Jesus is a wonderful model for our lives in the times of Covid-19. The gospels tell us that Jesus would go off by himself to pray. That is worth repeating: Jesus would go off by himself to pray. In a very stressful time, Jesus practiced self-care!
We really only have one scene in the bible where Jesus seems to lose his cool. Do you remember the story when Jesus goes into the Temple and overturns the tables? However, I believe that was a planned protest, and not a violent outburst. Jesus does get sassy with the disciples from time to time, but always follows it up with some radical teaching. He stays calm in the face of his adversaries. I am sure in the final days and hours of Jesus’ life the disciples were anxious, but they weren’t picking up that vibe from Jesus. Jesus was a Non-Anxious Presence!
One of the things I learned with conflict transformation was the necessity for a mediator to practice the art of being a ‘non-anxious presence.’ If a person is trying to resolve or transform conflict then they need to be a calming resource. How many times have you engaged in a difference of opinion, and before you can blink twice the conversation has escalated into a full blown argument? There are things that move or shake us, and we certainly have trigger words, thoughts and opinions. This is why it is so hard to have exchanges about politics in polite conversation. A difference of opinions can quickly ratchet up to highly emotionally charged responses.
We are living in a very stressful time. So, try to practice the art of being a non-anxious presence. When we watch or scroll the news we see the incredible debate about sheltering in place vs. reopening. Experts cart out their statistics which support both sides of the argument. Supporters of the ‘re-open the economy movement’ are protesting in the streets and even marching to their state capitols with military style weapons. Of course this is anxiety producing!
We don’t have professional or collegiate sports to distract us. Summer vacations, concerts and festivals have been cancelled. Even if stores and restaurants are open, people are mostly afraid to spend any time inside of them. Then we have a team of ‘red’ scientists, newscasters and politicians telling us one thing while the ‘blue’ team tells us something completely different. The way this is playing out—it is making us have to choose a side. We have to decide what team we are playing for. Yes, this is anxiety producing.
How do we become a non-anxious presence in a highly nerve wracking time? The first step is to recognize that there is a need for less anxiety and fear. You may try some deep calming breaths. When you feel that things are beginning to escalate, take a deep breath. Meditation and Yoga will help calm your body and mind. Put down your mobile device and take up a hobby. Destroy old habits and create art. Years from now people will say, “Yards and gardens never looked as good as they did in 2020.”
When you’re in a dialogue, and it is beginning to feel like a charged situation. You are sensing your heart rate increasing and the blood is beginning to rush—take a step back. If you have a sense that you cannot change the person’s mind or heart—will you leave them with a hunger to further explore your points? I may not be able to change your ideas or frame of reference—but hopefully, there will be something in the words I say or write that will remain with you?
Jesus was a non-anxious presence in an anxious world. You can be non-anxious presence in a very anxious world!
Blessings-
Rev. Will
