S8, Ep. 02: Rule of Life: Creating Routines that Become Rhythms in Discernment with God

How do we connect our being and doing to create a Rule of Life? In this episode, we are continuing our series on a Modern Day Rule of Life as we begin to break down the definition so you can begin creating your own. We’ll talk about how our habits and behaviors can become a routine and then a natural rhythm that frees mental space to notice God. We already have patterns to the way we live, so the goal is intentionality, starting small, and returning to the rule without striving or perfection. We also talk about the importance of discerning with God as we connect with our unique design and the values that matter to us. Our definition of a Modern Day Rule of Life: “A rule of life is a commitment to live your life in a pattern of behaviors, rhythms, and routines. It is crafted through discernment, in partnership with God, as you consider the way God designed you and the values He has inscribed on your heart. Once discovered and written, it serves as a tool and framework that can help you make decisions for your life and determine how best to order and align your days.” (from Do What Matters by Teresa McCloy) Take the Needs and Values Assessment This assessment will help you name what you uniquely need and value, and will help you gain clarity on your next steps. Learn more at therealifeprocess.com. 00:00 Welcome and Series Setup 00:58 Rule of Life Trellis 01:56 Definition Readthrough 02:59 Commitment and Patterns 04:33 Breakfast Routine Example 08:01 From Habits to Spiritual Rhythms 10:43 Intentionality and Starting Small 11:47 Making Space to Notice God 16:37 Discernment With God 18:19 Needs, Values, and Design 22:09 Not Perfection or Control 25:19 Joyful Rule of Life Wrap Up 27:25 Closing and Next Episode LIFE MAPPING TOOLS Gain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. Learn more at onelifemaps.com. Now available digitally, and in Spanish! JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY Become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE. Go to therealifeprocess.com and click "Community." READ TERESA’S BOOK Banish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com. About Teresa McCloy: Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives. She lives with her husband of over four decades on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram. About Lindsay Sterchi: Lindsay Sterchi is the Spiritual Formation Director at the REALIFE Process®. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com. She lives with her husband Tyler and junior high-age twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry. When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.