During these winter days I try to make the most of the times of brightness to get outdoors. Even going for a short walk or jog gives me the opportunity to enjoy nature and distract myself from overthinking my own thoughts and concerns. I find that in the midst of God’s creation and the changing colours of the seasons I am psychologically stronger as the days get shorter, and it is crucial in helping to maintain my mental and physical health and fitness.
For me wellness means holistically nurturing my mind, body and soul. To become my best self I need to be fully and fruitfully engaged in using my God-given gifts and talents. That is reading, researching and writing to keep my mind busy; going to the gym, for a swim, run or cycle to get outside and active; and finally most importantly in my view, nourishing my soul by attuning myself to the constant in-breathing of the Holy Spirit, sustaining my very life and speaking wisdom into my heart, guiding me to live in the present moment with patient trust and hope.
In her book Your One Wild and Precious Life leading psychologist Dr Maureen Gaffney remarked:- “Does being religious make you happy? In general, yes. It provides a framework of meaning, the hope of immortality, and a sense of community. When you are going through a tough time, it can buffer you against depression.” [1] I agree with Maureen Gaffney’s professional opinion. Having faith has imbued me with a belief in a better day to come – it has helped me to find inner happiness, to embrace the support of others and ultimately to trust the promise of living in eternal peace with God in heaven.
Life here on earth is not all a bed of roses. Struggles and trials are part of everyone’s life. When I have experienced disappointment and loss I have been challenged to dig deeper, to develop resilience and coping mechanisms; and especially to trust in God, and hope and dream of a brighter future. Focusing on the core Christian values of Loving and being loved, Forgiving, Letting it be, Giving thanks and Trusting has helped me to find inner peace. Over time I discovered the intrinsic connection between healing and forgiveness. I learned how they are both unique and different concepts, and I came to realise that I couldn’t be healed unless I decided to drop my struggle and fully commit to forgiving from the heart.
Gerard Gallagher offered a nugget of spiritual wisdom in Return to Me with All your Heart: Daily Reflections for Lent when he remarked “Ultimately true happiness and contentment can be found by reflecting on our relationship with God”. [2] I have found that praying with Bible texts and journaling helps me to do this and to let go of the worries that I am sometimes burdened with. Living the spiritual life challenges the Christian not to worry and to trust that God will provide:- “So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). The sun will shine again.
[1] Dr Maureen Gaffney, Your One Wild and Precious Life (London: Penguin Random House UK, 2021), p. 275.
[2] Gerard Gallagher, Return to Me with All your Heart: Daily Reflections for Lent (Dublin: Veritas, 2020), p. 11.
