In our hectic and fast-paced life, the need for effective self-care strategies continues to increase. Just like a good first aid kit, Emotional First-Aid is pocket-sized wisdom you can carry with you and practice anywhere. It’s is easy to learn and starts working immediately.
Part 1.mp4Part 2.mp4Part 3.mp4Part 4.mp4Most people ignore their real feelings, especially the unpleasant ones, but unpleasant feelings are like fire alarms, they may be annoying, but they have life-saving messages for us. Unpleasant feelings point to unmet needs. Emotional first aid helps identify the unmet needs behind our unpleasant feelings. We can start taking better care of ourselves when we realize that changing our mood won't meet our needs, but meeting our needs will naturally change our feelings. Part 1 of emotional first aid focuses on emotional awareness and a simple self-care routine. It's about listening to your heart.
It's a simple truth: we need others to help us meet our needs. Thankfully this happens most of the time, but when others fail to help us, an unmet need becomes an unpaid debt. This is when our heart shouts," That's not fair!" It screams and tells us to get angry and get even. This is when we not only need to listen to our hearts, we need to know how to talk gently to our heart.
However tempting it may be, holding onto a debt, or trying to make someone pay up won't actually meet our needs. Unforgiveness (holding onto a debt) unintentionally locks us into the assumption that the person who withheld what we needed was the only person who could meet our need. Forgiveness frees us talk to our hearts and give it what it really needs.
Emotional Health & First Aid Summary.pdfPrayer doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a simple way to pray that will simplify your life try Christian Mediation.
The word meditation has many meanings:
Mediation in the Relaxation Tradition: focus on physical relaxation and calming-down or de-stressing.
Meditation in the Mindfulness Tradition: focus on emotional control and mental focus.
Meditation in the Christian Tradition: focuses on God’s presence which brings rest, less stress, emotional control and mental focus.
Meditation benefits the whole person. It's benefits include:
Mental clarity, better problem solving and decision making
Increased self-knowledge and acceptance
Reduced cortisol levels and boost immune system
Improved sleep
Greater patience and compassion with self and others
Research on Christian meditation shows that over time 80-90% of young people believe they have experienced the presence of God during meditation.
Meditation is a way of silence, stillness and simplicity (3S’s)
SILENCE: Continued silence (1 min per yr. of age.) No whispering or noise from movement. Listen to the background noise, accept it and let it go.
STILLNESS: Eyes gently closed. Back straight (goal is to be alert) Feet flat on the ground. Hands comfortably resting on your lap, palms up/down. Breathing easy.
SIMPLICITY: Takes effort and can be awkward at first. Simplicity is all about being focused on one thing, the one thing necessary. No matter what's going on in our lives or how we feel, we can know the calm reassurance that God is near. Simplicity is about resting in God presence. In a world of business, simplicity is not a waste of time or the same as doing nothing. Simplicity clearly requires intentional effort.
A sacred word represents your intention; (your consent) to be open to God’s presence and action. Stick to the same word throughout the meditation. Our minds naturally get distracted when we meditate, but when ever so gently repeat the sacred word to renew you focus. No matter how many times our mind wanders, the gentle repetition of the prayer word is the only thing we need to do.
Suggested word: Maranatha (Come, Lord Jesus) The meaning of Marana-tha
Talking/listening circle are not only a great way to get know one another and discuss important topics, they're a great way to show what chaplaincy is all about.
I begin by asking: "What is chaplaincy? What’s a chaplain? Why do we have a chapel in or school? To which I respond: "I could tell you, but I’d rather show you (throughout our time together) and afterwards you can tell me what you think it’s all about.
Q. What does the physical shape of the circle (arrangement of chairs etc.) tell us about our gathering?
Note: At the center of our circle I’ve typically place an object (a symbol) for our discussion. I point out that everyone sees the object from a different angle. No matter what topic or experience we discuss, everyone brings an important point of view that will enhance our shared understanding of the topic. Everyone has their own set of experiences, insights, concerns, and values to contribute. As we listen to each other we can expect to learn from each other, myself (as leader) included.
I also point out how the shape of the circle not only gathers us together it makes us equal. In a circle, no ones at the front, no ones at the back (not even me) we're all having something valuable and irreplaceable to bring.
Ponder this statement: “Because you’re here, our circle is complete.”
Q. What does this statement say about you (or about what I, along with many others in our school, think of you)?
Note: You belong, you matter, we need you and we need your voice. There’s always room for more voices in our circle, we can always expand if needed (the more voices the better).
1. Only the person with the talking piece speaks. Talk for as long as needed. Talk form the heart. Keep it simple.
2. Echo what someone else has said before you. Build on it.
3. Contribute silence. Don't just pass, press pause so we can all think. We all need time to think.
4. Pass. (But before you do, we’ll pause to honour your presence.)
Note: Once the the 4 ways are covered it's time to introduce the topic.
Q. If this swimming pool represents a relationship with God, which character do you identify with most?
Q. Why might someone hesitate to jump in or move deeper?
Q. Is there a character you’d like to explore next?
Q. What did you enjoy or like about the talking/listening circle?
Q. Based on this experience what do you think? What's the purpose of chaplaincy/chapels/chaplain's?
Note: There is room for everyone in or around the pool (even if you’re not into swimming) There are many ways to explore the water (multiple entry points, not just a deep end, you don’t have to dive in you can test the water first) The pool is a safe space (there are other people there, a lifeguard on duty, helpful teachers, and most of all, no sharks etc.) Most importantly, talking and learning about swimming can never replace the joy of swimming. A relationship with God is a lot like that.