Episode 93: THE VALUE OF MINI-VACATIONS; AND GUEST RANDY MAYFIELD

09/11/20 • 57 min

The "blessing of urgency" is a way of looking at our challenging situation as an opportunity for change, to be creative and try new things, to find new ways to overcome the difficulties we are facing. In the midst of a long-running crisis, an extended vacation may not be possible. Setting aside time for a "mini-vacation" - a break to enjoy something distracting and refreshing - can help us restore our energy and perspective. In the first segment of this podcast, Peter and Jenny give an update on the extraordinary reality we are living through now and re-introduce Randy Mayfield, a singer, songwriter, pastor and coordinator of relief missions in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the second segment, we share part of a recent Zoom conversation with Randy in which he explains how the pandemic-necessitated cancellation of his work and travel plans resulted in new, more expansive opportunities to help people around the world - a definite "blessing from urgency". Mini-vacations are the topic of our third segment - we explain how to take a "mini-vacation" and why they are so important for self-care and resilience. Questions from our final segment: 1) How can a mini-vacation refresh us if, by the time we stop to take one, we are completely exhausted?, 2) Can a mini-vacation help us recognize when it's time to make changes in our lives?, and 3) Fifty years ago this month, a very urgent situation led Peter to make big changes in his life. Have these changes turned out to be a blessing?

Previous Episode

Episode 92: CAN AN URGENT CRISIS BE A BLESSING?

Crises urgently call for responses based on strength, skill and clear thinking. Even in the worst of times, correctly handling ourselves and our emotions can bring about good changes. In the first segment of this podcast, Peter and Jenny describe the nature of crisis, what it can feel like, and the body's stress response mechanism. In the second segment, we explain the complications that previous, unresolved crisis or trauma experiences add to a current crisis. Our third segment sheds some light on the way the stress of a crisis can either bring out the worst, or the best in each of us - it's up to us to choose. Our questions segment covers practical ways to respond effectively in a crisis: 1) How can you focus on the beneficial abilities and strengths you do have?, 2) Why is it important to take one day, or one hour, or one minute at a time?, and 3) Why is it unhelpful to think about what you can't do and how can you shift your focus to what you can do?

Next Episode

Episode 94: ANOTHER EPIDEMIC: THE "FEAR" FLU

In early fall of 2009, the swine flu added another hardship for Americans struggling through the Great Recession. Recommendations by health authorities at that time were much the same as today - frequent handwashing and limited contact with anyone who might be carrying the virus. Peter and Jenny revisit a somewhat humorous but to-the-point blog post written during that time. Fear can be just as contagious as a virus - and sometimes just as destructive. In the first segment of this podcast, Peter and Jenny review the similarities between the challenges of 2009 and today, and the emotions that can complicate any time of difficulty. In the second segment, we share the original blog, "Another Epidemic: The 'Fear' Flu", and begin to explore the differences between "worry" and "concern". Defining the important differences between worry and concern forms the topic of our third segment, along with practical suggestions for making positive choices in hard times, acting from a place of concern. Questions from our final segment: 1)Briefly, to review, what are the key differences between worry and concern?, 2) How can emotions complicate our ability to stop worrying and act from a place of concern?, and 3) How can we best share our struggles, compassion and concern with others during hard times, without spreading fear and negativity?