Finding Sass in September
Retreats, Travel, Inside Out (clothing, not the movie), Video Course
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of leading a group of Presbyterian women in contemplative prayer practices and gentle yoga, focusing on the idea of praying with our whole bodies. The group ranged in age from their 40s to 80s. What a rich time we shared together. A few were seasoned yogis, though they hadn’t considered linking their prayers with their movements—or even realized that they could. Others had never practiced yoga before and were delighted to move their bodies in a gentle, supportive way. We shared a profound experience of God’s presence, learning to connect with our bodies in new ways—embracing them with acceptance and love, while discovering fresh approaches to prayer.
It wasn’t until I was on my way home that I realized my dress had been inside out the entire Sunday morning! Granted, it was a black dress with a black tag and lining, so it wasn’t glaringly obvious—but still. Thankfully, the group was gracious enough to overlook the fact that their leader had clearly dressed in a hurry—and maybe not as mindfully as I should have. Instead of being mortified (as I might have been in years past), I found myself giggling. To be fair, I had a cardigan on for most of the morning, which helped cover it up. Even so, it was a perfect opportunity to practice a little humility. At least it wasn’t as bad as accidentally wearing my underwear on my head! A story for another time.
It’s good to be able to laugh at ourselves. Have you had a recent “oh my” moment that made you giggle?
What I am working on
I have been dreaming and scheming about this course for over a year. Now I am putting the final touches on and I’m excited to share more details with you below, along with how to register if you’re interested. These final touches involve filming the videos based on scripts I’ve developed and fine-tuned, which means being camera-ready for several days in a row. Yes, that includes paying attention to what I’m wearing (making sure my clothes are right-side out), checking if it’s a good hair day or a bad hair day (and adjusting accordingly), and even putting on a little mascara and lipstick! Altogether, it feels like getting “dressed up” to me. I guess I haven’t quite shaken off some pandemic habits or the luxury of not dressing up for work. But it’s all good.
What I’ve noticed about this “dressing up” process is that it has a positive effect on my work. It’s not that my words don’t flow if my hair is out of place or my outfit doesn’t match, but there’s something about making an effort to look put together—even when I’m not feeling it. The act of getting ready helps propel my workday forward. As a result, even on days dedicated solely to writing (and not filming), I still get dressed, comb my hair, and put on mascara before sitting down at my writing desk. Do I think every writer needs to go through this routine? Of course not! It’s not backed by science, but I can feel the difference in how it impacts my mindset and productivity.
What do you do to prepare for your day?
What the course is about
The video course is a 6-week hybrid learning experience to explore the integration of Christian spirituality, gentle accessible yoga practices, and contemplative prayer techniques. This course offers participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Christian spirituality while incorporating principles of mindfulness, movement, and holistic well-being for themselves and those they serve. No prior knowledge of yoga, experience, or flexibility is required. In fact, this course aims to dispel the cultural and popular myths that may have prevented a deeper understanding of yoga as a pathway to praying with our whole being (mind, body, and spirit). All bodies are welcome, especially the skeptical ones.
Participants will learn to integrate accessible physical movement, breath work, and meditation techniques into their spiritual lives, fostering a deeper connection with God and themselves, and a greater sense of inner peace and wholeness. Through a combination of lectures, guided exercises, and reflective practices, participants will gain practical tools for caring for their whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—while nurturing a vibrant prayer life grounded in Christian tradition. This approach emphasizes the embodiment of spiritual principles, and it is also respectful of the cultural context of yoga as an ancient practice from West Asia.
This is a great course for clergy, chaplains, seminarians, coaches, and facilitators who are seeking continuing education units or professional development credits. Educators, therapists, healthcare providers, consultants, small group leaders, nonprofit directors, yoga teachers, and public servants of all sorts would also benefit from this course. Please join me if you can.
The link to register is here along with more details about the course and FAQ. I’d love it if you want to join me.
And now for a poem I wrote over a year ago that captures the essence of my own struggle - and sometimes ambivalence about my struggle to be well:
My living testament
I work hard to love and accept my body
With all its beauty and flaws.
I do not have low self-esteem.
Even so, I swing wildly between acceptance
and self-loathing.
Mostly towards acceptance.
But there are times I truly can’t stand myself.
Lest you try and rescue me too soon
Sit with the discomfort of my words…
Is it not familiar to you too?
My inner pettiness outweighing my generous spirit.
The contradictions are endless.
Then I pause and remember those who have come before me.
Grace abounds in the contradictions,
Even in the paradox.
I do see and marvel at God’s handiwork in me.
Aren’t we each our own miracle?
That we even came to be born
In the particular circumstances that we are in.
What does it mean to be me?
What does it mean for you to be you?
To live in the sacredness of my own body…
Beloved…
Wretched...
Redeemed
More Beloved…
Healed…
Whole…
Trying to age with grace,
Mind, body, and spirit.
I once again decide to love all of her,
All of me
Even the unreconciled parts.
It’s my job, after all!
~ by Joanne Spence
A blessing
Thank you so much for reading this far! I’d like to wrap up by revisiting my experience at the retreat last weekend, where I had the opportunity to share something truly meaningful. I had a solid plan for our Sunday morning closing, but when one of the organizers mentioned there were small glass candle holders with votive candles for each participant, I saw a chance to do more than just hand them out. I needed to pause and reflect on how to make the moment more special.
I already planned to share a blessing from Kate Bowler’s Good Enough devotional, which I did, but I wondered—how could we bless each other in a more interactive way and deeply personal way? What might that look like?
As any retreat leader knows, there’s a delicate balance between sticking to the plan and being open to the movement of the Spirit. In hindsight, I feel like this closing moment was one of those times when planning and spontaneity harmonized perfectly.
Here’s what unfolded: I invited the group to pick up their candles, perhaps even grab one for the person beside them. After giving some simple instructions, we began. One by one, we turned to the person next to us, said their name, looked into their eyes, and added, “Go forth and shine your light,” as we lit their candle. Simple, right? Yes—and no. Coordinating the clicker to light the candle took a bit of finesse! But I think it was the combination of saying someone’s name, making eye contact, and waiting prayerfully in silence that made the moment powerful.
By the time we were halfway around the circle, many eyes were brimming with tears. I believe it started when a mom lit the candle for her adult daughter. I know I felt the love deeply. That’s the power of a simple blessing.
As we completed the ritual, something spontaneous happened. I asked the group, “Shall we sing This Little Light of Mine?” And just like that, we began—our voices rising together as if we were singing a sacred aria in a grand cathedral. A simple, profound African-American spiritual that carried so much meaning in that moment.
Go forth with sass…
“Finding sass in September” feels like an invitation to embrace the transition of seasons with boldness and flair. September often carries a bittersweet energy as it bridges the gap between the warmth of summer and the crispness of fall. It’s a time when nature subtly shifts, and maybe that’s where the sass comes in—finding confidence, beauty, and a little rebellious spirit in the midst of change.
What does “sass” look like for you this September? Maybe it’s in unapologetic self-expression, defying the usual rhythms, or embracing your inner fire even as the world cools down. September might be the perfect month to stand tall, do your yoga and prayer practice, and approach life with a blend of grace and boldness. What kind of sass are you carrying into this season?
In sassiness and love,
Joanne