From the Chaplaincy

Embracing Change

Mental health is a phrase that is being used frequently in society, in the news, in workplaces and in schools. It points to a growing awareness that our thoughts, and how we perceive and react to situations, is vital to our overall wellbeing.

At Huntingtower, we see the value in encouraging and expressing thinking that is healthy. In fact, our Mission and Purpose statement points to this; to be a beneficial presence in the world, to uplift thought and to bless mankind. 

But what happens when we experience change in our lives, particularly when they seem surprising or even unpredictable? For example, beginning a new job, changing friendship groups or even trying a new hobby. While these events can be exciting, others can be hard to cope with especially if they’re unexpectedly thrust upon us. One way to deal with these stormy-life experiences is to change one’s thinking, take positive action and embrace life changes. Doing so is good for your health.

When something you’ve loved is snatched away, feelings of hurt and disappointment can rain down upon you. You wonder how to carry on. When this happens, it’s time to put up your mental umbrella to guard your thought and shelter your heart, restore peace of mind and move forward to happiness and healing. 

Here are some helpful tips for embracing change from Beverley Goldsmith, a Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher. 

• Rather than standing under a grey cloud of disappointment and discouragement, seek a different perspective and lift up your thinking. Have courage. Embrace the change. Open your heart and welcome the good that lies ahead. 
• Don’t begrudge the experience of a life change. Instead, focus on what you’ve gained, rather than what you’ve been forced to give up. 
• Remember with thankfulness all that you’ve achieved, and what you can still do, and be. 
• Realise that change doesn’t end things. Look past any unhappiness to the new opportunities that lie ahead. Change can be a stepping-stone to fresh prospects. 
• Weather a stormy life-change. Be brave. Work on and await the outcome. You can “steer safely amid the storm” Mary Baker Eddy – Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p. 67.
• Be encouraged, strengthened and reassured. You have within you the spiritual qualities of buoyancy, adaptability and resilience. You will bounce back. You’ve been created to be mentally and emotionally strong. You can handle changed circumstances with grace and poise. 

Finally, here is a beautiful poem to guide you to embrace challenges and promote good health:

In heavenly Love abiding,

No change my heart shall fear;

And safe is such confiding,

 For nothing changes here.

The storm may roar without me,

My heart may low be laid;

But God is round about me,

And can I be dismayed?

From the Christian Science Hymnal: Hymn 148

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” 

- Leo Buscaglia

From the Chaplaincy Team