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Focus On The Horizon

Those who have experienced motion sickness know the advice: when you feel unsteady, look forward and focus on the horizon.

There will always be times in our lives that feel uncertain, unsteady, and stormy. Thankfully, difficult times are not our whole life; rather a piece of our story.

During these moments, focusing on the horizon can be a good way to withstand a storm. Looking forward at a fixed point, such as gratitude, can stabilize us. When we view the world and our relationships through a lens of gratitude, we pause to notice and appreciate the positives in life, even when we are facing a challenge. It can be stormy AND life is still good. 

In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we practice a strategy to look forward and focus on the horizon. 

 

Try this:

As a class, group or family:

  • Start by talking about how challenges will always exist in our life, yet we also have things that we can thank God for each day.
  • As a group or in pairs, brainstorm some ideas of things that could feel challenging or frustrating lately. Encourage everyone to think what is happening in their own life.
  • NOTE: you may wish to use a squishy ball or similar item for this part of the activity.
  • Sit together in a circle. Starting with the adult, roll or pass a squishy ball to another person. As you pass the ball, name one thing that is challenging or frustrating to you lately.
  • Then, whoever received the ball will roll or pass it back to the speaker and say “and life can still be good’. Other ideas could be: “and still I am blessed because God loves me”, “and I am loved”, “and I am lovable”, etc. Consider extending this activity by encouraging people to add a positive in their life in their response (g., I am blessed by God because I can go to school).
  • Play until everyone has had at least one turn. People may choose to “pass” as this may be a new experience and will take time for some to feel comfortable with it. (adapted from Mindful Games Greenland & Harris)
  • By acknowledging the challenge, and reframing it to intentionally notice something positive that is currently in our life, we can practice shifting the balance toward optimism.
  • Conclude by praying together. Invite everyone to share one thing they feel grateful for with the class (e.g., “Thank you God for…”).

Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:

How can you use this strategy in your life? Do you think it will change how you feel about your challenges?

 

Connecting to our faith:

“We have our lives anchored in heaven.” (Pope Francis)

God is our anchor. Our Catholic faith teaches us that we can always seek comfort and guidance from God. We also know that God gives us blessings on a daily basis.  His promise of the resurrection, of hope, and of new beginnings, can remind us that even during a storm, life is good.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove,
With light and comfort from above.
Be Thou our Guardian, Thou our Guide,
Stay close by every child's side. Amen! – Catholic.org

 

Further learning:

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell.

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