Posture. As soon as I see or hear the word, I put my shoulders back and sit up straight. Did you just do it, too? Sit up a little taller?

I secretly envy all of you who are musicians, athletes, or dancers who naturally seem to hold your physical posture with strength and confidence.

I have to work at it. To notice when I am leaning forward and when my shoulders start to become scrunched up.

Raise your hand if you are feeling overwhelmed this week. It is a theme for many as the days to Christmas countdown.

Extra spending, decorating, shopping, food, church activities, gatherings with people, missing loved ones who are not with us, not to mention the expectations we place on ourselves to not forget anything, make sure everyone else is happy, and somehow keep it all together.

Here in the Midwest, November is a month of seasonal transition. The weather turns cold, my now empty patio receives its first snow cover and I say goodbye to my cozy outside reading spot.

Back in September, I reached out to a wise friend asking her if we could meet. I had been bumping into one of life’s big questions and wanted to hear what she had to say. Trusting the counsel in Proverbs 20, which speaks to the importance of seeking wise counsel, I reached out to ask for some of her time.

I look up. Literally, look upward. All of a sudden it became clear to me that the simple act of tilting my neck slightly had become a spiritual practice.