EMBody Wisdom - Spiritual Direction

This Week, I’m Focusing on Spiritual Direction: Trusting God’s Guidance

This week, I find myself drawn to the practice of spiritual direction—maybe because, in this season of my life, I feel the need to explore where God is guiding me. Life can sometimes feel uncertain, and the road ahead isn’t always clear. But even in these moments of uncertainty, I’m learning to trust that God is with me.

As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that even though the path isn’t always easy, it is always filled with grace, compassion, friendship, and an inner strength that grows as I walk through the challenges.

Spiritual Direction as a Practice of Trust

Spiritual direction is a beautiful space where we intentionally explore our connection to God and seek clarity about His guidance in our lives. It’s not about having all the answers, but about learning to listen deeply, trust the journey, and walk with God, even when the way ahead feels uncertain.

For me, spiritual direction is about trusting that God’s voice will be heard, even in moments of silence. It’s about recognizing that, although the road may feel difficult at times, grace is always there to sustain me and help me move forward.

The Role of Grace and Compassion in the Journey

One of the most powerful aspects of spiritual direction is the way it opens up space for grace and compassion to flow. These qualities help us:

• Trust God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations.
• Find strength in weakness, knowing that we don’t have to have everything figured out.
• Experience God’s love and support, especially when the journey feels overwhelming.

God’s grace is like a constant companion that gently leads us when we don’t have the answers, showing us the way forward through love, compassion, and the deep friendships that emerge along the path.

The Importance of Community and Friendship

Spiritual direction is also about connection. As I reflect on my own path this week, I’m reminded how important community and friendship are in this journey. Even though spiritual direction is a deeply personal practice, it’s not one that we walk alone. We are surrounded by people who can walk with us, offer encouragement, and help us see things from a different perspective.

The relationships built through spiritual direction bring a sense of companionship—a reminder that we are not alone in our search for meaning, direction, or connection with God.

Building Strength Through the Uncertainty

I know that this road is not always easy. There are moments of doubt, of frustration, of uncertainty. But I’m learning that strength is built through the challenges. When we continue to trust, even in the tough times, we build resilience. We grow deeper in our faith and in our ability to hear God’s voice, even when the way forward seems unclear.

Spiritual direction isn’t about avoiding challenges. It’s about walking through them with faith, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to the guidance and clarity that God has for us.

Are You Ready to Explore Your Own Journey?

If you are feeling uncertain, seeking guidance, or simply desiring to deepen your connection with God, spiritual direction might be just what you need.

It’s an opportunity to:

• Listen deeply for God’s voice.
• Trust the journey, even when it’s not easy.
• Build strength, knowing that grace and compassion are present at every step.

I would love to walk with you in this season of exploration. If you’re ready to begin or just want to learn more about spiritual direction, please reach out. Together, we can create space for God to speak and guide you on your own journey of trust, grace, and transformation.

send me an email at e.m.martinson@gmail.com and we can schedule in introductory session or check out the  EMBody Wisdom  website for a little more information

Remembering Joshua Aaron Olson

Today would have been his 53rd birthday. It's hard to believe that it’s been decades since Josh, my first high school boyfriend, tragically drowned in the St. Croix in August of 1990. The years have passed, but the grief of losing him—so young, so full of promise—still lingers, in quiet moments and heavy memories.

Losing someone young is different. It’s not just about their death; it’s about the future that was never lived—the “what ifs” that never have answers. I find myself wondering who he would have become, how his creativity and light would have shaped the world. He was a gifted soul—humorous, kind, and deeply thoughtful—and it’s hard not to mourn the endless possibilities that were taken from him.

But grief, I’ve learned, is more than just sadness. It’s the loss of potential, of unfinished business, and of the words we never got to say. (even thought I know WAY more about him now) At the time of his passing, I was just beginning to understand love and friendship, and now, years later, I wish I would have been better about telling him how much he meant to me.  And letting him know that friendship was a great deal more important.

Yet even as the pain of his loss still comes in waves, I’m comforted by the legacy he left behind. His spirit lives on in the memories of those who knew him. The way he made others feel—seen, heard, important—is something that can never be erased.

Today, on what would have been his 53rd birthday, I remember him with love. I remember his laughter, the tenor of his voice, his creativity (I have one of his sketches in my office), and the way he brightened the lives of everyone around him. Though he’s no longer here, his light continues to shine in my heart, and in the hearts of all who loved him.

Happy birthday, my friend. You are missed, and you will always be remembered.

Embracing Gentleness and Living Your Purpose: How to Be Kind to Yourself After the New Year Chaos #peptalk

Living Your Purpose on January 7th (Without the Pressure)

Alright, so here we are—it’s January 7th. If you’re anything like me, the excitement of the new year already feels like it was a month ago. (Is it really only the 7th? Wasn’t it just yesterday we were popping champagne and making resolutions to be better humans?) The confetti has settled, the champagne bubbles have popped, and now you’re standing here thinking: Why doesn’t everything feel as fresh and hopeful as it did last week? You might even be feeling the pressure to have your life together already—like you should be knee-deep in goals, vision boards, and that 5:00 AM workout routine that everyone else seems to be crushing.

But guess what? You don’t have to have it all figured out yet. In fact, you don’t have to hustle until you burn out in order to live your purpose. Take a deep breath, grab a coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s talk about how living with purpose can be more about the small, gentle steps—and less about turning yourself into an over-caffeinated productivity machine.

1. Stop Beating Yourself Up for Not Having It All Together Yet

Just because the calendar flipped to a new year doesn’t mean you’re suddenly supposed to know exactly what your life is supposed to look like. (If that’s how you thought it worked, I’m so sorry to disappoint you.)

If you’re still figuring out what this year is going to be about, or if you haven’t “hit the ground running” like a superhero on a Red Bull, don’t sweat it. You’ve survived another year, and that’s a huge win. The new year isn’t a magical reset button where you morph into a productivity machine overnight. It’s more like a soft invitation to take small steps toward what feels right.

And guess what? You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just showing up is enough. Being kind to yourself right now—that’s actually part of living a purposeful life. So go ahead and eat that leftover holiday cookie with no guilt. You’re doing great.

2. You Don’t Have to Start Over; You’re Already Exactly Where You Need to Be

Ah, social media. Nothing quite like seeing everyone’s perfectly planned out vision boards, New Year’s resolutions, and daily yoga selfies to make you feel like you’re failing at life. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to start over. You’re already here, and guess what? You’ve got everything you need to begin where you are.

Living YOUR purpose doesn’t require a giant leap or a massive reset. It’s about showing up in the small, everyday moments. It is about being fully present right where you are.  Whether that’s making someone laugh, taking five minutes to breathe, or just getting ready for the day without hitting “snooze” seven times. You’re already living your purpose, even if it doesn’t involve standing on stage accepting a Nobel Prize. Just keep showing up. That's enough.

3. Your Purpose Doesn’t Require You to Hustle 24/7 - 365

We live in a world that loves to shout, “Hustle harder!” and “Grind until you drop!” But guess what? That’s a myth. Hustling all the time is overrated, and it’s probably why you’re reading this post instead of doing squats at 5:30 AM.

Living with purpose doesn’t mean you need to be a productivity machine. It’s about living in alignment with what matters most to you—and sometimes, that means resting. Your purpose can show up in the quiet moments: when you say no to a social obligation because you need a mental health day, or when you skip the gym to binge-watch your favorite show (research shows that joy is just as important as squats).

Remember, rest is not only okay, it’s essential. So go ahead, nap like it’s part of your life plan. It totally is. (or at least it is now...)

4. Let Go of Guilt—You Don’t Have to Be Superhuman by January 7th (Or Ever)

Guilt is sneaky. It’ll creep up when you feel like you’re not doing enough, achieving enough, or checking off your to-do list fast enough. But here’s the truth: guilt doesn’t help you grow. It just makes you feel like a failure for not being perfect—and let’s be honest, none of us need to add that to our plates.

What if you gave yourself permission to just be? Instead of beating yourself up for what you haven’t done yet, why not acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished? Did you make it to 2025 without setting your kitchen on fire? Win. Did you manage to keep one New Year’s resolution (even if it’s just drinking more water)? That’s a win.

You don’t need to be superhuman. You just need to show up with love, understanding, and a willingness to take things one step at a time. And if that step happens to be “take a nap,” so be it.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins—They’re Part of Your Purpose, Too

Let’s be real: sometimes, simply getting through the day feels like a massive victory. Maybe you didn’t finish your novel or organize your entire house, but you did make it out of bed. That counts as a win.

Living with purpose doesn’t require big, dramatic changes every day. It’s how you show up in the little moments. If today, you managed to rest, smile, or laugh at something so ridiculous it made you snort, that’s a win. Celebrate those wins, no matter how tiny they seem. Every small moment of peace, kindness, or joy builds a foundation for the bigger wins to come.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest and Have Fun

Purpose isn’t about grinding nonstop—it’s about living with intention. And guess what? Living with intention includes making time for fun. You don’t have to hustle 24/7 to live a meaningful life. Sometimes, your purpose is to be present, laugh at the latest meme, or simply binge-watch a series that makes your brain happy.

Rest, fun, and joy aren’t distractions from your purpose—they’re an essential part of it. When you make space for relaxation and laughter, you’re actually feeding your purpose, not avoiding it. So go ahead, indulge in a nap or a Netflix binge. It’s called self-care, and it’s vital to the process.

Wrapping Up: Be Gentle, Be Present, and Live Your Purpose

So, here we are—January 7th. The world is speeding ahead with its “New Year, New You” energy, but you don’t have to keep up with the noise. Living your purpose doesn’t mean having everything figured out by now, being perfect, or hustling until your brain turns to mush. It means showing up as your authentic self—even in the quiet moments.

This year, move at your own pace. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins, and let go of the pressure to have it all together. Your purpose is already unfolding—one gentle step at a time. And that’s more than enough.

Here’s to a year of living with purpose, gentleness, and an open heart. You’re already doing great, just by being you. As for me - I am going to just go ahead and take that nap. 💛

New year and dealing with grief

Starting the New Year While Navigating Grief and Loss

As the new year begins, it can be difficult to embrace the excitement of fresh starts if you’re grieving. Grief doesn’t follow the calendar and doesn’t pause for the year to change. It’s okay if you don’t feel ready to "move on"—take things slow and honor your grief as you enter the new year.

Here are a few ways to approach this time while honoring your grief:

1. Acknowledge Your Pain
   Grief doesn’t disappear with the new year. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise, knowing healing is not linear. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay.
   
   
2. Embrace Small Steps
   You don’t need grand resolutions. Focus on small, manageable steps, like getting out of bed or taking a walk. Healing happens in quiet, meaningful moments.
3. Create Space for Reflection
4. Take time to remember and reflect on the love and lessons from your loss. There’s no need to "move on" from your memories; carry them forward.
5. Let Go of Expectations
   The world may encourage you to "start fresh," but grief doesn’t have a timetable. Be kind to yourself if it feels present, even as others move on.
6. Find Comfort in Routine
   Rituals like lighting a candle or taking time for reflection can provide grounding and comfort as you transition into the new year.
7. Seek Support
   Grief can be isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support.
8. Honor Your Resilience
   Just getting through the day is an act of strength. Recognize your resilience, even if you don’t feel ready for a fresh start.
9. Allow Yourself to Grow at Your Own Pace
   Grief doesn’t define you. Take the new year as an opportunity to grow, but at your own pace, without pressure.

Grief is not a barrier to new beginnings. It’s part of your story, and you can move forward with both joy and sorrow. This year, may you find peace, love, and patience for yourself.