Spiritual Practices for a New Day (Guilt-Free, Creative Habits to Help You Connect with God)

Spiritual practices needn’t stir up feelings of guilt, boredom, or frustration. Instead, they can truly help us connect with the Living God, enabling us to discover joy and peace in our hectic, demanding lives. But how? In the first episode of 2026, John Lin and Paul McMullen discuss fresh ways to approach practices that contribute to greater connection and wellbeing. They explore honestly the struggles of maintaining these practices, the underlying beliefs that hinder us, and how our family of origin shapes our view of God. They talk about creativity, the power of gratitude, the role of our bodies in connecting spiritually, and the need to adapt with life's seasons.HOSTS / CO-HOSTSJohn Lin, M.Div: Director of Partnerships, Watershed Initiative & Executive Director, Sweet Deeds FoundationPaul McMullen, LPC-Associate: Founder of WellSpring Process Groups, Licensed Professional Counselor-AssociateTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only.Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. CHAPTERS + TIMESTAMPS00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: The Journey to Spiritual Shape02:45 The Struggle with Spiritual Practices: Guilt and Motivation05:38 Understanding Our Beliefs About God and Spirituality08:42 The Role of Family of Origin in Spiritual Practices11:33 Imagining God: Creative Approaches to Prayer14:42 Engaging with God: Texting with Immanuel and Other Practices27:35 The Power of Communal Prayer29:01 Creative Approaches to Gratitude31:17 Flexibility in Spiritual Practices32:57 Adapting Practices to Life Seasons35:09 Integrating God into Daily Life37:43 Expanding the Definition of Spiritual Practices39:32 Breath Prayer and Mindfulness46:38 Connecting Spirituality with Neuroscience50:07 Embracing Curiosity in Spiritual PracticesRESOURCESNow I Become Myself - Ken Shigematsu (https://a.co/d/et4LRK3)Matthew 3:17“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”Psalm 131:2But I have calmed and quieted myself,I am like a weaned child with its mother;like a weaned child I am content.Luke 18:38He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”TUNE INYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cFOLLOW US ON SOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTMessage us at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected]