October 23, 2008 ~ Simple Sanity

I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

~ John 14:27 (The Message)

Did you see the article that came out just yesterday outlining the Mental Capital and Wellbeing report that was put together by over 400 scientists having to do with five simple little steps that lead to a happier, more fulfilled life?  Who doesn’t want that?  I sure do, so the headline popped off my laptop screen when I went to the news-compiling website, DrudgeReport.  There it was, well below the top of the page and mixed together with a crowd of stories covering political turmoil, economic woes and societal unrest, but seemingly ringed in a halo of blinking neon:  “Do five simple things a day to stay sane, say scientists.”

Five little things?  To stay sane?  Sounds like a bargain to me!  Who wouldn’t do five little things to insure something as fabulously underrated as sanity?  The article was truly interesting, though it didn’t seem to offer anything particularly revolutionary; but the simple fact that it was so abundantly full of common sense is what made it refreshingly new and worth reading and taking in.  It was a guideline for staying selflessly in the game of life – interested, interesting, grateful and giving.  In times past, more of us were taught these simple life rules at the knees of our parents and grandparents bundled together with personal parables of the use and worth of such guidelines, and a handful of scripture verses that instruct us likewise.  But we’re far more advanced these days - we need 400-plus acclaimed scientists to tell us the same thing.

However we receive the message, whether it be through wisdom handed down generationally or via an article on the internet, it is good and sound counsel.  It isn’t enough to simply live for oneself, cocooned within our own sense of identity, interests, and ideology.  To truly live – to find calm when the storms rage and the winds howl – we must look beyond the smallness of ourself and give, learn, explore, minister, and connect.  Though the article titled each step differently, I like using the acronym C.A.L.M.S.:

C - Connect.  – Nurture relationships with family and friends.  They will bring richness and fullness into your life and will be there when you need support just as you are there for them.

A - Active. – Stay active physically so that you feel fit and healthy.  Take up a new hobby or renew your interest in an old one.  Set goals for yourself and work towards their realization.

L – Learn. - You’re never too old to learn something new.  Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to bake bread, or dance, or sketch.  Whatever it is, decide to get the ball rolling.  Enroll in a class if it will help, and explore the possibilities of something brand new!

M - Minister. – Reach out to someone in need, lend a helping hand or offer encouragement to someone who really needs it.  The rewards will be great – for them and you!

S - Search. – Actively search for things that are blessings – things to be grateful for.  Perhaps you’ll notice the scent of freshly-mown grass while on a walk around the block.  Breathe it in.  Savor it.  Thank God for it.

Making these steps a part of our life everyday will surely make us happier, more fulfilled, and of greater service to others and to God.  It will put out the welcome mat for even greater things than sanity – it will add a sense of calm and serenity, purpose and direction, to our lives. 

We didn’t really need 400 scientists to tell us this, did we?  Makes perfect sense when you think about it.

xxoo