Words That Encourage #3

Welcome to the third Words That Encourage newsletter – a space to inspire, to commend hope, and to refresh the spirit. Feedback is very helpful – please hit reply!

i) Streams and Deserts

Flexibility of mind is a stream of fresh clear running water.

Being flexible equips a person with ease in adapting to life situations. We can respond creatively. According to a 2013 paper in the Annual Review of Psychology, this “cognitive flexibility” means:

• I can see the situation from your point of view.

• I can adjust to changing priorities.

• I can admit I was wrong.

• I can consider saying yes to new or surprising opportunities.

• I can change perspectives to view a problem from a new angle, recognising that my first way of thinking will not solve it.

In contrast, rigidity of mind is an oppressive desert environment.

Rigidity brings unhelpful patterns of thought, feeling and action to our experience. Being rigid reduces our freedom because it limits the capacity for growth:

• In the disagreement, I must emerge the victor.

• In the team, I cannot listen to your ideas because mine are the best already.

• In the new situation, I talk about the good old ways.

• In my self-talk, I can admit I am always right.

• In working together, it’s my plan or no plan.

ii) Be Flexible and Flourish

To consider another image, rigid thinking places prison bars over the doors and windows of your life. Air flows, but you are always living inside. Meanwhile, a beautiful countryside of spacious freedom waits outside, inviting you to be more flexible.

I remember when …

I was rigidly opposed to a compelling opportunity. If the job was offered, I had decided on a strong no. To say yes would require major life changes and moving interstate. But I was not satisfied at my rigidity of mind and heart. I recognised it as a lack of openness to what could well be the best for me. I took time in silence to sift my true and deepest desires. When the job was offered, I said a hopeful yes. I received much from the experience.

By becoming aware of our rigid thinking we free ourselves from its power. We begin to understand why this seemingly ‘safe’ habit of mind holds us back. We can be flexible again.

May you walk in sun-drenched fields of freedom and flourishing. Let’s all meet there.

Question: Does this pattern of thinking help or hinder my flourishing?

iii) Compelling Music

Solo? Repeat! – Anne Müller via YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music. Anne Müller is a cellist-composer from Germany. Her moving composition Solo? Repeat! holds extraordinary suspense, drama and energy throughout its 7 minutes. The sense of yearning created with soft string-crossings is compelling. Müller recommends her favourite cello music here.

Have a great weekend,James