Happy Monday Morning!
It’s a good day to take a long, deep breath and set positive intentions for the week ahead. I hope you had a chance to rest and engage in good self-care over the weekend. We need so much more rest than we make time for, and sometimes we forget entirely because we’re already thinking about what’s next.
When we forget or neglect self-care and allow tension to creep in, we tend to become anxiety-ridden and can easily fall into a downward spiral. We strive to gain control and end up confused and conflicted. Our usually functional logic and processing can become limited, as we cannot think clearly and rationally.
We actually experience the opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish. In these cases, we need to learn to discharge the anxiety and trust ourselves to make good decisions, regardless of the desire to control possible outcomes. These thoughts from Kahlil Gibran give us perspective about anxiety and control.
I have learned to ponder and process through trial and error while releasing anxiety over the outcome. It allows me to search a broader range of options with a more encompassing and engaging perspective. The results generally tend toward better decision-making because I let go of my need to control and welcome potentially new and innovative ideas to free-flow.
The practice is a little intimidating at first, but once we allow our minds to operate without trying to dictate the result, we become open to others’ input. That might come in the way we gain perspective, it could be from entertaining a cultural shift, or there may be someone with whom consultation proves rewarding. When we think about various situations without controlling the process, we become more peaceful and enriched by the experience.
The following is one of my favorite passages from Scripture:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Can you even imagine living without anxiety? How wonderful would it be to live in peace, even when we don’t know why we’re peaceful! Indeed, these practices would produce clarity of mind and a heart filled with possibilities.
And, the next part of the passage pretty much seals the deal:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV)
The key is to choose what we give our attention to with faith, asking for assistance when needed, and focusing with an optimistic point of view. In the process, we set the intention not to become anxious over the results and rest securely and peacefully in the knowledge that in releasing control, we will glean greater rewards. And, here’s a tip, God may work through your prayers and others. Being quick to recognize the many angels among us and avail ourselves of the opportunities will make the experience even more valuable.
Have a fantastic week of releasing control to make way for more blessings!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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