When you are thankful for even that which is difficult and for that which you do not understand you are granted sight, understanding and peace. ~ Anthony Salerno
How hard it can be to let go of our need to feel in control and to feel thankful in situations that we don’t understand or feel confused by.
I don’t know about you but there are times when my life feels quite full of those especially over the past couple of years. Life seems to be changing so much in so many ways and it’s sometimes so difficult to navigate around all the stuff in the media. It’s easy to see why so many people give up watching or listening to the news. If there’s one thing that can make you feel heightened negative emotions, that would be it I think.
Being thankful and living a grateful life is a choice that we make each day. One that enables us to take a breath and step back each time that the media rocks our emotions in a negative way. Choosing to be grateful and look for the tiny positives that feed that emotion takes focus and effort but it is so worth it when it enables us to feel joy in the small things.
I chose this image from unsplash.com because each time I look at it I feel a different emotion. Sometimes it is an open road full of potential for exciting new experiences; sometimes an escape route, taking me out of a situation I’m struggling with and sometimes it’s just a country scene, autumn turning to winter, hills shrouded in mysterious mist and damp tarmac. It reminds me that life is pretty similar. Each situation we find ourselves in can create a different reaction depending on our mood, our previous experience and our environment.
As chaplains part of our role is to help you find ways of nourishing yourself, giving yourself time to explore what will help you to feel positive and hopeful in life. We are that listening ear that you can bounce thoughts, hopes or concerns onto. We’re here to listen whatever you would like to talk about and if you just want to break up your day with a light-hearted conversation that’s all good too
On the fourth Monday of each month from 12 til 1pm we have a mindful activity session in the dining room of the Engine rooms covid rules permitting. You are very welcome to join us for a chat or simply to try out one of the craft activities for a bit of creative relaxation, or a few mindful moments.
If you don’t manage to catch up with a chaplain on site, as always you can contact us via email on info@mitechaplaincy.com where you can request a call-back, or you are very welcome to call me directly on my mobile: 07526 378529 either to chat or to arrange a time to meet with one of the chaplains.
We also have a range of resources on our web-site including some that are more specific to the Covid-19 outbreak and some that help in dealing with stress: https://mite.org.uk
If you prefer you can easily keep in touch with us on social media: Facebook: @mitechaplaincy Twitter: @mitesthwarr