Thursday, December 31, 2015

New Year's Resolutions and the role of Limbic lag


GENERAL SERIES


Well, it is New Year's Eve and it is a time for many people to make new Year resolutions.  Some make impossible resolutions only to be disappointed with themselves for not keeping it, whilst others make resolutions knowing that they won’t keep it.


So, let's think about making a resolution- it is a resolve to change something. It means that we can identify at least one thing in our lives that we want to change. 

 THE ROLE OF LIMBIC LAG

 However, when we decide to change, we do need to be kind also to realize that through the limbic lag, there is a delay in our bodies catching up with our mind.  A change of habit needs 21 days of consistent change before the body finally acknowledges the changes. We need patience and perseverance. Psychological/emotional well-being can bring forth positive or negative physical reactions in our bodies, and therefore there is a strong link between mental and physical health.


The body systems interrelate with each other to ensure an organism function normally. The brain receives information from other body systems to ensure proper functioning of the body. Examples of body systems include the circulatory system, digestive system, endocrine system, integumentary system, muscular system, nervous system, reproductive system, respiratory system, skeletal system and urinary/excretory system. Each system depends on others, either directly or indirectly.

 

GOAL SETTING

 

The other thing we need to remember when we make our resolutions is that the goal needs to be achievable and it needs to be specific.  Saying we are going to exercise is a good resolution but the goal is too general.  Instead, we might say "My goal is to exercise twice a week for 2 months''.  Here the goal is specified with a time factor- after the two months we can review our goal.

 
Another point to remember about making changes is that people around you may not support the change in you.  This does not mean that you should give up on your resolution.  Being aware that others may not want to change and/or it reminds them of what they are not doing themselves can motivate them to sabotage your efforts.  Be strong and continue on your journey with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

 SPIRITUAL GOALS

 

The same applies to our spiritual goals.  Limbic lag still operates but without making any spiritual goals for the year, we have not acknowledged the need to change. Thankfully with God's help and guidance we can make appropriate resolutions and when we fail, through the ministry of reconciliation, we also have a chance to acknowledge our failures and a chance to start again.

 

I hope you all have a happy new year and that your resolutions will be just that- a real resolve to make changes in your lives.

 

 



Friday, December 25, 2015

Happy Christmas

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

 
Manger Scene ( from Pixaabay)
Instead of writing a gospel reflection on one of the Gospels, I recommend during this Christmas season that we sit and slowly read the Christmas story given in Luke. Take your time and hear the sounds, smell the smells, get in touch with the feelings of all the Christmas characters- Mary, Joseph, the baby, the angels announcing the news, the shepherds, Herod, the kings. There is so much to contemplate. 

These are some reflection questions that you may wish to ponder.
  1. What does the birth of Christ mean to me?
  2. What is so special to me about the holy night of Christmas and Christmastide.
  3. What has happened or have experienced about this Christmas that is speaking to you. 
  4. How is this Christmas different from or similar to previous years of Christmas?
  5. In what areas of my life is Christ the true light of the world- how can I continue to shine that light in my life?
  6. In what areas of my life is Christ not wholly the true light of the world?  
  7. What changes will I make to these areas in this Christmas season?
  8. How can I assist someone who has lost a loved one during the year in this Christmas season?
  9. How will I grow spiritually during this Christmastide?

 Let us make good use of our prayer time during this Christmas season and come to a greater understanding of God's great love for us.  Perhaps you may even choose to contemplate before the crib at your parish each day during this season, or if not, why not lovingly reflect on the story at home with your family's crib.
When you hear others saying that Christmas is about family or holidays or any other secular reason, why not tell them gently

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.