Good morning…
In our weekly therapeutic community group at PAWkids, we gather with men and women from different backgrounds, with different skin colors, different ages, different life stages. What do we all have in common? We all face various challenges in our daily lives. We all need God’s healing power. We are all constantly learning what it means to live healthy, abundant lives.
Last week we talked about forms of natural “medicine” that help us through hard moments, free activities that can boost our mood. The examples given are depicted on the sheet above. Grounding our bare feet. Enjoying the sunlight. Finding fun movement. Forming deep connections. Taking cold plunges (or hot baths, I added!). Quality sleep. Maintaining healthy boundaries. Taking time to rest. Forms of self-massage. Savoring favorite music. Engaging in breathwork. Creating an artistic expression.
Our group leader asked, “If you had to choose your favorite forms of “free medicine,” which three would you choose?”
I colored in my top three. Sunlight – I love being outside each day, reflecting on the rhythms of nature. Deep connections – I process my daily experiences by praying with God and talking with others. Creating – journaling, blogging, cooking, beading, taking pictures, making gifts, doing arts and crafts with PAWkids, I enjoy all types of creative expression.
Now as I research the definition of “medicine,” I learn it is something that affects our sense of well-being, the science and art of maintaining health and preventing dis-ease. There are choices we can make to put our mind, body, and spirit back into a state of ease, flow, peace. Many of these activities are free for us all, available at all times.
If you were to identify your top three forms of “free medicine,” what might you choose?
“God, what would be restorative for me right now?” This is a great question which deepens us down into the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Listening well to our inner knowing, we will be drawn toward our favorite “free medicine” for the moment at hand.
…you know that your brothers (and sisters) throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you. Power belongs to him forever and ever! Amen (1 Peter 5:9b-11, ISV).
…Sue…
