1 00:00:02,680 --> 00:00:16,560 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:17,360 --> 00:00:21,960 Speaker 2: Hi, friend, have you ever suddenly felt overwhelmed, like your 3 00:00:22,079 --> 00:00:27,840 Speaker 2: mind won't stop spinning trying to figure everything out? Maybe 4 00:00:27,880 --> 00:00:34,519 Speaker 2: something unexpected has happened and now you feel emotionally exhausted, tense, 5 00:00:34,840 --> 00:00:37,959 Speaker 2: or anxious, And the more you try to solve it, 6 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:42,599 Speaker 2: the more overwhelmed you may be feeling. Today, I'm going 7 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:46,360 Speaker 2: to share how to calm overwhelm when you find yourself 8 00:00:46,360 --> 00:00:49,880 Speaker 2: in the middle of uncertainty, and how to store peace 9 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:54,520 Speaker 2: and calm to your emotions and your body with Jesus 10 00:00:54,960 --> 00:01:01,080 Speaker 2: right beside you. Well, friend, Welcome to Breathe the Last Podcast. 11 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:05,200 Speaker 2: I'm Bonnie Gray, your sole care guide for this time, 12 00:01:05,240 --> 00:01:09,280 Speaker 2: designed just for you. You're going to pick up a 13 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:14,240 Speaker 2: loving word of affirmation from God in scripture, and you'll 14 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:18,280 Speaker 2: pick up a practical soul care tip based on science 15 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:22,080 Speaker 2: that'll help you restore calm to your emotions and your body. 16 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:26,919 Speaker 2: You'll get science and scripture. I'm the best selling author 17 00:01:27,040 --> 00:01:31,600 Speaker 2: of Breathe twenty one Days to Stressless and Transform Chasts 18 00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:35,360 Speaker 2: to Calm, and I'm the founder of Soul Care School. 19 00:01:36,760 --> 00:01:40,280 Speaker 2: And let me ask you. Have you been carrying stress 20 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:46,600 Speaker 2: in your body lately? Maybe your thoughts feel NonStop, and 21 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:50,280 Speaker 2: you just feel weary even when you try to rest, 22 00:01:51,240 --> 00:01:55,720 Speaker 2: especially when life feels uncertain. Today, we're going to talk 23 00:01:55,760 --> 00:02:00,559 Speaker 2: about what happens when overwhelmed pushes us into survival mode, 24 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:04,400 Speaker 2: always trying to solve, predict or control what happens next. 25 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:09,320 Speaker 2: But sometimes what helps us the most isn't pushing harder, 26 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:14,880 Speaker 2: it's learning how to find peace before everything is figured out. 27 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:19,080 Speaker 2: In the middle of a storm, we can find ways 28 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:23,639 Speaker 2: to calm our emotions and body and feel close to Jesus. 29 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:25,799 Speaker 2: That's what we're going to do today. We're going to 30 00:02:25,840 --> 00:02:30,240 Speaker 2: explore how overwhelming situations can make us feel emotionally flooded, 31 00:02:30,639 --> 00:02:34,480 Speaker 2: but what we can practically do to help calm our 32 00:02:34,520 --> 00:02:38,720 Speaker 2: body and mind and learn what Jesus offers us in 33 00:02:38,800 --> 00:02:43,200 Speaker 2: the middle of the storms in our lives. And of 34 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,960 Speaker 2: course I always give you a practical, simple soul care tip, 35 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,400 Speaker 2: a simple action you can take to help you feel 36 00:02:50,840 --> 00:02:56,400 Speaker 2: more peace in your emotions and your body. Well, I 37 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:59,560 Speaker 2: have a special gift for you this week. I have 38 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:03,760 Speaker 2: a free four day devotional is called Find Your Joy 39 00:03:03,960 --> 00:03:08,240 Speaker 2: with Jesus, and it's by me, a best selling author 40 00:03:08,639 --> 00:03:13,239 Speaker 2: specifically with a heart for soul care. I want you 41 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:17,360 Speaker 2: to embrace joy and renewal using this free devotional, and 42 00:03:17,960 --> 00:03:20,760 Speaker 2: I want you to join me on this uplifting journey 43 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:25,880 Speaker 2: to prioritize self care the Jesus way. So that's what 44 00:03:25,919 --> 00:03:28,760 Speaker 2: you'll get in this four day Find your Joy with 45 00:03:28,960 --> 00:03:33,840 Speaker 2: Jesus devotional. You can download your free devotional just click 46 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:37,240 Speaker 2: the link in today's show notes. Okay, so just go 47 00:03:37,280 --> 00:03:39,760 Speaker 2: to the show notes and you'll see a link where 48 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:44,240 Speaker 2: you can download and begin your four day devotional to 49 00:03:44,320 --> 00:04:01,520 Speaker 2: Find your Joy, and we'll be right back. Our scripture 50 00:04:01,680 --> 00:04:06,640 Speaker 2: for today is from Jesus himself in Mark chapter six, 51 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:12,800 Speaker 2: verse fifty. Take heart it is I, do not be afraid. 52 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:17,919 Speaker 2: Let's breathe this beautiful word of affirmation from God together 53 00:04:18,440 --> 00:04:26,960 Speaker 2: slowly in heale. Take heart it is I exhale. Do 54 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:35,839 Speaker 2: not be afraid. Again, take heart, it is I exhale. 55 00:04:36,839 --> 00:04:43,120 Speaker 2: Do not be afraid. Just let yourself picture Jesus reaching 56 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:47,599 Speaker 2: his hand out to you, not tomorrow, not once the 57 00:04:47,680 --> 00:04:53,880 Speaker 2: storm passes. Right here, right now, Jesus is with you. 58 00:04:54,839 --> 00:04:59,479 Speaker 2: Just continue to relax as we continue our time together. Well, 59 00:04:59,520 --> 00:05:02,719 Speaker 2: it was my first time visiting the state of Georgia. 60 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:09,039 Speaker 2: Now this was before iPhones and instant weather reports. I 61 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:11,039 Speaker 2: have a friend that was in Georgia and I was 62 00:05:11,080 --> 00:05:14,000 Speaker 2: so excited to see her now during the time she 63 00:05:14,120 --> 00:05:18,159 Speaker 2: was working, I drove out to hike, and the local 64 00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:22,440 Speaker 2: news on the radio had warned of some intermittent showers. 65 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:26,520 Speaker 2: But after parking, I realized that I had forgotten my 66 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:31,120 Speaker 2: rain gear, so should I leave? The sun was shining 67 00:05:31,800 --> 00:05:36,120 Speaker 2: and I thought I had waterproof hiking boots and a 68 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:39,920 Speaker 2: baseball cap. I was like, it'll be fine. But hours later, 69 00:05:40,080 --> 00:05:43,599 Speaker 2: as I trekked through thick woods up on the mountain, 70 00:05:43,680 --> 00:05:50,839 Speaker 2: it started sprinkling. Then rain poured into sheets coming down sideways, 71 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:55,320 Speaker 2: and I quickly realized the weather system up on the 72 00:05:55,400 --> 00:06:01,719 Speaker 2: mountain was completely different than the one back in. Storm 73 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:07,440 Speaker 2: Clouds rolled in fast, the sky darkened, wind howled through 74 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:14,240 Speaker 2: the trees, thunder exploded overhead, while lightning flashed around me 75 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:21,760 Speaker 2: like strobe lights. I was scared, friends, disoriented, cold, and 76 00:06:21,960 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 2: soaked through And suddenly I found myself stuck in the 77 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:30,839 Speaker 2: middle of a thunderstorm. And honestly, isn't that how life 78 00:06:30,839 --> 00:06:36,839 Speaker 2: can feel? Sometimes troubling circumstances can happen upon us suddenly, 79 00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:45,200 Speaker 2: and we feel helpless, disoriented, not sure what to do next. Friend, 80 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:48,599 Speaker 2: are you in the middle of a storm in life 81 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:52,440 Speaker 2: right now, or maybe it's somebody you love who's in 82 00:06:52,520 --> 00:06:56,200 Speaker 2: the middle of a storm in life. You feel your 83 00:06:56,279 --> 00:07:00,520 Speaker 2: world spinning out of control, and the truth is we 84 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:06,280 Speaker 2: aren't in control, but goodness is God is in control. 85 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:11,400 Speaker 2: Jesus stands in the middle of our confusion, and he whispers, 86 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:16,560 Speaker 2: take my hand. I will carry you through. I am 87 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:21,640 Speaker 2: with you. I will be your peace. Sometimes the only 88 00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:25,720 Speaker 2: way through a storm is letting Jesus carry you through 89 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:30,800 Speaker 2: it and finding that his peace holds you more securely 90 00:07:30,920 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 2: than any plan ever could. Jesus once told his disciples 91 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:39,560 Speaker 2: to go ahead into the Sea of Galilee, where they 92 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:46,520 Speaker 2: also encountered a really bad storm. Scripture says that Jesus 93 00:07:46,560 --> 00:07:51,240 Speaker 2: saw them straining at the oars, and Jesus came to them, 94 00:07:51,640 --> 00:07:55,200 Speaker 2: and this is what he said, Take heart, it is 95 00:07:55,240 --> 00:08:01,160 Speaker 2: I do not be afraid. Peter stepped into the water 96 00:08:01,680 --> 00:08:05,360 Speaker 2: to walk towards Jesus, but when he noticed the wind 97 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:10,240 Speaker 2: and he noticed the rain, fear overwhelmed him and he 98 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:13,200 Speaker 2: began to sink. But this is what Jesus did. He 99 00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:17,760 Speaker 2: immediately Scripture says he immediately reached out his hand and 100 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:23,840 Speaker 2: caught Peter and just held him up. Friend, Jesus sees 101 00:08:23,920 --> 00:08:28,360 Speaker 2: you straining at the oars too. He sees your weariness, 102 00:08:29,240 --> 00:08:32,760 Speaker 2: and he comes to you. He will carry you through. 103 00:08:34,040 --> 00:08:34,319 Speaker 1: Friend. 104 00:08:34,400 --> 00:08:39,280 Speaker 2: Sometimes we keep searching for a plan and answer certainty 105 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:43,480 Speaker 2: and control. That's normal. I'm the same way. We're all human. 106 00:08:44,360 --> 00:08:48,520 Speaker 2: But life can really be very painful when we're just 107 00:08:48,800 --> 00:08:54,319 Speaker 2: waiting for that plan. They answer certainty and control because 108 00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:57,600 Speaker 2: it just doesn't happen in the middle of life storms. 109 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:03,600 Speaker 2: But Jesus offers us something deeper and more powerful, his presence. 110 00:09:04,679 --> 00:09:08,600 Speaker 2: Isaiah forty six four says, even to your old age, 111 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:13,280 Speaker 2: I will be the same, and even to your graying years, 112 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:16,920 Speaker 2: I will carry you. I have done it and I 113 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:20,440 Speaker 2: will bear you. I will carry you and I will 114 00:09:20,559 --> 00:09:26,360 Speaker 2: save you. That is God's promise. What a comforting promise. 115 00:09:26,720 --> 00:09:30,760 Speaker 2: It's not get a hold of yourself, figure it out, 116 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:37,960 Speaker 2: walk alone. No, Jesus says, I will carry you. Sometimes 117 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:41,520 Speaker 2: faith means letting go of our plan a plan B, 118 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:47,840 Speaker 2: or even plans C, and simply taking Jesus's hand and 119 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:53,080 Speaker 2: only living one day at a time. Peace isn't found 120 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:57,640 Speaker 2: in having control. Peace is found in being held by 121 00:09:57,720 --> 00:10:02,360 Speaker 2: Jesus who is in control. Dear friend, you don't have 122 00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:06,920 Speaker 2: to walk through your storm alone. And when we come back, 123 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:09,680 Speaker 2: we're going to learn the science behind what we can 124 00:10:09,760 --> 00:10:13,840 Speaker 2: do to calm our hearts and our bodies during that 125 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:16,960 Speaker 2: time we find ourselves in the middle of a storm 126 00:10:17,040 --> 00:10:32,240 Speaker 2: in life. Well, friend, we're going to talk about something 127 00:10:32,280 --> 00:10:35,920 Speaker 2: that is very powerful that science shows us something that 128 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:40,280 Speaker 2: we can do when our body's filled overwhelmed with information 129 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:44,120 Speaker 2: and running what if scenarios in our brain. That's usually 130 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:47,120 Speaker 2: what happens when we're in that survival mode. We're trying 131 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:49,880 Speaker 2: to solve our problems and get things done and try 132 00:10:49,920 --> 00:10:52,480 Speaker 2: to get ourselves out of the storm. But many of 133 00:10:52,559 --> 00:10:56,480 Speaker 2: life storms can't be solved in the moment, so we 134 00:10:56,559 --> 00:11:02,800 Speaker 2: become stuck in that fight flight rests response. So one 135 00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:07,480 Speaker 2: way to help us move into a rest response that's 136 00:11:07,520 --> 00:11:12,880 Speaker 2: our nervous system's calming response, is quietness. And I want 137 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:17,199 Speaker 2: to talk about this because quietness in science shows us 138 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:20,880 Speaker 2: will benefit our body, mind, and spirit. But in our 139 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:26,080 Speaker 2: modern day world, things that make life supposedly more efficient, 140 00:11:26,280 --> 00:11:30,679 Speaker 2: like online shopping, streaming, movies, and texting and email, we're 141 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:35,959 Speaker 2: actually overloaded with too much information and updates. The things 142 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:40,520 Speaker 2: that really help our mental and physical health, it's actually 143 00:11:40,679 --> 00:11:45,080 Speaker 2: time and leisure, and the more efficient we are with 144 00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:50,840 Speaker 2: all these online tools, it actually overwhelms us with more information. 145 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:57,880 Speaker 2: So quietness isn't the absence of sound. Quietness is found 146 00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 2: when we can let go of all these inputs that 147 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:06,800 Speaker 2: give us information and trigger overthinking. Quietness can be found 148 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:11,680 Speaker 2: in the ocean's waves, the sound of the breeze, moving 149 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:16,640 Speaker 2: through trees, enjoying a salad, sitting on a park bench, 150 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 2: or walking walking quietly in the sunshine. Studies on the 151 00:12:23,520 --> 00:12:27,600 Speaker 2: effects of stress show that even low level chronic noise 152 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:35,000 Speaker 2: increases ulcers and pushes up our high blood pressure. In contrast, 153 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:41,000 Speaker 2: spending time in quietness heals and restores, stimulates a mind 154 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:45,360 Speaker 2: body connection that gets us out of our head, relaxes 155 00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:50,280 Speaker 2: our muscles, lowers anxiety and pain, and enhances our overall 156 00:12:50,360 --> 00:12:54,720 Speaker 2: well being. So, in other words, quietness is not wasting time, 157 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:59,679 Speaker 2: its restoration. When we're in that pocket of quietness, then 158 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:04,280 Speaker 2: we can hear Jesus whisper, do not be afraid. I 159 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:08,960 Speaker 2: Am with you. So this week's sole Care challenge. In 160 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:12,680 Speaker 2: today's challenge for you, the practical action I want you 161 00:13:12,720 --> 00:13:18,920 Speaker 2: to take is this Take a quietness break, enjoys doing 162 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:25,280 Speaker 2: something free of distraction. Turn off your phone. How do 163 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:27,120 Speaker 2: you feel about that idea? I want you to turn 164 00:13:27,160 --> 00:13:29,320 Speaker 2: off your phone and I want you to take a 165 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:34,720 Speaker 2: walk in nature or just savor a quiet lunch. Love 166 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:38,960 Speaker 2: doesn't require words. Let God touch your heart with his 167 00:13:39,200 --> 00:13:44,520 Speaker 2: love in quietness. Quietness, now, remember, doesn't mean doing nothing. 168 00:13:45,160 --> 00:13:50,040 Speaker 2: Here are some ideas to start sparking your interest. Okay, 169 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:53,360 Speaker 2: let's brainstorm a little bit. See which one catches your 170 00:13:53,400 --> 00:13:59,160 Speaker 2: attention or interest. Water your garden, sit outside with tea, 171 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:05,600 Speaker 2: read a comforting book, slowly bake or cook something nourishing, 172 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:13,400 Speaker 2: Knit sketch or journal, Walk among the trees, Listen to 173 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:18,280 Speaker 2: some worship music quietly know where it's Sit by a 174 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:23,160 Speaker 2: window and just watch the leaves on your tree blow 175 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:27,000 Speaker 2: through the breeze. Or make something with your hands in 176 00:14:27,080 --> 00:14:31,800 Speaker 2: a peaceful rhythm. So the goal of the quietness break 177 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:37,120 Speaker 2: is not productivity. It's just being present, giving your soul 178 00:14:37,400 --> 00:14:42,240 Speaker 2: room to breathe again. So what ideas started sparking as 179 00:14:42,280 --> 00:14:44,440 Speaker 2: I read you some of these ideas. That's what I 180 00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:47,200 Speaker 2: want you to do. And now you even know the 181 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:51,080 Speaker 2: science behind it. And when you create space for quietness, 182 00:14:51,080 --> 00:14:55,280 Speaker 2: you give your heart the chance to feel God's hand 183 00:14:55,680 --> 00:14:59,400 Speaker 2: reaching out to you. So maybe this week, instead of 184 00:14:59,600 --> 00:15:02,360 Speaker 2: search for more answers or trying to get more information, 185 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:09,000 Speaker 2: simply practice enjoying quietness with Jesus. Because peace is not 186 00:15:09,160 --> 00:15:13,520 Speaker 2: found in controlling the storm. Peace is found in the 187 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:17,920 Speaker 2: one who walks you through it, who carries you through it. 188 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:25,120 Speaker 2: Let's pray Jesus when life feels overwhelming, when storms rise 189 00:15:25,200 --> 00:15:28,520 Speaker 2: around us, help us to remember that you are near. 190 00:15:29,600 --> 00:15:34,000 Speaker 2: Take our hand, be our peace. Thank you for carrying 191 00:15:34,080 --> 00:15:39,240 Speaker 2: us when we feel weary and afraid. You understand, and 192 00:15:39,280 --> 00:15:42,360 Speaker 2: you never let us go in Jesus's name. 193 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:43,760 Speaker 1: Amen. 194 00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:47,840 Speaker 2: Well, friend, remember that I have a free four day devotional, 195 00:15:48,280 --> 00:15:52,240 Speaker 2: Find Your Joy with Jesus. You can download it. Just 196 00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:55,080 Speaker 2: click on the link that's in today's show notes and 197 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:59,320 Speaker 2: enjoy this devotional. Share this with a friend today so 198 00:15:59,360 --> 00:16:03,160 Speaker 2: she can also download that four day free devotional Find 199 00:16:03,200 --> 00:16:06,600 Speaker 2: your Joy as well as listen to this encouragement on 200 00:16:06,680 --> 00:16:11,000 Speaker 2: how you can find calm in life storms. Remember that 201 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:15,840 Speaker 2: you're loved and you are cherished. Just rest and I'll. 202 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:21,960 Speaker 1: See you next time. Breathe. 203 00:16:22,160 --> 00:16:25,360 Speaker 3: The stress Less Podcast is a production of Life Audio 204 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:28,160 Speaker 3: and Sale Media. If you like what you heard today, 205 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:31,119 Speaker 3: please take a second to rate and review this podcast 206 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:34,280 Speaker 3: in your favorite podcast app so that more listeners like 207 00:16:34,320 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 3: you can find the show. For more faith filled, inspirational podcasts, 208 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:48,239 Speaker 3: visit us at lifeaudio dot com.