Tell us about yourself in two sentences.
I live on the East Coast of Scotland with my husband Jon and four children. I come alive in the wilderness and love to hold space for people through writing, movement and retreats.
What inspired you to write the book?
I really wanted to support people to grow closer to God in the reality of their everyday lives. I documented my own spiritual journey for 15 years through all sorts of changes. I wanted to provide a rich and accessible resource that would feel like a friend.
Why do you think it's beneficial to form faith habits?
God is always good, always present, always faithful. We on the other hand can be…forgetful! Faith habits help us remember. They are invaluable tools for forming a rich relationship with the Trinity.
Where would you advise someone to start when thinking about forming faith habits?
I think the best place to start is right where you are! There is no need to wait for circumstances to change. God is always present and there is always a faith habit that can support us in our spiritual lives. Something small at the beginning and end of our day to centre our hearts on God is a simple thing we can all do, even if we only have two minutes to pray, read or be still.
What are your own three favourite faith habits, currently?
- Placing a hand over my heart and just turning my attention and affection towards the goodness and presence of God.
- Meeting with those I'm in community with regularly to encourage each other.
- Gratitude chasing… searching for beauty and goodness in ordinary moments and giving thanks.
You emphasise seasonality in your own faith rhythms. Can you explain why?
Life changes. Things that work in one season may not work in another, and it’s great to recognise that. Maybe you are working or studying really hard and you need spiritual practices that nourish and bring you rest. Or maybe you are in a season of transition and feel really unsettled, so stable consistent practices would be more fruitful. Then of course there are the natural seasons: maybe summer is a great time to get to a Christian festival and winter is a time to practise more silence and solitude.
Are there any saints or people of faith who have particularly inspired you?
So many! At the moment I'm thinking a lot about Lady Julian of Norwich and her devotion to her visions. As I contemplate that commitment it encourages me to prioritise what I feel God is laying on my heart and not be distracted.
If people want to find out more about forming faith habits, where would you advise them to look?
Anything by John Mark Comer and Ruth Haley Barton would be fantastic. I have also received a lot from the late Fr Thomas Keating. Outside of that a spiritual director is invaluable in supporting the process of forming faith habits.
