In this time when fear abounds, let’s look to the tiny buds around us. Look deeply. Think of all they contain – all they will become, and take heart.
I like to think of the flower that is contained inside the closed bud. And look at the red petals around the yellow flower – that was the covering for the bud!
Here are some verses to think about as you gaze at these buds, or as you walk outdoors, under the trees and sky.
Isaiah 53: 18, 19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
It has been my custom to encourage Visio Divina, but this time, I suggest including Lectio Divina. Read over the verses at least 3 times, slowly, and see what they are saying to YOU, at this time in history.
Psalm 30: 8 – 12
The entire Psalm is helpful, but I will point out one section.
To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy; What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
For times like these – how to cope with stress and uncertainty
At the time of this writing, you might be interested in learning how I am coping with uncertainty and stress. Not only did we just move across the country to an unfamiliar place, but much of our income comes from Social Security, which is threatened at the moment.
Some things I have been learning:
1. Don’t look at your phone (email, messages, news, social media) for at least 15 minutes after waking up. Listen to your own thoughts first. After doing that for a week or so, I find I am going much longer before picking it up. And it is a much more pleasant way to begin the day.
2. Make sure you get plenty of physical exercise. I try to get up and move around at least every hour. And a daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended for lots of different health benefits.
3. Practice breathing exercises: Box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, Circular breathing. Look below for the book I’m using.
4. Practice Mindfulness: There are techniques to help us live in the present moment instead of fretting over the future or the past. Book recommendations below.
This tree is just outside my office window. I will be watching carefully to see the leaves turn green and grow to provide shade for our house. It’s a built-in mindfulness practice.
I would love to hear how you are managing your stress and keeping hopeful. Please comment.
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BOOKS I RECOMMEND:
Breathe In Breathe Out by Stuart Sandeman
The Mindful Christian: Cultivating a Life of Intentionality, Openness, and Faith by Dr. Irene Kraegel
Why not support independent bookstores? Search for these books at bookshop.org
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