Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Chris Sieve
Where do you turn for support during difficult times?
Since I was very small I have been blessed with a core belief that goes like this: Come what may, all shall be well. God-in-me has always assured me that this is the case, despite loss, pain, adversity and stress. Like many people, I get fluttery, anxious feelings in my chest or think worry thoughts that are unbidden. It’s so frustrating! I work very hard to notice that fear is a sensation, my body’s reaction to a thought, a momentary perception that does not relate to a deeper reality that I know to be true, with my truer self, that Come what may, all shall be well.
Worry relates to the chemical state of our brain that tells us a fear tale - that we should be afraid, run, take cover. It’s an insidious story that bodies occasionally tell unsuspecting brains. We must be suspicious of these
thoughts and sensations and remember bigger, wider truths. God is love. God is with us. All shall be well.
I learn each day to overcome these physical sensations and worry thoughts through prayer, meditation, yoga, moving my body, hugging someone who loves me and feeling the comfort of that hug, telling myself (literally): Stop that silly thought. It is not serving you. I talk to my spouse, call a friend, or have a talk with myself in earnest, and recognize that I’ve been here before. Your thoughts are not your friend right now, Chris, and there is nothing especially true or real about them in this moment. What is more true is that worry thoughts eventually pass. And the Good News is that you can usher them to the door and see them out!
I breathe in and remind myself that I am loved. I breathe out gratitude for my faith and our community. I remember scripture: Be Still and Know that I am God (Psalm 46). In the stillness of my faith, I feel protected and shielded from needless worry. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:7-8). I am reminded that how I act can change how I feel. That is a thrilling thought.
When you still need more, read the daily reflections of our beloved family members at St. John’s. Thank you all for being my daily reminder of what is good and that all shall be well. I miss you all so much and find comfort in knowing you are there, even though I cannot see you right now.