Welcome to the Daily Still podcast, a place to pause. Here we create space to listen for the

whispers of God. I'm your host Cindy Helton, and I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give

to ourselves is room to be still.

It's good to be back in the studio as we celebrate our fifth anniversary of the Daily Still podcast.

Thank you to all of you who have joined us on this five-year journey,

and to those of you who are new, welcome to our stillness community.

The Daily Still podcast continues to grow around the world,

and it tells me of the great need for space in our lives to calm the noise around us and to pay attention to what really matters. God's loving presence with us right now. I believe it all begins with the invitation

found in Psalm 4610. Be still and know that I am God. Over the past two years, I completed a certification in spiritual direction.

As a spiritual director, I'm trained to help guide, listen to, and companion others

as they grow deeper in their relationship with God.

And I realize that's what the Daily Still has offered over these past five years.

There's a lot I've learned in the process of my training that will allow me to offer fresh insight and encouragement to you on your spiritual journey as well.

One thing I know, the more I learn about God, the more there is to know and receive.

My own experience of practicing Christian meditation for over 15 years has validated what faith-filled believers have known and practiced throughout the centuries.

Silence and meditation are important ways to open ourselves up to a greater

awareness of God's presence. I've personally witnessed and heard incredible stories of what God can do

as we embrace the prayerful practice of stillness,

and pay attention to our inner lives and the movement of God within us.

When I began this podcast five years ago, I posed the question,

what will practicing stillness do for you?

So I want to remind you of some of the ways stillness benefits us.

...