Don't Let the Next Season Catch You Unprepared.

When Your Feelings Say “Do This” — But Wisdom Says “Do Something Different”

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:47:09 GMT

What the Bible and Evidence-Based Therapy Teach Us About Opposite Action

Have you ever felt like doing one thing but knew you needed to do something different?

You feel anxious, so you want to avoid it.

You feel angry, so you want to respond immediately.

You feel hurt, so you want to withdraw.

You feel ashamed, so you want to hide.

Sometimes our emotions provide important information. But an emotional urge is not always an instruction we need to follow.

This is where an interesting connection exists between Scripture and evidence-based therapy.

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Opposite Action is an emotion-regulation skill that involves identifying an emotion, examining whether it fits the facts, recognizing the behavior it is urging us toward, and—when following that urge isn't effective— intentionally choosing a different response.

The Bible doesn't call this skill “opposite action,” but Scripture gives us powerful examples of people being challenged to respond differently than their immediate emotions or instincts suggested.

Naaman: When Pride Said “Absolutely Not”

In 2 Kings 5 , Naaman, a respected military commander, sought healing from the prophet Elisha.

Instead of personally coming out to meet Naaman, Elisha sent a messenger with a simple instruction: go wash in the Jordan River seven times.

Naaman became angry .

He had expected something different. He questioned the instruction and left in a rage . His pride and frustration were telling him, essentially, “This doesn't make sense. I shouldn't have to do this.”

But after his servants reasoned with him, Naaman chose to do what he had initially resisted.

He went to the Jordan and dipped himself seven times. Scripture tells us that his flesh was restored and he was healed.

Naaman's story isn't a biblical lesson specifically about DBT, but it provides a meaningful illustration of a similar principle:

Sometimes the response that moves us forward is not the response our immediate emotions are urging us to make.

Your Emotion Is Information—Not Always Instruction

Opposite Action does not mean:

Ignore your feelings.

Pretend you're okay.

Always do the opposite of what you feel.

Stay somewhere unsafe.

Suppress anger, sadness, fear, or grief.

Instead, we first check the facts.

For example, fear can be protective when you're genuinely in danger. In that situation, leaving is not “giving in” to fear—it's an appropriate response.

But when fear is telling you to avoid a job interview, difficult conversation, social situation, or other safe experience simply because it feels uncomfortable, avoidance may keep the fear going. DBT's Opposite Action framework specifically distinguishes between emotions that fit the facts and situations where acting on the emotional urge may be ineffective.

The question becomes:

“What am I feeling, what is this emotion urging me to do, and is following that urge actually going to help?”

How We Practice Opposite Action in Therapy

Step 1: Name the emotion

Get specific.

Are you experiencing:

Fear? Anger? Shame? Sadness? Anxiety? Rejection? Disappointment?

Naming the emotion creates a little space between you and what you're experiencing.

Step 2: Identify the action urge

Ask:

“What does this emotion want me to do?”

Fear might say avoid.

Anger might say attack.

Sadness might say withdraw.

Shame might say hide.

Anxiety might say escape or seek reassurance.

Step 3: Check the facts

Now we slow down.

What actually happened?
What am I assuming?
Is the intensity of my emotion consistent with the situation?
Is there a real threat?
What evidence supports my interpretation?
If I follow this urge, where will it likely lead?

This step is important because we aren't trying to defeat the emotion—we're trying to understand it.

Step 4: Choose the effective response

If the emotional urge isn't effective or doesn't fit the facts, ask:

“What would move me toward the person I want to be?”

For example, fear may urge you to avoid but the intention response may be to move toward whatever it may be after checking the facts and concluding that it is not DANGEROUS just uncomfortable or challenging.

Anger may urge you to attack, but an intentional response may be to pause, process and respond in a way that aligns with the values of the type of person you desire to be.

Where Faith Comes In

For Christians, there is another question we can add:

“What does my faith tell me about how I want to respond?”

Romans 12:2 speaks about being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That doesn't mean pretending difficult emotions aren't there. It suggests that our responses can be shaped by something deeper than our immediate impulses.

We see similar themes throughout Scripture:

Proverbs 15:1 teaches that a gentle answer can turn away wrath.

James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds believers that fear does not have to define how they respond.

And in 2 Kings 5 as mentioned earlier , Naaman had to move beyond his initial anger and pride before he could follow the instruction that was given to him.

The point isn't that therapy and Scripture are teaching the exact same thing.

Rather, faith and evidence-based therapy can sometimes offer complementary perspectives on the same human experience: learning to pause between what we feel and what we choose to do.

Try the Opposite Action Exercise

The next time you experience a strong emotional reaction, pause and ask:

1. What am I feeling?

Name it.

2. What is my emotion urging me to do?

Identify the action urge.

3. What are the facts?

Separate what happened from what you're assuming or predicting.

4. Is following this urge effective?

Will it move me toward or away from what I actually want?

5. What would the opposite action look like?

Choose a behavior that is safer, healthier, and more aligned with your goals.

6. What does my faith invite me to consider?

Ask what Scripture, prayer, wisdom, and your values suggest about your response.

And then practice the new behavior—even if your feelings haven't caught up yet.

You Don't Have to Obey Every Feeling

You can feel afraid and still take the next step.

You can feel angry and still choose your words carefully.

You can feel rejected and still maintain your boundaries and dignity.

You can feel sad and still reach for connection.

You can feel uncertain and still move forward with wisdom.

That's not emotional suppression.

That's emotional regulation.

The goal isn't to become someone who never experiences difficult emotions. The goal is to develop enough awareness and flexibility to say:

“I hear what I'm feeling. But I get to choose what I do next.”

And sometimes, that choice will be the opposite of what your emotion initially told you to do.

Your emotions are messengers—not masters.

At Beauty In Healing , therapy can provide a space to explore the relationship between your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, values, relationships, and faith. Through evidence-based approaches and Christian faith integration, we can work toward responding to life with greater intention rather than simply reacting to what you feel.

You don't have to stop feeling deeply.
You can learn how to respond wisely to what you feel.

Ready to begin? Click to link to schedule a consultation or session.

Grounded in the Present, Rooted in Faith

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:57:32 GMT

Grounded in the Present, Rooted in Faith

Be Still: Finding God in the Present Moment

How DBT Mindfulness and Christian Faith Can Work Together

As a Christian and licensed therapist, I have become increasingly aware of how many evidence-based therapeutic interventions align with biblical principles .

This has been especially meaningful to me because it reminds me that caring for our mental and emotional well-being does not have to feel separate from our faith. In fact, there are many therapeutic practices that can help us put into practice principles that Scripture has been teaching for generations.

One example is mindfulness , one of the core practices of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

At first, the word mindfulness may sound unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to some Christians. But when we look at what mindfulness actually asks us to do, we can see some beautiful connections to biblical principles.

Mindfulness is, at its simplest, about being present .

It is learning to notice what is happening right now —within your thoughts, emotions, body, and environment—without immediately judging it, fighting it, or allowing it to control your response.

And isn't this something Scripture encourages us to practice?

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In other words: Don't live tomorrow's problems today.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing your attention to the present moment .

That sounds simple, but many of us struggle to actually do it.

Our minds naturally move backward and forward.

We think about:

The past:

“What if I had handled that differently?”

“Why did I say that?”

“I should have known better.”

“Why did they treat me that way?”

The future:

“What if something goes wrong?”

“What if I can't handle it?”

“What if they don't like me?”

“What if I fail?”

“What if something happens?”

Before we realize it, our bodies are sitting in one moment while our minds are living somewhere else.

Mindfulness teaches us to pause and recognize:

“I am here. This is what is happening right now.”

It doesn't mean that the past doesn't matter.

It doesn't mean we shouldn't plan for the future.

And it certainly doesn't mean that we ignore problems.

Instead, mindfulness helps us recognize that the only moment we can actually respond to is the moment we are currently living.

Mindfulness Is Not About Emptying Your Mind

This is an important distinction, especially for Christians who may feel hesitant about mindfulness.

Mindfulness does not require you to stop thinking.

It does not mean that you have to make your mind completely blank.

And it does not mean that you have to ignore your thoughts.

In fact, mindfulness teaches us to notice our thoughts without automatically believing or reacting to every thought we have.

For example:

You might think:

“I'm going to mess everything up.”

Mindfulness allows you to pause and say:

“I'm noticing that I'm having the thought that I'm going to mess everything up.”

That small shift creates space between you and the thought .

Instead of immediately reacting to the thought, you can observe it, evaluate it, and choose what you want to do next.

This connects beautifully with Scripture's encouragement to be intentional about what we allow to occupy our minds.

Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus their thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Mindfulness can help us slow down enough to ask:

“What am I allowing my mind to dwell on right now?”

The Past, the Future & the Present

One of the most practical ways to understand mindfulness is to think about where our attention is located.

When we're stuck in the past → we may ruminate.

Rumination is repeatedly thinking about something that has already happened without moving toward resolution.

We replay conversations.

We analyze people's actions.

We criticize ourselves.

We wonder what we could have done differently.

Reflection can be healthy.

But rumination often leaves us feeling stuck.

When we're consumed by the future → we may worry.

Planning can be healthy.

Preparing can be wise.

But worry takes us beyond preparation and into repeatedly imagining what might happen.

We begin experiencing the emotional consequences of events that haven't even happened.

Mindfulness brings us back to now.

What is happening right now?

What am I feeling right now?

What do I need right now?

What is within my control right now?

What is God asking me to do in this moment?

That last question can be particularly powerful for people of faith.

“Tomorrow Will Have Worries of Its Own”

Matthew 6:34 says:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus wasn't saying that tomorrow doesn't matter.

He was teaching us not to allow the uncertainty of tomorrow to steal the peace and attention needed for today.

Think about how often we do this.

You're sitting at home, but you're already at tomorrow's meeting.

You're having dinner with your family, but you're thinking about next week's responsibilities.

You're trying to sleep, but your mind is reviewing everything that could go wrong.

Your body is in today , but your mind is living in tomorrow .

Mindfulness invites us back.

Today.

This moment.

Right here.

And from a Christian perspective, we can add:

God is here, too.

“Be Still and Know”

Psalm 46:10 says:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

There is something powerful about the invitation to be still .

We live in a culture that encourages constant movement.

Work.

Notifications.

Social media.

Responsibilities.

Family.

Relationships.

Planning.

Achieving.

Producing.

Sometimes our minds are moving even when our bodies are still.

Mindfulness creates intentional space to slow down and notice.

And for the Christian, that stillness can become an opportunity to remember:

God is present.

I don't have to solve everything right now.

I don't have to know everything right now.

I can be present in this moment and trust God with what comes next.

Mindfulness & Trusting God

One of the most beautiful connections between mindfulness and Christianity is the practice of letting go of what is outside of our control .

This does not mean becoming passive.

It means recognizing the difference between:

What I can do today

and

What I cannot control.

You can control how you communicate.

You can prepare.

You can set boundaries.

You can make a decision.

You can ask for help.

You can take care of your body.

You can pray.

You can seek wise counsel.

But you cannot control another person's response.

You cannot control every outcome.

You cannot guarantee what tomorrow will bring.

You cannot rewrite yesterday.

This is where mindfulness and faith can intersect.

Mindfulness says:

“Come back to what is happening now.”

Faith says:

“Trust God, the Sovereign one with what you cannot control.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding and to acknowledge Him in our ways.

Sometimes peace begins when we stop trying to mentally solve something that is not ours to solve right now .

Mindfulness & Anxiety

This is particularly relevant for people who struggle with anxiety.

Anxiety often pulls our attention into the future.

Our brains are designed to identify potential threats. So when we feel uncertain, our minds may begin scanning for everything that could go wrong.

“What if?”

Mindfulness interrupts that cycle by bringing our attention back to what is happening in the current reality .

For example:

Anxious thought:

“What if I embarrass myself at this meeting?”

Mindful response:

“I notice that I'm worried about something that hasn't happened.”

Then ask:

“What is happening right now?”

Maybe you're sitting at your desk.

Maybe you're focused on breathing.

Maybe you're reading.

Maybe the meeting isn't until tomorrow.

Maybe there is nothing you need to solve at this exact moment.

That doesn't mean your concern isn't valid.

It means your mind may need help differentiating between today's agenda and tomorrow's possibilities .

Mindfulness & “Captive” Thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks about taking thoughts captive.

This is a powerful concept when thinking about mindfulness.

Taking a thought captive does not necessarily mean fighting every thought that enters your mind.

Instead, we can learn to notice the thought, examine it, and determine whether it deserves our attention and agreement.

For example:

Thought:
“Everyone is going to reject me.”

Pause.

Notice:
“I'm having a fear that I will be rejected.”

Evaluate:
“Is this a fact, or is this a fear?”

Redirect:
“What is actually happening right now?”

Ground:
“I am here. I am not rejected, I am accepted by the One true Holy Father. I don't have to predict the future.”

Faith:
“God, help me remain present and trust You with what I cannot control.”

That is a very different response than immediately allowing the thought to take over.

Mindfulness Does Not Mean You Won't Feel

Another misconception is that mindfulness means becoming calm all the time.

It doesn't.

You can be mindful and anxious .

You can be mindful and sad .

You can be mindful and angry .

You can be mindful and uncertain .

Mindfulness isn't about forcing yourself to feel differently.

It is about becoming aware of what you are experiencing without allowing the emotion to completely dictate your behavior.

Instead of:

“I am anxious, therefore something bad must be happening.”

You can practice:

“I notice that I am experiencing anxiety. My body feels activated. I don't have to react immediately. I can slow down and decide what I want to do next.”

And for the Christian:

“God, You are with me in this moment, help me to move forward with wisdom.”

A Simple Christian Approach to Mindfulness

When I teach mindfulness, I encourage clients to think about it in three simple steps:

1. NOTICE

What is happening right now?

Notice your thoughts.

Notice your emotions.

Notice your body.

Notice your surroundings.

You don't have to judge what you notice.

Just notice.

2. RETURN

When you realize your mind has wandered into the past or future, gently return your attention to the present.

You don't have to criticize yourself.

Simply return.

“I'm here.”

“This is now.”

3. TRUST

Ask:

“What is mine to handle right now, and what do I need to release to God?”

You may not have an answer immediately.

That's okay.

Sometimes faith looks less like having all the answers and more like being willing to trust God while you wait.

A Christian Mindfulness Exercise: “Be Still”

Take a few moments to find a comfortable position.

You can sit with your feet on the floor, place your hands comfortably in your lap, or simply sit somewhere quiet.

There is no perfect way to do this.

Step 1: Breathe

Take a slow breath in.

Then slowly breathe out.

Don't force your breathing.

Simply notice it.

As you breathe, remind yourself:

“I am here.”

Take another breath.

“God is here.”

Step 2: Notice Your Body

Bring your attention to your body.

Notice where you may be holding tension.

Your shoulders.

Your jaw.

Your chest.

Your stomach.

Your hands.

You don't have to make the tension disappear.

Simply notice.

Ask yourself:

“What is my body communicating to me right now?”

Step 3: Notice Your Thoughts

Allow your thoughts to come and go.

If you notice yourself thinking about something that already happened, gently remind yourself:

“That happened then. I am here now.”

If you notice yourself worrying about something that hasn't happened yet:

“That is not happening right now. I can address tomorrow when tomorrow comes.”

Then return to your breath.

Step 4: Ground Yourself in Scripture

Silently or softly repeat:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Pause.

Breathe.

Repeat:

“Be still.”

Breathe.

“The Lord is here with me.”

Breathe.

“I don't have to solve everything right now.”

Breathe.

“I can trust God with what I cannot control.”

Step 5: Ask Yourself

Take a moment to ask:

What is happening right now?

What am I feeling right now?

What do I need right now?

What is within my control right now?

What can I release to God?

And finally:

What is one thing I can do today?

Not tomorrow.

Not next week.

Not all at once.

Just today.

A Final Reminder

Mindfulness is not about having a perfectly quiet mind.

It is not about never worrying.

It is not about pretending that difficult things aren't happening.

And it certainly isn't about ignoring your emotions but rather, using them as information.

Mindfulness is learning to come back .

Back to your breath.

Back to your body.

Back to the present.

Back to what is actually happening.

And, most importantly, back to God.

You cannot change yesterday.

You cannot control tomorrow.

But you can choose how you respond to this moment .

So when your mind begins racing into the past or future, pause.

Take a breath.

Notice where you are.

Remind yourself:

I am here.

God is here.

I don't have to carry tomorrow today.

And then take the next step.

One moment at a time.

One breath at a time.

One day at a time.

Don't Let the Next Season Catch You Unprepared

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:42:10 GMT

4 ways to intentionally prepare your mind, body, relationships, and spirit for seasonal shifts.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Have you ever noticed that something feels different when the seasons change?

Maybe your energy starts to dip. You feel less motivated to socialize. Your thoughts become a little heavier. You find yourself overthinking more, withdrawing, sleeping differently, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed by things that normally wouldn't affect you as much.

Sometimes, the change isn't just happening outside of you —it's happening within you, too.

And no, you're not necessarily imagining it.

Changes in daylight, sleep patterns, routines, activity levels, and social engagement can influence mood and behavior. For some people, seasonal changes can contribute to significant depressive symptoms known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) . Others may simply notice that existing anxiety, stress, or depressive symptoms become more noticeable during certain times of the year.

Think of it this way:

Your mental health has seasons, too. ��

Just because you've felt strong in one season doesn't mean you won't need additional care in another.

And needing support doesn't mean you're going backward.

It means you're paying attention.

�� Don't Wait Until You're Overwhelmed to Prepare

We often treat our mental health like a house with a leaky roof.

We wait until the storm comes, the ceiling starts dripping, and we're standing there with a bucket wondering what happened.

But what if you prepared before the storm?

If you know that certain seasons tend to bring more anxiety, isolation, sadness, fatigue, or overwhelm, you can begin creating intentional supports before those symptoms become disruptive.

Here are four ways to start:

1. Notice Your Seasonal Patterns

Become curious about your patterns instead of judging them.

Ask yourself:

When do I typically feel more emotionally vulnerable?
What changes in my sleep, energy, appetite, or motivation?
Do I tend to isolate?
What thoughts tend to become louder?
What situations tend to trigger anxiety or sadness?

Awareness gives you a map.

You can't intentionally navigate what you haven't noticed.

2. Protect Your Routines Before Your Mood Requires It

When our mood drops, the first things to disappear are often the very things that help stabilize us.

Sleep. Movement. Nourishment. Connection. Time outside. Things we enjoy.

Don't wait until you feel like doing them.

Create a simple rhythm you can realistically maintain—even on difficult days.

Think:

“Small structure is better than no structure.”

And remember: caring for your body isn't separate from caring for your mind.

3. Build Your Support System Before You Need It

Don't wait until you're already isolated to realize you need people.

Identify your:

“Call them when I'm struggling” people.

That might be a friend, family member, faith community, therapist, coach, mentor, or support group.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is value in companionship and support: “Two are better than one.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

You weren't designed to navigate every season alone.

4. Prepare Your Mind AND Your Spirit

Perhaps the most important question isn't:

“How do I make sure I never feel anxious or sad?”

It's:

“How do I want to respond when those feelings show up?”

You can acknowledge:

“I'm struggling.”

without deciding:

“I'm failing.”

You can feel uncertain without believing you're forgotten.

You can experience a difficult season without assuming it will last forever.

Isaiah 43:19 reminds us:

“See, I am doing a new thing!”

Sometimes preparation isn't about knowing exactly what's coming.

It's about trusting that you can meet the next season with intention, support, and grace.

�� Your Season May Be Changing. You Don't Have to Navigate It Unprepared.

Maybe this season is asking you to slow down.

Maybe it's asking you to reconnect.

Maybe it's asking you to grieve something.

Maybe it's asking you to establish boundaries.

Maybe it's simply asking you to stop surviving and start becoming more intentional about how you care for yourself.

You don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to reach for support.

At Beauty In Healing , we believe mental wellness isn't just about surviving difficult seasons—it's about learning how to move through them with greater awareness, intention, and grace.

If you're noticing recurring patterns of anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, isolation, or difficulty navigating life's transitions, therapy or mental wellness coaching may provide the space and support you need to understand what's happening beneath the surface and determine what comes next.

Your next season doesn't have to catch you off guard.

Prepare your mind.
Care for your body.
Nurture your relationships.
Strengthen your spirit.

And remember:

A changing season doesn't mean you're losing yourself.

Sometimes, it's an invitation to grow into who you're becoming. ��

Ready to approach your next season with more intention?

Connect with Beauty In Healing, LLC to explore faith based therapy or coaching support designed to help you navigate life's transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Disclaimer: Seasonal changes can affect mood, energy, sleep, and behavior, but significant or persistent symptoms may require professional evaluation. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression with a recurring seasonal pattern and is different from experiencing occasional “seasonal blues.” If symptoms persist, worsen, interfere with daily functioning, or include thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek professional mental health support.

Navigating Valentine’s Day as a Single Christian

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:53:05 GMT

Holding Hope, Faith, and Tender Hearts

For many single Christians, this time of year can quietly ache. Valentine’s Day has a way of magnifying what already sits in the heart—the desire to be chosen, to be married, to build a life and family with someone. When social media, store aisles, and conversations seem saturated with romance, singleness can feel less like a season and more like a spotlight.

If this is you, let’s name something important: your desire for marriage is not a lack of faith. It is a God-given longing. Scripture reminds us that “He gives us the desires of our hearts” (Psalm 37:4), and wanting partnership, intimacy, and covenant does not make you ungrateful or spiritually immature. It makes you human.

At the same time, this season invites a gentle recalibration—not to dismiss the desire for marriage, but to stay rooted in the truth that God knows your heart fully. He is not unaware of your prayers, your tears, or the waiting. And the same God who placed the desire within you promises that He withholds no good thing from those who walk with Him (Psalm 84:11).

If Valentine’s Day brings sadness, grief, or discouragement, here are five practical ways to care for your heart while staying grounded in hope :

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

You don’t need to spiritually bypass sadness. Let yourself acknowledge disappointment without shame. Bring it honestly to God—He can handle your truth.

2. Limit What Intensifies Comparison

It’s okay to take a break from social media or skip events that feel heavy this week. Protecting your peace is not avoidance; it’s wisdom.

3. Anchor Yourself in God’s Nearness

Spend intentional time with God—through prayer, worship, journaling, or Scripture. Let Valentine’s Day be a reminder that you are already deeply known and loved.

4. Invest in Life-Giving Connection

Plan something meaningful with friends, family, or your faith community. Love is not limited to romantic expression, and you don’t have to be alone in this season.

5. Practice Gentle Hope

Hope doesn’t mean forcing positivity. It means reminding yourself, again and again, that God’s timing is purposeful—even when it’s painful—and your story is still unfolding.

If this season feels heavy, you’re not weak—and you’re not forgotten. Waiting can stretch the soul, but it does not diminish your worth or delay God’s faithfulness. Your life is meaningful now, and your future is held by a God who sees, knows, and loves you completely.

You are not behind. And God is still writing your story.

Don't Let the Next Season Catch You Unprepared.

When Your Feelings Say “Do This” — But Wisdom Says “Do Something Different”

What the Bible and Evidence-Based Therapy Teach Us About Opposite Action

Naaman: When Pride Said “Absolutely Not”

Sometimes the response that moves us forward is not the response our immediate emotions are urging us to make.

Your Emotion Is Information—Not Always Instruction

How We Practice Opposite Action in Therapy

Step 1: Name the emotion

Step 2: Identify the action urge

Step 3: Check the facts

Step 4: Choose the effective response

Where Faith Comes In

“What does my faith tell me about how I want to respond?”

Try the Opposite Action Exercise

1. What am I feeling?

2. What is my emotion urging me to do?

3. What are the facts?

4. Is following this urge effective?

5. What would the opposite action look like?

6. What does my faith invite me to consider?

You Don't Have to Obey Every Feeling

Your emotions are messengers—not masters.

Grounded in the Present, Rooted in Faith

Grounded in the Present, Rooted in Faith

Be Still: Finding God in the Present Moment

How DBT Mindfulness and Christian Faith Can Work Together

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness Is Not About Emptying Your Mind

The Past, the Future & the Present

When we're stuck in the past → we may ruminate.

When we're consumed by the future → we may worry.

Mindfulness brings us back to now.

“Tomorrow Will Have Worries of Its Own”

“Be Still and Know”

Mindfulness & Trusting God

Mindfulness & Anxiety

Mindfulness & “Captive” Thoughts

Mindfulness Does Not Mean You Won't Feel

A Simple Christian Approach to Mindfulness

1. NOTICE

2. RETURN

3. TRUST

A Christian Mindfulness Exercise: “Be Still”

Step 1: Breathe

Step 2: Notice Your Body

Step 3: Notice Your Thoughts

Step 4: Ground Yourself in Scripture

Step 5: Ask Yourself

A Final Reminder

Don't Let the Next Season Catch You Unprepared

4 ways to intentionally prepare your mind, body, relationships, and spirit for seasonal shifts.

Your mental health has seasons, too. ����

�� Don't Wait Until You're Overwhelmed to Prepare

1. Notice Your Seasonal Patterns

2. Protect Your Routines Before Your Mood Requires It

3. Build Your Support System Before You Need It

4. Prepare Your Mind AND Your Spirit

�� Your Season May Be Changing. You Don't Have to Navigate It Unprepared.

Your next season doesn't have to catch you off guard.

A changing season doesn't mean you're losing yourself.

Sometimes, it's an invitation to grow into who you're becoming. ��

﻿

Navigating Valentine’s Day as a Single Christian

Holding Hope, Faith, and Tender Hearts

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

2. Limit What Intensifies Comparison

3. Anchor Yourself in God’s Nearness

4. Invest in Life-Giving Connection

5. Practice Gentle Hope

Your mental health has seasons, too. ��