The other week, editing our resources site was overwhelming Ruth and me. To get some headspace, we took a walk with the dog as the sun went down over Stockwood Park in Luton where we live. As we walked, we met some friends and had light conversation.

 I could see the conversation brought Ruth to life, and it relaxed me - my shoulders were less tight by the time I came in. 

Our circumstances had not changed, but we experienced an inner peace as we got some space, took a walk when the two of us attuned to each other and connected with others in a life-giving way. 

Finding peace is one of the three key needs for emotional recovery / good mental health in this COVID-19 crisis. They are to

•    Experience inner peace;
•    Practice appreciation;
•    Experience God.

One skill Ruth and I have both needed to learn was how to calm down and find peace. This is a key skill for good mental health.

It helps each of us if we can

• improve our general levels of calm
• calm down in stressful situations

This often helps us to feel closer to people and connected to God, living more in the inner peace that Jesus promises us: being less prone to feeling frazzled, switched off, or exploding in anger. As we do that and understand what we are doing we can often help other people calm down too.

We wrote a course that includes 

• Biblical reflection and teaching;   
• Insights from brain science from a Christian perspective; 
• Practical exercises. For example, practising appreciation, biblical meditation, breathing to calm & quieting our bodies;
• Prayer activations, creative activities & a new way to journal with God;
• Personal stories and testimonies of calming.

It covers, 

• Why calm?
• How to get started.
• Your body helps you calm down.
• Calming with others.
• The secret to successful calming.
• How to calm down in a stressful moment 
• Three easy ways to calm down.

The Deeper and Further module includes,

• How to calm my anxious thoughts.
• How to notice and name what I feel.

We are excited to help people develop the peace in your life that God intended for them. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace and wants us to journey into the peace that he gives us. Using the skills in this course, we have discovered that we can each grow into more of what God has for each of us. Putting the course into action will help you make it happen. 

The course is available at an introductory price while we test it. As an early bird, you can access the course now.

As a sample, here we have a lovely calming meditation that Ruth put together with Jean, our son-in-law. Click here to read more about the course.

Part 1 Helping people emotionally recover from COVID-19

Part 2 Three to recover emotionally

Part 3 Be kind

Part 4 How to calm down and find peace

Finding Peace: A prayer to help you sleep

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