Recently, I was privileged to talk to my friend and fellow blogger, Tracey Hughes about faith and spirituality for the busy woman. She authors a terrific blog called Vine2Victory and each week I look forward to a weekly dose of her wisdom. Not only is Tracey a writer, speaker and entrepreneur, she also happens to be one of the most resilient and optimistic people I know. I firmly believe that part of being a whole, healthy person is embracing your own spiritual practice that you can cultivate over time.  Here Tracey details a simple way you can cultivate your own spiritual practice right now.

What inspired you to start your blog, Vine2Victory.com?

I’ve always been an upbeat kind of gal. When I started posting inspiring notes on my Facebook page, I was overwhelmed by the positive response and the private notes on how my words touched hearts and brought some to tears.  I felt compelled – no pushed –  by my higher power to broaden my reach and encourage more people.

Why should someone think about developing a spiritual practice?

A personal and private spiritual practice provides a sense of grounding, a feeling of being centered and calm. I call this the “calm before the storm.”  Life is filled with daily challenges, issues, problems and crises.  When you’re centered and relatively calm, you can focus and strategize with a cool head versus reacting haphazardly.

You’ve had a demanding career as corporate brand marketing executive and an entrepreneur, how has your faith sustained you through the ups and downs of your career?

I’ve always been a faithful and spiritual person from my Catholic upbringing.  I discovered the true meaning of a relationship with Jesus Christ during my company’s ups and downs.  Within a four year period, I watched my company spring onto Oprah’s “O List” only to come crashing down in bankruptcy and betrayal.  At that time a college friend/business partner temporarily stole my company. I’ve since regained it.  But during those years of turmoil, disappointment, shame and self-doubt, God moved into my life and worked a variety of miracles, including leading me back to my first love, writing.

What’s the best way to get started?

I always encourage people to start slow and simple.  If you only have five minutes to spare, spend those five minutes by saying a prayer, reading a page from the Bible or repeating a favorite affirmation.  If you can spare a few more minutes, make a cup of coffee or tea, write a page in your journal and read a chapter from a favorite devotional.  It’s not the length of time spent, it’s the quality of that time.  A few minutes in prayer or repeating an encouraging affirmation will do wonders for your energy level, patience, self-esteem and SPIRIT.

In the morning I set my clock 40 minutes early.  I  journal three pages to clear my head and get my creative juices flowing. Then I enjoy a cup of tea with lemon while reading a few pages from a Christian book, some Bible scripture and a short devotional. Currently I’m reading Power Thoughts by Joyce Meyer.  I close the session out with a prayer.  Again, that’s not for everybody.  My morning devotion has evolved over a four year period.  Start off with five minutes and let the moment and your meditation grow over time.  You’ll be amazed the results.

As women, we tend to shoulder a lot of responsibility at work and at home. That often means we have little to no time for ourselves. What advice do you have for women who are trying to find “the balance”?

That is precisely the reason and value of developing a spiritual practice.  Being grounded and connected to a higher power reminds us that we don’t have to do it all alone, in fact we are never alone because our higher powers are always guiding, supporting, comforting and protecting us.  As mommies, wives, caretakers and caregivers, we know that we should never run on empty but time and time again we do.  It’s imperative, no it’s critical, that our energy tanks are filled on a daily basis.  A private spiritual practice will do just that.  It can be a simple few minutes reading a favorite scripture or psalm in the bible, saying a silent prayer, reading two pages of a devotional or enjoying a few sips of coffee or tea while writing in a journal.  These are all different forms of spiritual practice that will do WONDERS for you and your family. In the end, aren’t you worth it?

Explore a few of Tracey’s favorite books:

• The Message, the Bible written in a contemporary easy-to-read format
• The Present Moment, 365 affirmations by Louise L. Hay
• Inner Wisdom by Louise L. Hay
• Ending Your Day Right devotional by Joyce Meyer
• Starting Your Day Right devotional by Joyce Meyer

I’m thisclose to declaring email bankruptcy. I recently returned from a week long business trip to Asia and, no kidding, I had 700 emails in my in-box–and that’s with an out-of-office notification turned on. To cap it off, I had a pile of mail, dozens of meeting requests to sort through and a laundry list of items I needed to do at home.  If you feel whipsawed by a never ending stream of voice mails, endless emails and mile long to-do lists,  you are not alone. I have had far too many days where I feel a total lack of control over my time and schedule. So of late I’ve been searching for methods to help me be more effective at home  and work. I’ve become a huge fan of Harvard Business Review columnist and blogger, Tony Schwartz, who recently wrote a  column that really spoke to me. In it he advises executives to manage their energy rather than their time. Humans are not  designed for a steady stream of high-intensity work, says Schwartz. Based on research he has done with his think-tank  the Energy Project, he has come up with a short but powerful list of tools to help you better manage your energy and make the most of your day:

1. Make sleep your highest priority. This can be easier said than done – especially for moms –  but getting enough sleep (at least eight hours)  is one of the cornerstones of Schwartz’s advice. He advises going to bed at the same time every night and reviewing and writing anything down that’s on your mind before going to sleep. If you are not still convinced, there is a plethora of research now that underscores the importance of a good night’s sleep.
2. Take a renewal break at least every ninety minutes.  A short break in 90 minute intervals can help  to clear and quite your mind.
3. Keep a running list of everything that you want or need to do. I love this one because I am an obsessive list maker.  Putting down your to do’s helps free your mind and gives you a sense of control. For resources, check out my friend and fellow blogger, Kalyn Johnson who recently blogged about a great on-line time management tool. Also check out fantastic mom blogger Blessing at  Working Mom Journal who has a free down-loadable 24hour to do list.
4. Run up your heart rate or take a nap in the early afternoon. This one is probably easier to do if you work for yourself or you work from home. The theory here is that aerobic exercise jump starts your energy. You can go to the gym or take a brisk walk. Alternatively, Schwartz recommends a 20- 30 minute power nap between the hours 1-4 which is when most people start to feel the afternoon energy crash.
5. Practice appreciation – and savoring – Banish negative emotions and focus on the positive. Showing appreciation and projecting postive energy, says Schwartz, will make you feel better.
6. Develop  a transition ritual between work and home. Develop your own way of disengaging from work so that when you walk through that front door, you are truly present for your family.

I’m following Schwartz’s advice and am already seeing and feeling the benefits. How do you manage your energy?