Unsinkably sinkable
The COVID-19 cases are carrying into scary territory. It felt somewhat manageable two weeks ago. Now I’m feeling very concerned. How can I shore up those habits that draw me and my loved ones toward health, safety, inner peace, even joy? How to continue living well while also understanding and responding to the science we see on charts and from Johns Hopkins?
As things seem to be sinking deeper and deeper, how can we invest in remaining spiritually unsinkable?
I’m never quite sure what to call that space within us that houses and fosters resilience or spiritual unsinkability. I often refer to it in church conversations as the space or sense that “it is well with my soul.” If you do not know this hymn, check out the lyrics.
This hymn was written by Horatio Spafford after unimaginable tragedies- first his four year old son died, then he was financially ruined by the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, then a ship carrying his wife and four daughters to England sinks, and only his wife survives. Basically, he is a 19th-century Job. Spafford wrote the lyrics as he and his wife returned to the US from England, passing over where the ship sank and his daughters perished. In the midst of all that is sinkable, Spafford draws on something unsinkable within his being.
What is that unsinkable essence that causes Spafford to declare: “it is well with my soul”?
And, how can I get some - without first having that level of tragic loss?
Spafford’s deep spiritual reservoir, his complete reliance on God, his willingness to face the suffering and still praise God inspires me to face the days and months ahead in prayer, trusting God deeply in the face of what I cannot possibly understand in the ways I would like.
I recently read an article on mental toughness by a former Navy Seal in Forbes Magazine as I was researching theories of resilience. I want to strengthen my own resilience during this pandemic, and engage with members of the congregation and my family/friends in ways that draws us all toward flourishing even in the midst of more closings, increasing cases of COVID-19, loss of life and economic opportunities, and the stressful decisions being made about holidays and family plans.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be reading Dr. Edith Eva Eger’s “The Choice” (again) with friends from church, pursuing a deeper understanding of how she found hope in a prison, and how she found freedom in forgiving those who wanted to annihilate her and her Jewish community. I’m going to share some of our observations here on the blog, and see how they fit in with the 13 habits that a former Navy Seal, Brent Gleeson, believes develop mental toughness— which may be a non-churchy way of talking about “it is well with my soul.”
In Forbes Magazine (June 24, 2020), Gleeson writes:
“The psychological traits of grit and resilience have been widely researched but still pose a challenge as it relates to how we actually develop mental toughness. My new book… is about resilience and poses several questions: How do we build resilience? Do some people have larger sums in their resilience bank accounts than others? How can we make more deposits than withdrawals? Does it happen naturally over time or can we train ourselves to be more mentally tough? The overarching answer is simple. Resilience is like any muscle. With focus and determination—and some of the habits in this article—you can strengthen your mind to overcome any obstacle, crush goals, dominate your battlefield, and live an extraordinary life…
“There are many habits you can develop to improve your mental toughness. In fact, the hallmarks of mentally tough people are actually strategies that anyone can practice every day.” He continues with a list of 13 habits, which I will use as a way to reflect on habits useful in deepening one’s spiritual reservoir.
Love a good challenge.
Practice true commitment.
Focus on what is in your control.
Thrive on adversity.
Understand the importance of emotional intelligence.
Show true confidence.
Embrace change.
Know that fear only leads to regret.
View failure as fuel for your journey.
Learn from the past but don’t dwell on it.
Engage in physical and mental wellness.
Crave feedback and constructive criticism.
Don’t let the haters get you down.
Gleeson closes the Forbes article with “Mental toughness is not an innate quality bestowed upon a select few. It can be achieved and enjoyed by all but requires intentional practice. So get after it!”
This can also be said about a deep spiritual reservoir that one can draw from in the face of struggle, suffering, pain, betrayal, fear. So let’s explore it!
Tomorrow… “1. Love a good challenge.”
In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how mental toughness, resilience and a deep spiritual reservoir are similar or different based on your own experience/research. Add to this conversation, and help us all to grow unsinkable even while we sense that we are sinking.
