Think Week: Connect

By: Gabriela Yareliz

One of the most important elements of a Think Week is that we are disconnecting with the routine and other things that absorb our attention to then connect in other ways. Disconnect to connect.

Here are a couple of the things we want to connect to during Think Week:

God

This week, we want to connect with God in a different way. Maybe this looks like praying differently, reading through a particular book in Scripture (more on this, soon), or spending time journaling thoughts. Think about blocking out a different amount of time to spend with God, preferably more than you usually do on a typical morning or evening. Time in His presence is never wasted. One of the unique ways in which we can connect to God and see details of His character is through time in nature…

Nature

Being outside changes our responses to stress and the world around us. Use this week as a time when you can reconnect with nature. Spring is upon us, here in the U.S. Maybe find a park with grass or perhaps you have a yard where you can ground (take off your shoes and let your feet touch the actual ground– when was the last time you did this?). Some of the benefits found in grounding or “earthing” are cardio vascular health, pain reduction and mood improvements. (See Healthline article here). People have often described the benefits of connecting with nature as “free medicine with no side effects.” Discover some of the benefits of being in nature here, if you need some facts. This same article delineates how to take a walk properly: turn off your phone, put away the headphones and notice the details. (Id.)

Movement

Movement is about intentionality. We often live without taking the time to be intentional about how we move. When we are mindful about how we move, we reduce anxiety and help our organs and body systems.

“Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. About five minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects.” (Anxiety and Depression Association of America)

Find pockets in your day when you can move differently. Put some variety into the way you move. Be intentional.

This week, disconnect to connect. Make a list of five things you can do to connect with intentionality to that which restores.