How are you responding when you hear ‘life is re-opening’ (or in some places ‘re-shutting’)?

We just announced to our church community, in light of the lifting restrictions, a re-connection plan.

And we did it with such joy and enthusiasm because 16 months is a long time to have been so physically disconnected from so many that you love.

However we have been learning so much about change management and language in this culture that can exhaust as opposed to energize.

Even though the pandemic was not our fault, as leaders we do still carry a weighty responsibility for helping people cross thresholds and move from one place to another. And one of the ways we can reduce barriers to the acceptance of change, is in the way we communicate.

So we were really processing the different types of people who would hear this message and respond in their distinct ways.

So how are YOU responding to the news? Or to another lockdown if that is you?

Do you know what it’s doing in your body?

Can you get a hold of the millions of questions running through your mind?

Is your heart racing?

Do you fear crowds?

Are you full of joy?

Are you nervous about seeing people?

What about seeing the person that you used to be completely triggered by?

Does the potential pace overwhelm you?

Does showing up with the way you look make you feel insecure?

Do you feel safe?

Are you angry when you hear the announcements?

Does it exhaust you thinking forward?

Are your emotional responses both/and/all?

I work with, care for, love and lead people every day, with hundreds of different responses to these restrictions.

And the most important part of this journey, is being aware of how you are responding and then doing the work to discern why. Because it’s only from that place can you evolve and grow.

Let me encourage you to take some time today to stop, lay on the floor, arms and legs comfortably spread out, taking up as much space as you need.

Feel the connection between your body and the floor. Breathe deep in and out. Long breaths. Notice what you are experiencing.

Don‘t judge what you notice. Notice with kindness. And compassion.

And then welcome it.

Welcome it for showing you something about yourself that you hadn’t stopped long enough to notice.

Then let go of the need to define or control it.

Lay there as long as you need. And then when you are ready, slowly sit up. Look around. Recognise the integration that just took place.

You were known. By yourself and my God Himself and then if you so choose, you make yourself known to another.

More of this please and then imagine how our connection would be to one another.

Less scrolling and comparing.

Less busyness

Less over thinking

Let me know how the moment you as for you!

You are loved ❤️