This chapter is all about our need to find
moments of calm - and how that can change our perspective on life’s stresses and strains.
There’s a poem called ‘the peace of wild things’ by a guy called Wendall
Berry which puts perfectly into words how a change of perspective and a moment
of calm can help us manage stress. You can read it online here - or check out this reading of it.
About Mindfulness
If you want to know more about Mindfulness and how it can be helpful in
the treatment of various emotional health conditions, this bbc radio4 program is a very
interesting introduction. However it does focus heavily on some of the Eastern
religious perspectives on mindfulness, so don’t be too put off by this. You
might want to watch the TED talk by Andy Puddecombe (the guy behind the headspace
app - see ‘Chill out’) looking at how just 10 mindful minutes could transform
your day.
If you find yourself still feeling a bit unsure about mindfulness and
its background in eastern philosophy, it is worth reading some of the writings
of Christian clinicians and therapists who champion its use. Here’s an open
letter Shaun Lambert wrote to someone with similar concerns - and his book ‘A book of sparks’ takes you through a 40 day study looking at
Jesus own ‘watchfulness’ and how you can develop your own skills through
contemplative prayer.
Want to practice some more mindfulness? This article suggests 6 exercises you can do in less than 1 minute - or you could
seek out a local course. If you do be aware that some combine mindfulness with
some more ‘spiritual’ approaches so it is always worth chatting to the course
leader before you go along.
Refuel: How to balance work, life, faith and church - without burning out by Kate Middleton is available in paperback, priced £9.99.
Refuel: How to balance work, life, faith and church - without burning out by Kate Middleton is available in paperback, priced £9.99.
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