Reflection
We live in a world of distractions- distractions from surroundings and from ourselves. If
we ever start getting anxious, or think too much, with the click of a button, we can turn off our minds. I struggled with anxiety a few years ago, and my "coping mechanism" was to watch YouTube or TV. While this helped for the time being, I always felt crappy when I had to turn it off and think, even if I was doing something I loved. I had unconsciously decided that I would rather be numb than feel fear or pain.
we ever start getting anxious, or think too much, with the click of a button, we can turn off our minds. I struggled with anxiety a few years ago, and my "coping mechanism" was to watch YouTube or TV. While this helped for the time being, I always felt crappy when I had to turn it off and think, even if I was doing something I loved. I had unconsciously decided that I would rather be numb than feel fear or pain.
What really ended up helping me through this tough time was focusing on God as well as self reflection. I weekly talk about my relationship with God (click here to read), so today I am going to talk about spending time with myself.
Psalm 4:4 Be angry and do not sin; reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent. Selah
Reflection is a time of listening to God as well as yourself, so you can live a purposeful life. Take five minutes today to be still in the presence of God. I encourage you to listen to this song during this time.
Listen to yourself, let your mind wander through your emotions, but don't worry about your to do list. Bring a piece of paper, and if you remember something to do, write it down so that you can carry on with your quiet time. Bring a journal to write down your thoughts, feelings and anything God lays on your heart. Go outside if possible. Listen to the sounds of nature, the twinkling of the bird's song, the husky voice of the wind. Watch as the evergreen's feathers wobble on the branches and the clouds mix in a frenzy. Sniff the flowers and the crisp underbrush. Feel the grass tickling your toes and the squish of the earth's flesh. Search your soul, what hurts you, what are you doing that is bad for your mental health? What are your usual coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety and sadness? Do these numb you, or address the problem and help you work through it? How have you seen God with you recently? Have you been ignoring God's presence in your life? Have you given yourself time to breath and notice your feelings? Have you aloud yourself to feel these emotions?
Are you comfortable with your own thoughts, or do you move from one activity to another not allowing any room to reflect? If the latter is true, don't feel bad, I did the same, and sometimes still do. Take 5 minutes, you may be uncomfortable, that is okay. Turn off your distractions and listen to your thoughts, fears, and and dreams. Become aware of yourself and comfortable being with yourself.
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