Firmly Planted | Restore Peace through Christian Meditation & Yoga

Laurie Hugdahl - Christian Yoga Teacher, Holistic Health Coach
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Do you struggle to carve out time to just be with God? Are you looking for simple, practical ways to deepen your faith? Do you desire to renew your mind with God’s word but feel overwhelmed with where to start?  You are in the right place. In this podcast you will find guided faith-based practices of prayer, meditation, and movement that can help you calm your mind, strengthen your faith, and rest in God’s presence. My mission is to support Christian women who want to spend time with God, find emotional healing, and grow in their faith. If you’re ready to connect with God with your whole self - mind, body, and spirit - then this podcast is for you. Hey, I’m Laurie. I’m a proud wife, mom, grandma and follower of Jesus. I spent a lot of years weighed down with the busy-ness and stresses of life and mentally disconnected from my body. Even though I was a Christian, I was struggling mentally, emotionally, or physically. God eventually led me to discover faith-based yoga and meditation. My life has been forever changed. I absolutely love worshiping God and praying with my whole body, mind, and spirit and can’t wait to share it with you. If you are ready to step off the merry-go-round of life for a bit and experience the presence of God, I invite you to join me in some of these faith-filled practices. Let’s renew our minds with biblical truth while finding postures of prayer with our bodies - whether that is in stillness, walking or stretching. Luke 10:27 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” So put your phone on “do not disturb”, take a few nice slow breaths, and let’s get started.

  1. 1d ago

    81 // Christian Sleep Meditation with Breath Prayer | Release the Day and Rest

    Is your body tired while your mind is still carrying the day? Maybe you are replaying conversations, thinking about tomorrow, or noticing tension that followed you all the way into bed.   In this episode of Firmly Planted, Laurie guides you through a slow Christian sleep meditation built around the biblical image of the breath of life.   There is no need to stay awake until the end. The words and music fade into blissful silence. You do not need to empty your mind or breathe in a certain way.   Let the words become softer as your body settles and your attention drifts toward sleep.   Please do not listen while driving or doing anything that requires your full attention.   This episode is intended to support relaxation, sleep preparation, and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. If any breathing practice feels uncomfortable, simply return to your natural breath.   New Christian meditations, body scans, somatic prayer, breath practices, yoga nidra, sleep episodes, and gentle movement are shared each week on Firmly Planted.   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  2. Oct 26

    80 // Can't Think Your Way Out of Anxiety? Try This Christian Nervous System Reset (no music)

    Have you ever known the truth in your head but still felt anxious in your body? Sometimes we keep trying to reason our way out of stress when what we really need first is to slow down, notice where we are, and give the body a chance to settle. In this short, practical Christian nervous system reset, Laurie guides you through three simple steps: Notice. Settle. Return. You’ll begin by noticing your surroundings and the support beneath you, then use gentle humming breath and simple movement to release some physical tension. Only after that will you bring your attention back to Scripture and one simple truth you can rest in. This isn’t about forcing yourself to calm down or pretending everything is okay. It’s about creating a little more space in your body and mind so you can remember that God is present right here.   New Christian meditations, body scans, somatic prayer, breath practices, yoga nidra, sleep episodes, and gentle movement are shared each week on Firmly Planted.   This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for sleep, medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent or unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or pain deserves appropriate medical attention.   #ChristianBodyScan #PhysicalBurnout #ChristianMeditation #DeepRest #SomaticPrayer #FirmlyPlantedPodcast   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  3. Oct 19

    79 // When Your Whole Body Feels Worn Out | Christian Body Scan for Deep Rest

    Do you ever feel tired all the way down to your bones? Not just sleepy or just mentally drained. But physically heavy, achy, and worn out from carrying stress for too long. Sometimes the body stays busy even after we stop moving. The shoulders remain lifted. The belly stays braced. The jaw stays tight. The back keeps working even while we are lying down. In this episode of Firmly Planted, Laurie guides you through a slow body scan for deep physical rest. You’ll move gradually from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head, noticing where the body is still holding effort and gently allowing each area to receive more support.   Scripture References - Psalm 139 and 1 Corinthians 6   Your body does not need to be strong all the time to be worthy of care. Rest is not separate from your spiritual life. Sometimes rest itself can become prayer.   This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for sleep, medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent or unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or pain deserves appropriate medical attention.   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  4. Oct 12

    78 // Rest in God's Presence | 2 Hours of Psalms for Sleep

    Settle in for two hours of peaceful Scripture, quiet reflection, and ambient music. This special long-form episode is designed to help you rest with the words of the Psalms as you prepare for sleep. You do not need to stay awake, follow every verse, or remember where you are in the recording. Simply let the Scripture come and go while your body settles and your mind becomes quieter. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear Psalms read slowly and gently, with generous spaces of music and silence between them.   The four sections move gradually from: Safety and rest Refuge and trust Nearness, protection, and quiet hope Being known, held, and at peace The Psalms included are 4, 23, 34, 46, 61, 62, 63, 121, 91, 130, 131, portions of 139, 134 The final section simply fades into extended ambient rest.   A Few Phrases to Rest With “The LORD is my shepherd.” “In God alone my soul finds rest.” “You are my refuge and my fortress.” “The LORD is your keeper.” “I have stilled and quieted my soul.” “Your right hand will hold me fast.” “And when I awake, I am still with You.” Please do not listen while driving or doing anything that requires your full attention. This episode is intended to support relaxation, sleep preparation, and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  5. Oct 5

    77 // Before You Check Your Phone | A 13-Minute Christian Morning Mind Reset

    What gets your attention first thing in the morning? Before your feet hit the floor, it’s easy to reach for your phone and immediately fill your mind with messages, headlines, responsibilities, other people’s opinions, and worries you weren’t even thinking about five minutes earlier. This short morning practice offers a different beginning. Instead of letting the world speak first, you’ll spend a few quiet minutes breathing, noticing what’s already running through your mind, and choosing one simple truth from Scripture to carry into your day. This isn’t a long Bible study or a complicated morning routine. It’s a practical way to create space for God before the noise begins. In this episode, you’ll: Notice the thoughts already competing for your attention Use a simple breath prayer to invite God into your morning Reflect on God’s fresh mercy and faithfulness Practice choosing what deserves your attention Ask one simple question: “God, what do You want me to remember today?” Choose one truth from Scripture to carry with you throughout the day   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  6. Sep 28

    76 // Breathe and Be Still | Christian Breath Prayer for Stress and Anxiety

    When stress begins to rise, one of the simplest things we can return to is something we have been doing since the first moments of life: Breathing. In Scripture, breath is woven into the story of creation, life, and the presence of God. And physically, slowing the breath can offer the body a gentler rhythm when everything inside feels hurried. In this episode of Firmly Planted, Laurie explores the biblical theme of the breath of life and guides you through a simple Christian breathing practice for stress, tension, and racing thoughts. You’ll be invited to: Notice your breath without immediately changing it Reflect on the breath of life in Genesis 2:7 Practice an easy inhale with a slightly longer exhale Adjust the counting so the breath remains comfortable Release unnecessary effort through the shoulders, jaw, and hands Use breath prayer as a steady point of attention Practice receiving rather than striving Reflect on Jesus breathing on His disciples in John 20:22 Return to a simple three-breath practice you can use during everyday stress Breath Prayers Inhale: Breath of Life Exhale: Bring me Your peace Later: Inhale: I receive Your grace Exhale: I release my striving Scripture References Genesis 2:7 Psalm 46:10 John 20:22 This is not about taking enormous breaths, forcing relaxation, or performing the technique perfectly. Gentler is often better. The goal is simply to create a little more space, return to the present moment, and remember that God is already here. This episode is intended to support relaxation, gentle breath awareness, and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. If breath counting feels uncomfortable, strained, or dizzying, return to your natural breathing.   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  7. Sep 21

    75 // You Can Notice a Thought without Following It | Christian Meditation for Mental Calm (20 min)

    Have you ever noticed how quickly one thought can turn into an entire mental spiral? A worry appears, your mind grabs onto it, and suddenly you’re replaying a conversation, predicting what might happen tomorrow, or trying to solve a problem that doesn’t even exist yet. In this guided Christian meditation, we’ll practice a simple skill: noticing a thought without automatically following it. This isn’t about emptying your mind or fighting your thoughts. Instead, you’ll practice creating a little space between the thought that appears and what you choose to do next. Using the simple rhythm of Notice. Name. Return., we’ll gently bring awareness to what the mind is doing and then redirect attention toward God’s presence and what is true. In this episode, you’ll practice: Noticing thoughts without judging or suppressing them Recognizing worry, planning, replaying, and overthinking Creating space before automatically following a thought Returning your attention to your breath, body, and God Choosing what deserves your mental attention Resting in Scripture as a steady place to return Scriptures included: Psalm 139:23–24 Search me, God, and know my heart... know my anxious thoughts. Romans 12:2 Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true... think about such things. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. Remember: Notice. Name. Return. You don’t have to finish every thought. You don’t have to figure out where every thought leads. And you don’t have to believe everything your mind tells you. Sometimes you can simply notice it and return to what is true.   🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

  8. Sep 17

    74 // Anchored in Hope | Christian Somatic Meditation to Release Stress and Tension

    Have you ever noticed that stress can remain in your body even when you are trying to trust God? Your jaw stays tight. Your shoulders remain lifted. Your chest feels guarded. Your hands grip without you realizing it. Sometimes the body becomes so accustomed to bracing that tension begins to feel normal. In this episode we explore the image of hope as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” from Hebrews 6:19 and connects that spiritual truth with a gentle, body-based Christian meditation. You’ll be invited to: Notice where your body may be habitually bracing Recognize that physical tension is not evidence of weak faith Orient to the room and the support already around you Use a gentle rhythmic breath without forcing deep breathing Practice intentional tension and release through the jaw, shoulders, and hands Notice support through the chest, back, hips, legs, and feet Experiment with “active rest” by allowing the surface beneath you to do more of the work Connect the physical experience of support with the biblical image of hope as an anchor Create a simple body-based reminder you can return to during future stress   Scripture Reference Hebrews 6:19 An anchor doesn't stop the water from moving. It doesn't make the wind disappear. It provides stability within the movement. Christian hope is not the promise of perfectly calm circumstances. It is the assurance that Christ remains steady within them. 🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3 This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. If any movement, breathing pattern, or body awareness feels uncomfortable, return to natural breathing or orient yourself to the room around you.   Next steps: If this meditation served you, consider subscribing so you can return for more Christian meditations, sleep practices, and gentle faith-based encouragement. Join the free community: Come be part of my Facebook group for Christian women who want more peace and more of God’s presence in everyday life. You’ll find scriptures, short practices, playlists, and encouragement. Facebook group:  https://bit.ly/firmlyplantedwellness Website: www.firmlyplantedwellness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firmlyplantedwellness   Share this episode with a friend who needs a few quiet minutes with God, and then come back for the next episode.

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About

Do you struggle to carve out time to just be with God? Are you looking for simple, practical ways to deepen your faith? Do you desire to renew your mind with God’s word but feel overwhelmed with where to start?  You are in the right place. In this podcast you will find guided faith-based practices of prayer, meditation, and movement that can help you calm your mind, strengthen your faith, and rest in God’s presence. My mission is to support Christian women who want to spend time with God, find emotional healing, and grow in their faith. If you’re ready to connect with God with your whole self - mind, body, and spirit - then this podcast is for you. Hey, I’m Laurie. I’m a proud wife, mom, grandma and follower of Jesus. I spent a lot of years weighed down with the busy-ness and stresses of life and mentally disconnected from my body. Even though I was a Christian, I was struggling mentally, emotionally, or physically. God eventually led me to discover faith-based yoga and meditation. My life has been forever changed. I absolutely love worshiping God and praying with my whole body, mind, and spirit and can’t wait to share it with you. If you are ready to step off the merry-go-round of life for a bit and experience the presence of God, I invite you to join me in some of these faith-filled practices. Let’s renew our minds with biblical truth while finding postures of prayer with our bodies - whether that is in stillness, walking or stretching. Luke 10:27 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” So put your phone on “do not disturb”, take a few nice slow breaths, and let’s get started.

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