Good day, Purposeful Hearts! As a quick review, last time we talked about the consequences of leading a “stuck” life in terms of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual effects. If your memory is sharp – or you’re leading a stuck life – you’ll recall that the effects were full of tension and unhealthy thought patterns. So, today, let’s peek behind the curtain of the opposing life view and see what takes place in these four areas of someone leading a “still” life.
Let’s start with the physical. Since the still life is one of peace, trust, and calm, the bodily tension that was once permeating our full structure dissipates, allowing freer movements, relaxed muscles and jaw, and slowed breathing and heart rates. There’s no physical reactivity or push back toward what happens day to day, because the person living in this body understands the bigger picture psychologically and spiritually.
Speaking of our psychology, our attitude is much different when we have a “still” mindset toward life. It means resting in and trusting God’s direction for us. Last time, I mentioned that a stuck person largely feels trapped because they panic that there’s no way out of their circumstances. In a still life, that panic goes away because the person knows that God provides the way out in his perfect timing. Additionally, we can let go of the victim or martyr mentality in a still life when we take ownership of what’s on our plate, so to speak. We all know the difference between choosing to do something out of your own free will and having your life “chosen for” you (that’s when the reactance and resentment set in).
Socially, the still life results in being fully present with the people around you, because you’re no longer struggling with a short fuse that comes with being trapped or stuck. Since your emotional reserves aren’t being soaked up by your own stress and tension, you can offer your very best social support to the people who need you. You’re also more likely to engage in social events outside of your home when you have a peaceful heart.
Lastly, let’s consider the spiritual nature of the still life. Remember, the spiritual life is the source of all these effects and feelings so far! I love the verse that says, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Indeed, we can trace your stillness back to the health of your relationship with God and your trust in his plan for you. Why? Because if you’re spiritually healthy, it means you know that God loves you, redeemed you, and guides you through each phase of your life!
Think of the well-known hymn lyrics: “Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side” – what beautiful imagery of Jesus right there next to you. Your advocate and guide, right? Can’t you picture how your emotional state and mindset would change if you consistently remembered that Jesus is there by your side? “Oh, OK. You’ve got this? Well, then! That’s all I needed to know.” Shoulders drop, breathing and heart rate calm down, and we look forward with optimism and hope.
Purposeful Hearts, may you live in that peace and stillness today knowing that God’s got you! Stay tuned for our next installment when we discuss specific strategies for shaking a stuck life and finding stillness!
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