I'm building up a collection of unpublished blogs. I use it as one of my coping strategies, the writing of stuff to get clarity on what is going on for me. And then conclude the world is better if I keep it to myself.
I shared a post on Facebook last night that is going down well. A whole range of coping strategies.
https://www.facebook.com/OurMindfulJourney/photos/a.281543221949017.44615.280994372003902/669542069815795/?type=3&theater
No-one as yet has taken me up on my question as to what else they would add that sometimes works for them. I did wonder if anyone would suggest alcohol, so I'm glad that hasn't happened. Given my commitment to my emotional health, it won't surprise you to learn that I employ every one of the suggested types of coping mechanisms. My main one tho is accessing my higher self (and I love that title for a set of strategies). This means that even tho it has been such a tough year, I feel I have left things in a better state than I found them.
My kids are travelling home today. Will be glad to have them back in my arms.
One of Facebook 's offerings today is:
A person who blames others, their lesson has not begun. A person who blames themselves, their lesson is beginning. A person who blames no-one, their lesson is finished.
This I have found thought provoking. I'm not sure I totally agree, but I like the concept that we often hit out grumpily first, and it is only when we reflect on what ia going on for us that we then grow and move on from the situation.
There is another quote I'd like to share, from Henri nouwen:
"So much of our energy, time and money goes into maintaining distance from one another. Many if not most of the resources of the world are used to defend ourselves against each other, to maintain or increase our power, and to safeguard our own privileged position.
Imagine all that effort being put in the service of peace and reconciliation! Would there be any poverty? Would there be crimes and wars? Just imagine that there was no longer fear among people, no longer any rivalry, hostility, bitterness or revenge. Just imagine all the people on this planet holding hands and forming one large circle of love. We say "I can't imagine" but God says "that's what I imagine, a whole world not only created but also living in my image"
I think I strive for a connected world and today am sad as I don't feel as well connected with as many as I'd like. I can feel the barriers. I can keep imagining tho, and see what we can create and live :-)
... today's blog has been a bit all over the place, sorry about that. Kids are back now, settled in front of their screens. Hearing the hail bounce from the window has me glad we have no plans to go out.
Hmmm...I've been thinking about the coping strategies. Rather than having an extra coping strategy to add to the list, I have a more fundamental view on the way in which they are written. There is good in them, but as they are presented I think they put us at the centre, rather than God. I've had a go at picking out verses which are in some way similar to each of the suggestions as a counterbalance!
ReplyDeleteDistraction
Philippians 4 v8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Grounding
1 Chronicles 16 v34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Timothy 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Emotional release (most of the psalms)
Psalm 61: 1-5; 8, ESV
“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.”
Self love
Mark 12 v31 The second [commandment] is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Thought challenge
Ephesians 6 v14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
"Access your higher self"
2 Corinthians 9 v11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us
There are so many options that each person would probably pick different verses to go with each of the coping strategies. Any suggestions...?! xxx
Happy New Year!
Impressed by your knowledge and application here!! Thanks. Happy New Year to you all too. Xx
DeleteHappy New Year Kristie. I agree that separation is one of our greatest fears - and yet at times we almost seem to deliberately reinforce that separation. I am certain that the will of God is for us to be in closer communion, with each other and with the divine (I'm increasingly finding the word 'God' problematic)
ReplyDeleteI agree Peter. Happy New Year to you too. Hope 2016 is one of much interconnectedness at many levels :-)
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