Happy Monday!

I hope you had the opportunity to take time to rest, refresh, and reflect over the weekend. Of course, we all need to rest and allow our minds and bodies to rejuvenate. But, there’s also value in doing the things that make us feel refreshed. For some, it’s a hike in the mountains or a long walk at the beach. For others, spending time with friends and loved ones is the key. The simple act of reflecting on the positive events or inspirations of the week before helps us remember what we’re thankful for and positions us for a hope-filled week ahead.  

One interesting element of being well is that it all begins in our heads. We have this unique ability to utilize our minds to inform our brains to reflect and choose whether or not to take action. This reality is true for every aspect of our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. We enact and become what we give space to in our thought lives. What we think, we become.

22 Inspiring Health-Wellness-Fitness Quotes

For example, we decide to begin a new exercise regimen. We think about what we want to target and find the most effective way to reach the goal. In our processing, we talk ourselves down from the negative thoughts that want to discourage us and make choices that will best support our decision. The same thing is true for seeking help when we feel depressed, fearful, or experience anxiety. We must make a choice to be brave and process unpleasant events so we can heal and move on.

What if we have social anxiety. We know it won’t disappear if we stay at home and lament our misfortune. Instead, we need to step outside our comfort zone and meet others. The actions may be frightening at first, but soon we learn that we can manage due to our willingness to choose to heal from our fears.

Spiritual disciplines are similar to other aspects of wellbeing. First, we make choices to think positively about ourselves and others. Avoiding a downward negative spiral means being grateful for our many blessings and learning to capture and internalize the beneficial things in our lives while consciously turning away from negative influences. We’re then able to access the promised peace.

Recall these verses from Scripture:

“For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a (TLV)

“I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live.” Deuteronomy 30:19 (GW)

“For God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (DLNT)”

“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

Clearly, we can see the evidence of science meeting spirituality. I could go on about neuroplasticity and pathways, but I’ll leave that for another time. The salient information is, as we practice getting stronger, we’re not in the quest alone.

In the Christian disciplines, we are preparing for Palm Sunday this week. Let’s take time to ponder the concept of getting strong while gleaning in the grief (as Pastor Steven Furtick explained yesterday in his teaching). During our meditations, we can wonder and observe how Jesus was able to remain strong, even when He knew what was quickly approaching. We can lament the events of the season by committing to strengthening our wellbeing practices through the lens of choice.

Have a splendid week of discovery!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda