01. Class
This excellent article by the late Dr. Archibald Hart is a perfect choice for our classroom experience for the topic Be Not Afraid. He brought vast experience of research and practice in the field of psychology and Christian counseling, and offered the readers of Conversations a wonderful essay on how a person’s relationship with technology affects their spiritual and mental wellbeing. In the years since this issue was published, the web of technology has widened its grip on our lives even more. When you look at the statistics on mental health in our world today, Dr. Hart’s wisdom on the increase of anxiety in the digital age seems prophetic. Anxiety and loneliness top that list; yet we are more “connected” than any time in history.
“The theme of fear and anxiety confronts, in my opinion, one of the greatest emotional challenges we face in modern times. Not surprisingly, the recapturing of spiritual disciplines and practices can play a significant role in protecting our mental health. More specifically, the ability to create and maintain a tranquil state of mind in our modern, digitally driven world can play a significant role in preventing the many emotional disorders that are now becoming epidemic.” Hart opens this piece by noting the Socratic idea of body, mind, and soul as a single unit, and how that understanding allows the Believer to fully embrace our Biblical notion of “healing” as being made whole. In other words, God’s intention for creation was to live from a place of integration with our whole bodies and in community with the Trinity. For more on Healing, check out Conversations 10.2.
Busyness has become a way of life for most people. Our “need” for constant communication and access to information has resulted in consequences to our mental and spiritual wellbeing. “We can’t get away from the glamorous digital world and reengage nature’s natural remedies. While some can cope with overstimulation without melting down, all of us will sooner or later pay the price for our overstimulation with overwhelming fatigue, fear, depression, and certain disorders like panic attacks. All because modern-day stress has overcome the limitations of how God created our brain’s defense systems,” Hart says. He refers to it as a “tranquility disruption” and gives a brief lesson on how the brain responds to stress hormones.
The main point of the article is to make a case for spiritual disciplines being a resource for healing and prevention of stress and anxiety disorders plaguing our society today. “If we are to control the anxiety epidemic [facing our world today], we need to know how to turn down the volume knob of our lives and discipline ourselves to engage in those spiritual practices that we find helpful in connecting us with God.” Hart shares a few disciplines that have been beneficial to him, and we’ll have a chance to explore some below in the classroom assignment. The practice of relaxation feels like a luxury in modern times, instead of a daily requirement for the well-being of our body, mind, and soul. “There is no doubt in my mind that the need for such relaxation is built into God’s creation of us. Scripture clearly admonishes us to “be still” and this is not only for our spiritual lives, but for the benefit of our bodies as well. I cannot conceive how we can communicate with God when we are in a high state of stress.”
Hart challenged church leaders to consider (re)introducing and incorporating into worship, spiritual practices that are conducive to creating a tranquil state of heart. He was concerned that in order to make worship exciting, the [modern-day evangelical church] has lost the ability to provide the worshiper opportunities to connect with God in a peaceful and tranquil setting. “If the church doesn’t teach and provide spiritual practices that can counter our overstimulation, where else can we go for such relief,” Hart wondered. He makes the case for having a robust personal spiritual practice that can bring us back to the God-given capacity for a peaceful soul.
The author provides several suggestions for church leaders to consider teaching their congregations. The first is to educate on the importance of protecting the “tranquility system” and how one might repair damage already done. This brings to mind John Mark Comer’s work on eliminating hurry and practicing regular Sabbath rhythms. I’ve included a link to his excellent resources below. Dr. Hart also encourages incorporating spaces for reflection and meditation during weekly worship experience as part of the order of service. “Contemplative spiritual practices need to be demonstrated to parishioners in a practical way. Unless it is offered as part of a regular service and people are encouraged to practice it, it will not be discovered.”
The article does a wonderful job of integrating what scientific research has shown us in the study of the human experience of fear, and how our bodies are designed to protect and preserve our safety. What an incredibly kind and loving Creator we have, to give us a body that seeks to keep us safe from harm and has a built-in system for restoring calm and bringing the body back to a place of tranquil stability after a threat. Psychologists have come up with numerous phrases for this ideal state of being, most notably, the Window of Tolerance from the teaching of Martin Seligman. Much evidence from current scientific research points to the benefit of living within the framework for how God designed us to live.
After reading this article, I was persuaded to re-evaluate my relationship with technology and how it contributes to unhealthy levels of anxiety and chronic overstimulation. I noticed how easily I fall into the trap of information overload in news cycle, which leaves me feeling stressed and threatens my tranquility system. I’m encouraged by the suggestions Dr. Hart provided, as well as the many stories shared in this issue on fear. Might we all be open to the invitations God reveals, as his love restores to us the tranquility of heart we were designed for.
Below are a few resources for exploring this topic with a group, soul-friend, or individual reflection.
02. Meditation
Sitting in the warm sunshine, listening to music, or taking in a beautiful painting can all serve as a balm for a weary soul. There are many ways to calm the nervous system and get us back to the healthy space we were designed to live in. Set aside some time this week to do something that brings a sense of calm to your body and allows you to feel connected to God. Then, read the prayer below and rest in God’s care for you.
Prayer: A Liturgy for Those Flooded by Too Much Information, Every Moment Holy
03. Questions
- Do you see any connections between your usage of technology and your ability to access your body’s “tranquility system?”
- What was it like to practice the exercise above and read the liturgy from Every Moment Holy?
- Read Matthew 11:28-30 and reflect on what it means to live freely and lightly.
04. Books
The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping you and your Relationships by Archibald Hart and Sylvia Hart Frejd (Baker Books, 2013)
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
05. Looking for More?
Conversations 11.2—Be Not Affraid is filled with exercises and suggestions for developing or restoring a spirit of tranquility. See Jan Johnson’s article with questions and guidance, as well as the features section for poetry and a fun activity to do with kids on Psalm 23.