Thread by @stevecusswords

What is the simplest way to move into calm, aware presence? 4 steps in 4 tweets.

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1. Pay attention to the space inside you and become hyper aware of what is going on, what triggers you etc.

When we notice and name our triggers, we move from being in their grip to having them in ours. Then we can pause and give them to God. Easier tweeted than done.

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2. Give equal attention to the space between you and another. Pay special attention to recurring, predictable patterns between you. Define your contribution to the problem. What 'more of the same' and 'try harder' are you applying that is not working or making it worse?

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3. Clarify responsibility. Anxiety wants to blame and avoid. But The Gospel invites us to see what is really there.

What is yours to own? What is theirs? What is God's?

Much relational anxiety is generated when we want to change the other, rather than work on ourselves.

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4. Pause to remember God. The most frequent command in the Bible: Fear Not. Another frequent command: Remember.

Remember that God is with you, God is at work. God is already working in the space where you are anxious and the space you are entering.

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Active displacement of anxiety with the awareness of God's good and active presence is a spiritual discipline few talk about.

But anxiety invades the space where we are aware of God. Reclaim that territory!

And let the peace of Christ flood you today.

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