Firmly Planted | Restore Peace through Christian Meditation & Yoga

Laurie Hugdahl - Christian Yoga Teacher, Holistic Health Coach
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Christianity
  • Updated 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. 11h ago

    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.

  2. 4d ago

    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.

  3. Sep 14

    73 // Midday Reset for Exhaustion | 15-Minute Christian Yoga Nidra

    Have you reached the middle of the day and realized that your energy is nearly gone, but the day is not over yet? Maybe you did not sleep well. Perhaps the morning required more than you expected. Or you have simply reached the point when your body and mind need a deeper pause. In this episode of Firmly Planted you’ll be guided through a brief Christian yoga nidra for midday exhaustion. This practice is designed to offer approximately fifteen minutes of guided deep rest without requiring you to fall asleep. You’ll be invited to: Settle into a comfortable and supported position Choose a simple intention for the practice Move awareness gently through the body Notice the natural rhythm of your breathing Experience heaviness, support, spaciousness, and lightness Rest in the invitations of Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 23 Release the pressure to produce or respond Receive what you need for the next part of the day Return gradually and without rushing This practice is a brief respite in the middle of the day.   Please do not listen while driving or doing anything that requires your full attention. This practice is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent or severe exhaustion may deserve appropriate professional 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. Sep 10

    72 // Midday Respite | A Short Christian Body Scan for Exhaustion

    🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Has your energy faded even though the day is not over? Maybe you cannot take a nap, cancel your responsibilities, or step away for very long. You simply need a few quiet minutes to stop, release some tension, and gather yourself for what remains. In this short episode you’ll be guided through a gentle Christian body scan followed by several minutes of ambient music and quiet rest. You’ll be invited to: Find a comfortable and supported position Release tension through the face, shoulders, hands, and legs Notice your natural breathing without trying to change it Receive rest before every responsibility is completed Reflect on the invitation of Psalm 23 and Matthew 11:28 Rest quietly in God’s presence Return slowly and choose only the next thing that needs your attention This practice is not intended to push you back into greater productivity. It is simply a brief respite in the middle of an unfinished day. Breath Prayer Inhale: You are here Exhale: I receive this rest Scripture References Psalm 23 Matthew 11:28 The guided body scan lasts approximately five minutes and is followed by three to five minutes of ambient music and quiet rest. Please do not listen while driving or doing anything that requires your full attention. This practice is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent or severe exhaustion may deserve appropriate professional attention.   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. Sep 7

    71 // Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt | Christian Meditation for People Pleasing

    🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Do you feel responsible for keeping everyone around you happy, calm, and okay? Maybe you carefully choose your words, anticipate other people’s needs, or replay conversations because someone seemed disappointed, irritated, or distant. You may find yourself explaining more, apologizing when you are not sure you did anything wrong, or changing a healthy decision simply to make someone else’s discomfort go away. In this episode we’ll explore the difference between caring about another person’s feelings and taking responsibility for their emotional state.   The episode concludes with a guided Christian meditation to help you: Notice whose emotions you have been carrying Recognize where that responsibility lives in your body Identify what genuinely belongs to you Examine whether you acted honestly and respectfully Recognize what belongs to the other person Release the pressure to control someone else’s reaction Return to your own words, choices, integrity, and next step Practice speaking truth with love   Scripture References Romans 12:18 Ephesians 4:15   This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Relationships involving abuse, coercion, intimidation, or unsafe behavior may require practical support and professional guidance.   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 3

    70 // Maybe You Don't Have to Fix It Right Now | Christian Body Scan for Deep Rest

    🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Do you feel as though you cannot rest until everything is handled? The decision is made. The problem is solved. The conversation is finished. The people you love are okay. Sometimes the body is tired, but the mind remains in problem-solving mode. You may keep reviewing details, making plans, or searching for an answer because pausing feels irresponsible. But some parts of life cannot be resolved tonight, and your body still needs rest.   In this episode I’ll guide you through a gentle Christian body scan for the moments when you are tired of thinking, planning, and trying to make everything better. You’ll be invited to: Notice when your mind is trying to solve something Set aside the need for an immediate answer Feel the support beneath your body Release effort through the face, shoulders, hands, belly, back, legs, and feet Rest while something remains unfinished Place the known and unknown parts of the situation into God’s care Recognize that caring does not require constant mental work Receive rest without earning it   Scripture References Psalm 127:2 Psalm 55:22   This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Choose a position and level of awareness that feel appropriate for you.   #ChristianMeditation #DecisionMaking #SelfTrust #ChristianDiscernment #SecondGuessing #FirmlyPlantedPodcast   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. Aug 31

    69 // How to Trust Yourself Again | Christian Meditation for Discernment and Confidence

    🎁 Grab your FREE 6-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Have you ever second-guessed yourself so often that even simple decisions began to feel difficult? Maybe you made a choice you regret, ignored an important concern, trusted someone who let you down, or stayed too long in a painful situation. Now, every new decision may feel dangerous. You may wonder: What if I miss something again? What if I choose incorrectly? What if I cannot tell the difference between wisdom and fear? What if everyone else sees something I cannot? What if another mistake proves I cannot trust myself? In this episode we explore what it means to rebuild trust in yourself without expecting perfect certainty or flawless decisions. Self-trust is not the belief that you will always be right. It is the steadier confidence that you can pause, gather information, seek wisdom, ask for help, make the best choice available, and respond with grace when new information appears. The episode concludes with a guided Christian meditation to help you: Notice the pressure created by second-guessing Separate what you know from what you fear Identify what a past experience taught you Learn from regret without condemning yourself Recognize what support or information you need Ask God for wisdom Focus on one thoughtful next step Scripture References James 1:5 Proverbs 3:5–6 This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, legal advice, financial advice, or other professional guidance. Significant decisions may benefit from trusted counsel and appropriate professional support.   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. Aug 27

    68 // Come Down from the Day | Christian Meditation to Release Stress and Settle Your Body

    🎁 Grab your FREE 5-Minute Christian Mind & Body Reset: The Truth I Return To: https://bit.ly/4cPtzQ3   Has your day ended while your body still feels like it is in the middle of it? The work may be finished, the appointments may be over, and you may have changed into comfortable clothes. But your shoulders remain tense, your thoughts keep moving, and part of you still feels as though you should be doing something. Sometimes the nervous system needs a transition between activity and rest. Today, Laurie guides you through a gentle Christian evening meditation using grounding, small movements, body awareness, prayer, and Scripture. You’ll be invited to: Acknowledge what the day required from you Use gentle movement to release held tension Notice where your body is still carrying effort Decide what truly needs attention tonight Let unfinished tasks wait until tomorrow Release the emotions and reactions of other people Consider one realistic way to care for yourself this evening Allow your body to begin slowing down   Some things can wait. Some concerns can be placed into God’s hands. Your body is allowed to slow down. This episode is intended to support relaxation and spiritual reflection. It is not a substitute for medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Choose only the movements and breathing practices that feel appropriate for 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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