MindfulnessSýnishorn

Being purposeful

Parenting a newborn or toddler can be challenging. This is one reason shaken baby syndrome happens. Sometimes the excessive cry of a baby can be frustrating, and parents shake their baby in anger or frustration, often resulting in brain damage. My heart aches for those parents and their children. It is okay to be angry or frustrated, but it is not okay to allow these emotions to guide our actions or decisions. "Be angry but sin not." (Ephesians 4:26)

In moments of frustration, we can practice mindfulness by using the STOP strategy:

Stop. 

Take a deep breath.

Observe your emotional state and those you are interacting with. 

Plan your response before responding. 

Stopping is being slow to speak. Stopping gives us the permission to be angry without sinning. It allows us to set negative emotions aside and respond purposefully, so we do not regret our actions.

Let us bear in mind that we can only respond out of the abundance of our hearts. We cannot be full of love and respond with hate. We must purposefully choose what we give our thoughts and attention to (Philippians 4:8). 

Therefore, we must keep growing spiritually by meditating on God’s Word, praying, and living the Word. These spiritual practices or ways of life empower us to respond with God's love in difficult situations. When loved ones betray us, people persecute us, and we are treated unjustly, abiding in Christ makes it easier to forgive and respond with love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being mindful of me. I ask for the grace to live a life that is pleasing to You. Teach me how to be mindful of You and others, and empower me to master my emotions. In Jesus' name. 

We hope this plan encouraged you. Click here to contact Temi for Christian mindfulness coaching and access more resources to support your mental and spiritual health.