Intrigued by the title: What’s Saving My Life Right Now, I listened intently, appreciating Emily Freeman’s life-giving rhythms, which gave way for my own thoughts to surface. 

She encouraged listeners to take a few moments to consider our own rhythms, so I did.

I was surprised and heartened by what space and silence revealed and immediately thought of you! 

So let’s talk anxiety management, diving into 10 practices helping me control anxiety, which reared its ugly head this month with relentless prowess due to many good (along with some unwanted) stress-inducing circumstances.

1. Time in Scripture

Yes, it’s the Jesus answer for Sunday School, but it hit #1 on my Top 10 list because of this simple reason:

Deprived of it this month as my house teemed with life—a welcomed and wonderful thing—I languished. 

I love morning coffee with my family. During my brother’s extended stay for cancer treatment, early mornings together were a treasured time. 

When my daughters visit, I relish morning coffee giving way to intimate conversation about life’s most complex, or simple, subjects.

I believe Jesus adores these moments too, joining us at the kitchen table with pleasure beaming from His gentle eyes.

But over time, losing morning solitude with my Savior sheared my soul. I felt the deprivation keenly.

2. The Message translation

Full confession: I’ve never read this translation before, but a Bible study I recently joined uses The Message quite often.

Yet even recently, I’ve heard pastors and teachers say, “This isn’t the translation I read regularly, but…”

So why am I drawn to it? Simply, it’s captivatingly beautiful! The rich, layered nuances of the language enrapture me repeatedly.

My eyes have been opened to Scripture’s modern-day relevance in ways I never imagined.

As you read Scripture this week, look up The Message translation alongside yours. You may experience the beauty, peace and wisdom of Scripture in a fresh way!

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth…You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. Matt. 5:13-14 

3. Morning Walks

A deeply appreciated rhythm, morning (and evening) walks have been a practice since burning out in 2018.

It’s my time to commune with Jesus and pay attention—with all my senses— to the beauty of His Creation, fully relishing this peace-providing practice.

The rhythm of my day changes if I miss these quiet moments with God and His Creation, as it’s also a time of confession.

I’ve discovered the transformative value of confession in recent years, something I sheepishly admit I rarely practiced beforehand.

Now, I ask Jesus to cleanse and restore the sin-soaked parts of my soul.

Why? Because I finally grasp the collateral damage death causes, both to myself and those I love.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 1:14-15

If sin brings death, why would I want it coiled like a snake in the dark corners of my soul, wreaking havoc in my home?

So, back to those morning walks; they breathe new life into my soul—like a fresh start—when I’m with my King in His Creation.

4. Springtime

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.  Virgil A. Kraft

During my burn-out, I learned the practice of staying present in each season, savoring the beauty and goodness they bring. 

Honestly, I never paid attention to spring. Fall and winter were beloved seasons, being a mountain girl, but spring’s artistry and allure now mesmerize me. I savor her gifts with childlike wonder. 

I look forward to peaceful moments among the spring flowers my hubby planted on the patio—a little sanctuary he created—knowing how much I love nature.

It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart. Rainer Maria Rilke

5. Wind Chimes

This was one of Emily’s top 10, but I adore them! 

While touring some of the hill country on our first Mom-Daughter trip, creating tender memories, I purchased wind chimes, a secret desire for years.

Naturally, they remind me of the mountains. Their melodic notes harmonize beautifully with the sounds of nature—which improves overall health—adding joy to my patio sanctuary.

These life-giving rhythms are neither perfect nor possess power unto themselves, nor am I fully faithful to practice them consistently.

But that’s where grace comes in, and when coupled with the presence of the Life-giving Spirit, they speak peace to my anxious soul and worried mind.

This week, why not find some space to discern your overall well-being: mind, soul and body.

Are there moments when anxiety absconds with your peace? Is this a season of too much with too few resources—time, energy, mental capacity?

Take note of thoughts and feelings that rush in too quickly, overstay their welcome, and are granted too much power.

Then join me next week for the last 5 life-giving rhythms and practices to manage anxiety and find peace!