Get Understanding

In the previous post, ‘Practice Wisdom’ we highlighted the ongoing importance of sifting and discerning Truth, within the information overwhelm each of us face everyday in this 21st century.

Next, to Wisdom.. Add Understanding.. But how to ‘Get Understanding’? Understanding often comes as a result of curiosity. The sincere desire to learn another perspective. A genuine willingness to set aside personal opinions, biases and preferences, and truly seek to understand a differing viewpoint. Not necessarily to embrace it; but to acknowledge existence of alternative outlooks.

This is a famous quote by Dr. Stephen Covey; “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” When our primary goal becomes to understand another’s viewpoint first; our ears will be open and our mouths will be closed. Not a standard practice in this social media age.

The simplest way to begin to ‘Get Understanding’; Be quick to Hear, and slow to Speak.

Practice Wisdom

Wisdom is not the gathering, and memorising of information.

Wisdom is the ability to sift through said information, using discernment to see what is true and good. Then taking that truth and applying it, practicing it, in your life.

That is Wisdom. And the practice of Wisdom will change your life.

Know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

Who starts your day?

Who or what starts your day? What’s the first thing you find yourself doing? Many of us are sabotaging ourselves each morning unconsciously, by the simple action of reaching for our phone/device. In those first precious moments, what we feed into our brain, can and does impact either for better or worse, how the rest of our day unfolds.

Checking your phone within the first 60 minutes of waking, is generally considered a bad habit. This is not new information. The majority of us instinctively know this. And yet, how many of us reading this, still do exactly that?

Let me share some results of this bad habit recent studies have revealed; *Increased stress levels, *Scattered focus, *Dopamine drain, *Anxiety, *Mental fatigue, and *Loss of Control (meaning ‘the online environment controls your mood, not you’) just to name a few. Wow! If that’s not enough motivation to make some changes, I don’t know what is.

Are you ready to transform your routine? Here are some simple ideas for better morning habits: *wait at least 1 hour before checking your phone, *use a physical alarm and keep your phone in another room, *exercise first thing for benefits to your mind and body, *journalling, *read a physical book (nothing like it), *get outside for fresh air, *enjoy early morning sunshine to promote better sleep quality, and *take the time to have a healthy, nutritious breakfast.

Like any habit, it takes time to develop alternative practices. During the transition period, be kind to yourself. Each day your brain is rewiring and creating new neural pathways, reinforcing the new choices and weakening the old.

The final ultimate goal, “You will be the one starting your day.” Your day, Your choices…

Don’t feed the Fire!

What thoughts are you feeding? Are you still believing everything that comes into your head? Have you heard about deceptive thoughts? They are those that creep in unannounced, making you question your value, your ability, and much more.

Just imagine your thoughts as bits of wood, and your mind as the fire. As with any fire, when managed well, it can be a source of many life-giving benefits; warming our bodies, cooking food for nourishment, heating our homes, etc. But when a fire is mismanaged, the results are very often disastrous, ending in death and destruction. You get the picture?

This is a worthy saying “The mind is a good servant, but a terrible master.” and I have quoted this phrase many times. Best to take the time to mediate on these words. When we begin to understand and embrace this truth, we will better equip ourselves to practice discipline and control in our thought life.

When those deceptive thoughts come. And they will. What will you do? Will you blindly accept them, allowing your mind to rule over you, like an unbridled fire? Throwing ever more fuel, on the already raging flames?

Or will you stop. Taking a moment in time. Taking that thought captive. Bringing it closer, to be examined more intently. Is it true? Is it life-giving? Does this thought allow you to be the master of your mind, or the servant? Will you continue to feed this fire, or not?

Healthy Choice #4

WATCH YOUR WORDS

Here’s a challenge for you. Begin to become aware of the words you are choosing. Even in your thoughts.

Are you using the type of language that is uplifting? Helpful and empowering? Words that encourage and support, bringing peace?

Or do the words you choose, exaggerate stress, increase anxiety, cause division and maybe even perpetuate gossip?

The Bible says “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart? Are you speaking health, life and blessing into the lives of those who surround you? And what about your own life?

‘Watch Your Words’ and you may be surprised what you discover. Changing your life, may be as simple as choosing to change the words you speak.

Healthy Choice #3

BE STILL

The world wants you to hurry, hurry, hurry; but I am asking you, even imploring you, to choose to Be Still. Stop with the madness. Don’t you realise, that what your body, mind and spirit require as a deepest need, is time to Be Still.

No screens. No music. No reading. No distractions. Not even meditation. Nothing…

Just quiet time with your thoughts. Time to stop. Time to evaluate. Time to listen.

What do you hear? What do you feel? What does your body, mind or spirit desire to communicate? Listen for those whispers. Listen for that still, small voice.

This world can be a crazy place, and it keeps getting crazier. But you don’t have to go with the crazy. You can choose another path. A different way of being. A way of Peace.

You can choose to ‘Be Still’.