March Daily Devotionals begin with Calm and Centering
- Scripture: John 16:33 — I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!
- Reflection: You can only control one thing: yourself. What happens in life is external and may cause you to be in situations that you choose or do not choose. The only aspect of life and experience that you can affect is your response.
Consider ways to gain perspective. Take time to reconnect with your mission or purpose in a given situation. Another recommended option is to follow your awe, defined as “the emotion that arises when one encounters something so strikingly vast that it provokes a need to update one’s mental schemas. This helps put this into scale, by broadening your perspective beyond the immediacy of your current situation can make the situation feel more workable. Additionally, utilize the power of “Yes, and…” thinking.. Using the “yes, and” approach allows you to accept the reality about a given situation as well as to expand opportunities by seeing what can be added, changed, or improved. This dismantles limiting beliefs. Also notice and disrupt “all or nothing” thinking. This can show up as perfectionist tendencies. Pay attention to words like “always” or “never” and expand your focus as needed. Use empathy to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Finally, look at the big picture and consider the long-term view, yet keep short-term goals and steps in mind, so you’re not overwhelmed. - Spiritual Prompt: Take a photo. Notice the whole picture. Pay attention to the details. Turn it upside down. Convert it to black and white or change something such as its focus/blurriness. Use a digital filter to change it. Spend time contemplating what you notice, and how your response and varied ways of looking at the image change your response to it.
SONG:
- Perspective by Peter Gabriel: https://youtu.be/g74OaGwsTaU?si=KEMtFU9ZJmNDd88p
- Perspective by CCV Music: https://youtu.be/wgF-E0wh61E?si=0FECoI4ZpwpWy9Ko
You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. — attributed to
Epictetus
The only thing we can control is our own attitude. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond. — Joel Osteen
Strategies for Handling your own Response
Key strategies:
- Observe your thoughts and feelings in the moment without judgment, allowing you to identify triggers and respond more intentionally.
- Identify triggers: Recognize what situations or stimuli tend to elicit strong emotional reactions in you, so you can proactively manage them.
- Pause and check yourself: Before reacting, take a moment to assess your emotions and consider how you want to respond.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation to calm your body and mind.
- Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your needs and limits to others to prevent situations that might trigger negative responses.
- Shift perspective: Try to see a situation from a different angle, considering potential positive aspects or alternative interpretations.
- Control your environment: Manage external factors that might contribute to stress, such as limiting exposure to upsetting news or taking breaks from demanding situations.
- Label your emotions: Actively name the emotions you’re experiencing to gain better awareness and control over them.
- Reflect on past situations, your reactions, and potential strategies for future responses by writing down your thoughts and feelings.
March 4th Daily Devotional