In our times of spiritual...
Illustration
In our times of spiritual drought God often returns us to inner resources. Morey, a physically active college senior, knew for 10 years that when he graduated, he must have surgery on a malformed spine to avoid a crushed heart. The 50 percent chance for paralysis after surgery plus wearing a body brace for nine months presented a bleak alternative to preparing job resumes.
As the feelings he had squashed down for the last decade gained momentum, his anxiety threatened to explode. After much talking with caring friends and a counselor, he saw that he held within himself a tool for meeting his crisis.
By honoring even his strongest emotions, he started to give his feelings expression. He chose times to worry; he also chose time to set aside concern and focus on other aspects of his life. On difficult days, he set a timer for 10 minutes each hour. Then he gently distracted himself until the next hour.
In the midst of almost overwhelming vulnerability, he began to gain control and a sense of power. Choosing to consider the positive elements at least half the time, Morey surprised himself. He started to see the operation also as an opportunity -- 50 percent. Time, which had always ended at the point of the surgery, moved beyond the operation. He began to see his life as a project and the challenge of rehabilitation as possibly an adventure in self-discovery.
As the feelings he had squashed down for the last decade gained momentum, his anxiety threatened to explode. After much talking with caring friends and a counselor, he saw that he held within himself a tool for meeting his crisis.
By honoring even his strongest emotions, he started to give his feelings expression. He chose times to worry; he also chose time to set aside concern and focus on other aspects of his life. On difficult days, he set a timer for 10 minutes each hour. Then he gently distracted himself until the next hour.
In the midst of almost overwhelming vulnerability, he began to gain control and a sense of power. Choosing to consider the positive elements at least half the time, Morey surprised himself. He started to see the operation also as an opportunity -- 50 percent. Time, which had always ended at the point of the surgery, moved beyond the operation. He began to see his life as a project and the challenge of rehabilitation as possibly an adventure in self-discovery.
