.

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Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours…

Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.

The sole way to put flight into the wing

is to heed humbly every smallest thing

with which the Christ in us has [will] to do.

So will the Christ from child to manhood go

obedient to the Father Christ and so

sweet holy change will turn all our thoughts to new.

—George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul, July 9th.

Introduction

Once upon a time there was a man named Gus who had a seemingly perfect life. He was a hotshot public speaker. He lived with his mother, his baby mama, and his son in the most powerful city on earth. He had caught the attention of some VERY influential people who had plans to make him a star. One day, he heard his rival speaking and was struck with the thought, “What if it was all wrong? What if my perfect life is a sham? What if everything I’ve worked for is as meaningless as it feels in my late-night moments of reflection?” …And his carefully constructed house of cards began to come crumbling down.

Blessed are the poor…

While Jesus had a special love for the poor, this beatitude was meant for all men and women, including the materially wealthy like Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and Susanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza who were all among his first followers, not to mention Matthew the tax collector and his friends.

Poverty in this beatitude is a metaphor. How are even rich men poor? None of us can do anything to merit divine life. It’s a gift. We can accept it, reject it, or even try to ignore it. What we can’t do is get it on our own. “Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.”

The Consolation of Pop Psychology

Years ago there was a slogan going around, “I’m ok. You’re ok.” It was innocent. It was well-intentioned. It was tolerant. It promised confidence, popularity, and success for us and for our children. It gave us permission to do whatever we felt like… as long as we didn’t hurt anyone… who could pay us back. It felt good. It was a lie. “Woe to you rich, for you have received your consolation.”

It made us pretend to be ok when we weren’t. It made us smile through our pain. It made us achieve pointless goals, and goad our children to do the same. It made us look good on the outside when we were a hot mess inside. It made us white-washed tombs. It made us Pharisees. It made us hypocrites. It promised us life and left death in its wake.

Go ahead, and search the Gospels. Jesus never told anyone, “You’re ok.” The first word out of His mouth when He began His public ministry was, “Repent.” In other words, “You’re not ok. What you’re doing, the way you’re living, the way you treat people, yourself, creation, even God, is NOT ok.” Repent.

Repent?

What’s another word for “repent”? How about surrender? Abandon? Trust? Faith? Wait, aren’t we saved by faith? Yep, and faith means repentance. We’re saved by turning away from the World with its ruthless expectations and rules, the Flesh with its twisted desires, and Satan with his lies and empty promises AND turn towards the Father with His loving expectations and life-giving rules, the Spirit with His desires, and Jesus with His truth and His kept promises. Repentance is giving God permission to come into our lives and wreck the place until we live the way He wants us to.

But What Does Repentance Look Like?

If you’re asking me what God wants you to do, I don’t know. If you’re asking me how to find out, I do know. And you probably do too. Whether you do it or not is another matter: Daily Personal Prayer. Dedicate 20-30 minutes a day to turning away from the unholy trinity of the World, the Flesh and the Devil and towards the Most Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

If this is new to you, or if your personal prayer time has grown stale or been left by the wayside, here’s a little refresher course in 5 steps.

Step 1: Find a nice quiet place.

Jesus often retired to a “quiet place.” This place has been identified as a cave in the Holy Land you can still visit to this day. Its name is “Quiet Place.” We are bodily beings and our minds can easily be distracted, so dedicated prayer time requires a dedicated prayer place whether that’s a corner of a room, an adoration chapel, a back porch…wherever you feel calm, comfortable, and able to listen for His voice.

Step 2: Enter into His Presence

Prayer is not reading, studying, or journaling. Prayer is not self-analysis. Prayer is an encounter with Him. This step can take some time. It’s worth it. St. Francis de Sales mentions some options that can be useful:

• Remember God is present everywhere

• Remember the Trinity dwells within you

• Look at Jesus on the Cross or another holy image

Step 3: Feed Your Mind

St. Teresa of Avila recommended using a book to prepare for meditation. She believed reading from a book helped her collect her thoughts and bring her mind and heart to prayer. Music and sacred art can also be options if that suits you better. I know one seminarian in Rome who spent 5 days a week meditating on the statue of James the Greater… for 5 years. My personal preference is still Scripture, In Conversation with God by Fr. Fernandez, or a spiritual classic like Abandonment to Divine Providence, but your personal preference should be what moves you closer to God.

Step 4: Process What You’ve Read/Heard/Seen

Feeding our minds is a good first step in letting God into our lives, but it’s not enough. We need to fall in love with His Truth, His vision for our lives. I’ve come across at least 4 general ways to do this. Each of them has its own validity and fruitfulness. I’ve used them all and taught them all and found that some people flounder with one and take off with another. Why? I have no idea. I just go with it.

• Repetition: In traditional lectio, a monk would find a word or phrase in a passage of Scripture would “stick out” to him. He would then repeat this word or phrase silently or quietly and allow his mind to free associate, linking it to other passages of Scripture, to the lives of the saints, and ultimately to his own life. This method is very freeing, but sometimes it can lead one “into the weeds.”

• Q&A: Some people don’t like the randomness of free association. They like a little more control over where their mind goes. For those, I offer the 3-H questions. When you find a word or phrase that sticks out to you, try asking yourself:

o Head: What does this mean? What does it mean to me?

o Heart: Why is this important? Who would I become if I lived this out? What might happen to me if I don’t?

o Hands: If I wanted to, how could I live this out today?

• Dialogue with Jesus: Teresa of Avila told her sisters that prayer was nothing more or less than a “conversation with our best friend, Jesus.” Just talk to him about what you’ve read. Ask Him questions. Watch Him answer with a question of His own… or an answer that’s not-an-answer-to-our-question-but-an-answer-to-our-real-question. This avoids the danger of self-absorption in the 3-H method.

• Put yourself in the scene from the Gospel: Ignatius of Loyola calls this method “contemplation.” If you have an active imagination, it can be life-changing. If you don’t, it can be frustrating to no end. You don’t have to be perfect. This is a bit more involved than the conversation with Jesus as it typically involves all 5 senses. For example: If you were there with Jesus in the Garden, what would you say to Him? How would you console Him? Would you touch Him or keep your distance? What would you hear Him say? Would He acknowledge your presence or ignore you as He prayed to the Father? Etc.

We can’t speak of processing in prayer without talking about journaling. There are many reasons for and against journaling. Those who oppose it will say something like: “Journaling distracts me from prayer. It feels like I need to write when I’d rather be praying.” This is a totally valid position. If that’s your experience, don’t journal. Or perhaps journal AFTER your prayer time is done. This is Ignatius of Loyola’s counsel: do your prayer, then journal for a few minutes after.

Those in favor of journaling during prayer say that it helps them focus and thus avoid distractions. The act of writing forces their wandering mind to focus on what they are saying to Jesus, or what Jesus is saying to them. If this is your experience, by all means journal DURING your prayer time. I have a very active mind, and writing during prayer keeps my mind on prayer and away from a million other things I find interesting that are not God and not the subject of my prayer time that day.

There is no one right answer. Your best bet is to try both and see which way works better for you.

Step 5: Application

You’ve taken in God’s Word. You’ve processed it, moving it from your head to your heart. Now it’s time to move it to your hands by making a decision, a.k.a. a resolution. Just asking, “How am I going to live this out today?” can shut down our brains as we try to find one “right” answer. Sometimes, it’s more fruitful to ask, “How could I live this out today if I wanted to?” This opens us up to possibilities. Let’s say you come up with 5 things you could do. Now you have the freedom to choose one. I know many who find this freeing.

There are a few criteria for what makes a good resolution:

1. It’s ONE. Don’t pick 5 things today. Pick 1. Just 1. Exactly and only 1. It will focus your soul’s energy rather than dispersing it.

2. It’s SMALL. By that I mean you can do it today. You can’t write a book today (ok, maybe you can if you’re a genius or it’s a very short book). You can begin to write a book today. You can buy a notebook or a folder. You can put a pen and a piece of paper on the kitchen table. You can write a paragraph, maybe a chapter… or an outline. Pick something you can do today.

3. It’s CONCRETE. Being “nicer” is not concrete. Smiling at your difficult co-worker is. See the difference? Literally, if you can see yourself doing it, it’s concrete. If you can’t, it’s not.

4. It’s POSITIVE. Not using bad words is a negative resolution. It’s not a bad resolution, but it presents some challenges. If using bad words is a habit of yours, what happens when you catch yourself? What happens if you don’t catch yourself? See how tricky it is? One way to have a positive resolution when trying to overcome a bad habit is, “Next time I catch myself using a bad word, I’ll silently say the name of Jesus with my hand on my heart.” Don’t try to get rid of the bad habit directly, respond positively when you catch yourself in the negative behavior. This will slowly re-wire your brain.

One last tip on your resolution: Never leave the site of your resolution without taking some step towards its completion. If possible, do it right now. If not, schedule it in your calendar. Set a reminder on your phone. Or if it involves another person, shoot them a text about it. Also write it down and schedule a time to check in later that day. Is that a lot? I don’t know. It takes about 58 seconds out of the 86,400 seconds you have today. Is that a lot? It’s less than 1/10th of 1% of your day. No, it’s not a lot.

Conclusion

Gus was in a bad way, struggling to eat, to sleep, to think. He fell into a bit of a frenzy, ran off into a garden, put his head between his knees and wept. Then he heard a child at play singing, “Take and read. Take and read.” At these strange words, Gus picked up the book he’d brought with him, opened it at random, and his gaze fell on this:

Let us behave decently as in daytime,

not in carousing and drunkenness,

not in sexual immorality and debauchery,

not in dissension and jealousy.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,

and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Rm 13:13-14)

Gus’ house of cards came crumbling all the way down. He left his home, his job, the woman he’d been with for fourteen years. He lost his influential friends. You may know Gus as St. Augustine of Hippo and his rival as St. Ambrose of Milan who would baptize him and be his first mentor in the Catholic faith. He was transformed by God’s Word, a word that went from his head to heart to his hands… changing his life and the history of Western civilization.

It was just one day. It was just a few minutes out of his day. And it changed everything. Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.

If you are someone who finds a worksheet helpful, here you go: Daily Prayer Worksheet

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Winter hiking can be a magical experience. Snow-covered trails, crisp air, and serene landscapes make it a favorite activity for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts alike. 

Not only that, but it’s an activity that offers significant health benefits including improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing mental well-being, and building resilience in colder weather.

However, hiking in cold weather presents unique challenges. To ensure your winter adventures are both safe and enjoyable, here are essential tips for staying safe and fit on cold trails.

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1. Dress in Layers

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Layering is key to regulating body temperature during a winter hike. Use the three-layer system:

• Base Layer: Wicks moisture away from your skin. Opt for synthetic or wool materials.
• Insulating Layer: Retains body heat. Fleece or down are excellent choices.
• Outer Layer: Protects against wind, snow, and rain. Choose a waterproof and breathable jacket.

Don't forget insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect extremities and exposed skin.

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2. Wear Proper Footwear

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Choose waterproof hiking boots with good insulation and traction. Pair them with moisture-wicking and thermal socks to keep your feet dry and warm. Consider using gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and traction devices like microspikes or crampons for icy trails.

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3. Stay Hydrated and Fueled

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Cold weather can suppress your thirst, but staying hydrated is crucial. Bring insulated bottles to prevent water from freezing and pack calorie-dense snacks like nuts, jerky, or energy bars to maintain energy levels.

For helpful tips for proper nutrition and hydration in the colder months, check out this blog post.

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4. Plan and Prepare

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Check the weather forecast before heading out and choose trails appropriate for winter conditions. Let someone know your itinerary and your expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, a map, or a GPS device, and don’t rely solely on technology. Shorter daylight hours mean starting early is essential.

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5. Pack the Essentials

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Your winter hiking pack should include:

• Extra layers
• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Fire-starting kit
• High-energy snacks
• Navigation tools
• Trekking poles (helpful for balance on snow and ice)

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6. Pace Yourself

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While a winter hike offers an opportunity to build endurance and strengthen your muscles, be aware that winter hiking requires more energy due to cold weather and challenging terrain. 

Listen to your body and take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion. Staying fit by maintaining regular exercise routines during the off-season can make your winter hikes more enjoyable.

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Winter hiking can be a fantastic way to stay fit and connect with nature during colder months. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can safely explore and enjoy the beauty of winter trails. 

Happy hiking!

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When it comes to fitness, one of the most common struggles is finding a workout routine you actually enjoy.

Too often, we approach exercise as a chore rather than something to embrace. But what if working out could be a highlight of your day?

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Here’s how to fall in love with fitness and discover the workout that leaves you feeling happy and refreshed.

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Reflect on What You Love

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First take time to think about activities that bring you joy. Do you love dancing? Hiking in nature? Playing team sports? Use these as a starting point.

Consider also your personality. Are you someone who enjoys structure or freedom? Are you introverted or extroverted? Make a list of all of the physical activities you enjoy (or that you think you might enjoy)--gardening, running, dancing, cycling, rock climbing, martial arts, whatever you can think of!

Fitness doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold. By aligning your workouts with what you already enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with them.

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Experiment with an Open Mind

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It’s okay to try a few things before finding your groove. In fact, Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Vonn recommends trying one new workout (at least 20 minutes long) every week for one month to help you explore and find something you might want to try again. 

Many gyms and studios offer free trials or drop-in classes that you can try out. If you haven’t already, sign up for your 14-day free trial with the Pietra Fitness Online Studio to get access to many different types of workouts that you can do right from the comfort of your home. 

If you dislike something, cross it off your list. If you enjoyed it, even a little bit, try it again the following week and go from there. 

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Set Goals that Inspire You

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Instead of focusing solely on weight loss or aesthetics, set goals that excite you. These could include:

• Running your first 5K
• Learning to do a handstand
• Mastering a challenging stretch
• Climbing a local peak

When your goals are tied to personal growth and achievement, they can be far more motivating.

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Focus on Fun, Not Perfection

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Let go of the idea that you need to excel at something for it to count. Your workouts don’t have to be Instagram-worthy—they just have to make you feel good.

Unsurprisingly, a study conducted by the Institute for Sport Science found that positive feelings experienced during a workout session “...provide[d] higher adherence to the training program”. ¹

In this study, positive feedback, individualized instructions, and variety in the workouts was used with the test group to create a more enjoyable environment and it made significant impact the participants' consistency with the program. 

Finding workouts you genuinely enjoy and feel good doing will help solidify fitness into a habit that will last the rest of your life. 

Falling in love with fitness is all about finding what resonates with you. By focusing on joy, curiosity, and personal growth, you can transform your relationship with exercise. 

Whether it’s dancing, climbing, or simply walking in the fresh air, the perfect workout for you is out there—and it’s waiting to become your new favorite habit

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Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit, for the Kingdom of God Is Theirs

Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest, I am He Whom thou seekest!

— Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson

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Introduction

The world is constantly seeking to impose labels on us: liberal/conservative, Republican/Democrat, traditional/progressive, introvert/extrovert, etc. Sometimes these labels can be hurtful: loser, misfit, outcast, reject, weirdo, strange, different, uncool, unpopular, victim, and so on. While some labels may be positive or even meaningful, none of them define your essence. Being "poor in spirit" means the only label that matters is the one God gives you, your true identity, your God-given name.

Poor in Spirit = your God-given identity = His name for you

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The Human Condition

The human condition consists of three truths:

1. We all desire unspeakable happiness.

2. Many of us see others who seem happier than we are.

3. When we try to imitate them, it rarely brings us joy.

What gives?

• If you’re a Buddhist, the problem is your desire for happiness, and the solution is Nirvana: the elimination of all desire. This is "happiness," achieved through an eight-fold path.

• If you’re a cynic, the problem is that other people are pretending to be happier than they actually are. The solution is to expose their hypocrisy and prove you're better than them.

• If you’re a self-help enthusiast, the problem is that you've chosen the wrong system. The solution? Find the next guru who asks you to "Buy my book" or "join my community," where you'll find the happiness.

• If you’re a Christian, the problem is that you are uniquely made in the image and likeness of God, and you can’t conform to others’ ideas of happiness. The solution is to be the person God made you to be.

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How Do I Know Who God Made Me to Be?

Great question! Each of us is a mystery—an infinite depth we may never fully exhaust. However, we can learn a great deal about ourselves. The synthesis of this understanding is found in our name. Not necessarily the name given to us by our parents or at baptism, but the name God bestows upon us.

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Wait, Is That Even a Thing?

Yes. Consider these examples from Scripture:

• "He calls each star by name" (Ps. 147:4; see also Is. 40:26—here, "star" is a poetic term for a person).

• "I will give [the one who conquers] a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except the one who receives it" (Rev. 2:17).

• "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham" (Gen. 17:5).

• "You are Peter [Petrus/Cephas], and on this rock [Petra/Cephas] I will build My church" (Mt. 16:18; see also Gal. 2:9 and Jn. 1:42).

It’s clear: God has a unique name for each of us—a name that only He can reveal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this:

"A name expresses a person’s essence and identity, and the meaning of this person’s life." (CCC 203)

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What Does That Mean?

A thing can be defined by its nature: dog, cat, chair, ball, tree, etc. A person, however, cannot. This is true even of the angels, each of whom is unique—so much so that every angel is considered its own "species" in Thomistic theology. For humans, we share a common nature as Homo sapiens, yet we are irreplaceable and irreproducible. Like snowflakes, no two humans are exactly alike.

Hidden within each of us is a mystery: our spirit, our essence, our "wyrd" (a Norse term for an individual's unique destiny or essence), our name.

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An Example

There was a young woman we’ll call Erin preparing to do missionary work on a college campus in America. Erin was struggling with past trauma and a deep sense of unworthiness. She said she "couldn’t pray."

To help her, we explored moments when she felt close to God, hoping to reignite her connection, but something still felt off.

Finally, I asked her, “Do you know who you are in God’s eyes?”

“No,” she replied.

“Then ask Him. Ask Him to tell you your real name.”

After a pause, she said, “I think it’s either ‘My Ruby’ or ‘My Little Ruby.’”

Notably, she had very red hair.

“How does that make you feel?” I asked.

“It just feels like me—like He knows me, loves me, and wants to be with me.”

“Do you need anything else?”

“I guess not.”

“Great. Then I guess we’re done here.”

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How Can I Learn My Name?

Just ask. The One who "called" you into existence is the only One who knows your name. Pray to Him:

Father, let me be one of the "poor in spirit" who rejects every label that doesn't come from You. Please show me my name, the name You call me by. Tell me my name. I know it’s a secret You hold in Your heart. Please share it with me so that I can live from it and not from all the labels the world seeks to place upon me. Father, what is Your name for me?

Hmm, it’s strange, but it seems like my God given name is: __________________

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‍And Then?

First, ask Him. Then own it. Then explore it. Hidden in your name is a mission—the meaning of your life.

For "Little Ruby," her mission was to shine forth and bring delight. She expressed this through performance dancing, but even more so through her way of being.

What about you? You may not know exactly what God created you to do, but know this: It’s hidden in your name. God the Father wants to reveal it to you. So ask Him. And live from it.

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With the short, dark days of winter, many of us feel a shift in our mood and energy levels. The lack of natural light can leave us feeling sluggish, irritable, or even depressed. 

But did you know that exposure to morning light can be a simple yet powerful way to boost your mental health and well-being? Here, we’ll explore the benefits of natural light, how it impacts your mental health, and practical tips for leveraging sunlight during the darker months.

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Why Morning Light Matters in Winter

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Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm influences your sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and overall energy levels. 

Morning light, in particular, is rich in blue wavelengths, which help signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert. This exposure suppresses melatonin production (the sleep hormone) and boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.

In winter, shorter days and longer nights mean less sunlight exposure overall. This can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and low mood. 

Morning light becomes even more critical during this time, as it can help counterbalance the effects of diminished daylight.

Studies have shown that consistent morning light exposure can:

• Improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Enhance your mood and reduce symptoms of depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Increase alertness and cognitive performance throughout the day.

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Practical Tips to Harness Morning Light

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1. Start Your Day Outdoors If possible, spend 20-30 minutes outside shortly after waking. Go for a walk, sip your coffee on the porch, or simply stand near a bright window. Even overcast skies provide beneficial light exposure.
   
   
2. Get Active in the Morning Physical activity enhances the benefits of light exposure. Combine light and movement by going for a brisk morning walk or stretching by a bright window.
   
   
3. Rearrange Your Living Space Position your desk or favorite chair near a window to maximize daylight exposure. Keep curtains or blinds open during the day to let natural light flood your home.
   
   
4. Use a Light Therapy Box A light therapy box mimics natural sunlight and can be an effective tool for combating winter blues. Look for one that emits 10,000 lux and use it for 20-30 minutes in the morning.
   
   
5. Maintain a Consistent Schedule Waking up and going to bed at the same time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Pair this routine with morning light exposure for optimal results.

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While we can’t control the seasons, we can take proactive steps to protect our mental health during the winter months. By prioritizing morning light exposure, you’re giving yourself a natural, accessible tool to combat the challenges of darker days. 

So open the curtains or step outside—and let the power of morning light brighten your day, inside and out.

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