Engaging the Real

John Eldredge has done a fantastic six-part podcast on The World, about how Christians should navigate life in a world that increasingly prefers the artificial to the real...

I've thought about that a lot, and it's so true of our world.
And our souls need more of what is real and true!

Bought some of my favorite flowers this week! =)

Obviously, going with what's artificial is typically easier and more comfortable... air-conditioned indoor spaces, text conversations, online friendships, fast food, processed foods, fake plants, relaxing with TV and movies, pretending to have it all together, etc.

Choosing to engage in what is real takes more effort, but it's also better for our physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational health...  soaking up the sun, swimming,  handwritten cards, face-to-face conversations, cooking, whole foods, real plants and fresh flowers, relaxing by reading a good book or getting a massage or taking a bath, being honest about what's hurting you, etc.

Happy blueberries and strawberries =)

Eldredge talks a lot about the importance of spending more time outside, and over the past few years, I've come to understand more of why it matters and how it affects my mood and health for the better.  (It's ironic that I'm writing this the day after Chet Lee called to tell me a horrifying story about yellowjackets... but still, I'm determined to embrace the outdoors more this summer! lol)

Tiffany and I on the Art Trail walk at Crystal Bridges

All that to say, my motto for this summer = "Engage the Real."  Part of that will be in my thoughts and emotions... I'm starting a new journal purely for expressive writing (writing the truth of what's on my heart without the myriad of filters I typically put on what I write for others to read - turning off the filters is HARD for me because some part of me is always worried about someone reading it down the road, even in diaries I wrote as a child - so this will be a book I fill and then shred or burn, as that's the only way I'll actually write freely). I've read a lot lately about the power of expressive writing to help people really let go of things that have weighed on their minds and hearts.  It's the same idea as talk therapy, but most people find it nearly impossible to genuinely throw open their deepest thoughts to a stranger who is busy forming their own opinions and possible diagnoses about you. So the idea is to put it on paper and express the unfiltered, raw, brutally honest emotions and thoughts that have felt inadmissible.  To come clean and fully process past traumatic events and painful emotions, and to find release and healing. There's also a lot of research about the positive effects that type of writing (letting go of long-held secrets or unexpressed feelings) has on lowering blood pressure, boosting immune function, reducing anxiety, and basically combating all the negative things caused by stress!  And it makes sense that God can use that - that He wants "truth in our inmost being" - and He knows how to free us from whatever causes shame.  So that's something I'm going to push myself to do over the next three months. (Handwriting instead of typing because it's more personal and cathartic that way.)

My latest book - I recommend it!

Another part of "Engage the Real" will be getting outside more often and focusing more on the things I mentioned above -- using my senses to see, touch, hear, taste, and smell the good things God has created, taking a minute to really notice and appreciate it. ❤ I'm not gonna make this very rules-oriented, but it's a fun summer goal that I'll post about here every once in a while.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I'm turning off my home TV for the next three months.  Yeah.  I'm taking a summer break from it, which I realize would be no big deal for lots of people, but it's a major comfort thing for me, so it will be challenging.  I already know I'll have less brain fog and more time for walks, swimming, books, podcasts, audiobooks, cooking, God time, family time, friend time, game nights, brainstorming, working out, writing, journaling, CR practice, trying new things, real rest, aaaand pretty much everything that's not TV. lol

Panera lunch outside with Sarah B. last week =)

So that's my summer plan for June - August of 2018, and I'm looking forward to it!!  =)  
#engagethereal