Mindfulness, Thankfulness and Resilience!

To my old theological college, Oak Hill College, for a '3-day intensive'! Sounds like a physical work-out, but the sessions are set in the classroom and focus on forming 'resilience' in ministry. 

Resilience

Why are some people able to cope with stress, hardship and trauma, and even able to bounce back stronger than before, whilst others are overwhelmed and crushed by similar experiences? Why are some more resilient than others in the face of these kind of pressures? Is 'resilience' a trait that some are born with, or something that all can develop? A strong case can be made for the latter. 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of training the brain to respond in a disciplined way - not to be taken over by events or experiences. Mindfulness can be described as 'being more fully aware of your own experience in the present moment', and the practice of it involves focusing on what you are experiencing as you sit quietly - thoughts, sounds, sensations etc are all noted without following them up. 

It has its origin in Buddhism, but was taken up and secularised by clinical psychologists in the 1970's who found that mindfulness practice helped bring relief to those those in chronic pain. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of managing the 'stresses' of life in the 21st C. 

Most studies don't focus on the benefits of this to the life of a clergyman, but one study with obvious parallels was conducted among members of the US Marines... You can read about it here. The study, and others like it, show that mindfulness clearly has some benefits for both physical and mental health. The brain changes the way it responds and reacts to stress when mindfulness has been practiced, and a mindful person is a more resilient person.

Thankfulness

The session ended today with time spent drawing connections between what the secular practitioners of mindfulness are discovering, and what the Bible has always taught as being a wise way to live in God's world. What every Christian who prays and spends time with God knows in their own experience to be true.

Thankfulness is emerging as one of the most beneficial attitudes for health. Thankful people are healthier people. Religiously centred thankfulness is particularly beneficial. (I'm not sure who or what you are thankful to if not to God). Practicing thankfulness in the midst of difficulty has more benefits than the removal of suffering and stress. 

Why is being thankful so good for us?

- We are more likely to savour - to dwell on, to recall and retell - positive experiences

- Thankful people are more likely to be content - not constantly seeking new stimulation 

- A positive approach makes negative emotions and bittr ness less likely

- Improved sleep is a result

So! 

Psychological literature is slowly discovering that what God has always said is true. Spiritual practices work. God is good for you! 

Jesus called it 'life in all it's fullness' 

If you would like to listen the lecture on resilience (previously given to a ministers conference) click here.