Psychology experts remind us that when chaos swirls all around, one of the best coping mechanisms is to focus on what we can control and to ground ourselves with our senses. There are no words I can type in this mid-July blistering heat turned summer storms that can control the chaotic world events - sadly precendented political violence in our own country and around the globe - with fear and distrust are behind every headline and our own attempts to make any sense of suffering and vitriol in the world.
But I hope you'll pause and use this as your reminder today to take some deep breaths. Take a big "swig" (as my Dad would say) of cold water. Perhaps take a walk tonight when it finally cools down after the storms have passed and stretch your arms toward the beautiful night sky and see the light of the stars and moon shining down. (Don't worry about what your neighbors think!)
Smell some flowers...or the fragrance of multi-colored slime overtaking your kitchen if it's anything like my house this summer. Tell Alexa or Siri or Spotify to play a song that brings you a smile. Maybe even sing or dance along. Engaging our senses helps us snap out of panic responses to trauma or triggers. Of course, invite your children to join with you in these shared sensory moments. But might I also suggest as your friendly neighborhood children's minister with a social work background that besides only individual therapeutic self-care, surrounding ourselves (and our children!) with supportive communities and grounding ourselves with belief systems give us a foundation of faith that steadies us even on the most unsteady footing.
So if you're in town this weekend, I hope to see you as we engage our senses and experiences interactive & fun ways to pray - including breath prayers, color prayers, labyrinth prayers, and even jumping in a bounce house! (Because let's face it, we could all use a good jump & shout prayer these days...). Or, adults are invited to our final morning of the Summer Lecture Series as Dr. Tom Elliott explores our Wesleyan history of public health and our United Methodist Social Principles. Both options are pretty apropos to this historic week!
Grace & Peace,
Susan
P.S. You can join the fun of our annual Bluegrass Sunday this weekend with beloved local band ‘The Druid Hills Billys’ leading worship at both 8:30am and 11am worship services!
